New here-new to the stove, too

[The Coopers]

Hi everyone!
I’ve been reading for a while and wanted to introduce myself and ask a question, or two.

My husband and I are in the process of finishing our basement and turning it into a family room. While we were working in the basement the other day I made a comment to him and said how neat it would be to have a wood burning stove in the house and maybe we should look into the possibility of having one installed. Long story short, after some research we both settled on a pellet stove!
Two reasons for wanting a stove in the house:

1-Recreate my childhood memory
2-Heat source for the basement (notice how I put heat as second reason not first) HA!

I grew up in a household that had a wood burning stove. It was used for cooking and heating. I’ve always wanted a wood burning stove but like I said, after some research, pellet stove is a way to go.

Now, my questions to you is, where do I go from here? I’ve noticed that our Lowe’s and Home Depot carry stoves but do I go to Lowe’s or a pellet stove dealer?

Do I want top-feed or bottom feed?
What about BTUs? (basement will be about 400sf, give or take)
I would like a good flame pattern along with a large viewing glass.
I am assuming automatic ignition vs. manual, right?
Can we do the installation ourselves or do we have a professional install it?
Used or new stove?

Mostly the stove is for ambiance (no, I really don’t want an electric fireplace) and of course it will provide the heat for us in the basement, too.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[St_Earl]

small sq. footage you're talking about. you *should* be able to use the smallest models available.
especially if your basement is insulated.

the installation question can have many variables.
it could be as easy as a straight pipe out the wall (direct vent) if it's a daylight basement wall. i.e. above ground.
but you do need to find out what is needed in that regard before determining if you are comfortable doing it yourself or need an installer.

i'd say run scenarios by the folks here. there are many pros who do installs all the time. and who can point out issues and solutions.
clearances, venting requirements etc...

eventually people will need to read details (preferably see pictures) of the space.

sounds like a bay window model might/could be what you are looking for though as far as ambiance.

these are all just general points. i'm pretty sure a lot more detail will develop as this thread moves forward.
welcome to the forum. you've definitely found the right place.

 

[will711]

Welcome CoopersPlenty of good folks here to help answer your many ??

Can we do the installation ourselves or do we have a professional install it?

Are you handy DIY people? , I did mine myself not real difficult took my time and followed the manual.

I’ve noticed that our Lowe’s and Home Depot carry stoves but do I go to Lowe’s or a pellet stove dealer?

If you do HD or Lowe's you need to be handy if something needs to be fixed Englander has great Tech support. A stove dealer will have a greater selection of stoves can do the install and be there to service the stove. I went the dealer route. Where do you go from here? I would go to the dealers look at the different stoves see them in action ask ?? and you'll be able to make an informed choice.

Hope this was some help.

 

[imacman]

If you decide on one of the units that Lowes/Home Despot sells (Englander Stoves), you might want to consider buying it online from AM-FM energy.

You can get a FACTORY refurbed unit at a good $$ savings, and it still comes with full factory warranty and new OAK kit. The Senior Tech (the guy that actually re-furbs the stoves) is a member on this forum and a great guy. Englander cust. service is second to none in the pellet stove business.

For a nice looking stove w/ a large window, I'd suggest either the 10-cpm Multi Fuel, or the EP series:

(broken link removed to http://www.amfmenergy.com/55trpep--epa-certified-pellet-stove--2000552000.html)

(broken link removed to http://www.amfmenergy.com/49trcpm--multifuel-stove--2200492200.html)

 

[smwilliamson]

budget? how much do you want to spend recreate that memory?..oh, and add heat I can better guide you from there.

 

[The Coopers]

Thanks everyone! Apprecite the input.
The basement walls will be insulated.

budget? how much do you want to spend recreate that memory?..oh, and add heat I can better guide you from there.​

As far as the budget, I'd say $2,000 (+/-) for the unit. Would you recommend new or used unit?

 

[Cincinnati Kid]

Thanks everyone! Apprecite the input.
The basement walls will be insulated.



As far as the budget, I'd say $2,000 (+/-) for the unit. Would you recommend new or used unit?

I would recommend either a Harman P-38 or P-43 for your basement. These are bottom feed stoves. The only difference between the two is the P-43 has auto ignition. I've got a P-43 in my basement with the walls insulated. It does a great job and also heats my upstairs kitchen with the basement door open.

I like the Harmans as they are very reliable and easy to clean/maintain. Unless you know what you are doing, I would have the stove professionally installed.

 

[The Coopers]

Also, found a used Quadrafire Castille stove for sale. Anyone have any input on the stove?

 

[St_Earl]

Also, found a used Quadrafire Castille stove for sale. Anyone have any input on the stove?

buying used means being prepared to diagnose and fix any issues the stove may have. the refurbished englanders from am/fm have been gone through and tested and have full factory warranties.

if you use an installer, be sure they know what they are doing.
there are plenty who don't.
looking back i'm sure i could have done my install. but i also don't regret using the fellow we did. i learned good stuff from him.

remember to figure the price of venting (pipe) into the equation.
spend more time asking questions and finding answers. no need to rush is what i am saying.

 

[will711]

remember to figure the price of venting (pipe) into the equation. spend more time asking questions and finding answers. no need to rush is what i am saying.

Good advice there figure another $400 for that,& don't use the cheap stuff from the big boxes get the pro stuff.

 

[smwilliamson]

Quad Castille is a great little stove. I aqcuired a used one that I refurbished for my mom, great stove and has given her no problems. The glass gasket is the only PITA part of the stove to change. For 2k you can get a lot in a used stove

 

[ivanhoe]

Placement of stove in basement could be a big factor if you plan of using the extra heat for the upstairs. As close to the stairway as possible if feasible is what i'm saying. Welcome to the Hearth forum.

 

[DexterDay]

How far from Ohio are you? I know of a used Castile for pretty cheap?

There are many nice stoves out there. Harman, Quad, Enviro, Englander, and Lopi are some of the bigger names out there.

Lots of info here. The search function up top can be your friend and by the sound of your posts you have taken advantage of it Keep reading and listening to the advice here. Soon you will find one you want.

 

[stoveguy2esw]

welcome to the coopers,

had some nice suggestions already, the Harmans are quality units, the castile you mentioned if in good running order would be a good choice as well. of my units , the EP would be my first choice for ambiance , or the CPM. though its a bit pricier. any one of those units both mine and the others would supply quite a bit of heat along with the look you seem to be wanting. as far as the englander units should you have any questions about them feel free to ask me, be happy to answer them