Is now the time to buy a Woodstock PH?

[Nimrod1911]

I notice that Woodstock is having a sale on their stoves. They also claim we can get $300 Gov. rebate. Is this about as good as it will get? Should I wait for a better sale?

Also, how easy is it to find a local place to unload the stove? Do they usually charge you an arm and a leg?

In past threads, many said the PH would work for me. I am heating a large area but I mainly heat with a furnace....and can close off much of my basement and direct the heat upstairs.

I have a rambler with 2200 on each level. Stove will be in basement. Six inch flue. Burning lodgepole pine. Northern Utah. House is six years old. Very well insulated.

 

[ddddddden]

Seems like their summer sale has always been as good as, or slightly better than their spring sale.
However, my guess is that this "owners only" deal will be as good as it gets this year. This price on the Fv = what I paid three years ago. I don't see the PH getting any cheaper. . .

(broken link removed to http://www.woodstove.com/sale/134--owners-sale)

Also, how easy is it to find a local place to unload the stove? Do they usually charge you an arm and a leg?

Woodstock delivers to the nearest freight terminal of one of their carriers. You show up with a truck, and they load it with a forklift. . .you just have to worry about getting it into the house.
Call them with your ZIP code, and they'll tell you how close they can get. If you're talking about delivering to a local business instead of a freight terminal, I'd say that's a YMMV situation.

 

[Nimrod1911]

So must I already own one to qualify?

 

[ddddddden]

Well, that would seem to be the premise, but then. . .

. . .Don't need another stove? Pass along your owners savings to a friend, relative, or neighbor. They'll thank you, and we will too!

Greetings, Friend!

 

[rideau]

Maybe Woodstock meant to pass the offer on to one or two people if you couldn't use it, and not a few thousand?

Anyway, not likely more than a few will use it, so it reallly doesn't matter, i guess.

Is one of your 2200 square feet floor the basement, and is it living area?

If so, fine.

If not, I'd try for s first floor installation.

I don't expect you'll get a better price than now, and an order now gives you plenty of time to get your stove installed well before the heating season.

 

[ddddddden]

Maybe Woodstock meant to pass the offer on to one or two people if you couldn't use it, and not a few thousand?

Anyway, not likely more than a few will use it, so it reallly doesn't matter, i guess.

Yeah, not likely, but if they did get a few thousand orders in response to this posting, somehow I don't think they would mind.

If they want to limit the offer by requiring the name or e-mail of a registered owner and allowing only 1 discount per name, that is their prerogative. . .


BTW, Nimrod, they have refurbs available now & then.
That would be the best deal.

 

[Woody Stover]

I have a rambler with 2200 on each level

A guy I knew owned a Rambler but it was only one level and I don't remember it being anywhere near 2200 sq.ft.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

Seems like their summer sale has always been as good as, or slightly better than their spring sale.
However, my guess is that this "owners only" deal will be as good as it gets this year. This price on the Fv = what I paid three years ago. I don't see the PH getting any cheaper. . .

(broken link removed to http://www.woodstove.com/sale/134--owners-sale)



Woodstock delivers to the nearest freight terminal of one of their carriers. You show up with a truck, and they load it with a forklift. . .you just have to worry about getting it into the house.
Call them with your ZIP code, and they'll tell you how close they can get. If you're talking about delivering to a local business instead of a freight terminal, I'd say that's a YMMV situation.

That statement thankfully is not correct. They will deliver to your house if you have a way to unload it and someone there when the truck gets there. Nobody home? Then you will have to pick up at the terminal.

When we had delivery, we simply had it delivered to our tire dealer. He has a fork lift so he accepted delivery for us. We then picked up the stove from the tire shop that same day and all went well.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I notice that Woodstock is having a sale on their stoves. They also claim we can get $300 Gov. rebate. Is this about as good as it will get? Should I wait for a better sale?

Also, how easy is it to find a local place to unload the stove? Do they usually charge you an arm and a leg?

In past threads, many said the PH would work for me. I am heating a large area but I mainly heat with a furnace....and can close off much of my basement and direct the heat upstairs.

I have a rambler with 2200 on each level. Stove will be in basement. Six inch flue. Burning lodgepole pine. Northern Utah. House is six years old. Very well insulated.

Nimrod. I do not expect the price will get any lower than it is right now but I don't set the prices so who knows for sure? I just would not expect it to be any lower.

Finding the place to deliver the stove can be quite simple. For instance, we have a couple places in our town who have fork lifts and I could have had the stove delivered to any of them. Then it is a matter of picking up the stove from them. In our case, it was quite easy and the place I chose to have it delivered was really simple in and out for both me and the delivery truck. There was no charge but I did give a nice tip for him taking delivery for me and then loading it onto our trailer.

As for the setup in your house. The only thing I would have against it is putting it in the basement and hoping the heat gets upstairs. Some have had limited success with this but most are disappointed when they find moving the heat to the upstairs is not so simple as they thought. So if you could get the stove on the living level you will be much happier. Also it sounds as if you will be trying to heat 4400 sq ft. That is a lot of space for any stove to heat!

 

[Nick Mystic]

I concur with the statement that it's not that easy to get a great deal of heat up from a basement to heat the upper level of a home. Our home has a Woodstock Classic stove on the lower level (1100 sq. ft.). Our upper level, that is the main living area of our home, is 1400 sq. ft.. The Woodstock stove is placed about two feet away from a large cold air return duct that goes directly to our central heating/cooling system's air handler. I've tried running that stove at 600 F with the central system blower running and the cold air return upstairs covered shut. All I was able to increase the upstairs temperatures was a couple of degrees. I experimented opening and closing the two cold air returns and nothing helped to increase the upstairs temperature gain.

 

[ddddddden]

That statement thankfully is not correct. They will deliver to your house if you have a way to unload it and someone there when the truck gets there. Nobody home? Then you will have to pick up at the terminal.

I think their regular rates may apply only if shipped to a business address. Like I said, call them for full details.

We’ve negotiated low contract shipping rates to a freight terminal near you. You save hundreds of dollars off normal rates! (Convenient home delivery available too, call 800-866-4344 for details)

 

[Havendalefarm]

I do know that they have a couple Black, right door PH refurbs right now.About $600 off the best new price. Just don't get the six month buy back. But if you are installing a 700lb. stove I would want to be pretty sure you don't want to move it again.

 

[Berner]

I've had a deposit down on a PH since December. A lot of mason work needed and I still have not finalized my order.

I recently called to see if I could take advantage of their spring sale and they said "no way, we are a bunch of sticklers here." He was being very sarcastic and made a note on my order to discount it to their spring sale prices.

I would say you are good to order and know that if a better price comes along they will help you out.

All I've read and the handful experiences I have had with Woodstock give me a warm and fuzzy feeling and I'm not even burning yet!

 

[dyerkutn]

I've had a deposit down on a PH since December. A lot of mason work needed and I still have not finalized my order.

I recently called to see if I could take advantage of their spring sale and they said "no way, we are a bunch of sticklers here." He was being very sarcastic and made a note on my order to discount it to their spring sale prices.

I would say you are good to order and know that if a better price comes along they will help you out.

All I've read and the handful experiences I have had with Woodstock give me a warm and fuzzy feeling and I'm not even burning yet!

I hear a log of people say that Woodstock has great customer service. What exactly does that mean since they don't do any delivery, installation or service?

 

[greenbrierwv]

i paid $2400 for mine when it first came out. they had it set at that price as an introductory offer if i remember correctly. At $2995 minus a $300 tax credit i highly doubt you will get it any lower than that. The lowest it could go is $2400 apparently, which was the intro offer that i doubt we will see again. P.S. you will not be dissapointed with this stove. This has been my first season burning it and i have to say, its been great. Super clean burning, long burn times, tons of heat, and the cat is barely dirty after months of 24/7 burning. what else could you ask for? plus it looks exceptional

 

[Nimrod1911]

1) If I already took advantage of tax credits a couple years ago for insulation, can I still claim the $300?
2) How important is the ash pan? What is the consensus? Change the looks too much? Not that helpful, etc?
3) Do you guys like the black or the charcoal? (I know...subjective)
4) Should I make any specific request regarding the stone...if I buy new? (some looks too blue) My hearth is red, charcoal....earthy.
5) Are there any other accessories I need to get? Especially from Woodstock?

 

[firefighterjake]

I hear a log of people say that Woodstock has great customer service. What exactly does that mean since they don't do any delivery, installation or service?

When you call their 1-800 number with a problem with your stove, a question of how it operates, etc. you get someone who actually knows about the stove . . . and you get a solution. This is not a big conglomerate of a business . . . it's a small business putting out a quality product . . . a business that realizes to make it against the big boys of the stove world they've got to have a great product and back up that product with a level of support where going above and beyond the customer's expectations is not the exception, but rather the rule.

At least that's my take on it . . . not having a Woodstock stove . . . just having listened to all the happy owners who have on occasion had questions or even the . . . shudder . . . occasional problem . . . and Woodstock has dealt with each and every issue quickly and to the customer's satisfaction.

Oh yeah . . . there's also the six month buy back program. I don't know of too many products that you can buy, use for six months and then return it used for a full refund with no questions asked. Yeah, Woodstock is that confident in their product.

Finally . . . as mentioned . . . I don't have a Woodstock stove . . . but I have been to their factory/showroom . . . and any company that puts on a free BBQ/Open House/Stove Giveaway and lets anyone come in . . . even this dumb Maine hick . . . and lets us drink free Woodchuck cider and beer is a great company in my mind.

 

[charly]

I've had a deposit down on a PH since December. A lot of mason work needed and I still have not finalized my order.

I recently called to see if I could take advantage of their spring sale and they said "no way, we are a bunch of sticklers here." He was being very sarcastic and made a note on my order to discount it to their spring sale prices.

I would say you are good to order and know that if a better price comes along they will help you out.

All I've read and the handful experiences I have had with Woodstock give me a warm and fuzzy feeling and I'm not even burning yet!

They are about the nicest people that I've ever bought something from...no doubt! I think they will always having a nice thriving business the way they treat their customers.. always! The after the stove sale support is just phenomenal. That's why I post about their great service,, it's nice to give such nice people the recognition they deserve... Who else listens to their customers to make a design change ?.. Those folks in my mind are some very considerate and caring people...You've not only bought a great stove you've gained a family of great friends!

 

[Waulie]

1) If I already took advantage of tax credits a couple years ago for insulation, can I still claim the $300?
2) How important is the ash pan? What is the consensus? Change the looks too much? Not that helpful, etc?
3) Do you guys like the black or the charcoal? (I know...subjective)
4) Should I make any specific request regarding the stone...if I buy new? (some looks too blue) My hearth is red, charcoal....earthy.
5) Are there any other accessories I need to get? Especially from Woodstock?​

1) Don't know
2) The ash pan is designed very well and is very functional. I didn't get one because I don't mind shoveling ash, I'm cheap, it is one more gasket on the stove and one more thing a forgetful person can screw up, and I think the stove looks better without. Regardless, it is by far the best ash pan design I have ever seen and does work fantastic.
3) I prefer charcoal over black. Metallic blue is my favorite as it burn in to a dark gray with just a small hint of blue.
4) If you visit you can often pick the exact stone you want. Not sure how much help it would be to try to describe to them what you want your stone to look like over the phone. Rest assured, it will be beautiful.
5) If you need pipe, it is handy that WS will paint it for you to match the cast on your stove. Their pipe is a little pricey but it is very high quality. If you don't need much, I'd go for it. You may want them to include a can of stove paint so you can touch up any dings that may occur, especially if you get the painted pipe.​

 

[rideau]

1) If I already took advantage of tax credits a couple years ago for insulation, can I still claim the $300?
2) How important is the ash pan? What is the consensus? Change the looks too much? Not that helpful, etc?
3) Do you guys like the black or the charcoal? (I know...subjective)
4) Should I make any specific request regarding the stone...if I buy new? (some looks too blue) My hearth is red, charcoal....earthy.
5) Are there any other accessories I need to get? Especially from Woodstock?

1) Think so, but just check on line at tax website.
2) Depends. I think there is a possibility that if you are one of the rare folks with either an excessively strong or excessively poor draft, it may help prevent fly ash getting pulled into the cat, a problem only a handful of owners seem to have had. It certainly does change the look, in my opinion. It also requires the long legs, which I prefer anyway: think they look more in proportion for the stove, gets the firebox and view up higher, more in line of sight, and gets the heat thrown out the glass a bit higher. Don't have one, so don't know how "helpful" theya re , as I certainly don't find cleaning the ashes out of the firebox a difficulty. However, folks who have them love them a swear by them, not necessarily a common occurrance with ashpans. Well designed.
3) I have and love the light gray. Had it with the Fireview too. Painted the pipe to match (got ICC Pipe). The install is elegant. I had a hard time with the Fireview deciding between blue nad light gray, but had no problem years later when I replaced it with the PH. Love the light gray.
4) Each color iron makes the soapstone look a different color. You can request specific stone, but I don't think the color will vary much: rather, the pattern in the stone. Different pattern ahs different qualities, and you can talk with Woodstock about them. If you don't go to the factory to look, they will e-mail you photos of samples and let you pick the type of stone you want. The stone looks quite blue when installed in a blue cast stove. In a light gray cast, it looks the same color as the cast...light gray. Personally I think that would be beautiful with red. The Charcoal provides a sharp contrast and looks quite nice and complements may installs. A matter of taste. I think there are lots of install photos available at Woodstock website.
6) Can of paint to match your stove for pipe touchup after annual cleaning. I recommend the rake as well. Handy tool.


Not rereading for proof, so forgive any typos.
Good luck, and have fun.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

I hear a log of people say that Woodstock has great customer service. What exactly does that mean since they don't do any delivery, installation or service?

Delivery and installation can be done by many folks and need not be done by the stove seller. I'll say again, you will not find any company better with customer service. Especially after the sale. We hear of too many times when folks buy a stove and then something goes wrong with it. Dealer won't help and you can not contact the manufacturer. We've even heard of dealers say it is a warrantee problem for the manufacturer and then nobody can contact the manufacturer.

If you have a problem with a woodstock stove (rare), it will be taken care of and many times it will be done even out of warranty. Give them a call sometimes and you'll find that you can actually talk to a live person who will give you good answers.

 

[Nimrod1911]

When I asked Woodstock about burning in Secondary mode only, she said, "we don't recommend it but we understand if you're in a pinch" then it would be fine to burn that way until you get a new CAT, etc. I assumed it would be perfectly fine to burn in secondary mode. I assumed it would function much like a secondary burn stove. (adjust intake accordingly) Was I wrong to assume this? What draw backs are there ?
Also, how much room does the ash pan need to be removed? I have two seats to the side of my stove that sit up about 8 inches above the stove's ground level. These are made of rock so there isn't a heat clearance issue. The door will easily swing above the seat, but I'm worried that I won't be able to pull the ash pan out. (ie: it will slide out until it hits the seat and then I can't remove said ash pan)

 

[rideau]

While I think it is probably best to ask Woodstock this question, since they designed the stove, I would venture to guess:
Any seconday stove is less effcient than a Cat stove which is less efficient than the hybrid Progressive Hybrid, so you are losing a lot of heat potential, burning a lot more wood to get the same amount of heat,
You are probably burning the stove hotter on average than they would like to see, so you will have earlier rebuild issues...but that would be way down the road, I'd think.
They have designed a stove with a deliberately tortuous smoke path to help heat up the mass of the stove and throw a lot of heat. WIthout the bypass closed you send the warmed air right up the chimney.
The stove won't put out the potential heat that is advertised, for the above reasons, and someone buying the stove to heat a larger home may find there is enough drop off in heat production to lead to dissatisfaction with the stove and inability to heat a larger home. I would not be at all surprised if there is a 30% or greater increase in heat production burning the PH in hybrid mode versus secondary alone with cat not engaged and bypass door not closed.

Those are some guesses. To say nothing of the fact you will be burning in a mode that has not been EPA tested and may produce a lot of particulate matter, relative to the stoves EPA rating,

Just doesn't seem to me to make sense to try to burn long term in secondary mode. Why buy the stove, if that is one's intention?

 

[Waulie]

There's no reason to burn without the cat, unless in a pinch like they said. Why would you? The concern with not engaging the cat is that the small cells in the cat function to reduce the draft of the stove. If you loaded enough wood in there you may have an issue controlling the fire even with the air intake fully closed if you don't engage the cat. The other drawback is it is less efficient.

The ash pan dimensions might be on the website or you can ask them. It's a few inches shorter than the width of the stove. To get it out, it needs to slide straight out. So, if the door (which is narrow) will be swinging over the seat when open then you will not be able to get the ash pan out. The ash pan is significantly longer than the door is wide.

 

[rideau]

Just to make certain we are communicating clearly, I assume you are asking about burning without the cat in the stove. You can and often do burn in secondary mode with the cat in the stove...at certain times during the burn, and when you open the air up because you want a higher burn rate. Air is still flowing though the cat in this secondary burn mode. There will not always be gases left in the air for the cat to burn, but the cat will slow the rate of air flow.