Looking for opinions on a new small pellet stove purchase......

[Bioburner]

It isn't an issue when they light using starter gel or start sticks etc. it's when they run out, then try using other flammables. If I remember someone used paint thinner with some bad results. Like the biker cleaning his hog engine in the bathtub at the trailer court, with gasoline. Propane pilot light on the water heater doomed that project.

 

[silverfox103]

I have an "L" shaped ranch. I bought a new P68, 5 years ago. The best spot we had to install it, was the furthest away from the room we spend the most time. So we supplemented by using the oil fed boiler. It worked, but it killed me to use the oil. A friend of mine had a P38, which his wife bought. He hated from day one, I don't know why as she took care of it. Unfortunately she got cancer and died. She wasn't gone 2 weeks, and he had the stove yanked out of his house and put in his garage.

He gave me a call and asked me what it would be worth. It was a 1997 model, I told him probably $500. He said, that's what I thought. I told him I would be interested in it, but it had manual light and I didn't want that. A couple of months go by and he calls again. He said I'll give you a generator and the stove for $500. I couldn't refuse; I figured if I didn't like it, I would just sell it. I had it installed in the far end of our house. I couldn't be happier, it is a piece of cake to light, easily less than a minute. I use a little propane torch. In the last 2 plus years, we have used no oil. It is a great stove.

If I were to buy one new, I would probably buy the P43. But if I were to buy one used, I would look for the P38 as they sell pretty reasonable. If I saw a deal on the P43 used, I would buy that also.

Tom

 

[Bioburner]

Wow never thought I would see so much heat over an ignitor! But just to throw some pellets on the fire:
We should do away with starters in our cars too! If you can't crank your own dam engine you shouldn't be allowed to drive!

Don't think the heat is to high yet. I lived with manual lighting stoves till I got the Bixby a coulple years ago. But have other party in the house that could screw up boiling water.

 

[TheMightyMoe]

As you can tell Harman owners are pretty proud of their stoves =)

I personally am very glad I went with a auto-ignite stove (Originally was looking at a P38) but my issues are only relative to climates that drop past -20 constantly with a oak installed.

Also another benefit of auto-ignite, if you are NOT installing a oak, is the stove will run the fan less, bringing less outside air into the home.

I wouldn't worry about manual vs auto ignite, if you find either used go for it. However, my delicate woman would much prefer auto ignite over manual anyday during the swing season.

You should verify through Harmans website that the stove will fit in your space, their owners manuals are available on their website.

 

[Bioburner]

I was tactfully trying to say the other half couldn't light or doesn't want to that it's a nice option. Trying to keep someones head from being flatsided with a fry pan for being blunt. We've beat this subject pretty hard.

 

[Mdw1219]

I greatly appreciate everyones opinions i never thought i would get this much response We are definitely interested in the harman line, its a matter of auto ignite or not. In reality my wife and i are perfectly capable of lighting the stove it os centered in the house and easily accessible. My thoughts are if im going to buy new, for an extra 400 i can get the current control board and auto ignite. It will save on pellets with the stove shutting off with the thermostat, but on the opposite side comes the cost of replacing the igniter when it goes bad. The good side is this is a small issue, the 38 and 43 seem to be pretty well loved and sounds like a solid pellet stove well worth the money. Auto ignite or not you guys have made my decision. Thank you very much!

 

[gfreek]

Does the P38 and P43 use the same boards and temp sensing controls now?? If so the only difference Now is the auto ignite??

 

[ScottyDaug]

My vote is for the P38. We run one At work. Puts of a lot of heat for its size.

 

[jtakeman]

I greatly appreciate everyones opinions i never thought i would get this much response We are definitely interested in the harman line, its a matter of auto ignite or not. In reality my wife and i are perfectly capable of lighting the stove it os centered in the house and easily accessible. My thoughts are if im going to buy new, for an extra 400 i can get the current control board and auto ignite. It will save on pellets with the stove shutting off with the thermostat, but on the opposite side comes the cost of replacing the igniter when it goes bad. The good side is this is a small issue, the 38 and 43 seem to be pretty well loved and sounds like a solid pellet stove well worth the money. Auto ignite or not you guys have made my decision. Thank you very much!

There is a manual setting that will keep it in maintenance fire. It will chug along with a slow burn just like the P38. No igniter burnout worries either!

 

[DexterDay]

Just because the ignitor goes South, doesn't mean you NEED to replace it. You can manually light then.

But shutting down and cycling is a must in the shoulders and it Saves Pellets.

My vote is for the 43..

 

[Mdw1219]

No the p38 has a diff board

 

[P38X2]

There are a LOT of 38's and 43's out there. I seriously doubt there will be problems finding new boards for a long time. The old "Turbo" 38's can be retrofitted with P61 board and I suspect if there is a shortage way down the road, another retrofit will be possible for any future boards.



Edit- Previous post deleted due to phone error.

 

[7521]

We have an Enviro Mini and love it. Granted, its still pretty new and its the first pellet stove we have owned. But after dealing with a fireplace for 26 years this stove is a little slice of heaven.