New guy w/ questions about heating a 800 sq ft shop

[hawkeyestoob]

I have just moved and now have a 800 sq ft dedicated wood shop in a detached garage. The shop walls and ceiling are very well insulated as is the double wide garage door. This is only a hobby shop so I am not needing to have the best of the best in terms of heating system in there. I was hoping to stay under $2000 for my complete system.

With that in mind I was looking at the refurb Timber Ridge v49-TRCPM - Multi-Fuel Stove but I see that they are out of stock now. I liked the fact that it can be controlled with a thermostat which will help keep the pellet usage reasonable if I keep it set around 45 when I'm not in there. If they do not become available soon there is also the 55-TRPIP model that has a 80b hopper capacity which would be handy.

I have heard that you are better off buying a multi fuel stove even if you do not intend to burn corn since they are built better. Is there any truth to this or just a sales pitch? Are there any other things I should be considering before I pull the trigger on something like this? Any other models or brands that I should be looking at? My bottom line is that I am looking for reliability and simplicity to operate.

Thanks for any and all feedback!
Craig

 

[pen]

I'd suggest checking with the insurance company. Don't blame you a bit for wanting to heat the space; but if not done right, I'd hate to see them give you a surprise in the event of a problem.

pen

 

[daffonce]

If i were you i would be checking out craigslist for used stoves. Get one in need of some tlc with piping for under $1,000

 

[Lake Girl]

Might want to check with the local building inspector before planning too much. There are some specific requirements for placing stoves in shops/garages

 

[hawkeyestoob]

Lake Girl - I have checked on the local codes and the only requirement is that the stove be raised 18 inches off the floor.

daffonce - I have been checking craigslist and it seems like all I am finding is either people who want 90% of new price or are selling their problem stoves.

pen - I have checked with the insurance company and all is good there since the space is not attached to the house.

 

[Bioburner]

A multifuel may suit you well in Iowa as corn is plentiful and cheap. Get a idea of what is allowed in your shop and stop back. A small gas heater may work as well as your not as cold of climate as me and propane is very cheap right now. You have some time to figure things out and do some shopping. Staying under $2000 should be no problem with a very nice stove. I sold two project stoves last year for well under that and were very good multifuel stoves. Harman and St.Croix Auburn