Trying to decide between 2 stove models

[dvellone]

I’d mostly settled on a PE Alderlea T6 when my local dealer informed me he could get me a Jotul F55 V2 ($1500 less than the Alderlea), and which I’d been leaning towards before it was discontinued.
The F55 is a bit smaller, with less reported Btu’s, but otherwise both stoves seem
relatively similar regarding the cast iron jacketed steel stove.
I’d take the savings in the Jotul, but wonder if the Alderlea’s higher output is going to be important. I’m heating just over 2500 sq’ in upstate NY Adk region. Open first floor plan and air-sealed, very well insulated new construction. Generally 1-2 degree temp difference between 1st and 2nd floor heating with an old Upland stove. Appreciate any input. Thanks
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[begreen]

It has virtually the same size firebox. The primary differences are in the secondary rack, the EBT2 secondary regulator, and the T6's swing away trivet top. I like the T6's integrated stainless steel baffle system a lot and it has withstood the test of time, but a $1500 savings is nothing to sneeze at.

 

[EbS-P]

Tough call. I say F55 to save 1500 and not to have to think about the baffle gasket. But those trivets re slick if you want to cook on your stove.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Buy the one you like best. Over the 20 year life of a stove, 1500 works out to $75/year or $12.5/month of our 6 month heating season. If you like the Alderlea better, don’t let $12.5/mo get in the way of your happiness.

 

[dvellone]

Having heated with two different Jotul models over a couple decades (f100 + f400), my satisfaction with them definitely has me leaning in their favor, but not enough to dismiss any notable advantage the PE model might have. And the f55 and t6 both seem different animals from those previous jotuls I’ve heated with, so I only have their specs/descriptions on paper to go by. They’re both convective heaters, right? All in all, they’re basically going to perform pretty similarly?
Edit: one other factor is the BTU output with the t6 rated at 99k max and the f55v2 at 84k. How accurate are these ratings? Thanks

 

[Todd]

Don’t get caught up in the BTU marketing BS. There’s only so many BTU’s in a stick of wood and both stoves are pretty similar in usable firebox size so in the real world they should be pretty close on heat output. Both great stoves, pick the one you like best.

 

[stovelark]

Agreed with Todd, both stoves are great heaters. Its important too that they are both supported well logistically and have stood the test of time. Lot of PE and Jotul fans here, I too say get the one you want, both will serve well with good dry seasoned wood. A good choice to have to make. Stay warm.