Lopi Liberty or Quadra-Fire 5700

[fdegree]

I have narrowed down my choices based upon what a couple of local dealers carry:
Lopi Liberty...(broken link removed to http://www.lopistoves.com/productuide/detail.aspx?id=211#Specs)
Quadra-Fire 5700...(broken link removed to http://www.quadrafire.com/Products/Wood_Burning/Wood_Model.asp?f=5700)

I have to admit, at this point I don't completely understand all of the features on the Quadra-Fire...such as the Advanced Combustion Control (ACC) technology and the patented four-point Quadra-Fire combustion system.
- 1. Does the Liberty have anything similar?
- 2. Are these features really all that advantageous

I understand the bypass damper on the Liberty is nice...allows for quicker starts and reduces puff-back when opening the door.
- 3. Does the Quadra-fire have anything similar?

Any thoughts on other pros and cons regarding these 2 stoves?

When I actually visit these dealers I can ask these same questions, but I want to make sure I am getting honest answers from them. Plus, when going in blind, I don't always know everything I should ask.

 

[firefighterjake]

Don't have any answers for you, but I hate to see someone post a nice thread like this and not get a single opinion so I'm bumping this to the top.

Incidentally, no experience with either the Lopi or Quadrafire, but I believe both are quality stoves. Me, I would probably give the edge to the Lopi, but that's just my personal preference and taste.

 

[Pagey]

From what I've read, the ACC on the Quads is to make the startup procedure a "set it and forget it" type when starting a cold stove. It basically engages a timer that controls the flow of combustion air into the stove. On paper it sounds handy, but I have no direct experience with it. My Endeavor has no such feature, and (using dry pine, I might add) I can go from cold stove to secondary combustion with a 500F stove top in about 20-25 minutes. ACC or no ACC system, I have no trouble starting and regulating a fire with my Endeavor.

To my knowledge, the Quads do not feature a bypass damper mechanism. It is a feature I greatly appreciate having, however.

I don't think you can go wrong with either stove. They are both quality, steel stoves. I guess at this point I'd be asking myself: do I like the appearance of one more than the other? Is the bypass feature enough to sell me on the Lopi? Is one priced significantly different than the other? Are the clearances significantly different?

 

[begreen]

On the checklist, I'd also look at stove design for specific features you might like, ie: bypass or ACC. Also important may be simplicity for long term maintenance. In this case, I prefer the Lopi's firebrick baffle to the Quad's blanket, but that might just be me. For some, the door handle side is important.

 

[fossil]

We're quite pleased with the Liberty. Simple, rugged, and effective...plus we really like the looks of it. I've never had a Quad or burned in one, so I can't offer up any first-hand side-by-side sort of comparison. Rick

 

[fdegree]

Don't have any answers for you, but I hate to see someone post a nice thread like this and not get a single opinion so I'm bumping this to the top.

Incidentally, no experience with either the Lopi or Quadrafire, but I believe both are quality stoves. Me, I would probably give the edge to the Lopi, but that's just my personal preference and taste.

Thanks for the bump. I was beginning to wonder if there was something inappropriate about the post since it seemed to be ignored. :red:

 

[begreen]

Nah. This is a busy time for Hearth.com. Sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the posts. Thx Jake.

 

[fdegree]

Hopefully, someone will chime in and give some first hand knowledge on the Quadra-Fire.

I have been to the dealer and looked at the Liberty...my wife even seems partial to it when compared to the other brands at this dealer (which I am surprised about...I expected her to lean more toward the Hearthstone line). Plus, these folks were incredibly nice and helpful...feeling comfortable with the dealer is an important factor I have to keep in mind.

I will have to get to the dealer that carry's the Quadra-Fire sometime soon and get a first hand look at it.

Thanks for the feedback everyone

 

[cjsplitter]

I have the quadra fire 3100 step top and I love it. But that is because I had been heating with a franklin before. I put three nice size splits in it and a hand full of kindlen and six paper knots and light it. Set the acc and stand back. I get two burns a day for my house, one at ten in the morning and one at night before bed. I am heating about 1400sq home with six in side walls. The reason I went with the quad. was that it would go in a double wide. I liked the nopolen but it won't. Just make sure the wood is dry. I couldn't beleive the differents that make now days. The franklin eat everything.

 

[jtp10181]

The "Quad" burn system is just how they market the secondary combustion. From what I have seen on other stoves Quad's system looks very similar so I don't think there is anything too special about it. There are 4 different points where the fuel can be burned to increase efficiency / reduce emissions.

Others described the ACC well. Its just a timer on the startup air control so you can "load, light, live" as Quads new slogan for the ACC goes... (live, as in, get on with your life and don't worry about the stove)

The bypass damper on the Lopi.... I have seen a bypass on The Isle Royal, which you use when the top load door is used. It works well for that purpose. I don't see why you would need one on a normal front or side loading stove with secondary combustion. If good wood is burnt I have never has smoke come back out on a Quad when opening the door, and have no problems getting a fire going.

 

[Fsappo]

I've used the 5700 with a blower in my old showroom on LI and loved it. I sold a bunch of them and always ended up with happy customers. The good feeling I had with the 5700 caused me to put my current stove in my home which I can't name because I get accused of trying to sell it to everyone, but I bought it because it's design was similar to (but not as well built or efficient as ) the 5700. The ACC burn system is just a fancy name desfribing what most not cat stoves do.

I am intrigued by the bypass on the Liberty, it sounds like a great system. Lopi in general makes a very good product.

 

[kenny chaos]

Gimme Liberty or gimme death.
I can't imagine a stove without a by-pass
but the guys seem happy without.
The wife, a severe arsonphobiac, has become real
good friends with it.
I always recommend the blower with it.

 

[firefighterjake]

Don't have any answers for you, but I hate to see someone post a nice thread like this and not get a single opinion so I'm bumping this to the top.

Incidentally, no experience with either the Lopi or Quadrafire, but I believe both are quality stoves. Me, I would probably give the edge to the Lopi, but that's just my personal preference and taste.

Thanks for the bump. I was beginning to wonder if there was something inappropriate about the post since it seemed to be ignored. :red:

No problem . . . looks like it was worth bumping as you ended up with a few more replies . . . as mentioned it's hard to keep up with the posts this time of year since it can be a pretty busy place.

Let us know what you end up buying . . . and post pics . . . we love pics.

 

[rustynut]

fdegree,
quad's got my vote
second year with mine
no ACC on mine
starts easily every time
14 foot of pipe above the stove
compare the fire box size and dont be afraid of going on the large size
nice to be warm
rn

 

[fdegree]

Let us know what you end up buying . . . and post pics . . . we love pics.

I will certainly do that. I'm probably 6 months to a year away from pulling the trigger. Just trying to learn all I can right now...this seems to be the place to do just that.

Right now, I'm in the process of getting my woodshed built and loaded so I have nicely dried wood for next year

 

[fdegree]

I guess my next question is...

...does the ACC on the Quad work as reliably as advertised?

 

[cjsplitter]

The ACC works great and so far no problems. It is just like a wind up clock you push it back and then pull it forwards and the spring takes off. 25 min later the damper is closed and the fire is going good. Lower the primary damper and watch the fire works.

 

[Ratherbfishin]

Granted it is my 1st season with the 5700 ST but so far I love it. It gives a nice rustic look to the house although to please the other half I got the nickel door trim and nickel legs. Functionally it puts out some serious heat in short order. The controls are simple to use and with a 3.4 ft fire box it will go all night. The door latch is very well thought out as it is a 2 part system that when you 1st crack the door it allows a second or two to adjust the pressure and does not allow for any smoke to escape. I have not had to use the blower yet it hasn't been that cold out. I purchased the 5700 based purely on specs and performance. My wife wanted the Cumberland gap made by Quad but I wasn't positive it was going to heat my house when the going gets tough in Jan,Feb. The step top is also cool for 2 different heat settings if you put a big ol pot of chili on you can move it to the upper level if it gets too hot.

 

[WidowMaker]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it thr Quad that several people had problems with cracks developing???

 

[Pagey]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it thr Quad that several people had problems with cracks developing???

There was a recent thread about Pacific Energy.

 

[WidowMaker]

Could have been or it may have been on the AS board...I tried using the search function but I can't find my _ss with this sites search function...