So far, Woodstock models, some Jotuls and a Hearthstone or two that we know of. We don't want to pay the big bucks to raise the thimble higher than existing 32" (CL) with 6" SS flue going straight vertical after the tee. My definite preference is cat or hybrid and we don't know if any straight secondary (tube) stoves will fit the new EPA requirements or how soon those new reg's begin. The Encore has been inadequate to keep us toasty in the real cold windy nights but able to keep the propane furnace off - we just dress warmer inside. I totally wish for a 12 hour useful burn so it can heat during work hours and overnight. The stove is downstairs where visitors don't sit so the wife is over how beautiful it has to be.
Most cast iron stoves have the option. Quadrafire's Isle Royale, Cumberland Gap, and Yosemite have a rear option. VC stoves have the rear vent option, but, I would pass on those.
Jotul will be a good friend of yours although expensive.... The oslo is a good option. It is the first "whole house heater" in their line. It won't provide cat stove burn times but it has an awesome sized fire box and can provide a nice slow burn for a tube stove.
The Oslo has been around for a while and it isn't their largest stove, the F600 (previously the Firelight, which was a cat stove) and the newer F55 are the largest stoves in Jotul's model line. The Oslo is a fine stove, but is the same size as the Encore I run. The Oslo will give 6-10 hours of heat depending upon your needs and location. The Woodstock Steel stove is larger by about one cubic feet and will heat a larger area than the Oslo while providing longer burn times. The Woodstock Steel stove is more comparable to the F600 and the F55. Also, the Jotul stoves are no more expensive than other cast iron stoves. The Pacific Energy T4-T6, the Quadrafire Isle Royale, Cumberland Gap, and Yosemite, and the VC Encore and Defiant are all within the same price range as the Jotul stoves.
I know this Browning, I service and sell all those brands aside from VC (Did those in the past for another company as well so no stranger). I was merely pointing out that the Oslo was the smallest I would go for the task at hand and that Jotul is particularly rear vent friendly when the situation calls for it. By "first whole house heater" I should have said first in line behind the Firelight and the Rangely, my bad.
Actually, I need to apologize. I thought I was in a different thread. I thought we were in the thread about the Woodstock stove not offering a blower. That is why I was comparing the stoves from a personal standpoint. You are absolutely correct. The Jotul line offers many rear venting options. Sorry for the confusions.
Eh, well all make beermistakes, er mistakes Go easy on me when I do because it's bound to happen with my track record
If I could find a plate-steel cat stove that was rear-vented, with around 2 cu.ft. useable volume, I would be all over it. The Ideal Steel is really too big for me. Not sure why there aren't any offerings that would fit the bill (I haven't searched all that hard so far) when there are tons of cast stoves that would. My old plate-steel Englander 24 is rear or top....what's the big deal? The plate-steels are engineered to be cheaper, and a rear-vent would add cost? I don't get it.
I was told it was an engineering problem, I need a rear vent 6 inch flue for my set up, in my case the bigger the better but I was surprised at how few options there are. I did learn something in this thread, I had no idea the Isle Royal was rear vent, although I'm leaning towards a Woodstock that stove certainly gets consideration.
Apparently Woodstock has got it figured out; The Ideal Steel can rear-vent. In addition to the Isle Royale, the Hearthstone Manchester can rear-vent. If they've got the assembly issues figured out, that looks like a sweet rig with the heat-exchange fins on top of the firebox and open top to enhance convection.
I have that one on my list, so far: Woodstock PH Woodstock IS Hearthstone Manchester Jotul F55 Quadrafire IR Those are the ones that will fit with my current set up with no alterations needed, I have to stick with a 6 inch because I couldn't get an 8 inch down my flue or I'd be burning a Kuma Sequoia these last few years. Obviously there are a number of smaller stoves such as the Keystone that would work but I need more heat not less.. Actually I'm not sure on the IS yet, if they manage to make the adjustable legs 1 inch lower it will fit and probably shoot to the top of my list, I'll have to call Woodstock tomorrow and ask them if that's still a possibility.
Some nice stoves on that list! If I decided that was the best stove for me, I'd seriously consider cutting the legs shorter if I had to.
