Recommendations for a new large wood burning insert

[SLOOC1]

I currently have a Sierra 4700 TEC that is on it's way out. The stove is a tank & has done an excellent job heating our 2300 sq ft house for many winters. I would rebuild it if I could...but I think it's doubtful that this thing can be rebuilt.

Are there any other inserts that compare to this stove? I'm looking for any feedback or recommendations to replace this stove. So far I havent seen anything that compares. Unfortuantely Sierra has been very unresponsive on questions I have regarding getting parts to fix my current stove or where or if I can buy a new one? Surely there must be another manufacturer with better service that has a large insert that has the same heating capacity that this old tank has.

Any and all feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Bluerubi]

Not sure how comparable it is, but I've had my VC Merrimack for 4 years now, and it has done a great job heating my 3000 sqft in southern NH. The blower has been replaced twice for free, and the firebox has a lifetime warranty, so when I found some small cracks last season everything was replaced with just some pictures sent to the dealer. Overall I've been really happy with the purchase.

 

[SLOOC1]

Thank you for the info. I will check the Merrimack out. I had heard that VC has quality issues...but willing to take a look at them.

 

[joescho]

The biggest surprise I got with the inserts was the size of the firebox. I had a really old insert that came with the house when I bought it. Rebuilt the blower and everything when it died, but it had a crack a few years ago so I bought a new Jotul Rockland. I was completely blown away with how small the firebox was, and I was told this was a "rather large" insert. However, I got used to it, and it's been heating my house along with a pellet insert I have in my upstairs since 2009.

 

[Bluerubi]

Thank you for the info. I will check the Merrimack out. I had heard that VC has quality issues...but willing to take a look at them.

I had heard similar things prior to making the purchase, but am glad I took the plunge. Has easily paid for itself over the past few burning seasons, so from this point forward it's all gravy in my mind.

 

[begreen]

Depending on the fireplace dimensions there are several good 3 cu ft inserts on the market from Osburn, Pacific Energy, Lennox (Country), Kuma, Regency, Jotul etc.

 

[dafattkidd]

I have the Osburn 2400i. It has a 3.2 cf firebox. The thing is a beast. I only heat 1700sf with it, but my house is drafty and I rarely load the firebox to the gills. I know its not the only large insert out there, but it is a great value and cranks out heat. Does your current set up have a chimney liner? If so, the size of the liner will factor into your decision along with the fireplace dimensions.

 

[webby3650]

Not sure how comparable it is, but I've had my VC Merrimack for 4 years now, and it has done a great job heating my 3000 sqft in southern NH. The blower has been replaced twice for free, and the firebox has a lifetime warranty, so when I found some small cracks last season everything was replaced with just some pictures sent to the dealer. Overall I've been really happy with the purchase.

I don't mean to beat you up at all, so please don't take it that way.
2 bad blowers and cracks in the firebox isn't good! I think that is what the OP meant when he said "VC has quality issues"

 

[Bluerubi]

I don't mean to beat you up at all, so please don't take it that way.
2 bad blowers and cracks in the firebox isn't good! I think that is what the OP meant when he said "VC has quality issues"

Blowers were likely due to a 100 pound long haired dog, and I think the cracks could have been wife induced, but I see your point. No situation is perfect, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well they stood behind their product.

 

[SLOOC1]

Thank you for the info! I like the Osburn 2400i a lot....unfortunately the wife didnt like the looks of it. Chimney is lined with a 6" liner.

I'm seriously looking to buy the same stove again. Sierra 4700TEC. Just hard to find one in my area. Reason for buying the same stove is it would be plug and play. Plus I have spare cat combustors & would keep the old stove for more spare parts.

Bluerubi I hear you on the wife induced issues with your stove. My wife has contributed her share as well.

 

[begreen]

You might want to look at the Buck 91 cat insert. They have been around for a long time and parts are easier to get.

(broken link removed to http://www.buckstove.com/model-91.html#.UkyWgd0a71E)

 

[webby3650]

I was pleasantly surprised by how well they stood behind their product.

More than likely, the thanks should go to the dealer, not VC. They have been a little hard to pin down on warranty for several years. I'm glad you got it taken care of!