PE or Napoleon?

[salmonhunter]

Im in the process of buying my first wood insert was really hopping to get a BK princess but at $3750 im looking into other options. I think i have narrowed it down to either a PE super insert or a Napoleon 1402. I believe these are the biggest inserts that I would be able to fit in my fireplace. I havent called about pricing but im assuming they are cheaper then the BK. If you had to choose between either of those 2 inserts which one would you choose? I believe the PE has a slightly smaller firebox but I think I read somewhere that they are more efficient then the Napoleons(could have been a dream though). Do you think either one of those would have a better burn time then the other or are they both pretty well equal. Help me decide or should I just buy what ever one ends up being cheaper?

 

[kingquad]

Burn times and heat output should be similar. PE has a much more durable baffle system. Both are good inserts. PE will cost a bit more, but quality is supposed to be a little better. Also, just so you are completely informed, do a search on PE cracked firebox on this site. The problem seems to be rectified, but it's worth reading. The problem seemed to be with stoves built around 2007. How much space are you trying to heat?

 

[begreen]

The Napoleon is a nice insert. There are several folks here that have them installed. It is priced around the same as the Super insert. But shop carefully as the door is often listed as an "extra".

Both are good stoves and close in size. I am biased toward PE's construction and design. Their mid-sized stoves have exceptionally good burn times, the longest tested by http://www.chimneysweeponline.com . The weld cracking issue was only on a batch of circa 2006-2007 Summit inserts so far. I haven't read of any issues with the other stoves. Figure about $2500 for the Super insert or Napoleon 1402 with door.

Another Canadian insert to check out would be the Enviro Kodiak 1700. Reports here have all been good for this insert. SBI stoves like the Osburn 2000 also provide good value. And the Regency I2400 is a popular model worth considering if it will fit.

 

[salmonhunter]

kingquad im trying to heat a 1400 sg ft home. Main reason im looking for a stove with a long burn time is I work 10 hr or longer shifts and my wife says she doesnt want to be messing around with a wood stove she thinks it will be a big hassle. Maybee she will come around when she feels the heat from the stove maybee not. Either way we have an oil furnace if we need it but I would rather not use it at all.
begreen thanks for the list of other stoves to look at the local hearth store deals with all of the above companies so this gives me more options. one question though what is a SBI stove?

 

[madison]

IMHO, with the requirement of a 10 hr burn time and the significant other's resistance to loading the stove . A cat insert maybe a better choice in a 1400 sq ft home. A large non cat firebox filled for a 10 hr burn may tend overheat an average 1400 sq ft home.

No clue on what SBI ...

 

[kingquad]

kingquad im trying to heat a 1400 sg ft home. Main reason im looking for a stove with a long burn time is I work 10 hr or longer shifts and my wife says she doesnt want to be messing around with a wood stove she thinks it will be a big hassle. Maybee she will come around when she feels the heat from the stove maybee not. Either way we have an oil furnace if we need it but I would rather not use it at all.
begreen thanks for the list of other stoves to look at the local hearth store deals with all of the above companies so this gives me more options. one question though what is a SBI stove?

I'd go with a PE or an Enviro if your after burn times. I had really good success pulling long burn times out of my Enviro, but I was using some big chunks of wood when I filled her up. The Enviro will provide more heat too, as it has a larger firebox. It's also available in a few different styles as well, but they share the same firebox.

 

[firebroad]

SBI=Stove Builder International. I am not familiar with their products.
I have to say that I have had no problems with my PE insert, but I have had it for only a year. I am impressed with their limited lifetime warranty, however. I don't know how much heat you will be able to crank out of it, especially in Canada; Freestanding stoves will definitely be more efficient than inserts, but if you have a "friendly" layout in your house, it can be a great source of inexpensive heat. Nice thing is, you will be able to see the flames with the insert; better for converting your spouse to the comforts of wood heat

 

[begreen]

SBI is a large Canadian stove company. They build Drolet, Osburn, Enerzone,Valcourt, Flame and Century Heating.

http://www.sbi-international.com/en/