Is englander 30 too big for small cabin?

[Vanskills]

So I have a drafty 900 sq ft cabin in Colorado at 10,000 feet where we see serious snow and low temps.

Would the 30 be too big for the cabin? I was I interested in it because it's American made, fairly cheap, good reviews and good burn times.

ALL our wood will always be pine, only kind of wood here, hardwood isn't an option

Also we live here year round

 

[dougand3]

That size cabin sounds more suited to an NC-13...BUT you have other severe factors. I'd probably get the NC-30....mostly for burn times.

 

[SlyFerret]

Well, you certainly won't be cold. That is for sure!

-SF

 

[DexterDay]

Is said Cabin well insulated? That part of the basement my 30 is in, is not insulated right now.

I can get it up to about 90* if I push it. Or if I build smaller fires (only been burning Pine and Silver Maple/soft) I can keep it at a lower temp.

The 13-NC may be a good option (smaller) Although if burn times are important? A bigger firebox is key to longer burn times. More wood = Longer burn.

Also a Cat stove would benefit in your situation. Something with a descent size box. Will create a long slow burn.

I am for all the above. Big 30 (build smaller fires/but it does like to run hot), the 13 smaller box, but still proven, or if bugdet allows, go Med sized Cat (Princess or Fireview, or possibly a Buck)

All just ideas and hopefully someone else will be along shortly.

Edit: typed to much.. 2 replies already.

 

[BrotherBart]

Fix the drafts to keep heat in the place and go with a smaller stove. At clean burn temps the 30-NC will run you out of the joint. And take up too much valuable space anyway.

 

[Dix]

The 13 gets 4-6 hour burn times. Go with the 30, and make smaller fire in a bigger box.

That's' my 2 cents

 

[Vanskills]

House has very little insulation, where the current stove is (old school jotul combi fire 4) in kitchen it is wood ceiling, no insulation than 6 inches is metal roof, there is lots of drafts from floor, windows and doors.

I'll fix it all eventually but it will take time

I thought 30 would be good for long burn times, so I take it I don't have to build raging fires in the 30 fir long burn times?

 

[SlyFerret]

If that is the case, go with the 30.

-SF

 

[VCBurner]

I think a medium sized cat might work better than the 30 or the 13. Tough to compete with Englander prices though. Given the choice between the two, I'd take the 30, if I were in your case. At least you won't be cold. There was another member here who bought a 13 for a small house (just around 1200?) and ended up selling it and buying the 30 the following year!

 

[begreen]

I'd give that big Combi you a run for a season or two. It's radiant and may do the job just fine. It's a respectable heater. It may use a bit more wood, but it should keep you warm and it's paid for.

 

[leeave96]

The key word is drafty. If that is the case, I'd go with the 30.

Good luck,
Bill

 

[dafattkidd]

I'd give that big Combi you a run for a season or two. It's radiant and may do the job just fine. It's a respectable heater. It may use a bit more wood, but it should keep you warm and it's paid for.

I was thinking the same thing. (Not that I have any experience with this stove), but I'm curious why you want to replace your existing stove. I can see wanting a stove with a window, but are there any issues with that Jotul as it is?

 

[Vanskills]

It Bugs me not being able to see the fire, have to open it up to see what's going down, up here in the mountains I can sell it fir the same price a 30 would cost

And the 36" inch clearances for the jotul is kind of alot

 

[ohlongarm]

In a setting like you have bigger is always better,better to have and not need than need and not have. If wood is no problem go for the 30,if wood is a problem i'd go with a longer burning cat,IE Princess BK.

 

[billb3]

I keep looking at that 900 square feet number and can't keep from thinking how a 30 will be the elephant in the room once the drafts are fixed. I suppose you can eventually get something smaller.