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: 572
• Forum: The Wood Shed

• 

 

[kborndale]

Also keep in mind that in an uninsulated house in maine, your going to be running the stove very high most of the time so a cat stove will not be getting you the long burn times you think it will. You will be getting pretty much the same burn times you would be getting with a non-cat stove.

 

[BKVP]

Also keep in mind that in an uninsulated house in maine, your going to be running the stove very high most of the time so a cat stove will not be getting you the long burn times you think it will. You will be getting pretty much the same burn times you would be getting with a non-cat stove.

True...but at least it will be EVEN heat due to thermostat.

BKVP

 

[stoveliker]

But that's not a common feature on all cat stoves.

 

[BKVP]

But that's not a common feature on all cat stoves.

Agreed!

BKVP

 

[stoveliker]

Also keep in mind that in an uninsulated house in maine, your going to be running the stove very high most of the time so a cat stove will not be getting you the long burn times you think it will. You will be getting pretty much the same burn times you would be getting with a non-cat stove.

Very much so.
That's why I asked for a BTU number and a sketch.

 

[Todd]

The Keystone will be too small unless you plan on updating your insulation. Might be worth a drive to Woodstock to check out their other stoves?

Jotul is right there in Maine check them out as well. It’s rumored they are bringing back the F45 that would probably be a good fit.

 

[BKVP]

If you want honest Btu's, get them EPA's website.

BKVP

 

[begreen]

If you want honest Btu's, get them EPA's website.

BKVP

Are they posting testing results anymore? The last time I checked, the database was down.

 

[BKVP]

Are they posting testing results anymore? The last time I checked, the database was down.

Yes, it is down. They are in the midst of quarterly updates. Our Sentry 14 is being added. Big meeting tomorrow with industry on the new test method! Know more later!

BKVP

 

[Highbeam]

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!

What do you mean by open 1500 SF floor plan first and second floor? Is this a 3000 SF house? Is part of the lower 1500 SF having a double tall ceiling open to the smaller second level? Big difference in heating demand but any uninsulated home in Maine is going to need a lot of energy.

I've had soapstone hearthstone heritage, it looks great but is not a great material to build a stove with. Very slow to heat up and the residual heat after the fire goes out is not significant. Only if you can keep the fire burning does the soapstone not really hurt you much but then you may as well run a proper welded steel firebox.

Woodstock makes some proper welded steel stoves if you like that company and are confident that they will be around in the future. Prices are or were very good for their stoves.

Look at the kuma. Their biggest stove is still only medium sized but they have earned a great reputation.

Of course the blaze kings are ideal for constant heating, that's why I moved to one after ditching the soapstone.

No VC products. Horrible reputation. Look great though.

 

[John Lehet]

Disagree about soapstone as such. I guess that is the experience with that Heritage stove. And I have heard that with the older heritage stoves, very slow to heat. My (different design) soapstone Woodstock Progress Hybrid throws out a lot of heat right away through the front glass. This stove makes a lot of the heat in the firebox, if burned to favor flaming rather than catalytic smolder, and a lot of that gets thrown out through the glass right away. I was honestly worried about the soapstone being too slow to warm, but I’ve been extremely happy with it. It’s a really nice feeling, the way the stone radiates the heat, a different feel from an iron or steel stove putting out the same BTUs. I also find that the stone really does hold heat for a long time. The way I burn it, I usually do a long cycle between feeding wood and then letting coaling continue often until I have just enough coals to start the next fire easily. Unless it’s very cold, in which case I’ll add fuel more frequently. But in my usual way of burning, the soapstone is hot and that is the heat I’m getting. I’ve been very comfortable and happy with this stove so far (only one season). Woodstock Progress has gone up in price, over your $4000. With your uninsulated house in a cold climate, you will need a big stove with a big firebox.

 

[stovelark]

Considering budget/heat needs, a large used stove (Jotul F500, F600 for example) would do well IF the wood is seasoned and ready to burn. A large steel stove (2.5-3.0 CF firebox) would be good choice too. Any stove will heat well if the chimney and fuel are good. Lots of good choices out there, but the soapstone and cast stoves are more aesthetic. I believe myself the best all around considering all facets are the steel stoves, espec the steel heart, cast outside cladding stoves... they are quick to temp, durable and are easiest to afford. Good luck.

 

[toasty5]

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?

The floor plan is a total of 1500 sq ft. so 750 ft per floor. On the first floor the bathroom is the only room with a door, the rest is open. Upstairs is the same. Ceilings on the first floor are probably around 12 ft., 8-9ft. on the second floor.

Not sure about BTUS, but it's a single heat pump unit and runs pretty constantly when temps dip to 40s at night.

 

[toasty5]

With budget aside. Which brands would you most recommend and which models would be most suitable for the space (square footage, open, but lack of insulation)? I don't want to burn us out either since the main bedroom is upstairs and that is insulated. And are there any brands/ models to avoid?

I don't want steel, but am open to catalytic, non-catalytic, cast iron, and soapstone.

 

[stovelark]

Blazeking, Jotul, Hearthstone, Woodstock would be good choices, firebox 2.5-3.0CF. Jotul Oslo, Hearthstone Mansfield would be good choices. Good luck.

 

[stoveliker]

Why not steel?
anything else requires more maintenance in resealing. Steel is welded and won't have such issues.
Heat output can be moderated in stoves with convection shielding.
And there's steel fireboxes with cast iron cladding (i.e. where the cast iron does not need to be sealed).

Personally, I would not want anything but steel..

 

[Highbeam]

And if you are convinced that soapstone adds any value there are welded steel stoves from woodstock with interior soapstone bricks for that alleged thermal mass. What's the marketing term? oh yes, "heat life".

Your 12 foot ceilings in the lower 750 make that 1.5x regular so that counts as 1125, plus the 750 upstairs and the uninsulated in Maine means you'll want a full sized stove. 2.5 CF and up.

Another brand not mentioned is PE (Pacific Energy). They make the alderlea series that you would like since it is a cast iron clad welded steel firebox. You can't see the steel on the outside. Made in Canada, great reputation for a noncat.

Wood Stoves

Stoves for Every Room Size: Small-Medium, Medium-Large, Large. Customizable Exterior Designs. 9 Wood Stove Options. Cast Iron, Porcelain Enamel in 5+ Colours.

www.pacificenergy.net

 

[Todd]

Steel stoves have their problems as well. Seen plenty of of posts of cracks, warpage and burnt through steel. Every material has its pros and cons.