New member, possible new stove

Nice to see another local so close by. I went with Dayton Fireplace systems on Rt 741 for a total turnkey install. I went with the Quadrafire stove because that's what they sell. In my fourth year now with the stove and really like it. It paid for itself and the install in the first year. And that was with less than ideal wood. I know the BK's and the IS's are popular, but no dealers locally and I wanted someone to do the install professionally.

 

We are actually living in Beavercreek right now, temporarily with my parents until we close on the house. I haven't been in Dayton Fireplace in quite a few years but I was just next door yesterday at lumber liquidators. I may swing in there just to compare what they have. I'm fairly convinced it will be a Blaze King or Woodstock. I'll do my own install. Never hurts to compare though.

 

I bet the new AS would handle that size house, no problem. That would be 1500 upstairs, with the stove upstairs? My BIL has got my old Fireview easily doing 1480...

 

Yeah, around 1500 square feet upstairs and the stove in the middle of the main floor. For right now it would only be 1100 sq ft so about any stove will be overkill.

The real shock of the day was me showing my wife the ideal steel and her reaction. I don't care for it too much and expected her to say the same. She likes it better than the absolute! I must know her well...

I think the absolute has the ability to over power the house. If it went really low, easily, I'd consider it. That's a lot of stove for a small house, even with the addition.

I know Woodstock has their sale going to March 15th, but when would the best time be to buy? Any great summer sales with free shipping, or is this about the best to expect before prices keep climbing? We aren't in any rush at all.

 

Vonderhaar stoves is on route 42 just north of cincy. They carry Harmon, Pacific Energy and Jotul. I have bought some chimney supplies there and the installer was very willing to talk and share info.

 

Perfect! I was just getting ready to look online for different stove shops in the cincy area. I'm heading down there today to look at hardwood flooring. Hopefully I'll have time to stop in. 42 is a pretty direct route back to my dads place.

 

Great advice! Insulation as part of renovations is a real good first priority. Woodwiz is asking the right questions. I would add - "keep the salt shaker handy." I cannot help but notice that pretty well every poster believes their stove is the greatest ever. And it might be - for them - but that is just what it is. There is no 'perfect wood stove' for all people and all situations. One thing for sure, if your home is well insulated your choices grow dramatically. I like your approach of working with your wife to find what you will like appearance wise as well as functionally. Two minds always better than one. At the end of the day I suspect 'beauty rules' in your world ... and its in the eye of the beholder. 4 eg. I'm a simple, practical guy and prefer plain and simple heat. But that's just me.

 

Bob, your point about insulation is spot on as for everyone thinks their stove is best.. I think it makes sense everyone here thinks their stove is great, many members here came looking doing research for a stove, I did. There are many good stoves.. not counting hearth and chimney and reading everyone post

1000 dollar or less NC 30 or equivalent downside ash removal
2250 range a lot of Woodstock fans.. downside even heat for 12 hour burns
4000 range BK King I also looked at regency 5000 downside 8 inch chimney, price, customer service iffy..

plus many others ..

So people make best choice for them and their situation. I don't mean to push people one way or another. But all new burners ask same question which stove and your right it all depends on an individual circumstance and their setup.

 

I appreciate all the perspectives and advice. We have a couple weeks potentially before we own the house. At this moment I'm sold on Woodstock. We have been burning wood for 16 years and this will be our 4th stove, so we have some comparisons already in mind. I have never operated or been around a catalytic stove. I like the concept so I'm eager to try it out. At this point the leading contender is the Ideal Steel. I have to eat a little crow because I started very turned off by the look of the stove. It has grown on me some now. If the budget holds we plan to take advantage of their sale prices before March 15. Time will tell.

 

Amen. No doubt FHC has its greatest value in the many comments from numerous posters that helps to flush out all the important considerations and various trade offs that the wide variety of stoves present to a buyer. The point that serious stove people need keep in mind is stoves are constantly improving and no stove is perfect inasmuch as they all involve trade offs in order to achieve superior performance in one area or another. On another level the emphasis on properly seasoned fuel is absolutely critical beyond any question. I am surprised more emphasis is not placed on climate and insulation in many discussions and comments. At the end of the day its all about heat (to fend off cold) and how much is required to heat a given home (size, layout, insulation). For many, if not the majority, watching the fire is the number one satisfaction factor for many people. I am a generalist at heart and try to make generally helpful comments leaving brand/model/type questions up to the individual to sort out. Basically, all of today's wood burning stoves/fireplace inserts are good. We live in a Chev/Ford/Dodge sort of world and there are bound to be preferences. I happen to own one of them. When 'fanboys' of one in particular start pushing their preferences I get suspicious real quick. Just my past coming back to haunt me. I sold expensive highly complex systems for a living and have seen it all at one time or another. My value was only in being unbiased, open and honest. I like wood stoves and enjoy all the posts and ideas presented. And most of all, I like the fact you live on the border of the our northern paradise. LOL