There certainly is allot to learn about burnin' wood. I'm writing this post just to get feedback on my situation. Please view my profile to see where I'm coming from. I'm very fortunate to have found this forum as I'm looking to purchase a stove this spring. It seems to me that there are several different gasifier designs (all work) and several different manufacturers making variations of each design. It seems that whether a stove design "works", or not, is contingent upon how well its personality fits the profile of its owner.
I'm currently leaning towards a Greenfire (over a GW or Seton). I think it fits my profile the best. Another option I like is the Garn technology.
Greenfire pros: burns larger unsplit wood; longer burn time; local manufacturer; affordable price; simple Seton technology; closed system
Greenfire cons: potential creosote issues if install does not have storage; difficult to clean
Garn pros: integrated unit seems to have the least amount of variables, making it easy to get it right the first season. long unit life; built in U.S.A.
Garn cons: shipping large unit from MN; large (3/4?hp) blower motor will use allot of elec.; restocking fire 45 minutes after lighting; high initial unit cost; having to relight to fire boiler every time(?); open system(althoughI believe the Switzer is closed)
Garn questions:
1) will it burn large unsplit wood? If not, what is the best size to be using?
2) I read in a thread somewhere about timing the length of firing right so that there would be embers left over for next firing. Can this be done consistently? Also something about the way a Switzer times its burns, embers are able to be left?
3) how often does it need to be cleaned and how difficult is it?
Greenfire questions:
1) who has opened one of these up to clean, and does it involve disconnecting plumbing and cutting panels off?
2) I'm thinking that I can avoid creosote with storage. This will allow me to burn hotter longer and not get dips under 140 in the return line.
I obviously have not spoken with any of the manufacturers yet, but will do so this week.
I appreciate any/all feedback.
I'm currently leaning towards a Greenfire (over a GW or Seton). I think it fits my profile the best. Another option I like is the Garn technology.
Greenfire pros: burns larger unsplit wood; longer burn time; local manufacturer; affordable price; simple Seton technology; closed system
Greenfire cons: potential creosote issues if install does not have storage; difficult to clean
Garn pros: integrated unit seems to have the least amount of variables, making it easy to get it right the first season. long unit life; built in U.S.A.
Garn cons: shipping large unit from MN; large (3/4?hp) blower motor will use allot of elec.; restocking fire 45 minutes after lighting; high initial unit cost; having to relight to fire boiler every time(?); open system(althoughI believe the Switzer is closed)
Garn questions:
1) will it burn large unsplit wood? If not, what is the best size to be using?
2) I read in a thread somewhere about timing the length of firing right so that there would be embers left over for next firing. Can this be done consistently? Also something about the way a Switzer times its burns, embers are able to be left?
3) how often does it need to be cleaned and how difficult is it?
Greenfire questions:
1) who has opened one of these up to clean, and does it involve disconnecting plumbing and cutting panels off?
2) I'm thinking that I can avoid creosote with storage. This will allow me to burn hotter longer and not get dips under 140 in the return line.
I obviously have not spoken with any of the manufacturers yet, but will do so this week.
I appreciate any/all feedback.
