Jotul Stoves

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ady5008

Member
Oct 1, 2019
30
Central PA
My wife likes the look of a Jotul f500 or f600. I've found a few used on facebook marketplace in the neighborhood of $1000. I would like to get an epa stove, but it seems to me like catalytic converters on a stove would just be an expensive repair down the road. Were there non-cat models of these stoves? Were they all 6 inch flues? Anything else I should be looking for or asking sellers about? We like the look of Vermont Castings as well but it doesn't seem like they get as good of reviews. We'll be heating about 1500 square feet.
 
The 500 and 600 are non-cat stoves. The predecessor to the firelight 600 was the firelight #12, it looks about the same and it was catalytic. I would steer clear of the cat model. The F-500 Oslo is a fine stove. Look for warped parts, and cracks, particularly on the floor of the stove.
 
A very close friend runs a 600 non cat stove. It's a fine heater and the flat black enamal looks nice.
 
The F600 and the F500v2 are now discontinued. So far only the F500 has been updated and tested to the 2020 EPA requirements as the F500v3. This stove has a super large cat in it with a long warranty. How it performs over the years is TBD. It seems to work well from the short term reports we hear, but longer-term maintenance is unknown. The other nice-looking, large, cast iron stoves by VC and Hearthstone both have cats. If you want a non-cat stove, take a look at the cast iron jacketed Jotul F55 and Pacific Energy Alderlea T6 as possible options.
 
I have a 5 year old Oslo and I burn it a lot. Great stove, I love it and so does the girlfriend.
 
Yes, the v2 Oslos have a good track record. It's a nice heater, but only available used now. If you can find a very good one that has been treated well and no cracks, especially around the grate in the base, then it's a good deal for $1000.
 
The F600 and the F500v2 are now discontinued. So far only the F500 has been updated and tested to the 2020 EPA requirements as the F500v3. This stove has a super large cat in it with a long warranty. How it performs over the years is TBD. It seems to work well from the short term reports we hear, but longer-term maintenance is unknown. The other nice-looking, large, cast iron stoves by VC and Hearthstone both have cats. If you want a non-cat stove, take a look at the cast iron jacketed Jotul F55 and Pacific Energy Alderlea T6 as possible options.
To be clear that 20 year warranty on the cat is only for manufacturer's defect.
 
Another couple of other good looking used, non-cat stoves are the Quadrafire Isle Royale and the Hearthstone Manchester.
 
Facebook marketplace + $1,000 price tag = these will be the older, first or second version of the F-500 Oslo which will not have a cat. If the stoves are in good shape with no cracked base and not overfired that's a half decent price for a used Oslo in my opinion. They're a very good stove if not overfired.
 
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Reactions: XmasTreefarmer
I’m currently on year two with my Hearthstone Manchester and absolutely love this stove.
 

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