Very good stove! I've been thinking about down sizing to a F3cb. We have a F118cb and it's too much for our 1200 sq feet most of the time. But it sure works great & easy to run!
I'd keep the Black Bear if I were you, I forgot about that one as I've only ever seen 2 in the 10 years I've been playing with Jotuls. It's such a unique stove!
Well I should have said unique looking I suppose. There are a TON of cast iron stoves on the market and a lot of them have a little bit different lattice work on the doors, some are clean face, some have short legs and some have long legs etc. There isn't a single one on the market these days that looks anything like the Black Bear. IMO, the stove has a very original look to it. I also like the quote on the front of it that's written in Norwegian, "I built me a flame late one night. When day is done, God will my flame never die." The side, rear and top vent options also make it a very flexible stove when it comes to stove placement and installation planning. Plus it has a bear on the side of it lol
Yes, will keep the Black Bear. It's actually a very old model that was brought back by Jotul. They added secondary air tubes under the baffle to appease the EPA and it works great. We burn about half the wood we did with a VC and have heat to spare. Eventually will need a newer stove in the shop and might move it in there. But one thing is certain, a new Jotul will go back in the house!!! After heating with wood since 1980 I have found my stove brand!
