Information on SBI stoves

[corey148]

Can anyone provide me information on the SBI brand of wood stoves? I recall one the members on this website (I think his name is Fryebug) works or worked for SBI. I was curious on the warranties that these stoves carry. Also how well does the baffle and burn tubes on these stoves last and/or how difficult is the maintenance to replace these items?? Finally, is one brand superior over another brand or are they all similar just listed under a different company name (Ex. Drolet, Flame, Osburn, etc.) As always any information is much appreciated

 

[windchaser]

One of my stoves is an Enerzone (made by SBI) warranty varies as follows...

Lifetime on Parts w/4 years for labor on Combustion chamber (welds only), castings, convector air-mate,
ceramic glass and secondary air tubes

5 years parts/3 years labor on Stainless steel firebox components, surrounds and heat shields, ash
drawer, steel legs, pedestal, trims, C-Cast baffle, and vermiculite baffle

3 years parts/ 2 years labor on Carbon steel firebox components, glass retainers, and handle
assembly.

2 years parts/1 year labor on Blowers, heat sensors, switches, rheostat, wiring, and other controls.

1 year parts on Paint (peeling), gaskets, insulation, firebrick, and ceramic fibre
blankets.

This is my first season with the Enerzone so too early yet to give a run down on how it will stack up over time.

 

[etiger2007]

I have the Osburn 2000 and as far as maintenance I can remove the baffle and burn tubes , sweep the liner from above, replace everything and have a fire going in less than 30 minutes. The burn tubes are secured with a simple cotter pin and the baffle just drops down once the tubes are removed.

 

[Swedishchef]

I have an Osburn 2300 and I can not remove the baffle.

Every company has particular finishes. Osburn has cleaner lines, cast iron doors, etc. However the fireboxes themselves are fairly identicle from company to company within SBI (they won't design 19 firebozes for UL/CSA certification).

Drolet is often sold at hardware stores, Osburn is sold at hearth specialty stores (and sometimes hardware stores...). ALl SBI are great products, made in Canada and tough (from my experience with my Osburn and my friends Drolets)

Send Fyrebug (Bert) a message, I am sure he will give you a hand.

Andrew

 

[simple.serf]

I have an Enerzone 2.9. The tubes are pretty easy to remove, as is the baffle. I have only had to do that job once. If you are burning 24/7, plan on replacing the door gasket each year, as I have found they have a tendency to leak after sitting all summer.

For me, the 2.9 is a little small, I do think the 3.4 would have been a better option (though if I were to do it again I would get a Buck model 91, along with an 8"stack for it), but I really don't like Pedestal stoves. Overall, We are happy with the stove and it keeps the living area of our 2500 sqft house comfortable.

 

[rwhite]

I have an older model Osburn 1600 and if that is any indication of the quality then they are good solid stoves. The burn tubes are still in good shape. They look easy to remove although I have never had to. I can remove the baffle and clean without removing them. My only complaint if there was one is the position of the primary air in the firebox. It is on the bottom center and if I have to load east/west I have to pay attention not to cover the hole with wood. Not an issue with a north/south load. Parts if needed seem reasonably priced and available.

 

[laynes69]

Bert (Fyrebug), no longer works for SBI. He announced it on another board. I guess he moved on to a hardware business opportunity.

 

[etiger2007]

Im also going to add that I'll put SBI customer service up against anyone out there. I always no matter the issue been taken care of.

 

[mellow]

I had no issues when I had my Flame XTD 1.5, it was a well built budget insert. I wouldn't go slamming wood around in it but if you take care of it the tubes and baffle will last many years.

I am sad to hear we lost our SBI rep, hopefully another one will come along.

Quoted from AS, not sure how I missed this thread:

Well, its been a good run. Almost 5 years in the hearth industry. But the siren call of a really good opportunity in another industry was too good to resist. Going into the Electrical Utilities Hardware business - something I used to be in. Kinda boring stuff compared to wood burning but sometimes, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do.

But I must say, I really enjoyed working for my company. Really enjoyed shooting the breeze with all the folks here. Sometimes it was funny, sometimes heated but never boring...

Never fret young 'uns, I'll still come around lurking and posting my invaluable opinion (much like spidey) from time to time.

Which means my friends at Kuuma will have the run of the place!

All the best to everyone here and keep posting!

 

[Bones]

If you are burning 24/7, plan on replacing the door gasket each year, as I have found they have a tendency to leak after sitting all summer.

.

After burning season I only have the door shut just barely snug...seems to help....

 

[Bones]

I have the Osburn 2000 and as far as maintenance I can remove the baffle and burn tubes , sweep the liner from above, replace everything and have a fire going in less than 30 minutes. The burn tubes are secured with a simple cotter pin and the baffle just drops down once the tubes are removed.

Ed, yesterday I wanted to clean things up a bit and check things out on my 2000. Manual said to take front 2 tubes out to drop the baffle....NOT....all 4 tubes have to come out ! My tubes have no cotter pins, just rotate 1/4 turn and locks in place. Very easy for a clean out.

I did have a slight gap across top of door, tightened it now burns a little different.

 

[etiger2007]

Ed, yesterday I wanted to clean things up a bit and check things out on my 2000. Manual said to take front 2 tubes out to drop the baffle....NOT....all 4 tubes have to come out ! My tubes have no cotter pins, just rotate 1/4 turn and locks in place. Very easy for a clean out.

I did have a slight gap across top of door, tightened it now burns a little different.

You have four tubes in your 2000? I have three . I know they changed up the fire box on the new ones, they had to look hard to find me an exact replacement . Cleaned mine today and I had more creosote than I ever had , bout half a coffee container worth , wonder if that's from putting tape over the air hole?

 

[Bones]

You have four tubes in your 2000? I have three . I know they changed up the fire box on the new ones, they had to look hard to find me an exact replacement . Cleaned mine today and I had more creosote than I ever had , bout half a coffee container worth , wonder if that's from putting tape over the air hole?

Yup...4 of them...

I guess it's possible with less air. You must have a better draft than mine, can't run all the way closed very long...

I haven't swept mine yet....looked up top couple of weeks ago and was ok.