New wood stove decision

[Wood_Stove_Apprentice]

Hello all, new to the group! I have been browsing here a bit and I’m hoping for some information to help me with a possible new wood stove decision.

I purchased an old farmhouse almost a year ago that came with a “Garrison” wood stove in the kitchen. It was installed by the previous owner in the early 70’s and was used very frequently since then. After I purchased the home our insurance company did a walk through and flagged the stove as not having the correct clearances. They told me it must be installed to meet NFPA unlisted stove clearances or replaced with a modern stove that will meet the correct clearances. Ideally, I would want to keep the stove but that would require installing double wall pipe (which would have to be done anyways with a new stove), installing a sheet metal wall protector with an air gap and increase the hearth size (don’t really want to do that). So, in reality I will most likely need a new stove. I was looking at the Vermont Castings Defiant with the enamel finish because we really love the look of it but after looking at some posts here and other places I don’t think that’s necessarily a good product. I’m looking for recommendations on a new stove that 1) has a classic look like the Vermont castings 2) is a larger size for heat output and for longer burn times 3) has a good reputation. 4) doesn’t require memorizing an operation manual and watching a thermometer to continually adjust airflow
I’m relatively new to wood stoves and it seems like most stoves now are catalytic and are sensitive to soft wood or wood that isn’t very dry. I’m not as concerned about efficiency if there is a stove out there that will just eat through multiple types of wood from my property that isn’t perfectly seasoned.
Sorry for the long winded thread but I would really appreciate some insight from the wood stove veterans out there!

 

[begreen]

There are many options here. How large is the space that is being heated? How will the stove be used - 24/7 for whole house heat, or evenings and weekends for supplemental heat?

 

[Wood_Stove_Apprentice]

It’s located in a 500 square foot kitchen but is open to about another 1500 square feet through doorways. Will mostly be used evenings and weekends but my wife will frequently run it during the day time during the coldest months.

 

[begreen]

There are good non-cats available in the 2 to 2.5 cu ft range that will work well. I prefer a N/S loading stove like the Pacific Energy Super or True North TN20, Quadrafire Millenium 3000, Country S210, or the Regency F2450. SBI also makes the Drolet Escape 1800 and it's sister, the Osburn 2000 that will need a little shorter wood to load N/S.

 

[Burnin Since 1989]

was looking at the Vermont Castings Defiant with the enamel finish because we really love the look of it

I am preparing in the spring to undergo the removal of my old stove, pipe and chimney and hearth. I will build a new hearth and have the stove and pipe/chimney professionally installed, so I don't have to deal with the local code enforcement. My wife also liked the VC Stoves, especially the ones available in brown. I also changed my mind and decided to keep looking so that we can get a stove that is easier to operate. I'm looking at the Pacific Energy Alderlea T5 Classic LE and also the Hearthstone stoves. If you're looking for a enameled cast iron stove, I believe both of these brands are easier to operate and look as good, if not better that the VC stoves. My $.02

 

[Todd]

Look into Woodstock too