New Wood Stove Advice Needed

[Muad]

Hello Hearth.com. Longtime lurker, finally joined up.

Have been burning for almost 20 years. Our newer cabin (past 6 years) is heated 100% by an old HearthStone. I believe it's their first model ever offered, and it does a great job. The cabin is insulated very well, and believe it or not we barely use 3 cord a year of hardwood.

Anyhow, this old HearthStone is wore out, and I'm looking for a replacement. The newer technology scares be a but with all this EPA stuff (catalytic converters, etc.), so I was hoping for some wisdom here.

I've been looking at the newer HearthStone Heritages (REALLY pricey), the VC Dauntless (because of the removable cat), and the Jotul F500 V3 Oslo.

Looking to keep it under $4K, and really like the VC for the cooktop surface and the gill pan option. Also read the ash pan is nice.

I've read and have been told that these downdraft cat stoves can be troublesome, so I'm Leary. I like side load (left side) best, but the top load looks nice also.

As for my wood supply, I always have 3+ years worth of good, seasoned hardwoods on hand in my covered wood shed. A mix of mostly white ash (my favorite), sugar maple, honey locust, red oak, mulberry, etc. The wood I burn has been split and stacked for at least 2-3 years now that my rotation is in place, so I don't think I'll have any issues with wood that is too wet.

Any input is appreciated on what models would work well, or any feedback on the VC Dauntless is appreciated.

Cliff notes:
Well insulated 1600sqft cabin
Heat 100% with wood - current usage is about 3 cord a year
Located in the midwest, NW Ohio - see decent winters
Replacing tired old HearthStone from late 70s, early 80s
Prefer sideload (left hand side) or top load
Cooking surface a plus
Have good, seasoned hardwoods for fuel source

EDIT: I have a local shops that have the HearthStone Heritage in stock, and two dealers that claim they can get the VC Encore or Dauntless in a week or so (distributor has stock).

Blessings

 

[begreen]

If concerned about new EPA tech then keep it simple. And don't worry about side or top-loading. Both of these stoves are E/W loaders and have complications that are not necessary for good reliable heat. Look into the Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 and the Jotul F45 for simpler stoves. They both load N/S which will also help extend the burn time because they can be loaded fully without worrying about a log rolling up against the glass. Of the two the T5 is the simplest. It's easier to clean and has regulated secondary air for further extending the burn time. It's also one of the best stoves for cooking on with its swing-away trivet top providing almost infinite temperature control.

 

[bikedennis]

For side loaders look at Woodstock.

 

[begreen]

For side loaders look at Woodstock.

Yes, I was thinking a Fireview, but it's not the best for cooking on.

 

[Muad]

If concerned about new EPA tech then keep it simple. And don't worry about side or top-loading. Both of these stoves are E/W loaders and have complications that are not necessary for good reliable heat. Look into the Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 and the Jotul F45 for simpler stoves. They both load N/S which will also help extend the burn time because they can be loaded fully without worrying about a log rolling up against the glass. Of the two the T5 is the simplest. It's easier to clean and has regulated secondary air for further extending the burn time. It's also one of the best stoves for cooking on with its swing-away trivet top providing almost infinite temperature control.

Thanks for the input. Wife and I really like the side load as it's much easier than front load, and no worries of stuff rolling out (a constant issue with our old "Little Buck" when the ashes were getting high).

I will check out those models for sure, I appreciate the input.

I did look at the Woodstock Fireview also, but the MSRP was just too high.

I also found a nice looking Jotul 118 (older vintage), so that's rolling around in my head also. I'm not against a used stove, but would rather buy new so I can be the first one to fire it up, etc.

 

[Muad]

Also, should I be concerned with the catalytic stoves? I have been told they're very picky about wood. While I'm confident my wood is well seasoned and dry, 10 years down the road may be different.

This is what lead me to the Dauntless, as it's cat can be removed.

Are Vermont Castings still quality stoves?

Looking at this PE T5, it's front load. While I can probably deal with that, the wife is concerned - and she and the boy are the ones running the stove while I'm off working.

 

[bholler]

Thanks for the input. Wife and I really like the side load as it's much easier than front load, and no worries of stuff rolling out (a constant issue with our old "Little Buck" when the ashes were getting high).

I will check out those models for sure, I appreciate the input.

I did look at the Woodstock Fireview also, but the MSRP was just too high.

I also found a nice looking Jotul 118 (older vintage), so that's rolling around in my head also. I'm not against a used stove, but would rather buy new so I can be the first one to fire it up, etc.

Get a larger stove that can be loaded north south and the issue of wood rolling out is a non issue.

 

[bholler]

Also, should I be concerned with the catalytic stoves? I have been told they're very picky about wood. While I'm confident my wood is well seasoned and dry, 10 years down the road may be different.

This is what lead me to the Dauntless, as it's cat can be removed.

Are Vermont Castings still quality stoves?

Looking at this PE T5, it's front load. While I can probably deal with that, the wife is concerned - and she and the boy are the ones running the stove while I'm off working.

Cat stoves are no more picky about wood than noncats. But the cat will need replaced periodically. Usually about 3 years.

If you are looking for a simple reliable stove completely avoid Vermont castings. They have improved in recent years but are still overly complicated.

Front loading with a north south loader is really no different from loading a side loader. Actually it's a bit easier

 

[ratsrepus]

And the Jotuls have been a pain also. never did like em anyway. I like a steel stove clad in Cast Iron.

 

[bholler]

And the Jotuls have been a pain also. never did like em anyway. I like a steel stove clad in Cast Iron.

Honestly most jotuls are pretty simple and bulletproof. The fire lights were not good and the new f500 has issues

 

[ratsrepus]

Honestly most jotuls are pretty simple and bulletproof. The fire lights were not good and the new f500 has issues

Its just that as expensive as they are, or I should say were in my case, it did not live up to my expectations.

 

[bholler]

Its just that as expensive as they are, or I should say were in my case, it did not live up to my expectations.

Fair enough. The vast majority of jotul owners I work for are very happy

 

[Muad]

Thanks all.

Called a local dealer on the PE T5. Over $5K. That's just too much. Guy was super cool and said I should check my gaskets on the HearthStone after explaining what it's been doing. Sure enough, while visually it looked good on the front door (that we never use), it didn't pass the dollar bill test he had me perform.

So, I may be able to keep the ole hearth going a bit longer. Now to find quality gasket material. The stuff I used from TSC and Rural King in the past was not great.

 

[Hearthstone 99]

Cooking on our new Osburn 2000, early days yet we had it installed just a month ago , we went for this stove rather than the Oslo because it’s way cheaper and reviews seemed very good for the Osburns, we liked the T5 but hard to find around here so we gave up. We had an old heritage 24 years old great stove but it needed money spending on it. This one is very different, I’m still getting to know it and use it. I didn’t want a catalytic stove maybe I played safe with not always being able to have completely dry wood, and the reviews of the EPA certified stoves put me off, I did the math too. next spring I’m building a proper wood shed and move away from a wood pile with a tarp cover, I got a moisture reader and most of the wood is under 15%
But we are very pleased with this stove, it heats well and the blower isn’t too loud, too much wood does make it burn hot, too hot but I think the silly ash plug is to blame because it smokes underneath when the stove is lit and cold and the door is open, so I’m going to cover the ash hole with sheet metal, I think that if smoke comes out of that ash plug hole then air can be sucked in ?
But we are happy with it so far

 

[begreen]

It sounds like something like a piece of charcoal may be stuck in the ash plug causing it to leak a bit. Smoke should never come out of there. If anything it should be sucking in air which may be related to the hot fire.

If you get a cast iron trivet for the pot to sit on it will slow down the cooking. This is nice for things that call for a simmer rather than a boil.

 

[Muad]

As a follow-up. I replaced the gaskets on all doors, including the ash pan door. I should have done this years ago!!

I have been burning for years, but only every visually inspected my door gaskets. I'll be using this "dollar bill" method from here on out.

We finally got cold enough to start a fire here in Northern Ohio, and the ole HearthStone is doing great. It even appears that the "dual combustion" system is working again, as I can see flames up in the top of the stove where the exhaust gases are. Previously, it did not do this. Heat output is improved (not that it was an issue prior), but the burn time improvement has given me the biggest smile. I tossed a few large chunks of good cured red maple from four years ago around 10:30PM last night. I didn't fill the firebox, just three nice sized 18-20" logs. At 6:55AM this morning I still had a nice bed of coals to get her going again. In years past, I would have to cram the firebox full of wood to get anywhere near that burn time.

Thanks again for all of the help. I will continue to save up for a replacement, but this ole girl is gonna keep on burning; then I'll move her out to the shop or the cabin we're looking to build in the woods.

Blessings,
M