Please give me your real world experience with Blaze king Chinook 20.2

[From Away]

I have to buy a new stove because I cannot get parts to rebuild my WS Keystone. I am really confused by the various recommendations made to me, since different dealers are recommending stoves on opposite ends of the spectrum concerning size and btu output. After researching some on the btu output and recommended sq.ft., it seems that it makes even less sense to me. I think I have narrowed it down though. One of them being the BK Chinook 20.2.

Another member on here recommended I get some real world experience to help make my decision. That sounded like really good advice, so here I am.
Can you give me your experiences with the Chinook?
How do you think it will work for my house?

Here are my house specs...
I am also attaching our house floor plan in PDF format.
#1- I calculated the square footage for the first floor at a measured 682 sq. ft. and that includes the staircase. The ceiling height on the first floor is 7"10".
#2- I calculated the square footage of the second floor at a measured 497.5 sq. ft. and that includes closet spaces. The ceiling height on the second floor is 6'10".
#3- The total sq. ft. for both floors is 1,179.5 sq. ft.
#4- The home is constructed with 2X6 walls and I can only assume it is insulated accordingly.
#5- I live in Central Maine.
#6- Windows on first floor are older double pane.
#7- There is no heat source on the second floor.

Any feedback before I make a decision?

Thanks in advance!
Brad

 

[Highbeam]

That's too bad about the keystone. Was that stove otherwise good at heating your home the way you want it to? If so, look at the current model keystone and find a stove with comparable specifications.

Ignore the SF ratings and btu output ratings from the manufacturers and go to the EPA list for actual tested numbers where you have your best shot of comparing apples to apples.

I heat a 1700 SF old home in relatively warm western washington with a princess from BK.

The 20 box from BK is an odd duck, it's almost always better to go to the 30 series box. Smaller is not always better.

 

[From Away]

That's too bad about the keystone. Was that stove otherwise good at heating your home the way you want it to? If so, look at the current model keystone and find a stove with comparable specifications.

Ignore the SF ratings and btu output ratings from the manufacturers and go to the EPA list for actual tested numbers where you have your best shot of comparing apples to apples.

I heat a 1700 SF old home in relatively warm western washington with a princess from BK.

The 20 box from BK is an odd duck, it's almost always better to go to the 30 series box. Smaller is not always better.

I never got a chance to try the Keystone. i bought it used, and when I pulled out the cat to order a new one, I noticed the combustor pan was cracked. I bought it in July and spoke to a guy at Woodstock in person, and at that time they had parts. Now, they do not have what I need in stock. The Keystone has not changed, so since they do not have repair parts, they are not building them either. The Chinook 20.2 is available on the floor of the dealer. if I order the 30.2, it is 10-12 week lead time, which will put me into mid December.... I can pick the 20.2 up tomorrow.
I am inexperienced burning wood, but this forum has helped immensely. I am concerned about stove temps dropping on long burns that would "disengage" the cat. Wouldn't that cause creosote? Seems to me that the stove has to always operate in a range that keeps the cat "engaged." Right?

 

[Highbeam]

Seems to me that the stove has to always operate in a range that keeps the cat "engaged." Right?

Yes, but that range is very low output on a controllable cat stove and a thermostat will act to maintain a low but adequate burn rate. This is where the cat stoves really shine, they are most efficient and cleanest burning at very low output levels.

 

[moresnow]

All the stoves you are considering are well documented top performers. You could hardly go wrong with either.
The BK 20 series should in fairness be compared to any competitors 2 cu ft or less sized stove. I know of no others that can span such a wide burning season with the same capability and comfort. The advertised potential burn duration is spot on correct in my experience.
This BK 20 series has the exact same performance benefits of the larger BK models in a compact size. It fits my 750 sq ft (per level) story and a half perfectly. It simply looks like it fits here and performs correctly in my space. There would be no reason to encumber my available space with a larger more imposing model.
On the other hand I would have zero problem plugging in a larger BK just for the fun of it! The only added value would be even loooonger burn times.

 

[Highbeam]

All the stoves you are considering are well documented top performers. You could hardly go wrong with either.
The BK 20 series should in fairness be compared to any competitors 2 cu ft or less sized stove. I know of no others that can span such a wide burning season with the same capability and comfort. The advertised potential burn duration is spot on correct in my experience.
This BK 20 series has the exact same performance benefits of the larger BK models in a compact size. It fits my 750 sq ft (per level) story and a half perfectly. It simply looks like it fits here and performs correctly in my space. There would be no reason to encumber my available space with a larger more imposing model.
On the other hand I would have zero problem plugging in a larger BK just for the fun of it! The only added value would be even loooonger burn times.

The bigger Bk has 50% longer burn times for any given output level and the ability to put out much more top end heat if you need to catch up. Very similar low end output rate. The 30 uses a more common cat which is more likely to be readily available which may be important to the OP that has been burned by parts availability issues.

Nothing wrong with the little 20 though if you just can’t wait.

 

[From Away]

Thanks for the help and feedback. I appreciate you all taking the time to help me figure this out!

 

[stoveliker]

As a clarification, the thermostat keeps the stove from falling out of cat range (if the set up flue, make up air, and wood dryness (!!) are all ok) untill you run out of fuel. But by that time no creosote is being made anymore.

I have the 30 box, but other than burn times and a higher output end it should be the same. 1700 sqft with my stove in the basement (not counted in that sq footage). Happy as a clam.

 

[moresnow]

Glad to help with any of your questions. Please keep in mind that info dispensed by someone who has never owned nor operated a 20 series should be taken with a grain of salt. At very best. I read your title to this thread. That's why I commented. Carry on! Enjoy shopping.

 

[bholler]

I will say I really think any of the stoves you are considering will do the job just fine. But as long as you have another heat source I wouldn't rush into a decision based upon what's available now. Its a big purchase if there is something you really want wait for it.

 

[From Away]

Thanks again for all the input. I started the separate posts so that the brands and models didn't get buried in the post, so keeping them separate is helpful to me. I'm glad I did although it may seem redundant. I appreciate everyone that posted here trying to help out! Like beholler said, for me this is a huge purchase and you all are giving me what I need to consider and your experiences. Thank you!

 

[begreen]

Is this line of inquiry now moot if the Keystone repair is back on the front burner?

 

[From Away]

Not yet. But the replies were very helpful. As of yesterday afternoon, Woodstock is now not sure I will be able to get the parts in time for the heating season. We will see. But thanks to all for the replies. I am still going to go look at some Blaze Kings on Friday. I've narrowed it down to either a Blaze King or the Alderlea T5 should Woodstock give the word that it will not be possible this season.

 

[Highbeam]

Not yet. But the replies were very helpful. As of yesterday afternoon, Woodstock is now not sure I will be able to get the parts in time for the heating season. We will see. But thanks to all for the replies. I am still going to go look at some Blaze Kings on Friday. I've narrowed it down to either a Blaze King or the Alderlea T5 should Woodstock give the word that it will not be possible this season.

Both great choices. As is a keystone.