Merry Xmas all: Michael, a new guy here to your forum and I request input. My 2000 Whitfield Profile 30 pellet stove needs to be replaced...which was way too warm, problematic and messy for my liking anyway. I am now considering going to the Propane Gas route. Winter living in the Northwest rarely gets into freezing weather but my tiny 1500 ft home is frequented by power outages. Gas seems a better deal in this respect. The pellet stove is a back up to my electric base heating, which in turn, is backed up by electric oil-radiator heaters. My only large room has a cathedral ceiling with an overhead fan distributing heat up the staircase to overhead bedrooms.
A local contractor gave me a $3761 installation proposal for a Vermont Castings "stardance". I guess I would have to make arrangements with the local gas comany for pruchase/rent of a gas cylinder and service on top of that. I decided to peruse your forum and found that there were a few comments on the viability of Vermont Castings since the owner went bankrupt back in 2008. Goodness...I do not want to go through that again...when Whitfield sold to Lennox, I had problems with parts and services. Not sure I want to go that route.
So...is Vermont Castings the way to go...or should I go with a more solid company? I thougt the JOTUL Lillehammer might be a nice stove as well. I'm looking for a smaller, dependable stove with a viable company of quality. Suggestions?
A local contractor gave me a $3761 installation proposal for a Vermont Castings "stardance". I guess I would have to make arrangements with the local gas comany for pruchase/rent of a gas cylinder and service on top of that. I decided to peruse your forum and found that there were a few comments on the viability of Vermont Castings since the owner went bankrupt back in 2008. Goodness...I do not want to go through that again...when Whitfield sold to Lennox, I had problems with parts and services. Not sure I want to go that route.
So...is Vermont Castings the way to go...or should I go with a more solid company? I thougt the JOTUL Lillehammer might be a nice stove as well. I'm looking for a smaller, dependable stove with a viable company of quality. Suggestions?