Upgrade to a large wood stove: Input needed

[carpniels]

Hi All,

Long time, no see. I've been busy (see my other posts in other forum categories).

Question: I currently have a PE Super Classic LE in red. Fantastic stove. No issues, burns half of what the Quad Isle Royale used to burn, almost no ash (once a week emptying), easy restart in the morning with no kindling needed (just open the air and add a split or two). Here in upstate NY, when it gets cold (20s or lower), it can't keep up with heating the house (2,900 sq. ft, 1960s ranch with 2nd story added, moderately well insulated, backup oil and backup natural gas, etc.). We burn from mid October through end of April (10-12 face cords or so). So my wife wants a larger stove that gives off more heat. Here are the options:

1. PE Summit Classic LE. Big bigger (3 ft3 vs. 2.1 ft3 box), same red color, same non-cat. No tax credit so $$$. However, tax credit stoves are even more money so with the tax credit those stove come out to about that the PE costs. I may be able to save money bcz I don't need a new blower (I believe the Super blower fits on the Summit too).
2. Hearthstone Green Mountain 80. Tax credit, large window, cat, but no ash pan? (I'm not sure about that fact though). $$
3. Blaze King Chinook 30.2. Tax credit, cat, cool Euro styling. Much taller than current stove. More $$$$ but with tax credit about the same as the PE Summit.
4. Regency 3500. Tax credit, cat, not that attractive with the pedestal (my wife like legs). More $$$$ (even more than BK Chinook) but with tax credit a bit more than the PE Summit.

Thoughts? I started with a VC Intrepid II and hated the cat and vacuuming it out, replacing it, operation, etc., so we prefer non cat at this point. But perhaps design has come far since that old VC so it's not an issue? I can sell my current stove for about $2K (half of the new price) bcz it's in fantastic shape.We have the money for any option. We're going to look at the GM 80 in person tomorrow. We know what the Summit looks like. We have a BK brochure. Regency was recommended by semi-local shop bcz Hearthstone parts are hard to get (they stopped selling them). Another semi-local shop said they love PE. BK Chinook was $1500+ more than the PE. Regency is even more. GM 80 price about the same as PE Summit.

Thanks - Carpniels, Upstate NY

 

[begreen]

Consider the Osburn 3500 and the Lopi Liberty. Both are seriously large heaters qualifying for the tax credit. And look at the Woodstock Ideal Steel too.

 

[Todd]

Welcome back! If those are your 4 top choices I’d stick to the PE line and get the Summit.

 

[tabner]

I believe the GM80 is an 8" flue - not sure if that is an issue for you?
I had a GM60 and wasn't happy with it. Could be just my setup, but I've been way more pleased with my BK. I would vote you stick with Pacific Energy if you're happy with the one you have.

 

[xshmoox]

I believe the GM80 is an 8" flue - not sure if that is an issue for you?
I had a GM60 and wasn't happy with it. Could be just my setup, but I've been way more pleased with my BK. I would vote you stick with Pacific Energy if you're happy with the one you have.

They are offering the gm80 in both 6” and 8” now I believe. Either way I’d avoid it. I’d say the summit. Could also look at the lopi liberty that is a very large hybrid stove.