So that is why we got that creepy feelings when we stopped for a visit
No, that is not true at all. We may stop again some time.
Sure hope you do! I'll make sure Cap'n Benjamin is on his best behavior. Can't guarantee my own, tho
Woodstock Progress Hybrid - Flue setup versus user experience
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Sure hope you do! I'll make sure Cap'n Benjamin is on his best behavior. Can't guarantee my own, tho
Flamestead
Feeling the Heat
Flue: 32' single-wall, wrapped in insulation, interior chimney. 1.5 ft horizontal single wall to T.
Stove: Can be made to backpuff, but only had it happen during learning period. Do have the cat not light off at 325 stovetop while getting white smoke, smoke clears when cat finally lights. Cat is definitely less responsive (fed it 4 cord of 20-month CSS Red Maple in second half of last season, noticed a considerable difference as the season progressed.) Considering a cat probe to help dial myself in with what the stove is doing (cat user experience is low). Screen clogs - last year I tried clean-in-place a few times. This Fall I removed it and gave it a thorough cleaning. Not burning much, so far...
Stove: Can be made to backpuff, but only had it happen during learning period. Do have the cat not light off at 325 stovetop while getting white smoke, smoke clears when cat finally lights. Cat is definitely less responsive (fed it 4 cord of 20-month CSS Red Maple in second half of last season, noticed a considerable difference as the season progressed.) Considering a cat probe to help dial myself in with what the stove is doing (cat user experience is low). Screen clogs - last year I tried clean-in-place a few times. This Fall I removed it and gave it a thorough cleaning. Not burning much, so far...
Maybe it's not just all about draft and chimney setups, could be a combination of draft and the cat? I know they are working on a better cat and it is currently being tested so maybe the new and improved cat will make a difference?
I've heard too many stories of stalling cats and having to bring temps up higher than 250 for light off. I think if I bought a PH I would of requested a ceramic cat til this s/s cat issue is resolved. I also think it would help out big time if there was a good place for a cat probe on this stove.
I've heard too many stories of stalling cats and having to bring temps up higher than 250 for light off. I think if I bought a PH I would of requested a ceramic cat til this s/s cat issue is resolved. I also think it would help out big time if there was a good place for a cat probe on this stove.
There is currently no option for a ceramic Cat in the Progress. I've heard people in general have been frustrated using cat probes for various reasons, so I'm not sure if that would just add another fly into the ointment. For now I am measuring flue temps on the flat steel plate in back of the lid.
The screen looked like a bigger size to me. It is a lot easier to clean and remove. FWIW- I did have smoke spillage due to the clogged screen before.
I asked about the cat probe today as I have cat problems (and lack of experience) as well. WS said they don't have one yet for the PH. Also, the rear shield will make it hard to see therm dial.
Can you explain what you are referring to please? "..the flat steel plate in back of the lid..."
Yeah, I don't follow either. There is a cast "plate" behind the soapstone that regularly measures lower temps for me when then cat is engaged. Actually, I just tried it. 30 degress cooler on the rear cast behind the soapstone. This is "downwind" of the cat so that makes sense to me.*
*Stovetop at 405 after lighting at 9:30 with a 1/4 load and will be warm until tomorrow evening.
I guess my words were not so good
- so here is a picture - the plate I refer to is the one that says "Progress". I use the rear mount flue setup.I have been using this plate to measure temps before engaging the cat. The soapstone lid temperature seems to vary quite a bit, depending on exactly where you measure, and I think this plate may give a better idea of true internal temps. I can't measure at the flue pipe, it's hard to get to inside a fireplace.
![[Hearth.com] Woodstock Progress Hybrid - Flue setup versus user experience](https://www.hearth.com/talk/data/attachments/75/75724-45323f409f163473763dcc7fec91c2fb.jpg?hash=67uJJSf6lg "[Hearth.com] Woodstock Progress Hybrid - Flue setup versus user experience")
I guess my words were not so good
I have been using this plate to measure temps before engaging the cat. The soapstone lid temperature seems to vary quite a bit, depending on exactly where you measure, and I think this plate may give a better idea of true internal temps. I can't measure at the flue pipe, it's hard to get to inside a fireplace.
View attachment 75724
That's OK, I messed up too
. I meant "upwind".I guess my words were not so good
I have been using this plate to measure temps before engaging the cat. The soapstone lid temperature seems to vary quite a bit, depending on exactly where you measure, and I think this plate may give a better idea of true internal temps. I can't measure at the flue pipe, it's hard to get to inside a fireplace.
View attachment 75724
OK, thanks. Wasn't picturing a rer exit flue....sorry.
Which brings to mind another aspect to consider with re to stove experience - top or rear vent. I'm rear vent & have had issues (back puff, smoke, cat etc)
Good point. I wouldn't expect rear vent to create a problem. My Fireview was rear vent to same chimney/stovepipe set up as I have for the PH, and I had no issues, except that if I didn't watch my Fireview as it reached cat engage temps, it could get really hot really fast..had to be diligent about starting the fires. Not a problem with the PH..... I'm sure Woodstock must have tried running the stove both ways???Wonder if it is tested both ways? Rear vent does give a 90 degree turn right away though. May slow air flow somewhat, which may expose moisture from wet wood to cat longer, which may speed up degradation??? Too bad it wouldn't be easy to switch the venting and see what happens, if anything. You could call Woodstock and ask them if they have tried rear venting the stove....there must be lots of people who have rear vents. Maybe people could weigh in and we could see if rear vents have more issues with smoke/cat than top vents....of course, we could end up reaching false conclusions, because I expect many rear vents either go directly outside so have an exposed chimney, or go into a fireplace liner. I would expect inside central double wall fairly tall SS chimney 6 " diameter to be not essential but ideal for this stove.
I'm not sure I see why rear or top would make that much difference - just depends how long the rear exit travels horizontally. Either way the flow travels through the cat and then either moves a few more inches and makes a 90 degree turn straight up through the top vent, or travels a little further (assuming you have a short Horizontal run like mine) and then straight up again. Not that much difference.
Top vent here. Rear vent for my dads. I agree that I can't imagine there would be much difference considering the exhaust path of the stove.
Hi Everyone. New to forum, 1st post! I've been tracking your posts on the PH with great interest. I have ordered one and expect delivery last week of November. Don't mean to stray off topic of this thread, but wanted to ask if anyone here regrets purchase of PH with these small issues you are experiencing? I'm in need of a new stove and liked all the positive reviews I read on this one. Plus it was one of the select few that could meet my flue requirements (rear exit, 23.75 inches above hearth). My other candidate was Jotul F500 Oslo. I'm replacing a Vermont Castings Encore Non-Cat that is only 6 years old. Fountain assembly disintegrated and cast iron cracked.
Welcome! No regrets here. The couple of issues I see are the screen clogging issue and the cat issue. I have not had cat issues, but I'm not a fan of the screen setup. The good news is that Woodstock is almost done with a screen redesign and have been working on improving the cat. That's the great thing and what led me to order a stove before it even existed. If there any issues or if you have a problem, Woodstock will solve it. It is hard to get that support from many manufacturers.
To me, the fact that the PH can't be burned like a "typical" cat stove with a full load is not an issue at all. I don't believe that was ever the intent of the stove. If you want to post your house size, insulation, chimney setup, etc. I (and probably others) will give our thoughts on if it is a good fit for you.
No regrets. I love my stove! Bet you will too. The folks at Woodstock are the best and will support you through any difficulties you may experience. They even helped me with problems caused by my installer!
No- I happen to work a few minutes from the factory and stopped in to talk about the old screen. I was shown the new screen and how it goes on and off the stove.
Very nice people there.
Waulie - house built in 2006. Insulated well. I'm on top of a hill though, face west and see 40+ mph winds often. 2300 sq ft 2 story colonial, stove on 1st floor. Open floor plan. Chimney set up is 3' horizontal run to T, then about 25' straight shot up in an insulated chase. All Metalbestos Ultra-Temp HT double wall insulated chimney. Has performed quite well with previous stove.
HH & all - thanks for feedback. Keep your posts coming. Your comments have been very helpful in my decision on the PH. I agree Woodstock has excellent customer service. They even agreed to custom cut my legs so I did not have to put 1" shims under the standard short leg kit. I wish I could get the ash pan option, but with the shorter legs they say it doesn't meet the bottom clearance requirements.
Hope the new stoves ship with the new screen Mike T mentions.
HH & all - thanks for feedback. Keep your posts coming. Your comments have been very helpful in my decision on the PH. I agree Woodstock has excellent customer service. They even agreed to custom cut my legs so I did not have to put 1" shims under the standard short leg kit. I wish I could get the ash pan option, but with the shorter legs they say it doesn't meet the bottom clearance requirements.
Hope the new stoves ship with the new screen Mike T mentions.
Welcome to the forum. No regrets at all about the stove...I also ordered it as soon as it was possible to do so...was waiting for months to order, actually. Had a Fireview, a beautiful and fine stove, but too small for my home and climate. However, knew from my experience with the Fireview and Woodstock that if Woodstock ever came out with a larger stove, I was buying.
The stove is incredible. And Woodstock has been amazingly patient, considerate, responsive and generous in its dealing with the early purchasers of these stoves. I'm sure you'll experience many essentially trouble free years of comfort with your stove. Glad you'll have it before winter really hits, and in time for the holidays.
Enjoy!
Edit: I ordered mine without the ashpan, and have not regretted doing so. Easy to clean, and burns very completely, so not an onerous task cleaning the ashes. I'd suggest ordering their rake from Woodstock. I got one when I got the PH, and it is helpful both for raking ashes and getting corners clean when removing ashes.
The PH should be perfect for the the home you describe.
No regrets here - on the contrary. I loved my Fireview but now my burns are 3+ hours longer and my house is warmer. The people at Woodstock are top notch - curteous, helpful, responsive.
Woodstock is refreshing in this business climate where most companies are more focused on their shareholders than on their customers.
Woodstock is refreshing in this business climate where most companies are more focused on their shareholders than on their customers.
The PH sounds like an excellent stove for your house, Hilltop. Enjoy it and stick around!
Also, I did not get the ash pan and haven't missed it for a second. It is very easy to scoop the ashes and it doesn't even need to be done that often.
Also, I did not get the ash pan and haven't missed it for a second. It is very easy to scoop the ashes and it doesn't even need to be done that often.
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