How do stove manufacturers calculate cubic feet?

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Itslay90

Minister of Fire
Dec 16, 2022
561
Upstate,NY
I have a Pacific Energy Summit LE model. At the time of purchase, the specifications indicated a Firebox Size of 3.0 cu.ft., with a heating capacity of up to 3000 sq. ft. Nevertheless, after re-checking four years later, the firebox size is now stated to be 2.5 cu.ft. Can you explain the reduction in firebox size? Is the unit still able to heat areas up to 3,000 sq. ft.?
 
I think some manufacturers cheat and measure the whole firebox including above the baffle. They should only measure the actual usable firebox.

As far as sq ft heating capacity, too many variables to affect that. I know Jotul has a chart somewhere with different heating zones and an approximate sq ft heating range for their stoves.