Looking for catalytic stove recommendations

[toasty5]

I'm looking for a wood stove that can be my primary heat source and would like some recommendations. The house is old and uninsulated (except the roof), tall ceilings, and open 1500 sq ft floor plan (both first and second floor). There are no risers on the stairs going up to the second floor, which allows for more heat to reach the second floor. There's a heat pump on the first floor below the stairs that's currently the primary heat source, that I'd prefer to be the back-up since Maine winters regularly dip below ideal temps for higher efficiency.

The house currently has a brick chimney (located inside the house) that was most recently used for a propane stove. See pic for current set-up. I know I'll need to get the chimney re-lined, but otherwise looking for a stove compatible with this set-up.

I've researched catalytic vs non-catalytic and prefer the catalytic for the more even heating and longer burn times. I'm intrigued by the soapstone for the soft, ambient heat, as long as it can still adequately heat the house. The makes/models I'm considering are:

- blaze king ashford
- hearthstone heritage
- vermont castings intrepid (although it seems like it fits up to 14" logs which seems a little limiting)
- keystone 204 soapstone wood stove (serial number 4946, looking at a used one)

Open to other brands and models. If I'm buying new I'm hoping to spend $4,000 or less. Been looking at marketplace too for something used.

This is my first wood stove, so I appreciate any suggestions and input!

 

[reaperman1]

Dont forget to check out Kuma cat stoves

 

[stoveliker]

If the $4000 includes relining, it might be tough.
Make sure you use an insulated liner for safety and code compliance.

Can you sketch the floorplan?

Do you know how many btus the heat pump supplies to keep the home warm?

 

[Turbo89]

From your list I’d be looking at the blaze king. I have a VC Encore, depending on the room layout may be the right size, but I’d have a hard time recommending it as it’s so finicky and heavily depends on very seasoned wood.

As others said, if the liners included in that budget (even if you’re installing it), a good portion of you budget is gone and if you want to go new you’ll probably have to up the budget or consider a non-cat stove. In that case I’d personally consider a Drolet, and something with a 2.8cu-ft+ fire box to extend burn times. If you stay on top of FB market place you may be able to get a great stove used, but time isn’t on your side for this season.

 

[begreen]

With the heating season now underway, it's going to be more costly, more like $8000 for the full deal unless DIY. New cat stoves are expensive, so is relining, especially if the old liner needs to be busted out. (Note that the Keystone requires a 7" liner.) A used cat stove is going to be your best bet and that may need some investment to bring it up to par.

Then there is the fuel. The stove is going to need fully seasoned firewood to perform properly and safely. Finding this in some areas can be a major challenge. A lot of wood sold as "seasoned" is not ready to burn. Some hardwoods like oak need at least 2 yrs. of proper seasoning, after it has been split and stacked. Wood split last month is unlikely to be down to 15-20% moisture content, even it the tree was felled months earlier.

Another option is to forego the cat stove for the next few years and get a conventional non-cat for now. That will greatly increase options for stoves. A good new stove can be bought for under $2000. That will allow the budget to be focused on a proper chimney lining system and maybe some kiln dried wood if available. Considering that the heat pump can cover the swing season heating, a non-cat may be a good fit here.

Wood Stove - Escape 1800 Black Door on Pedestal - Drolet - EPA

Escape 1800 wood stove - EPA certified at 1.54 g/h - 75,000 BTU/h - Heats up to 2,100 ft² - 20 '' logs - Model on pedestal - Made in Canada Us.

www.drolet.ca

 

[BKVP]

Be careful to observe Owner's Manual recommendations. The AF30.2 needs 36" of vertical rise, then 2-45's, all double wall stove pipe.

BeGreen is correct, look for a used secondary combustion stove and when the budget recovers you'll have installed a 6" insulated liner and you can swap out stoves.

You might get a great deal on a used stove and then sell it in a couple of years and likely recover original cost.

Everyone here will encourage you to get a few cords of wood and make certain it's dry with an inexpensive moisture meter.

But, also build a kick a-- wood shed!

BKVP

 

[stoveliker]

And show pics of that shed here

Thread 'Show Us Your Wood Shed'

May 5, 2020

New sticky for wood shed photos and plans.

• webfish
• Replies: 571
• Forum: The Wood Shed

•