Regency or Quadrafire Insert and size?

[zanp]

I am looking to install a new insert for a stone masonry chimney in a 1600 sq ft log cabin (open floor plan). A local shop is having a closeout on 2007 models Regency I2400 and I3100 and Quadrafire 3100i and 5100i.

I know these are both good brands. The Quadrafire would cost me about $100 more than the Regency. I like the fact that Quadrafire has a variable speed blower as opposed to the 2 speed Regency blowers.

Any thoughts on these two brands.

Also, should I go ahead and splurge for the larger model for longer burn times. You can always crank down the heat but you can only get so much heat out a the medium size models. This will be my primary source of heat. Or are those two big for my 1600 sq ft cabin?

Thanks.

 

[zanp]

Also, is this a good liner to install

(broken link removed to http://www.chimneylinerdepot.com/store/comersus_listCategoriesAndProducts.asp?idCategory=54)

or should I go with something a little stouter. The chimney shop will only install their products and the liner, insulation, and accessories they quoted was $922 for materials. He showed me the pipe and it is very stout.

 

[bmstove.com]

Hey, save $100 and buy the regency. The product is great and you'll do yourself a big favor not trying to deal with Quadrafire if you have any issues with their stove. I have boxes of parts here for repairs to their product that they keep sending wrong while the owners are freezing. They are too big and just don't care anymore. Lopi is top notch but your dealer only offered deals on Regency or Quad. At least Regency will take good care of you if you ever do have a problem.

Jack

 

[TMonter]

I've had good luck with Quad on the couple replacement parts I've had to get from them under warranty. Do you deal directly with Quadrafire or with a distributor?

 

[jtp10181]

I have never gotten an incorrect part from Quadrafire, unless I ordered the wrong part myself. Also, if there are ever major problems I have never had a problem getting an entire new stove from Quadrafire for free under the lifetime warranty on most of the steel and castings. TMonter can vouche for that .

 

[mheller]

I don't know about the stoves, I've been looking at the Lopi/Avalon 1750 stoves. Almost ready to pull trigger, going in tomorrow to try and bargain. I'm also interested in any thoughts on the chimneylinerdepot. Any direct questions about chimney liner types/resellers on this forum seem to get ignored. I don't get it.

 

[jtp10181]

winter is coming: We can talk about your liner in the other thread you started: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/11780/
Post a link there if you were you looking at anything in particular and I can offer an opinion.

zanp: the link you provided above is not for any specific liner, just a category. Was there something in particular you were looking at?

 

[DumbAsh]

How often do you have to replace parts on a Quadrafire?

 

[Burn-1]

Zanp if you are at all interested in doing this DIY. You might want to look at the (broken link removed to http://www.chimneylinerdepot.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=350) which Chimney Liner Depot is selling for $1,499 with free shipping and a stainless liner kit. It is rated for 1,800 SF and has a variable speed blower.

 

[TMonter]

How often do you have to replace parts on a Quadrafire?

Neighbor's had his for about 7 years and none from him. I made the mistake of leaving some parts out this summer when I had the insert out and the kids lost a couple small parts on mine that i had to re-order.

I had my stove replaced last year on a thermal stress crack on a secondary manifold. Crack didn't affect operation but Quadrafire replaced the stove with no argument.

 

[mheller]

Received liner kit from c/l depot today, just ordered it yesterday. Also, ordered 1/2" insulation kit which i should get tomorrow. the liner seems legit, seems sturdy enough and good quality.
i feel more assured with getting full insulation kit with it. i'm pretty fortunate my chimney is a straight run up for 25+ feet. probably won't get to install until next weekend, can't wait.

 

[jtp10181]

How often do you have to replace parts on a Quadrafire?

There is not much to replace on the the wood burners. About all you have to replace is bricks, and gasketing. Sometimes the door latch wears out over time, and also the baffle board and insulation can be broken or messed up during cleaning if you are not careful with it. It is pretty solid but if dropped or a corner is hit it will break in half.

 

[stgaah]

As to your question about comparing one stove against the other.
First I would look at the warranty offered by the manufacturer.
Second check out the door and the hinges. The door is one of the major "operating" or moving parts of the stove.
Third on non-cat stoves check out the secondary burn system. This takes a major beating from the fire. What's involved to replace?
Fourth-how easy is it to maintain in general? Will you have to pull the insert to clean the liner?
Just a few suggestions.

 

[zanp]

I went with the Regency 3100 thanks to the folks at Black Mtn Stove (Jack). I hope to install it next week.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I would of also went with the regency. Your chimney sweep will love you for your decision. Biggest issue with a quad is the cleaning of the chimney. Quad is a pain to get the heat tubes out for cleaning if you can that is.

 

[hfjeff]

I am sure you will be happy with it. I love ours but if I were to do it again I would have gone with the larger i3100. The 2 speed blower doesn't really seem to be an issue. I always run mine on low and auto. High is a bit loud. It's actually nice to have fixed steps because you know you are using a consistent setting when learning to use you new stove and compare how other changes make a difference.

 

[FuzzyOne]

I love my I3100 and am glad I went for the larger model. Since the day it was installed, I have my fan switch set on high and plugged into a rheostat. I'd say my fan actually runs between half and 3/4 speed. I can't recommmend it enough. It's basically like a light dimmer. I rarely adjust it.

(broken link removed to http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5SA-4008)

(broken image removed)