Jotul vs Lopi vs Valor vs ??

[IzzyW]

We are looking to replace our old wood-burning stove (it came with the house we bought last year) with a new gas stove. But, admittedly, we are flying blind in this search. Shopping for a gas stove seems unlike any other purchase process I can recall. I can’t find reviews, have to go through specific dealers, etc. Just a bit confused.

While our house is 200+ years old, the room our stove sits in is a relatively new addition and has a retro mid-century modern vibe. So with that look in mind the three units we are currently looking at are:

Jotul GF 305

Jøtul GF 305 Direct Vent Gas Stove | Cast Iron Stoves

Jøtul GF 305 DV IPI offers the same modern, cast iron styling in a freestanding direct vent gas stove.

www.jotul.com

Valor Madrona Modern Black

Madrona Gas Stove | Valor Gas Fireplaces

The Valor Madrona gas stove offeres several unique design styles to fit any room style.

www.valorfireplaces.com

Lopi Cypress Bay Window

Cypress™ Bay Window | Premium Steel Stoves | Made in USA | Lopi Stoves®

INNOVATIONS GREENSMART™ REMOTE OPERATION VIDEO GREENSMART™ EMBER-FYRE® EFFICIENCY ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES

www.lopistoves.com

Does anyone have any insight on how these three compare? Pluses or minuses? Things we should be aware of or on the lookout for?

We’re not really sure how to compare them other than looks. And the brand names are unfortunately meaningless to us. It’s a whole new world.

Any advice for some novice shoppers? We’ll also take suggestions beyond the units listed above.

Thank you!

 

[Fingerlakes Fireplace]

I would stay away from The Valor.
I highly dislike the remote and gas control system they use. User-unfriendly, very noisy, and prone to control board going bad.

 

[IzzyW]

Thanks for your reply. Are there any brands you would recommend?

 

[Fingerlakes Fireplace]

Thanks for your reply. Are there any brands you would recommend?

I would not purchase a stove/fireplace that does not have the SIT control system.
Most brands use them.

 

[Millbilly]

^What he said.

 

[rsplodge]

I would stay away from The Valor.
I highly dislike the remote and gas control system they use. User-unfriendly, very noisy, and prone to control board going bad.

Interesting, as I'm considering buying a used Valor Madrona. I was told by another HVAC guy that Valor was a very good brand.
...Roger

 

[nekoian]

What is so special about the SIT control system?

 

[Fingerlakes Fireplace]

What is so special about the SIT control system?

Well, the big thing is, that they work.
Some of the others, not so much.

 

[nekoian]

Well, the big thing is, that they work.
Some of the others, not so much.

Yes I gathered as much...I guess I'm curious as to why? Like how do they work mechanically/electronically better than others?

 

[ParadiseRising]

We put in a Valor Legend G3 to replace a damaged zero clearance wood burner in the rental we are in while we rebuild our destroyed house. It's okay, but we mainly picked it for the relatively low cost, I would not pick it for my own (permanent) house. The Valor remote system is finicky and prone to losing the connection between the FP and handheld. One local wood/gas FP dealer dropped the Valor line as the units needed too many repairs. The gas FP has been convenient, but once we get back to Paradise, it's back to wood heating. I realize a zero clearance unit is not the same as a free-standing unit, but the mechanical parts may be similar.