Thanks.
The stove still isn't installed. We picked up some black granite tiles for the hearth. They're going to come out Tuesday and look at the setup and take measurements.
I'm not getting an oversized surround. They are fabbing a black steel faceplate to cover the gap. This way the existing tile won't be covered excessively and it should look better.
We stopped by today and looked the Regency I2400 and the HI300 side by side.
While the HI300 is the better looking stove, I have a couple of concerns about the door on the HI300.
It uses a lever instead of the usual cam, like the I2400. The thing is, the door is brought in tight as the lever is depressed, but then as it goes into the bottom slot detent, it loosens. It failed the dollar bill test. I was assured the door would be adjusted before it gets delivered. I just wonder if it's a flaw that others have noticed? The normal cam on the I2400 snugged it up nice and tight.
Another thing about the door is that the hidden hinges don't allow more than a 90 degree opening. Opening it farther could be helpful, since I have touched my forehead to the stove door a couple of times in 6 years, so I'm hoping it doesn't happen more.
On a positive note about the door, the hinges seem to provide a 1" reduction in protrusion into the room. It also looks good.
The fan assembly on the HI300 also appeared to be less intrusive than on the I2400.
The HI300's cast iron surround looks great, and I like the fact that the top cast ledge and top surround piece can be easily removed, not only for heat (not sure if I'll actually do that, except in a power outage), but for looking at stuff in there.
It appears the fan assembly removes easily for cleaning and inspection.
I wonder if I will miss a variable fan speed control, as the HI300 only has low and high?
Anyway, I'm still psyched and I hope the wait's not too long.
