New member, but long time lurker.
I’m in the process of selecting a new stove to replace a 15yo Hearthstone Bennington. The stove has started to leak in a couple spots and I was unable to disassemble to replace gaskets. Love the looks and performance, but disappointed by the failure.
The stove heats our 30’x30’ detached garage/workshop. The structure was built in 2002 and is fully insulated. First floor is open with cent floor and the second floor is about 15’x30’; ceiling on the first floor is open. The Bennington to get the space warmed from ambient to comfortable (60’s) and hold it there happily.
I’ve been stove shopping at dealers and would like to stay local and use a dealer that I can easily access if anything comes up/needs attention. Not super happy with attitude of original dealer who sold me the Bennington so went to another that sells Lopi and Jotul.
Firstly, I’m torn between a steel or cast iron stove. After my experience with the Bennington I’m paranoid about a similar problem happening again; not rational perhaps, but in my head none-the-less. My thought was a fully welded box would be less likely to leak. My parents ran a Garrison model II for 30y and never had a problem other than replacing door gaskets.
I was looking at the Lopi Endeavor Hybrid and Evergreen to take advantage of the tax break, but am more concerned about the ability to heat the space, build quality, future serviceability (access to parts & ease of replacement). The sales person also suggested the Jotul F55 Carrabasset and F500 Oslo would be good options.
A second shop tried suggested a Hearthstone Manchester (is this a “fool me once” scenario?) and Osburn 3500.
Lots to unpack in my ask, but I would appreciate this communities real world experience with stove to help guide my decision. I don’t want my own irrational concerns, lack of knowledge in stove construction/design/manufacturers, or salesmanship at a specific shop to mislead me.
Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and adding datapoints to my decision.
I’m in the process of selecting a new stove to replace a 15yo Hearthstone Bennington. The stove has started to leak in a couple spots and I was unable to disassemble to replace gaskets. Love the looks and performance, but disappointed by the failure.
The stove heats our 30’x30’ detached garage/workshop. The structure was built in 2002 and is fully insulated. First floor is open with cent floor and the second floor is about 15’x30’; ceiling on the first floor is open. The Bennington to get the space warmed from ambient to comfortable (60’s) and hold it there happily.
I’ve been stove shopping at dealers and would like to stay local and use a dealer that I can easily access if anything comes up/needs attention. Not super happy with attitude of original dealer who sold me the Bennington so went to another that sells Lopi and Jotul.
Firstly, I’m torn between a steel or cast iron stove. After my experience with the Bennington I’m paranoid about a similar problem happening again; not rational perhaps, but in my head none-the-less. My thought was a fully welded box would be less likely to leak. My parents ran a Garrison model II for 30y and never had a problem other than replacing door gaskets.
I was looking at the Lopi Endeavor Hybrid and Evergreen to take advantage of the tax break, but am more concerned about the ability to heat the space, build quality, future serviceability (access to parts & ease of replacement). The sales person also suggested the Jotul F55 Carrabasset and F500 Oslo would be good options.
A second shop tried suggested a Hearthstone Manchester (is this a “fool me once” scenario?) and Osburn 3500.
Lots to unpack in my ask, but I would appreciate this communities real world experience with stove to help guide my decision. I don’t want my own irrational concerns, lack of knowledge in stove construction/design/manufacturers, or salesmanship at a specific shop to mislead me.
Thank you all in advance for your thoughts and adding datapoints to my decision.
