Isle Royale Feedback

[Prichan]

Hi folks. Had been perusing the Isle Royale threads, good info, but need some more input if anybody can provide. I went to a stove shop in my area, they did not have the Isle Royale on the floor but 2 or 3 other Quad models. The salesperson told me that Quadrafire is going to be discontinuing the IR and replacing it with another model which number, etc. I can't remember, but wondering if any one out there has heard about this, what will the replacement be, etc. Also noticed on the Quads in the store there is not a large bottom grate for cleanout like on say the VC Encore, which I have one of and like much (earlier non-cat model in it's 9th season), but a smaller rectangular cleanout surrounded by fire brick. Would anyone have any info on this and the ash cleanout process specifically, and perhaps some pics of the inside and bottom of stove? Thanks all. BTW also looking at the Jotul F500 and Lopi Leyden or Cape Cod as contenders.

 

[begreen]

That will be a shame. The Isle Royale has a long and excellent track record. Skip the Leyden, it is being discontinued and replaced with a smaller version of the Cape Cod. It's a fussy stove with similar issues as the downdraft Encore.

 

[stovelark]

Don't know if the IR will be discontinued, I know the new Explorer series cast stoves will be out soon- but haven't heard if long term plan is to discontinue the Yosemite, Cumberland gap and IR stoves. If so, too bad, the IR is a solid large cast stove that can really throw the heat and is a top loading non cat. Am curious myself about the Explorers, will see soon... You should check out the Jotul Firelight and the Carrabassett (although it doesn't have an ashpan, don't know if that's a deal killer, but its a heat beast). The F500 Oslo is of course, an excellent choice too. Any of these stoves will make a good replacement for the Encore. Good luck with your search.

 

[Grisu]

Don't know if the IR will be discontinued, I know the new Explorer series cast stoves will be out soon- but haven't heard if long term plan is to discontinue the Yosemite, Cumberland gap and IR stoves. If so, too bad, the IR is a solid large cast stove that can really throw the heat and is a top loading non cat. Am curious myself about the Explorers, will see soon... You should check out the Jotul Firelight and the Carrabassett (although it doesn't have an ashpan, don't know if that's a deal killer, but its a heat beast). The F500 Oslo is of course, an excellent choice too. Any of these stoves will make a good replacement for the Encore. Good luck with your search.

I cannot find the Cumberland Gap on their current product website anymore and therefore assume the Explorer 2 officially replaced it. It would be great if you can post some impressions of it comparing it with the Cumberland Gap. Someone mentioned here that some stove manufacturers are currently updating their stoves to get them through EPA testing before stricter emission standards are implemented. This way those updated stoves can be sold for several more years even when they are not meeting the new regs. On the other hand, those Quad models have been around for a while and may have been due for some changes anyway.

 

[stovelark]

Hi Grisu- Don't know about Explorer yet- didn't go to recent dealer mtg and training. I know we have our order in and are awaiting its arrival. The guys that were there said it looked very sturdy but a little squatty. We shall see. Quads are pretty solid, I hope the IR stays, that is a stove that gives the top loaders a good stove, its still a sec burn non cat for easy operation and its performance record has been good. More to come.

 

[Prichan]

Interesting article in Bangor Daily News:
http://bangordailynews.com/2014/02/...will-drive-up-costs-thwarting-desired-effect/