Which Pellet stove should I get?

[camp20]

I am looking at buying a pellet stove and I am at a loos in what to get...Quadra-fire units....Mt.Vernon ($3199.00), Castle ($2399.00) or Classic Bay 1200 ($2551). My house is 1400 sf (first floor) and I was told to go with the Mt Vernon unit. It is a lot larger than I need but I was told it will not need to run as much since it has a larger BTU. Another stove place said "oh you do not need that large of a unit and you will probably not even use all the features.” BUT I do not want to say down the road, I wish I bought the larger unit. Another place said bottom feed is the best stove. so in that case a Harmon accentra ($2759.00). The story changes depending on who you talk to.

My other dilemma is where to put unit. In the unfinished walk-out basement or on first floor living area. In a couple of years the basement will be finished off but not today. If the unit was in the basement I am not sure if it would heat the first floor enough especially since I do not really want to put in floor vents. Any suggestion on the unit and/or location will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
John

 

[smirnov3]

Put the stove on the first floor, especially if you get one of the smaller stoves. that way, you only heat where you live. Yes, you intend to finish the basement, but who knows when you'll have time to do it. could be years.

if you do put the stove in the basement, you will need to crank it up - in my house, the stove is on the first floor, and my second floor is 5 degrees cooler (or more, on really cold days (mid Jan / feb), but that's when I suppliment with a little oil). in that case, the Mt Vernon is not overkill.

 

[camp20]

Putting unit in the living space make sence to me so now the next question is what is better bottom feed Harman or a top feed Quadra-fire?

 

[Wet1]

Both are good names and have proven histories. I'd suggest you buy based on cost, aesthetics, features you'll actually use, hopper size, and noise level... Some of these are individual things only you can answer.

 

[kohout77]

Always a harman although they are now owned by the same company.

 

[kristin2000]

I just purchased a Harmon P68 today. Last one available in the state, so it seemed. Got it from Damariscotta Hardware in maine. Will be here end of next month. I am sooo excited. There was nothing better , in my opinion, after months of research. I am confident I will not be saying, "I wish I got a bigger or better one.

 

[pelletwood]

We just purchased the Harman Accentra. When we were looking at stoves I did not like the sound of the pellets dropping into the burn pot(top feeder)
In my opinion the Harman was quieter, and we really liked the looks of it.
From my research both the top and bottom feeders are very good.
It might be helpful to download the manuals for the stoves that you are interested in and check out the cleaning instructions.
Some require more daily cleaning than others.

 

[Xena]

First and fore most, I think it's most important for you to find
a good dealer that you can rely on for service if you need it.
(Unless you would be servicing it yourself).
From there he can walk you through the different features of
the different makes/models. Between their recommendations
and research here you will be able to make a decision on
what stove is right for your home and your needs.

There are many make/model stoves that would be suitable for
a 1400 sq ft home. Keep that in mind while researching.