Sorry to rehash an old subject, but the posts from the members seem so helpful that I have to put this question out there. I have a Federal Airtight (Consolidated Dutchwest) FA224CCL cat (BTU 24,421 - 89,316 max) that I am looking to replace. The stove sits in a great room (our main living area) very close to sofa / sitting area. The great room is @600 sq. feet, half of which is vaulted ceiling; it has a 2 large windows. Adjoining the great room is (a) via large open doorway, another 600 sq. foot room with high ceilings & a few large windows and (b) a 350 sq. foot kitchen (via open doorway). There is an overlook into the kitchen from the upstairs hallway (where the bedrooms are) that I flow hot air towards via a small ceiling corner fan. Bottom line it is a very open floorplan, including openings to the upstairs. House is 20 years old and very well insulated @ 5000 sq feet.
When the cold comes in, we usually burn 24/7; we usually go through @ 4 cords a year. Having a long burn time is important. The Federal Airtight has done a good job, but after 23 years it is showing some wear and tear.
When looking at options I do not want to deal with a cat anymore and want a unit with a log length of at least 20". My neighbor bought a Jotul 500 Oslo last year, it looks very well built. I looked into a Jotul 600, but it only has a front and right side loader that does not work for me due to various reasons, including the chimney set up. Front loading is really not a great option due to safety screen around the stove ( I have 4 small kids). A left side load is preferred.
I believe that the Jotul 500 is not big enough for my need. I am looking at a Hearthstone Mansfield due to it size and the fact that the soapstone will produce long time heat. Soapstone may also be good due to the proximity of the stove to the sitting areas (not blasting anyone out). However, I question whether it will it throw off enough heat to meet the needs of the large space; it also only has a front loader. The Mansfield gets mixed reviews, particularly the door latches and the ashpan. The Woodstock brand is not an option due to its short log length capacity.
Any thoughts on the Jotul 500 or Mansfield options? Any other options to consider (PE; Morse 3610)? I am not interested in a Vermont Casting. Thanks.
When the cold comes in, we usually burn 24/7; we usually go through @ 4 cords a year. Having a long burn time is important. The Federal Airtight has done a good job, but after 23 years it is showing some wear and tear.
When looking at options I do not want to deal with a cat anymore and want a unit with a log length of at least 20". My neighbor bought a Jotul 500 Oslo last year, it looks very well built. I looked into a Jotul 600, but it only has a front and right side loader that does not work for me due to various reasons, including the chimney set up. Front loading is really not a great option due to safety screen around the stove ( I have 4 small kids). A left side load is preferred.
I believe that the Jotul 500 is not big enough for my need. I am looking at a Hearthstone Mansfield due to it size and the fact that the soapstone will produce long time heat. Soapstone may also be good due to the proximity of the stove to the sitting areas (not blasting anyone out). However, I question whether it will it throw off enough heat to meet the needs of the large space; it also only has a front loader. The Mansfield gets mixed reviews, particularly the door latches and the ashpan. The Woodstock brand is not an option due to its short log length capacity.
Any thoughts on the Jotul 500 or Mansfield options? Any other options to consider (PE; Morse 3610)? I am not interested in a Vermont Casting. Thanks.
