Kuma Sequoia review

[hikingguyantonio]

After lots of help from this forum I purchased a Kuma Sequoia freestanding stove last year. I went to the factory in Rathdrum, ID. Very nice/knowledgeable staff. Showroom had all the stoves out on display. I chose Sequoia because it was large, recommended by the Chimney specialist and catalytic for efficiency. I punched a thimble in the fireplace and dropped a liner (insulated double wall UL1777) and hooked up.

The stove has easy to understand instructions and the Kuma factory was always available for questions. The stove make heat like you cannot believe. My wife cooked every meal on the stove top to include chicken/steaks/boiled pasta/baked cookies too. the way the stove pulls are from the bottom and vents it out the top is amazing and VERY hot. What a performer to say the least. I use the thermometer to monitor temps in order to protect the cat and haven't had any problems.

I burn dried woods to it is real clean and the chimney specialist was impressed with how clean the liner was after 1 year, but I use premium wood to burn. I wanted another Sequoia for the downstairs but the specialist says it is way too big and I have a 35' chimney so the Wood Classic by Kuma will be installed. I was really torn between Hearethstone, Jotul, and Kuma but I am very pleased with Kuma and will stay with their product.

 

[begreen]

Thanks for the nice review. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the Wood Classic too.

Can you tell us more about running the Sequoia? How often are you reloading in shoulder season weather and in cold winter weather? How is temperature regulation in mild weather? Maintenance tips?

PS: Where in the great Pac NW are you located?

 

[hikingguyantonio]

I only use the Sequoia when it is below 45 degrees outside as the house was so well built/efficient for it's size and age. Since I burn both hard and soft woods my burn times vary. I can get an all night burn and simply refill the box in the am. The hard woods surely burn longer. The catalytic makes for very small ash the next day. Impressive. 12 hour burn times, if you go from match to last ember yes. I can get a solid 8 hours with hardwood and that stove is pumping heat like you can't believe.

 

[Highbeam]

12 hours is a pretty long burn.

 

[heavy hammer]

Nice to see another sequoia owner. I have two seasons with mine and I can't complain about anything. I have even gotten better burn times than advertised, using large locust pieces. I have had many conversations with the people at kuma, extremely helpful.

 

[heavy hammer]

Hikingguyantonio, does the glass on your stove always look dirty?

 

[UrbanBrnr]

I only use the Sequoia when it is below 45 degrees outside as the house was so well built/efficient for it's size and age. Since I burn both hard and soft woods my burn times vary. I can get an all night burn and simply refill the box in the am. The hard woods surely burn longer. The catalytic makes for very small ash the next day. Impressive. 12 hour burn times, if you go from match to last ember yes. I can get a solid 8 hours with hardwood and that stove is pumping heat like you can't believe.

Why is the wonderful high efficiency stove no longer available?

 

[heavy hammer]

It has to do with the new 2020 EPA rules for wood stoves

 

[begreen]

Why is the wonderful high efficiency stove no longer available?

It's more challenging to get a large stove to pass the test and burn cleanly under a variety of conditions. Kuma wisely focussed on stoves they could deliver to the market first. Word is they are working on a big boy now. Hopefully, we'll see a Sequoia LE sometime soon.