Help with wood stove choice?

[maestrohc]

We are planning on replacing our old, inefficient wood stove. We have a 1,200 sq. ft. ranch home in S. Wisconsin. We like to run our stove for around 3 to 4 days straight to save on the heating bills. We burn only seasoned hardwoods.
Last week we looked at Morso 7110 and the Hearthstone Tribute and Homestead. Today we looked at the Jotul 3CB. I know they are all suppose to be good stoves. I am looking for suggestions from actual users of these stoves. I read some comment in the review section of this site where one person said that Jotul had changed hands and the quality is not as good. Anyone have any knowledge of this? Any help on choosing a stove would be greatly appreciated. Thanks much and best wishes.

 

[Harley]

Hi, Maestrohc, and welcome

Maybe one question I would have is the general layout of the house, and how well the existing stove (I know you said inefficient) is able to handle the heating load, and how well the heat is distributed. Also how the stove is currently set up. I've had a few different stoves in my house, and most recently a Hearthstone Heritage, and I'm really impressed atfer its first heating season. I know that's not one of the ones you are looking at, but its just a little bigger than the Tribute, so I wouldn't expect there to be any reasons that wouldn't meet the needs.

If your home layout is fairy open, where heat is able to get to most areas of the house from the stove, I think you may be a little undersized with any of your choices other than the Homestead. I only say that because all of the others say "up to 1300 ft", or thereabouts. I think most claims for the heating area are probably a little on the high end.

If you have a few rooms where the heat is not going to travel there in any event, because of hallways, etc., then I think any of those would make a fine choice.

It would also depend on how well insulated or sealed up your house is.

 

[maestrohc]

Harley,


Thank you for the welcome and response! Our current stove is located in our open family room/kitchen area. There is a hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom. Our current stove is a Vermont Castings Resolute (circa 1983) and many times "cooks us out of the place" unless it is in the teens or lower outside when I load it up for the night and the surface temp (on top of the stove) thermostat is in the orange (safe burn) mode. The Tribute seemed rather small compared to our Resolute. The Homestead seemed a bit closer (maybe smaller) than the Resolute..but closer in size. I would like a stove that can hold a fire overnight. Any other suggestions?

 

[elkimmeg]

Welcome to the hearth being new you have to set realistic goals looking ant manufactured btus and areas to dont translate for real world results one it is extemely differcult to run your stove at 100 % capacity Realistically 3/4 to 2/3 means running it within a safe practical range. so reduce manufacture claims by 1/3 many manufacture claims are over stated reflecting labatory testing results I think what you are liooking for are stoves classified in the medium sixw range the 40,000 to 50,000 btu range the other determining factore are fire box sizes
Some stoves with a 1,4 fire box size will heat to the given range but require reloading every 4 hours a fire box size of 1.8 cu ft might extend the usefull burn time 6 to 8 hours.
Over 2.0 cu ft will get you closer to a realistic heat production of 8 hours a better question to ask is for members owing your possible choices there burn time and usefull heating time and areas

Who ever told you Jotul was bought out is news to me. As for quality control, most major manufactures have a decent track record. What may be more important is the dearer you purchase from, his willingness to service your stove within the warranty period, should an issue arise. This is not name brand designer shopping. You are shoping functionality, dealers, and looks.

 

[begreen]

Welcome maestro, are you a musician? If you go with a Jotul, go for the Castine (F400). The 3CB is not a 24/7 stove. I've owned both.

My Castine was new last fall and I have seen no degradation in quality, nor heard of any ownership change. It's a very nice stove and handles a 22" split.

As to the Resolute, when was the last time it had a rebuild and new gaskets? That stove usually is very controllable. However, if it has air leaks, then it might have only two settings, on and off.

 

[jtp10181]

Did you happen to come to Madison to look at the 7100? Maybe you came into the store I work at....

I would have to say get the 7100 but I am a little biased.

 

[tutu_sue]

I have an F3CB stove - I LOVE IT and it has excellent heat output for it's size, however you will need to feed it often. I have to reload every 3 to 4 hours and when it gets into the 20's outside, even more often. For longer run times, you would want to look at the one up models on the Jotul and Hearthstone, the Castine and the Homestead. The Morsoe 7100 is about right.

Jotul has been taken over on paper:

Press Release 14 June 2006

Ratos new main owner of Jøtul
Ratos is acquiring 62.5% of the Norwegian wood burning stove and fireplace manufacturer Jøtul
Ratos's investment amounts to approximately NOK 235m
Jøtul's previous main owner, Accent Equity, will stay on with a 22.5% stake in the company
Jøtul, which is Scandinavia's leading manufacturer of wood-burning stoves, reported pro forma EBITDA of NOK 90m in 2005 on sales of approximately NOK 775m

 

[Todd]

I use to own a Homestead and it was a pretty good stove. It could hold a fire and good heat for 8hrs with good dry Oak. realistically you can figure about 6 hr burn times with mixed hardwood. Things I didn't like about the stove were the air control lever would stick the hotter the stove got and the door latch seemed to loosen up on me often. Maybe they improved it by now, I bought mine in 2002. I think it will definitely heat your house, but like others have stated and the main reason I got rid of mine was it was a little small as far as fireboxes go, they say 2cu ft, but when I measured it, that number was smaller unless you include the rest of the box above the baffle which makes no sence. My Woodstock gets a true 10-12 hour burn time with just a little bigger firebox than the Homestead and I've gone through less firewood.

 

[Mr_Super-Hunky]

If you can, I'd look at the Lopi "Leyden". I would have purchased that stove if my square footage did'nt require more output. Lopi has a fantastic reputation but I've never owned one. Actually, I've never owned anything but I just purchased a Pacific Energy Summit Classic. PE also has some incredible stoves with specs that are incredible; thats why I just bought one.

They can have some insane long burn times while putting out incredible heat; all while using non-cat technology.

Take a look at everything you can and don't make a quick descision. Again, look at Pacific Energy and Lopi, then read the members reviews as there are lots of them in the review section.

 

[maestrohc]

I have been appreciating all the great advise I'm getting. JTP- I probably was in your store in Madison. Great people. How long will the 7110 hold the fire? Todd- do you think the Fireview would be too much stove for my size home? If not, that would be a good choice, too. They have a summer sale going on now.

 

[maestrohc]

BeGreen- It's been a while since I re-gasketed the Resolute. That may be one of the reasons of the poor operation. Thanks for the advice. By the way- yes- I am a professional musician. Best wishes.

 

[gman1001]

I have the Jotul 3 and like it very much. I find it heats about 1/2 my 3200 sq home with ease; however, it requires frequent reloading, absolutley no overnight burns with this thing.

My only other grip is that you really need smaller shorter splits, you can fit 18" logs in it but if they are big in diameter and you have alot of coals in there your screwed. I find 16" small splits the key to a tightly packed stove...

my 2cents

 

[Todd]

I have been appreciating all the great advise I'm getting. JTP- I probably was in your store in Madison. Great people. How long will the 7110 hold the fire? Todd- do you think the Fireview would be too much stove for my size home? If not, that would be a good choice, too. They have a summer sale going on now.

No, I don't think the Fireview would be too much stove. Mine is installed in my basement about 900 sq ft, and it isn't too much down there, plus it heats most of the upstairs as well. They also have the Keystone and Paladian stoves which are a little smaller but also have overnight burns. Give Woodstock a call and tell them what your looking to do, they are a great company to deal with.

 

[clkeever]

Lopi or Avalon are great choices: we've owned both and not only are they efficient but also classy.
ck

 

[begreen]

I was going to suggest the Fireview. It would be a very good choice as well. However, you will either need to install it yourself, or have it installed. Their support is very good, so this shouldn't be a big issue replacing the existing stove. Just watch clearances and hearth dimension requirements with whatever stove you pick.

Other stoves to consider Pacific Energy Spectrum or Alderlea T5, Quadrafire Cumberland Gap or 4300 Milenium, Morso 3610, or a new Vermont Castings Resolute Acclaim

 

[BLAZE KING]

Hi
Maybe you would want to take a look at some of are products very long burn times are realistically available, Happy Hunting
(broken link removed to http://www.blazeking.com/princess1006.htm#Parlor)

 

[maestrohc]

In regards to the Woodstock stoves I noticed they are side loading. Unfortunately I only have 12" of hearth from the side of the stove(where it loads) to the carpet. I'm not sure that is a safe distance?

 

[begreen]

That's correct, the hearth would need to be extended to provide a minimum of 16" protection on the loading door side, 8" on the other side.

Woodstock has some excellent installation guides on site.

(broken link removed to http://www.woodstove.com/pages/hearthplan.html)

 

[elkimmeg]

That's correct, the hearth would need to be extended to provide a minimum of 16" protection on the loading door side, 8" on the other side.

Woodstock has some excellent installation guides on site.

(broken link removed to http://www.woodstove.com/pages/hearthplan.html)

FLASH NEWEST NFPA 211 now requires 18" clearance in front oF loading doors Whiich could take presidence over manufactures specs
Especially if the manufacture references the listing to NFPA211 Compliance

Many manuals are written at the time of certification whis is required every 5 years Even though a 2004 stove certification stove list 16" The
latest NFPA 211 can be applied and required , which now is also reconized in the International Mechanical codes

 

[jtp10181]

I have been appreciating all the great advise I'm getting. JTP- I probably was in your store in Madison. Great people. How long will the 7110 hold the fire? Todd- do you think the Fireview would be too much stove for my size home? If not, that would be a good choice, too. They have a summer sale going on now.

I had one customer that uses it to heat his entire house that he would get up in the night at reload it to keep it going good. I imagine if you packed it full and turned it down it would stay hot all night. You might not have a fire in the morning but you should have some hot coals still. Depends on the wood also.

 

[BrotherBart]

FLASH NEWEST NFPA 211 now requires 18" clearance in front oF loading doors Whiich could take presidence over manufactures specs
Especially if the manufacture references the listing to NFPA211 Compliance

Many manuals are written at the time of certification whis is required every 5 years Even though a 2004 stove certification stove list 16" The
latest NFPA 211 can be applied and required , which now is also reconized in the International Mechanical codes

Next thing you know we are going to have to put all stoves out in the yard to use them. Then they will be called OWBs and banned by the localities.

Sheesh!

 

[elkimmeg]

FLASH NEWEST NFPA 211 now requires 18" clearance in front oF loading doors Whiich could take presidence over manufactures specs
Especially if the manufacture references the listing to NFPA211 Compliance

Many manuals are written at the time of certification whis is required every 5 years Even though a 2004 stove certification stove list 16" The
latest NFPA 211 can be applied and required , which now is also reconized in the International Mechanical codes

Next thing you know we are going to have to put all stoves out in the yard to use them. Then they will be called OWBs and banned by the localities.

Sheesh!

BB actually most stoves are tested for 18" to Meet Canadian standards. In a way it is simpler to test them all to the same standard in North America
for years Regency Hampton stoves only listed 18" as the tested listing. The 18" exceeded USA 16 so there was never a problem. Its being uniform

 

[BrotherBart]

Except for say somebody who has been burning into a direct connect for a year and found hearth.com. Now he goes and gets that nifty full liner installed and when he dutifully calls for the inspector to bless his installation he gets busted for that $1,000 worth of hearth he put in not sticking far enough out into the room. The one made of marble tiles he would never be able to match in fifty years.

NFPA needs to put away the Kool-Aid.

 

[elkimmeg]

BBb all stoves installed to the current standard of the time are grandfathered and still considered compliant you do not have to change a thing.
And if really concerned PM me I don't really want to educate and sacrifice safety and manupliate codes on a public forum

Just saying there is language that if needed I can supply you,, should you run into a problem

Insituation like this I send a fax out to the usuall retailers and e-mails as well to the installer to let them know SEPT 15 I will be enforcing the new code.

I think it totally unfair not to give enough advance notice and also to be the educator. If they produce an invoice where they sold the stove before Sept 15 I will
acept the 16" if that matches the manufacture's listing. In know way do I want to hurt the retailers that we all know are struggling..

IT was never my intent to do so The notices will go out Wed next week Naturally they should already know All it does is let them know when I will enforce the revised codes

 

[keyman512us]

FLASH NEWEST NFPA 211 now requires 18" clearance in front oF loading doors Whiich could take presidence over manufactures specs
Especially if the manufacture references the listing to NFPA211 Compliance

Many manuals are written at the time of certification whis is required every 5 years Even though a 2004 stove certification stove list 16" The
latest NFPA 211 can be applied and required , which now is also reconized in the International Mechanical codes

Next thing you know we are going to have to put all stoves out in the yard to use them. Then they will be called OWBs and banned by the localities.

Sheesh!

No kidding??? Why do you think my boiler is outside???...lol