Walking the line b/w Absolute & Ideal Steel

If I'm reading you correctly Backwoods Savage , on one hand I shouldn't be concerned as Woodstock customer service would have my back. On the other hand they have built at least two stove models with early problems -- including mystery problems. Of course I would prefer to buy a stove that functions as designed to heat space and not so I can talk with nice strangers on the phone and (worst case) send back a 600 lb object while running a boiler.

 

Pants on fire All new models of any product, run into a couple flaws down the road, it’s why they have recalls on vehicles. It’s why I normally don’t buy the first model of any new product. I did with Woodstock as I needed a woodstove. I also have the crack in my stove, I’ve called Woodstock,I have the problem patched for now. I will bring the stove back in the spring and from what I’ve heard on this forum be given basically a New stove body.
On a $2200 product I have used for 8 months a year, over 3 years! You can look at it anyway you want I just wish they also made phones and vehicles and other stuff I need

 

My boiler broke down the first year I owned it and had to survive for almost two whole days with just a small old ancient wood stove for a back up. I'd still recommend this boiler to anyone who needed one this size and could afford the premium.

I was quite surprised at the tiny propane boiler they put in the brandy new house next door, and the single tiny tank outside. They sure are (capable of) building them tight these days. I'd go by BTU estimated heating requirements rather than size of house with a new build.

 

Good idea, I should figure out the house's estimated requirements.

Thanks for the warm welcomes and feedback on Woodstock's style of doing business. From what I've learned in the past few days, if I lived closer to Woodstock this would be a slam dunk decision. The only other stoves I'm considering now are in the Blaze King 30 line, produced closer to my home I believe.

 

If it was me I would go with the IS. A little overkill is better than not enough heat.
I have an AS and am loving it this year. Before someone calls me out, I found a problem with the chimney. It didn't work worth a crap last year, but working great now.
All though customer service was great and helpful I missed the service I got from the local stove store.
Someone mentioned the wings. The wings on mine seem to direct more heat forward.

 

Kuma Stoves are in Rathdrum Idaho
(not 2B confused with Laampa's Kuuma furnace)
Their big stove, Sequoia may not make it to EPA2020, but their new 2.5 cubic foot stove might be big enough if you're considering an AS.
I'm not exactly a fan of the wings on the As either but you can get one without wings.
I like the tall one actually.

 

Montana is pretty much next door to Washington. I can drive from the ocean to bk headquarters and to anywhere in Montana all in one day.

 

There have been several improvements. The original had a top made out of a single piece of soapstone. There were reports of cracks developing so they designed a 3-piece top. Then they decided to improve that and make a third design that has the cast iron cooktop covered three pieces of stone. Then there was an issue with some cast iron tops developing cracks so they added heat shielding. I have all three soapstone tops (had no issue with mine) at no additional cost to me, and they replaced my cracked cast top for free, too.

 

I've had a Fireview since 2012, and an AS since 2016 when they first shipped. So in this case you are asking As vs IS. There really isn't much difference in price and I think they are both capable of heating your home. It's mega insulated and I'm sure it will heat nicely. But the IS may be more convenient for those very cold spells where capacity for burn length even at relatively high burns is important. The IS may just give you an hour or two more on the back end of as burn cycle, given it's slightly larger box. So for slightly more money, you'll get a bit more potential burn time.

But I will say, side entry door is nice, I really like it. The Ash pans kick-abs on both the AS and IS, and regardless of what that coot Backwoods Savage says, (grinning from ear to ear) the AS Wings are sexy! and can't be beat. As for the current problems that some of the IS stoves are having, you're not hearing folks taking that into consideration simply because they're quite confident of WS ability to have solved the problem and make it right for the customers.

Also, one thing you can do, is buy the AS and if inside the first season it doesn't work out for you, they'll take it back for a full value and sell you the IS.

Having said all that, your home sounds lovely, we want pics!!!

 

I thought you said you didn't like them.. must have been someone else. Sorry Dennis. Have a great Thanksgiving.

 

So sorry Dennis, got you and Highbeam mixed up. I don't know how I did that... getting too old for all these windows and tabs and stuff. If I don't watch out they'll take away my drivers license and stick me in the old folks home! Like I said the AS Wings are sexy. (proof I'm getting old!)

LOL!! Have a great Turkey Day!

 

Hello there. I am very good friends with the owner of Woodstock. He has surrounded himself with an excellent team. They are exceptional at what they do and you do not have to hesitate investing in one of their products. Of course, I would prefer you invest in one of ours, but do not let a few glitches run you off their line. All manufacturers have issues and we and WS do not see consumers as guinea pigs. I participate in other forums and want to make a important point.

These forums are an excellent place to get input, suggestions and recommendations. However, the scope (and I mean this respectfully) of the forums is very tiny and not 100% representative of the bigger picture. The participants in these forums have saved many, many consumers from cataclysmic mistakes....and possibly saved homes and lives...having reviewed images of installs. Their experience is invaluable, but it is precisely that, their own experience.

Go with your heart on this one. Either company would be proud to bring you into their family.

And have a great Thanksgiving!!!

 

Well said BKVP! Companies such as Blaze King and Woodstock is exactly what American manufacturing is missing today. If there were more such as these we could take pride in our products. Top notch!

 

Thank you BKVP and everybody else who has chimed in. I’m grateful to experience the class and integrity expressed on this forum and in this thread. I’m convinced that with BK & WS, I have several excellent, reliable choices for a wood stove that will suit my needs and desires.

 

I noticed the OP was in Montana, and was going to post this very thing. From what I have seem (I don't own one), the Kuma stoves are great stoves as well, in the same class as the Woodstock stoves.

I like that Sequoia.

Edit: They have discontinued the Sequoia, but it might be available at local dealers yet. Their "big" stoves now are about 2.5 cu.ft., claimed heating capacity 2800 sqft.