Yes, this is another one of those threads, looking for the right stove :D

[CuCullin]

Yes, I did search, and I did see a number of recommendations and comments for various uses and purposes, and I also know that some can stand to benefit from my decision. All that aside....

I'm finding making the decision on a pellet stove a bit overwhelming. So, here is where I'm at... I have a small colonial, about 1200-1300 sq ft, currently being heated with base board hot water (oil). Its my first home, just bought it in October, and went through some SERIOUS sticker shock this heating season. To put it bluntly, I don't want to go through that again.

So... I have decided pellets are the right choice for me, after quite a bit of research. Its effectively a renewable resource, I found a pellet supplier a town away (still need to check pricing from them specifically), and I have the perfect spot for the stove on my first floor, in the dining room. The kitchen is adjacent, the living room is adjacent, and its right below the master bedroom. Those are, imho, the most important areas.

Now, in case I accidentally run out of pellets, the oil heat can kick in, and I'm ok with that, so I have a backup heating source in place. The big problem I have right now is in choosing the right stove! From talking to people at work who have them (they don't live by me, which is why I haven't called their source), I should be able to find something for my needs reasonably cheap (read: $1500-ish). After a phone call about two Harman products and a Lopi, they are giving me prices in the area of $2800-$3500! So...

I'm looking for something on the less expensive side, I don't have all that much house to heat, and I'm flexible with sizing and styles. I have both 220V (don't ask :D) and 120V AC where I would like it to go, it can sit adjacent to the chimney (no fireplace, so an insert won't work) so the venting could be hidden once it gets outside behind that. I live out in Hunterdon County, NJ.

Any recommendations from those more experienced in these areas? :D TIA!

 

[PelletOwner]

If you go with a pellet boiler you don't have to deal with a stove and you can use it inline with your existing heat. They're a bit more expensive, think $6000-$9000 for a burner/boiler system with a pellet hopper (but you can probably get away with a lower-priced boiler/burner since you have a smaller house).

That being said, if you're going for a stove, I would stick with a Harman. They're getting good reviews and they seem to be flying off the shelves, which means a lot of people are voting with their wallets right now.

 

[webbie]

Some examples of lower priced Pellets stoves....

Baby Countryside - by Magnum (even some NEW on eBay)
Napoleon
Certain Breckwell models
Englander
Us Stove
Drolet
Dansons

Many of these can be had sub-$2000 range.

 

[Wet1]

Welcome CuCullin!

I can certainly feel your pain when it comes to paying for the oil and then getting quotes for $2800+ for a stove. That hardly sooths the wounds...

As Webmaster mention above, there are cheaper alternatives. While the stoves might not have all the bells and whistles, and they might be a little smaller, they'll likely still get the job done.

I don't know much about most of the units listed, but I do know a little about the Englander since I own one. The Englander is a very stout design and can really pump out some heat when it's required to. I know the big box stores carry them during the "on" season, so they should be easy to find for a fair price (although I have no idea what they are going for these days). The 25-PDVC I own is a very basic stove, but it gets the job done without any issues. I'm actually going to be selling mine since I'm removing my stove from the basement... It has very low usage if you're interest in a used stove and I'm not all that far from you (I'm in CT). I'm not soliciting this sale, but I thought a used low hour stove might be something you're interested in given your original post and desire to save $$$. You might want to check the local used market as well. Either way the Englander new or used might be a really good option for you.

Another option you might want to consider if you really want a Harman stove is to look at the P38+. It might be a little small for your needs and it's also a very basic stove, but they go for just under $2k.

 

[STOVEGUY11]

I have heard of people locking in at $5.00 a gallon here in CT, which sucks. If you think about how much you spent on heating oil last season for the winter, you can probably double that number for this season. With that said, the purchase of a pellet stove will pay for its self in 1 to 2 seasons. Which in my book is a pretty good deal. If your going to do it once, you might as well do it right. Yes some of the stoves are in the upper 2,000 to $3,000 range. Harmans base model the p-38 suggested reatail is $1,838, then they jump up to a $2700 stove.You get what you pay for. Read into the warranties. Pellet stoves require maintance, and yes they do break and need to have parts replaced. You get the cheap model at the big box store, and you will not see them coming out to fix your stove. Find a private dealer that knows there product and offers service, they will know how to troubleshoot, and also fix your problem when you have one.

 

[CuCullin]

Thanks everyone :D

Since this is my first house... wow that first heating season really shocked me, and definitely hit my wallet hard... thats what got me onto this track in the first place. Even if it does cost $3500, I'll be getting the right pellet stove, because you're right - two heating seasons and its paid for itself (and I'll be here a few years definitely).

I thought about the boiler option, but I just don't have that kind of money available at the moment, so that option is unfortunately out.

So, I checked out the Magnum, Napoleon, etc models - and wow! Those are the Hondas I'm looking for :D Good price, seems to fit the bill - I'll be reading up on the warranty for each though. Thanks again for the tips, I have a good bit more research to do before my purchase now :D