I will be extending my fireplace hearth to accommodate a Woodstock Progress Hybrid later this year. Based on my fireplace opening height of only 30” I will need to get the short leg kit. My question is around heat loss. Will I lose much heat if the stove is placed on the hearth with the rear legs just outside the fireplace opening? Will be installing a block of plate and get the rear heat shield but want to ensure I don’t lose a lot of heat to the fireplace. Trying to maximize heat into room but minimize to a degree the stove footprint into the room (input from wife - happy wife happy life) Link to stove specs http://www.woodstove.com/images/editorial_support/209 PDFs/Covers & Specs 171011.pdf Frank
I don’t have a blockoff plate but do have a lot of insulation stuffed up in there, and it is an interior chimney. I was surprised at how little heat comes off the back, especially with the heat shield in place. I think you will be fine. And welcome to the site!
I have a similar set up as Flamested. I stuffed rock wool insulation where the fireplace damper was and I also stuffed some at the top of the chimney to create a dead air space to keep the liner hot all the way up. I've been running this set up for 3 winters and it works fine. I wanted to originally put in an Ideal Steel but my raised hearth wouldn't fit it so I ended up buying a Fireview 201 that just fit. I would love to redo the hearth to accommodate a PH. I don't think I could go back to an all metal stove after running a soapstone stove. Keep us updated on your remodel.
The wall behind my stove gets to about 120°. I wouldn't worry too much about heat loss into the fireplace (with a blockoff plate)
Thank you and really appreciate the feedback. Would really like the tall legs with the ash pan, but the fireplace opening will not permit without additional hearth work. Funny, my wife really liked the Keystone and it would fit perfectly... just not enough horsepower for a 2500 sf house. Would rather have the bigger stove less ash pan than compromise on smaller wood stove.
I agree the Keystone would be too small and yes, it is a good looking stove. Yet, I think the Progress is extremely hard to beat for both looks and the way it heats. For paint on the trim, I really love the looks of gold paint on that beast. I've not yet seen one with the short legs but don't think it would be a problem except being lower when loading the stove. On our Fireview, we put it on a 16" raised hearth and it is nice for loading. I actually sit on a chair when loading the stove and it is perfect. I hate bending.
Funny, my wife walked in and exclaimed "that one" (attached pic) as we passed the keystone. I said, no we need the bigger brother PH which is just as handsome. I currently have a Jotul c550 insert so I am pretty good at dealing with ash, but the little guy is just under powered and the fan noise is annoying. The primary goal is more heat and less loading. Based on my reading on this site (and others) the PH is a heating monster.
And one of the best parts is the radiant heat with that soapstone. For example, we always used to have to use a fan in the house but after installing the Fireview soapstone, we don't use a fan with the exception of the ceiling fan set on low.
My PH sits in front of the fireplace opening. I keep a small metal fan in the space behind the stove pointed upward to circulate air. It would work fine without the fan but it makes me feel better. If you want an ash pan then you might reconsider rebuilding your hearth. Your stove will last a lifetime, get the one you want. If it’s not a priority to you then carry on. Your going to love the PH.
The the ash pan would be great but the hearth opening height is only 30". I could either make the 1" raised hearth flush to floor and just sneak by or remove a row of bricks. I am not 100% certain what is under the current slate hearth... it appears from the basement that it has a cement foundation which would limit my ability to go flush to the floor. Not sure how hard taking a row of bricks out of the top of the fireplace opening would be... I would have a mason do the work, beyond my ability. The hearth obviously needs to be extended and the wood trim removed.
You pm'd me last year. Do you remember? I may take you up on that offer this fall sometime. That is one nice looking stove and picture. I'm a sucker for Cracker Barrel sized fire places anyway. I was born in the wrong era, I think. I can see me some beans being slow cooked in that fire place. Wow! Love the picture...
