Woodstock Progress or Ideal Steel Hybrid

[Kansas Farmgirl]

We are starting our build this spring; 1600+ sf plus same square footage finished in the basement. Thanks to direction on this forum, I think we have decided on a wood stove in the basement to largely supplement our propane heat. I’m decided on Woodstock but question whether the Ideal Steel or Progress would better serve our needs.

Both stoves are rated for 2200 sf but the Progress has higher BTU. Anyone with either stove have a strong opinion one way or the other?

 

[fire_man]

I would call Woodstock and ask your question. They have always steered me in the right direction. I usually talk with Ron but they are all great help.

 

[begreen]

Both will work, but placement of the stove and the stairwell design + location will affect the effectiveness of heating from the basement as will the basement wall insulation. Given the basement location for the stove and new, tight construction, I'd also plan on an outside air connection for the stove.

 

[Highbeam]

Ideal steel for sure. It’s bigger, cheaper, has much longer burn times on low, and the cat is easier to get to and remove.

 

[Tar12]

Ideal steel for sure. It’s bigger, cheaper, has much longer burn times on low, and the cat is easier to get to and remove.

According to their website they both have a 3.2 cu ft firebox with the PH having a higher output rating...the cats are not in the same location?

 

[Tar12]

We are starting our build this spring; 1600+ sf plus same square footage finished in the basement. Thanks to direction on this forum, I think we have decided on a wood stove in the basement to largely supplement our propane heat. I’m decided on Woodstock but question whether the Ideal Steel or Progress would better serve our needs.

Both stoves are rated for 2200 sf but the Progress has higher BTU. Anyone with either stove have a strong opinion one way or the other?

Are we still taking about the PH and ISHybrid stoves?

 

[Highbeam]

According to their website they both have a 3.2 cu ft firebox with the PH having a higher output rating...the cats are not in the same location?

The ph has just 2.8 cf iirc. Just a medium sized stove. The peak output is higher than the IS but I suspect some marketing shenanigans here.

One thing is for sure, you can’t burn a ph as slowly as the IS which is really important for full time wood burners.

The stoves are different inside. The IS cat just lifts out easily. The pH uses a weird shaped cat packed in with a weird gasket using a tool.

Both are of course really good stoves and either is acceptable. Very different looks.

 

[Highbeam]

I would love to try an IS in the shop. High efficiency and high output. Pretty cheap too. Purchase price and cat replacement price.

 

[Tar12]

IS...3.2 Cu.ft. firebox
HxWxD (Min. Leg Height): 30.5"x29.5"x27.5" (No Ash Pan) Wood Length (Maximum): 22"
Leg Height Adjustment: 5" (in 1" increments) Burn Time: 10-14 hrs
Area Heated: up to 2,200 sq.ft. BTU Output: 13,017-60,530/hr (per EPA tests)
EPA Efficiency: 82% (per EPA tests) Combustion System: Hybrid (Catalyst & Secondary Air)
EPA Emissions: 1.04 grams/hr (per EPA tests) Flue Exit: Top or Back
Flue Size: 6" Draft Control: Manual
Flue Height to Center (Max Leg Height): 29.5" Flue Height to Center (Min Leg Height): 24.5"
Window Size (viewable): 12.25"H x 17"W Loading Door: Front Only
Weight: 620 lbs. Bottom Heat Shield: Standard
Ash Pan: Optional (cannot be retrofit to stove) Mobile Home Approved

PH..

Firebox: 2.8 Cu.ft.
Flue Height (center) Std 10" Legs: 27.75" Rear Flue Height (center) Short Leg Kit: 22.75”
(no ash pan option)
Flue Size: 6” Burn Time: 12-14 hrs.
Wood Length: 16-22” Ash Pan: Optional (tall legs only)
Wood Loading: Side (Choose right or left, facing the stove)
Draft Control: Manual
Max Heat Output: 80,000 BTUs /hr.
Heat Output (EPA Test Method): 12,538 - 73,171 BTU's/hr
Catalytic Combustor & Secondary Air:
Standard
EPA Certified: YES EPA Efficiency: 81%
EPA Emission Rating: 1.33 gms/hr
Back Clearance: 30"
Side Clearance:24”
Rear Heat Shield: Optional
Back Clearance w/Heat Shield: 7"

 

[Tar12]

You are correct Highbeam...I don't know where I got the fireboxes were the same size..I also didn't realize the PH had a screwy cat location...armed with this new knowledge the IS would be my choice...when I was researching cat stoves it came down to the IS or BK Princess...I would still like to have one...lol

 

[georgepds]

I don't find the cat location so bad in the PH... you lift the top and pull it out

The PH cat shape is rectangular.. when did rectangles become weird?

 

[OhioBurner©]

They are quite different stoves, but both similarly comparable good heaters. One is a beautiful soapstone and cast iron side loader, the other a steel box front loader (but can be dressed up with unlimited artwork for the trivets, side medallions, andirons. I still like the look, side load, and ash grate & pan better on the PH but happy with my choice in the IS and its slightly better air control and larger capacity.

 

[Joyboy]

All depends on your personal taste. I have the progress and love it. I don’t have any trouble cleaning the cat.


I think most people that have either really like them.

 

[moresnow]

IS is also a generation newer in the Woodstock line. Food for thought. Like Tar12 I would like to have one as well. Now where can I put it. Hmmmmmmm??? Gotta be a spot!

 

[Tar12]

All depends on your personal taste. I have the progress and love it. I don’t have any trouble cleaning the cat.


I think most people that have either really like them.

What kind of burn times do you get? I am sure the OP could use some real world data...

 

[chance04]

While admitting placement isn't great in my old house, I'll post that with marginal mix of quality wood and the house still under remodelling. I'm getting 7ish hours on average pushing the stove quite hard with ambient temps topping in the teens/low 20s and lows in the single digits. Stove top temps between 475 and 500 to keep up with all the shortcommings of the house.

IDEAL STEEL

Forgot to mention that originally lol

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Joyboy]

What kind of burn times do you get? I am sure the OP could use some real world data...

I’m burning lodge pole pine which isn’t the longest burning wood and get 3-12 hour burns depending on how hard I want to push it. I have been able to get a fire going after 14 hours but have to shut it down pretty quick to do this.

 

[Kansas Farmgirl]

All depends on your personal taste. I have the progress and love it. I don’t have any trouble cleaning the cat.


I think most people that have either really like them.

And this is the best and worst thing about them. On the one hand, I chose the Woodstock line because everyone loves them. On the other hand, it’s hard to decide which stove when everyone loves the one they chose best!

 

[weatherguy]

And this is the best and worst thing about them. On the one hand, I chose the Woodstock line because everyone loves them. On the other hand, it’s hard to decide which stove when everyone loves the one they chose best!

Actually I have the PH but would probably advise you to get the IS. The high BTU output of the PH is great and not hype but in your temps I think the IS is a better choice. I'm happy with my PH especially tonight because it's below 0 but if i was 30s 20s id rather have the longer burn time of the IS. I get a 10 hour overnight burn and I do two 7 hour burns in the day.

 

[georgepds]

My experience with the 7/10 hour PH burns is similar. Mostly because I use less wood for the day loads.. during the night I load it up..

 

[Joyboy]

I think that’s the frustrating part about burn times. They are totally subjective to heat demands of your home, flue length and stove setup, how hot you like it, and how tight you pack your stove. Something as simple as wearing welding gloves so you can take a few more seconds to turn wood to pack it better makes a difference. Some people rate burn times on when they have to reload to keep there temps where they want them, some rate them on how long they can go without having to start a fire.

Last night we had milder temperatures, it got down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Loaded up at 10 pm and just threw more wood on at 9:30 am. Last week when it was -20 below I couldn’t do that, I would reload as soon as I got up.

 

[OhioBurner©]

I think that’s the frustrating part about burn times. They are totally subjective to heat demands of your home, flue length and stove setup, how hot you like it, and how tight you pack your stove. Something as simple as wearing welding gloves so you can take a few more seconds to turn wood to pack it better makes a difference. Some people rate burn times on when they have to reload to keep there temps where they want them, some rate them on how long they can go without having to start a fire.

Last night we had milder temperatures, it got down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Loaded up at 10 pm and just threw more wood on at 9:30 am. Last week when it was -20 below I couldn’t do that, I would reload as soon as I got up.

Yes, such a wide range in burn times even in the same stove! I usually rate max burn time as down to the last red-hot coals that can be loaded with small splits and take off without needing kindling. For the last few years I've been burning only ash during the coldest part of winter. On zero degree days I may only get 6hr burns running it 600+ stovetop. I have however done a load of hand picked all square large splits of ash and packed them in tightly, turning down the air as soon as in the cat active range and scorched good and got almost 24 hrs (I think it was 22 but can't remember without my notes handy). With compressed wood bricks I've been able to pack in 84 pounds of wood and in full cat mode (black firebox, no visible flames) had a burn of almost 50 hours with a pile of red hot coals remaining and stainless steel center burner on top hoovering around 300F at the end after 2 days. Then again I just burned a 2/3rd load of spruce and got 3-4 hours lol. So you could say it has a burn time of half a day +/-400%

I just realized I am not sure if I have ever heard of the PH being able to burn in 'full cat' mode with no visible fire.

The really long burns need a good working cat. This year mine is not working well, seems to expire much before I thought it would. Still trying to find a large enough pot to do a vinegar boil to bring it back to life.

 

[Kansas Farmgirl]

Yes, such a wide range in burn times even in the same stove! I usually rate max burn time as down to the last red-hot coals that can be loaded with small splits and take off without needing kindling. For the last few years I've been burning only ash during the coldest part of winter. On zero degree days I may only get 6hr burns running it 600+ stovetop. I have however done a load of hand picked all square large splits of ash and packed them in tightly, turning down the air as soon as in the cat active range and scorched good and got almost 24 hrs (I think it was 22 but can't remember without my notes handy). With compressed wood bricks I've been able to pack in 84 pounds of wood and in full cat mode (black firebox, no visible flames) had a burn of almost 50 hours with a pile of red hot coals remaining and stainless steel center burner on top hoovering around 300F at the end after 2 days. Then again I just burned a 2/3rd load of spruce and got 3-4 hours lol. So you could say it has a burn time of half a day +/-400%

I just realized I am not sure if I have ever heard of the PH being able to burn in 'full cat' mode with no visible fire.

The really long burns need a good working cat. This year mine is not working well, seems to expire much before I thought it would. Still trying to find a large enough pot to do a vinegar boil to bring it back to life.

How big an area are you heating?

 

[OhioBurner©]

How big an area are you heating?

It's in my sig. I have two stoves heating 2770 sq feet (poor insulation and plenty of air leaks!).

 

[Joyboy]

Yes, such a wide range in burn times even in the same stove! I usually rate max burn time as down to the last red-hot coals that can be loaded with small splits and take off without needing kindling. For the last few years I've been burning only ash during the coldest part of winter. On zero degree days I may only get 6hr burns running it 600+ stovetop. I have however done a load of hand picked all square large splits of ash and packed them in tightly, turning down the air as soon as in the cat active range and scorched good and got almost 24 hrs (I think it was 22 but can't remember without my notes handy). With compressed wood bricks I've been able to pack in 84 pounds of wood and in full cat mode (black firebox, no visible flames) had a burn of almost 50 hours with a pile of red hot coals remaining and stainless steel center burner on top hoovering around 300F at the end after 2 days. Then again I just burned a 2/3rd load of spruce and got 3-4 hours lol. So you could say it has a burn time of half a day +/-400%

I just realized I am not sure if I have ever heard of the PH being able to burn in 'full cat' mode with no visible fire.

The really long burns need a good working cat. This year mine is not working well, seems to expire much before I thought it would. Still trying to find a large enough pot to do a vinegar boil to bring it back to life.

Mine does usually have secondaries for 30 to 60 minutes before it goes dark even when I am trying for a all cat burn. If I open the air at all, there are normally flames.