Oops, we bought a Vogelzang!

[SurfingDan]

About two weeks ago we purchased this stove: http://www.vogelzang.com/bx42e.htm from Tractor Supply. I called around and to get it installed in our existing fireplace would be about 1500-2500 because they say we need a stainless steel chimney liner. The stove was only 229 itself! So then I did some online searching and apparently this brand is not too popular on here. :D I can return it, but what should I buy instead?

I am looking for a wood stove that can be installed in a brick fireplace to heat a 1500 sq. foot ranch home. We would like to be able to cook on top of it too (hence why we didn't buy an insert instead). I want something is quality and won't burn the house down, but I can't spend too much money.

 

[mikeathens]

If you need the liner for this, you'll need it for whatever other stove you get. Don't be cheap with the chimney. Otherwise, that $2500 will look pretty good as you stand outside and watch the house burn.

Seriously, don't skimp. And if you're not comfortable educating yourself on chimney design and installation, best to let the professionals do it.

 

[webbie]

Well, if your chimney is not in good condition, you are going to have to reline it - at the same cost no matter which stove you choose. If you can DIY or round up some handy friends, you can do it for as little as $500 or so in total material. If your chimney is smaller (8x12 or less), you might be able to get away with a block off plate and a 5 foot piece of stainless flex to install this - material cost about $250-$300.

As far as stoves......it's all relative. I would have given my right arm for that stove back when I was in WV and heating with old coal stoves (burning wood). But technology has come a long way since then.

It always depends on the budget....and at the low end many folks here will suggest models from Englander, Drolet, Osburn, Napoleon etc.
These can be had in the range of $700-$1100.

Not much out there less than those prices...in terms of EPA and UL approved modern stoves.

 

[Backwoods Savage]

As for returning the stove, Tractor Supply has an excellent return policy.

 

[moosetrek]

Englander 13NC about $400-500, good EPA stove, up to 1500 sq feet. We were in the same situation, except we just put a new chimney instead of a liner - easier, and cheaper for us.

Good luck!

 

[Jimbob]

I am looking for a wood stove that can be installed in a brick fireplace to heat a 1500 sq. foot ranch home. We would like to be able to cook on top of it too (hence why we didn't buy an insert instead).

What you need is a stove that is deeper than it is wide. Here are a few examples:

(broken link removed to http://pacificenergy.net/product_super27.php)
(broken link removed to http://www.drolet.ca/product.aspx?CategoId=1&Id=212&Page=spec)
http://www.flame-intl.com/product.aspx?CategoId=1&Id=394&Page=spec

There are several more out there, these are just the ones that come to mind.
Besides the benefit of straight-in loading, it'll stick out far enough to cook on.