You're correct, the Jotul is a non-catalytic wood stove. Comparatively, Jotul is nearly as efficient though. Jotul uses the Jotul Combustor design. The latest version of it is called Jotul Fusion TM which they compare to an "afterburner". Jotul is not the only company that uses this design. Essentially, it's tubes that the fire heats, has secondary air flowing into the fire chamber and exits the tubes through small holes into the top of the flame where there is smoke and therefore allows that smoke to ignite in the presence of this heated oxygen and flame. Smoke is a combination of burnt particulate and unburnt fuel that needs more oxygen to allow it to ignite. It's similar to how a blacksmith forge operates. The Jotul design heats the secondary incoming oxygen and then it introduces this oxygen at the top of the burn chamber so that the smoke can ignite easier as it then travels into a secondary chamber just above the burn chamber as it re-ignites and therefore increases efficiency. It's not an "afterburner". An afterburner injects additional fuel. A blacksmith forge is a better comparison as the forge is pumping additional air into the burn chamber. In this case, Jotul, like other wood stove manufacturers are designed to burn unburnt fuel. Lopi and Vermont Castings use a similar design but rely more on a catalytic converter. Lopi and Vermont Castings draw additional air into the burn chamber which is also heated from the underside and on the sides of their stoves. Don't get me wrong, I love Jotul wood stoves. If it's an end of the world situation, you won't be able to buy catalytic combustors in which case a Jotul beats a Vermont Castings wood stove. The reason the Jotul isn't as efficient is because as the fire dies down along with the heat, it becomes much more difficult to ignite the smoke at the top of the air box since the incoming secondary oxygen isn't as warm and may not be ignited by the fire chamber.
I live in a 1750 sq ft 'cabin' in the sub-arctic. Last January, 2023, a 30 year old RSF 65 was replaced by a Hearthstone Heritage. The RSF could pump enough heat to push interior temperatures to 30 C (85 F) at 40 below outside ... All it took was lots of fuel (7 cords a season). The Heritage keeps our house warm at any temperature for about 1/3 the cost. Stoke the stove at 10 pm and there are enough embers at 06:30 to rekindle the heat without re-building the fire. I do wish they made a similar stove at 1.5 times the volume ... I'm lazy. For the record: a side load is a godsend for keeping smoke in the fire box rather than my great room. Hearthstone has introduced a small soapstone called "Lincoln" that may be installed in my sunroom to augment the main stove. Good video, thanks.
I have a Vermont Casting Defiant Flex Burn and a Buck model 94 nc. I love them both and they both do a great job . The Buck is steel and VC is cast iron. Two completely different stoves . The Buck is easier to use but a much plainer looking stove. I have been to the Buck factory in NC. Very impressive and very welcoming people.
My first wood stove 20 years ago was a new buck stove in an old Georgia farmhouse. I loved that stove! I’ve had a Hase bari for the past 5 years, stupid expensive but burns and looks great in my Oregon home. When it’s going good the fire has a hypnotizing slow motion roll to it.
Great segment. I have a little Jotul 602 i picked up used for free back in 1993. its a great little stove with no glass window and a circular draft control. the cigar burn is interesting. i hadn't used it in years and just recently installed it in my Garage for occasional heat. I have a Jotul F3CB that is rock solid an i use to heat 1100 square foot main floor and a PE Summit downstairs in the basement to assist when cold. My fuel oil cost last year was $75.00. side load is a nice option because you can leave the window closed and nothing spills out. My Consolidated Dutchwest had one it was nice. thanks for sharing.
We've had the Vermont Castings Intrepid for nearly 40 years. It's gorgeous and a work horse, but it's well past its prime. The enamel is flaking off in places, and it's developed a gap between the left side and the front just this year. Plus as efficient as it was in its time, today's stoves are far more efficient. We'll stick with Vermont Castings. They're obviously durable, attractive, and efficient. And I have to have that super convenient top loader. Love that feature.
Whether side-load works for you or not depends a lot on the space. I have an older Vermont Castings Dutchwest that side-loads, and I really like it. My wood pile is to the side of the stove, and it keeps all the mess off to the side and away from the front of the stove. I don't know if it also means a shorter distance to combustible materials in the front, but it keeps the area in front of the stove very clean. It also just seems like the logical place to load from if you can, you aren't moving a door with a window in it that you could break if you are careless handling the wood, etc. Although I will admit that the top load does sound even easier than a side load.
@@emberslivinga sideload is the same as loading the front load jotul. It doesn't matter if it's front or side, the point is you put the logs in lengthwise instead of widthwise. So if they roll off to the side, there are walls to hold them up, rather than them rolling out at you, or obstructing the door
I have the woodstock soapstone fireview and I hate it.I have a 900 square foot open concept log cabin and can only get it 30 degrees warmer than it is outside. Using good white oak and it still is hard to get above 450 degrees. Looking to replace it with a Vermont Castings cast iron.
I really enjoy your video’s, I have learned a bunch. I have the Jotul F 500, and I have to say I have been very disappointed. Very difficult to get spare parts and I have had problems with the catalytic combustor. My first winter I over heated the stove, some ash got behind the pan and the door did not lock closed and before I noticed it over fired. I replaced the catalytic combustor and was very careful not to over heat the stove and the second year but it still became damaged and plugged up. Looking at replacing it again but it’s over $700. I’m considering just giving up on it and going to a non catalytic stove
Hey I have a jotul, Greenville stove and was told by a friend I need to unscrew the top of the stove and take it off and clean around the Baffles is this true?
Do not recall using a Greenville in my shop but I am sure I probably did. It has been since 2008 that I sold my business. But I would think you could use a good shop vac with a filter bag in it. Make sure you use that bag along with the canister filter on the inside. You must use the bag or you will blow that dust all over your house and the wife will not be very happy with you !!!@@workin8149
Jotul used to make amazing stoves. The big dealer near me said he has had issues with the way they are made today. I believe it is because the government keeps pounding the poor manufacturers with better air standards ??? I believe they do notb want any manufacturing left in America ????@@workin8149
How do you determine what size is needed? If used as an insert does the flute have to be removed? Does the fireplace have to be prepped before install?
It really depends on the size of space yo uare trying to heat. You dont want to go to big or it could be a fire hazard. I've seen people just put the stove in their old fireplace with some liner and it worked. You will have to ask an installer about your specific situation.
I bought a Hearthstone stove Heritage in 2003 . I continually used it to heat my house in Indiana for 16 years. It was still working fine when I decided to redecorate my living room and go with a different style and color . Mine was 100% seafoam green 👍 Fo me, I wish it was 25% larger and had taller legs. That’s the only reason why I’m not buying a new one like that,
I think some people like a side load door because they feel that separating the task of loading the stove from the aesthetic of enjoying the flame through the front door window provides the superior quality that comes from a specific assignment. And people have been told the front door is going to bellow smoke when you open it and make your house smell like a camp fire.
Yeah! you should check out our Hearthstone Lincoln video! Also if youre interested in buying one call us at (303) 800-5659. Here is the video - hearthstone Lincoln Wood Stove Review!! : th-cam.com/video/sjSzrJm4vw4/w-d-xo.html
This was a great comparison. Thank you. Does anyone know where the model number label for the old Defiant Encore model #2190 is located on the stove? My insurance company wants me to send them a photo of it. I can't find it anywhere. But I can't check the back because there's a professionally attached heat deflector that covers the back up. I'm not handy and can't take it off or put it back on myself to check for the model number.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAST IRON WITH A BLOWER and a Standard cast iron without a blower? Do all wood stoves come with a Blower or is it an add-on to any or all the stoves you're showing?
I had a Morso wood burning stove which I got in the early 80’s. Had it for over 35 years until I sold the house. It really was a great stove and kept the house nice and warm.
Thanks for the video. You are not wrong, but right. I look for functionality and efficiency in a wood stove. In addition, I realize wood stoves take a beating. The appliance NEEDS annual maintenance, which many people overlook. Check and replace gaskets, roping, door latches, etc. Due to the high temp, screws, nuts, and bolts are stressed to the point of breakage and need repair. I also take into account the availability of parts. So there are many factors one must consider, as you said when selecting a wood stove.
VC Encore's ash can opens to provide a great "turbo" draft for brief high firing during starting. This really helps when you have mediocre draft like my 8" chimney pipe provides. No fan or external vent necessary. Main drawback is the refactory ceramic cracks easily, like within the first month of careful usage. I fixed it by drilling two bolt holes and wrapping steel mesh around stove cement patching the crack. Cement alone didn't hold. It takes months to get the ceramic part which suggests this is a common problem. 😢 Otherwise, the VC CAT is great. 👍
I got a nova 2 last year and while it's beautiful it has a problem with smoke rollout, I don't think I am doing anything wrong, install is fine and wood is constantly tested. I can't ever open the door unless there is like 3 inches of hot coals. It burns way too hot and its not good to have no control over the temp regulation, I am looking at trying to sell mine to get something better for me
Make sure it is the right size! Sometimes getting to large of a stove can be a fire hazard. Please give us a call at 303-800-5659 to talk about wood stoves.
I don’t have smoke rollout on mine as long as I open it properly. I agree that it is a very hot stove, after the initial burn, we burn one log at a time. Very beautiful and I found my glass stays fairly clean as long as I stay away from pine.
I had the Hearthstone wood stove, just about the size you showcased in your video, for my cabin up in Maine which was approximately 700 sqft, and I absolutely loved it! You are correct in the stove having a long and very efficient burn time. There were times when I would have to open the windows a little bit at night because the warmth from the stove almost was a little too much. I am certainly not complaining though, as it was an amazing wood stove and would most certainly purchase another and I highly recommend it for those who are considering a Hearthstone for their home.
I thing the removable plate the little stove us actually reversal able to give a cooking surface and a surface for reheating leftovers or for slow cooking
I had the hearthstone soapstone. I loved the soft even heat the stones threw, not to mention the warm house in the morning thanks to the heat retention of the stones. I hated the catalyst.. plugged up constantly with fine ash, had to bring air hose into house and blow light pressure into it to unplug. I know have the Pacific Energy Alderlea t5 which is non -cat and finicky free and easy to use. If you burn full time, the catalyst is pain in ass more than anything. If you decide to get the hearstone, you can choose to bypass the catalytic converter, however i felt it didn't measure up to other non cat models. Choose wisely for your needs. A few fires a winter for the enchantment... Hearthstone... Wood fuel for your main source of heat... Go simple, non-cat... You'll get similar burn times even without the cat.
Good video, I think the stone of the Hearthstone is more asteticly pleasing than the pure metal stoves but to each their own. The stone has a unique texture like wood does.
I would be really carefull buying a wood stove that is too large you can burn the house down that way! Please call our store and one of the salesman will walk you through the whole thing.
Great video, just wondering I am looking for a wood stove that can give up to 10 hours of burn time and I can cook on, It is going to be my main heating source so I need the 10 hours for overnight burning.
Nice stoves and videos. Only thing with the tax credits, this pertains not just stoves but vehicles and anything else the government gives credits for, they don’t help the consumer. They only allow the manufacturers, sellers or providers of the objects getting the tax credits to raise their prices about as much as the credits are.
Do you sell Morso? If so can you do a video on the 2b classic? It’s so odd and funky with a lower and upper section that their website doesn’t explain the purpose of.
thank you so much for watching and commenting on our video! I hope the move goes well! If you need any specific information on any of these stoves feel free to give us a call! Cheers
7:50 most likely for cooking - the cast iron thingies probably to help get it hotter, and it's removable so you can also cook on direct flame. (just a guess, but that it a common feature on many other older stoves that have more attention to actually functioning as a "stove")
Obviously I stand behind the VC. They just have a great reputation and customer service. We will be having some really fun VC videos coming up the next two weeks . When we used the VC the top load was super easy to use and we cooked a steak on it!! Pretty wild. If you have any questions about stoves please call us at (303) 800-5659
Is there a stove you can operate with it open? I dont want to lose the sound of a fireplace, but maintain the view a stone fireplace to the roof would take away. And a stove would allow the best of both worlds.
I’ve seen way too many complaints on line about VC. They are to finicky to operate, require a lot of maintenance as well as rebuilds. I think you need optimum draft set up to burn these down draft stoves properly. I’m a big fan of the steel fire box with cast iron surround stoves like Jotul F45 or the PE alderlea. It’s nice to have the strength of a steel welded firebox and the cast clad to even out the heat.
Do stoves need to be epa or just for the rebate? Im up in canada and we dont have any regulations like that. Id like to see videos on stoves and fireplaces that are not epa
I have a Regency (2500 ?) the large model; going on 15yrs. It belts out the heat out: the 'air wash' is effective it there's a full on fire; reducing the air damper at all, smoke / stains the glass; burn time 6hrs max. I was surprised, Drolet, Napoleon, Regency are nowhere on your list.
finns for higher heat to cook.......some pellet stoves have finns on reverse side to remove heat from fire to air. Soapstone liner for higher burn temps for more complete slowed combustion
11:12 .5 g/h is indeed a very low emissions rating, but not efficiency. The percentage HHV or LLV metrics describe efficiency and at 83% the VCs are maybe the best.
I had the VC and Now have jotul. The VC has too many seals and the seals are different sizing. I also Had a problem with the handles cracking and splitting. My Jotul only has the front door. I Also like the knife door latch. The Hearth Stone is sweet but I imagine its the most expensive.
I had that model of Jotul (the 602) before they came with a window in front, and I heated a fairly well insulated house of 1,215 sq. ft. through Rhode Island winters. It would do overnight burns, except when the temperature got much below zero. Heated the house on a bit over 2 cords for the winter. Since it takes small pieces I would buy log slabs of oak from a local sawmill. Back then, they were $20/cord, delivered. They came in 8' lengths, bundled, and I'd cut them into 16" lengths, and since they were slabs, the splitting was piece-of-cake. And it was a 5" flue, not a 4". -- Part of what made it so efficient was the hookup. The house came with a 2' deep x 6' wide chimney, into which was set a crappy tract-house fireplace. I knocked out the fireplace and the wall above it, and built a semicircular brick wall set back into the chimney, and made a semi-circular concrete "ceiling" for it that I slid in at the top. For the masonry flue above this "ceiling" I used 6" thimbles. I insulated the space between the semi-circular wall and the outer chimney with vermiculite, with about a foot of vermiculite above the ceiling. I installed the stove so that the metal flue pipe went straight up vertically, right into the concrete ceiling, so it was a straight shot all the way up. The draft was great, even though it was a low ranch house and the chimney was only 3' above the roof. -- The semi-circular wall would warm up and retain a lot of heat, and unexpectedly, it set up a steady convective loop of heated air that was strong enough to shoot the heat all the way down the hall to the opposite end of a 40' long house. Yeah, it shot it down the ceiling, but for some reason, it worked anyway. -- To lay the brick, I first laid out the bricks dry in the opening, with one brick flat against the wall on one end and a half brick flat against the wall on the other side. I traced the inside edges of the bricks onto a plywood template, plus some extra plywood sticking into the room, where I attached a piece of furring/strapping across with some spacers to hold the ends of the template out from the drywall on both sides. I laid up one course and then flipped the template end-over-end to get the alternated spacing for the bricks. -- I don't think vermiculate is considered safe these days. -- Curved brick walls make awesome shadow patterns.
What are your thoughts on Blaze Kings? I was debating between a BK Princess and a Hearthstone Mansfield with the goal of heating a two story 1900sq ft house. I like the idea of the soapstone but I have heard BK has the auto damper thing so Im not sure. Thanks
I heated my one story 1200 sf Ranch in Alaska with a Blaze King Princess. It heated it no problem even at -40F. There were lots of times I had to open the windows because it was too hot. Realistic burn times were 8 to 10 hrs, where it was still hot enough to heat the house. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
I have used a Blaze King Princess for 15 years and would have to say it is great. I use less wood than the old stove while getting more consistent heat and get 12 to 18 hour burn times depending on outdoor temperatures. When it is 25 to 45 can get 18 hour burns, below 25 roughly 12 hours.
The side load on the jotul 500 allows longer logs and better stuffing and less ashes fall out the front. It also helps the smoke not come out. Not perfect but its a great stove. I bought that 4 years ago for my parents, because they are getting a tad absent minded and might forget to close the damper. Great stove
Someone mentioned Blaze King as I’m looking for a friend and haven’t checked stoves in years. Those burn times are pretty weak compared to my Blaze King Princess Ultra. 24 hours is pretty typical at a setting at just under half on the thermostat. I also get 36 hours for Ash logs at about 11 percent moisture at same setting. I can crank down to 40 hrs if I want to on a full load. If it’s good enough for Canada and Alaska it’s good enough for me. Blaze King is the best. I have proof of this.
One more very important item. Maybe the most important. No spikes in air temperature….or drops. It’s very good at delivering consistent temps in the home and holding them, like a nat gas furnace I would argue.
🇺🇲 Cold air drops like a rock down the flue pipe into the fire box. unless the fire box is burning 24-7 an un-lit firebox makes the immediate and adjacent rooms up to 20% colder. it's like an open window.
One of the best features is the side loading door. If this guy was a serious wood burner he wouldn't have ben critical of the side door. I've had 4 stoves and the best is the one with the side door.
Are people buying for the look of the stove, or are they really considering heat output for a house with a sq footage of like 2,000? I have a Lopi Liberty stove. The heat output for the entire house is unbelievable. Do you not carry that brand? Don't think so, otherwise, that would change this video. They are a workhorse, and not a decorative stove for the 4 season's room like I see there.
The Hearthstone Heritage possesses 1¼" thick soapstone slabs, NOT 3" to 4" thick as you state at 16:59. I am surprised that you do not know this, given that you sell the product! Also, the side-opening door on the Hearthstone Heritage is VASTLY superior to Vermont Castings' top load door. No contest.
I have a Hearthstone and don't care for it. It works great in a small temp range. If you need more heat on a bitter cold day, the soapstone only gives so much. If you need a little heat on a warmer day, again, no such luck. Even with seasoned wood I have to let it go out at keast 2-3 times in the winter to clean the catalytic converter. It takes a long time to cool the stove, but the house starts to cool off right away.
No Kuma or Blaze King on this list ??....these 2 are the most efficient wood stoves & have the longest burn time of any stoves on the market plus the materials are sourced in the US & built in the US !!
Hearthstone stoves take longer to warm up initially. It's a tradeoff. Vermont Castings dissipate heat into the home much faster; considerably faster but as the fire dies down they don't retain heat like a Hearthstone because the Vermont Castings dissipates heat immediately when the burn begins. So if you want a stove to take longer to heat up but continue dissipating LOW heat long after the logs stop burning then you'll want a Hearthstone. I don't value this stove for the aforementioned reason of low heat and long warm up time. I'd rather have the Vermont Castings because once I learned how to use it, I found that it out-performs all the wood stoves I had in the past and present. If you don't know how to use a Vermont Castings then you may experience "puffing". I should make a video on how to correctly run a Vermont Castings. Eventually, I narrowed things down between the following: Lopi, Jotul, Hearthstone and Vermont Castings. It was the Vermont Castings that uniquely had the most advantages. For long term survival (the world melts down), the Jotul Oslo 500 is the best because you're not going to be able to buy catalytic combustors when nothing is available.
I'm confused, per Jotul's website the OSLO is a non-catalytic stove, you said it is. Can you please clarify? Thanks!
You're correct, the Jotul is a non-catalytic wood stove. Comparatively, Jotul is nearly as efficient though. Jotul uses the Jotul Combustor design. The latest version of it is called Jotul Fusion TM which they compare to an "afterburner". Jotul is not the only company that uses this design. Essentially, it's tubes that the fire heats, has secondary air flowing into the fire chamber and exits the tubes through small holes into the top of the flame where there is smoke and therefore allows that smoke to ignite in the presence of this heated oxygen and flame. Smoke is a combination of burnt particulate and unburnt fuel that needs more oxygen to allow it to ignite. It's similar to how a blacksmith forge operates. The Jotul design heats the secondary incoming oxygen and then it introduces this oxygen at the top of the burn chamber so that the smoke can ignite easier as it then travels into a secondary chamber just above the burn chamber as it re-ignites and therefore increases efficiency. It's not an "afterburner". An afterburner injects additional fuel. A blacksmith forge is a better comparison as the forge is pumping additional air into the burn chamber. In this case, Jotul, like other wood stove manufacturers are designed to burn unburnt fuel. Lopi and Vermont Castings use a similar design but rely more on a catalytic converter. Lopi and Vermont Castings draw additional air into the burn chamber which is also heated from the underside and on the sides of their stoves. Don't get me wrong, I love Jotul wood stoves. If it's an end of the world situation, you won't be able to buy catalytic combustors in which case a Jotul beats a Vermont Castings wood stove.
The reason the Jotul isn't as efficient is because as the fire dies down along with the heat, it becomes much more difficult to ignite the smoke at the top of the air box since the incoming secondary oxygen isn't as warm and may not be ignited by the fire chamber.
I live in a 1750 sq ft 'cabin' in the sub-arctic. Last January, 2023, a 30 year old RSF 65 was replaced by a Hearthstone Heritage. The RSF could pump enough heat to push interior temperatures to 30 C (85 F) at 40 below outside ... All it took was lots of fuel (7 cords a season). The Heritage keeps our house warm at any temperature for about 1/3 the cost. Stoke the stove at 10 pm and there are enough embers at 06:30 to rekindle the heat without re-building the fire. I do wish they made a similar stove at 1.5 times the volume ... I'm lazy.
For the record: a side load is a godsend for keeping smoke in the fire box rather than my great room. Hearthstone has introduced a small soapstone called "Lincoln" that may be installed in my sunroom to augment the main stove.
Good video, thanks.
I have a Vermont Casting Defiant Flex Burn and a Buck model 94 nc. I love them both and they both do a great job . The Buck is steel and VC is cast iron. Two completely different stoves . The Buck is easier to use but a much plainer looking stove. I have been to the Buck factory in NC. Very impressive and very welcoming people.
Thanks for watching!
My first wood stove 20 years ago was a new buck stove in an old Georgia farmhouse. I loved that stove! I’ve had a Hase bari for the past 5 years, stupid expensive but burns and looks great in my Oregon home. When it’s going good the fire has a hypnotizing slow motion roll to it.
Bought my Vermont Casting in the early "80's", for quick fast heat nothing in 40 yrs of wood burning could touch it.
Great segment. I have a little Jotul 602 i picked up used for free back in 1993. its a great little stove with no glass window and a circular draft control. the cigar burn is interesting. i hadn't used it in years and just recently installed it in my Garage for occasional heat. I have a Jotul F3CB that is rock solid an i use to heat 1100 square foot main floor and a PE Summit downstairs in the basement to assist when cold. My fuel oil cost last year was $75.00.
side load is a nice option because you can leave the window closed and nothing spills out. My Consolidated Dutchwest had one it was nice. thanks for sharing.
Dang, that sounds like a great stove. We appreciate you watching and leaving a comment. Thank you @trcass1
We've had the Vermont Castings Intrepid for nearly 40 years. It's gorgeous and a work horse, but it's well past its prime. The enamel is flaking off in places, and it's developed a gap between the left side and the front just this year. Plus as efficient as it was in its time, today's stoves are far more efficient. We'll stick with Vermont Castings. They're obviously durable, attractive, and efficient. And I have to have that super convenient top loader. Love that feature.
Awesome to hear that it has heated that long!! Thanks for watching
This video was so good and so educational! Thank you for your honest reviews of all of the stoves!
Glad to help!
Whether side-load works for you or not depends a lot on the space. I have an older Vermont Castings Dutchwest that side-loads, and I really like it. My wood pile is to the side of the stove, and it keeps all the mess off to the side and away from the front of the stove. I don't know if it also means a shorter distance to combustible materials in the front, but it keeps the area in front of the stove very clean. It also just seems like the logical place to load from if you can, you aren't moving a door with a window in it that you could break if you are careless handling the wood, etc. Although I will admit that the top load does sound even easier than a side load.
8 year. using an older Vermont Castings and LOVE it, moving to a new cabin soon and hope to install another one,
Nice!! I'm glad you liked the VC 😁
I would buy a side loading stove. The main reason is that one can load it completely full and not worry about logs rolling out.
We have yet to use a side load !! Seems very useful though
@@emberslivinga sideload is the same as loading the front load jotul.
It doesn't matter if it's front or side, the point is you put the logs in lengthwise instead of widthwise. So if they roll off to the side, there are walls to hold them up, rather than them rolling out at you, or obstructing the door
The Vermont Castings Encore brochure shows you can add the warming shelves with the dragons, is that true?
Went with a Woodstock Soapstone wood stove. Incredible value and heat time from a small burn is incredible. Location Central Maine
Nice
I have the woodstock soapstone fireview and I hate it.I have a 900 square foot open concept log cabin and can only get it 30 degrees warmer than it is outside. Using good white oak and it still is hard to get above 450 degrees. Looking to replace it with a Vermont Castings cast iron.
I really enjoy your video’s, I have learned a bunch. I have the Jotul F 500, and I have to say I have been very disappointed. Very difficult to get spare parts and I have had problems with the catalytic combustor. My first winter I over heated the stove, some ash got behind the pan and the door did not lock closed and before I noticed it over fired. I replaced the catalytic combustor and was very careful not to over heat the stove and the second year but it still became damaged and plugged up. Looking at replacing it again but it’s over $700. I’m considering just giving up on it and going to a non catalytic stove
Oh man that sounds rough. a reburn stove is always easier . Also pellet stove is convenient.
I was a Jotul Dealer for years and they were amazing stoves. The Oslo was one of the best sellers ! Great video- I really miss the Hearth Business !
They are awesome
Hey I have a jotul, Greenville stove and was told by a friend I need to unscrew the top of the stove and take it off and clean around the Baffles is this true?
Ps I love the stove I have a 1600sqft home I get the main part of the house up to 74 and the bedrooms up to 68 and I only have the stove at 400-450
Do not recall using a Greenville in my shop but I am sure I probably did. It has been since 2008 that I sold my business. But I would think you could use a good shop vac with a filter bag in it. Make sure you use that bag along with the canister filter on the inside. You must use the bag or you will blow that dust all over your house and the wife will not be very happy with you !!!@@workin8149
Jotul used to make amazing stoves. The big dealer near me said he has had issues with the way they are made today. I believe it is because the government keeps pounding the poor manufacturers with better air standards ??? I believe they do notb want any manufacturing left in America ????@@workin8149
How do you determine what size is needed? If used as an insert does the flute have to be removed?
Does the fireplace have to be prepped before install?
It really depends on the size of space yo uare trying to heat. You dont want to go to big or it could be a fire hazard. I've seen people just put the stove in their old fireplace with some liner and it worked. You will have to ask an installer about your specific situation.
Also feel free to call us at (303) 800-5659 if you have more questions!
I bought a Hearthstone stove Heritage in 2003 . I continually used it to heat my house in Indiana for 16 years. It was still working fine when I decided to redecorate my living room and go with a different style and color . Mine was 100% seafoam green 👍 Fo me, I wish it was 25% larger and had taller legs. That’s the only reason why I’m not buying a new one like that,
I think some people like a side load door because they feel that separating the task of loading the stove from the aesthetic of enjoying the flame through the front door window provides the superior quality that comes from a specific assignment. And people have been told the front door is going to bellow smoke when you open it and make your house smell like a camp fire.
Yeah the side load is awesome!
Can you help me with a smaller wood stove to put in a pretty shallow fireplace. Also who do I call to install it? HVAC?
Yeah! you should check out our Hearthstone Lincoln video! Also if youre interested in buying one call us at (303) 800-5659. Here is the video - hearthstone Lincoln Wood Stove Review!! : th-cam.com/video/sjSzrJm4vw4/w-d-xo.html
This was a great comparison. Thank you. Does anyone know where the model number label for the old Defiant Encore model #2190 is located on the stove? My insurance company wants me to send them a photo of it. I can't find it anywhere. But I can't check the back because there's a professionally attached heat deflector that covers the back up. I'm not handy and can't take it off or put it back on myself to check for the model number.
I had a Vemont gas stove and it added value to the house when I sold. Load from the top sounds nice.
Nice!
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CAST IRON WITH A BLOWER and a Standard cast iron without a blower? Do all wood stoves come with a Blower or is it an add-on to any or all the stoves you're showing?
Those are add ons for these atleast
Sorry didn't mean the all caps to be shouting. Just wanted to get your a. 😊 love the channel!
I had a Morso wood burning stove which I got in the early 80’s. Had it for over 35 years until I sold the house. It really was a great stove and kept the house nice and warm.
awesome info! thank you for this video and for the camera angles✌🏼
Glad to help!
Thanks for the information. I was not even aware of some of these options. Stoves have come a long way in the last few years.
Thanks for the video. You are not wrong, but right. I look for functionality and efficiency in a wood stove. In addition, I realize wood stoves take a beating. The appliance NEEDS annual maintenance, which many people overlook. Check and replace gaskets, roping, door latches, etc. Due to the high temp, screws, nuts, and bolts are stressed to the point of breakage and need repair. I also take into account the availability of parts. So there are many factors one must consider, as you said when selecting a wood stove.
Glad you liked the video!
Man you have come along way i must say!
Great job!!
Thank you!
Does each stove have an electric fan? If so, how many speeds and does the motor bearings have oilers. Thanks.
I bought a redstone from you a few months in Oklahoma City because of your videos. Loving it
That is great to hear!! Thank you Mike!!
What about fresh air intake from a different location? Not pulling hot air from the room you are trying to heat? Also fans?
fans could work
VC Encore's ash can opens to provide a great "turbo" draft for brief high firing during starting. This really helps when you have mediocre draft like my 8" chimney pipe provides. No fan or external vent necessary.
Main drawback is the refactory ceramic cracks easily, like within the first month of careful usage. I fixed it by drilling two bolt holes and wrapping steel mesh around stove cement patching the crack. Cement alone didn't hold. It takes months to get the ceramic part which suggests this is a common problem. 😢
Otherwise, the VC CAT is great. 👍
I got a nova 2 last year and while it's beautiful it has a problem with smoke rollout, I don't think I am doing anything wrong, install is fine and wood is constantly tested. I can't ever open the door unless there is like 3 inches of hot coals. It burns way too hot and its not good to have no control over the temp regulation, I am looking at trying to sell mine to get something better for me
Make sure it is the right size! Sometimes getting to large of a stove can be a fire hazard. Please give us a call at 303-800-5659 to talk about wood stoves.
I don’t have smoke rollout on mine as long as I open it properly. I agree that it is a very hot stove, after the initial burn, we burn one log at a time. Very beautiful and I found my glass stays fairly clean as long as I stay away from pine.
Buy a lopi.. much better
I had the Hearthstone wood stove, just about the size you showcased in your video, for my cabin up in Maine which was approximately 700 sqft, and I absolutely loved it! You are correct in the stove having a long and very efficient burn time. There were times when I would have to open the windows a little bit at night because the warmth from the stove almost was a little too much. I am certainly not complaining though, as it was an amazing wood stove and would most certainly purchase another and I highly recommend it for those who are considering a Hearthstone for their home.
Thanks for the comment! Hearthstone is our best seller! It really is a great stove! Thank you.
You're so welcome! Have a great day!
I thing the removable plate the little stove us actually reversal able to give a cooking surface and a surface for reheating leftovers or for slow cooking
You could make it work
I had the hearthstone soapstone. I loved the soft even heat the stones threw, not to mention the warm house in the morning thanks to the heat retention of the stones. I hated the catalyst.. plugged up constantly with fine ash, had to bring air hose into house and blow light pressure into it to unplug. I know have the Pacific Energy Alderlea t5 which is non -cat and finicky free and easy to use. If you burn full time, the catalyst is pain in ass more than anything. If you decide to get the hearstone, you can choose to bypass the catalytic converter, however i felt it didn't measure up to other non cat models. Choose wisely for your needs. A few fires a winter for the enchantment... Hearthstone... Wood fuel for your main source of heat... Go simple, non-cat... You'll get similar burn times even without the cat.
This was really helpful, I'll check into the shipping option, thanks!
Glad to help feel free to give us a call or text at (303) 800-5659
Just curious how do these compare to the Blazekings? They claim they can have up to 30 hour burn times.
comparable! We still prefer the soapstone the most.
does the converter replace the need for a damper?
no
Good video, I think the stone of the Hearthstone is more asteticly pleasing than the pure metal stoves but to each their own. The stone has a unique texture like wood does.
I agree! Thanks for watching.
WOuld the F500 be appropriate for a 1200sqft home built in 1800? Insulation is a little thin. Wondering if it would be too much?
I would be really carefull buying a wood stove that is too large you can burn the house down that way! Please call our store and one of the salesman will walk you through the whole thing.
Have heated our home for 22 years with Hearthstone Mansfield soapstone stove. Totally hold the heat, would choose nothing else
Does any company make soapstone fire bricks?
Please call us (303) 800-5659
Great video, just wondering I am looking for a wood stove that can give up to 10 hours of burn time and I can cook on, It is going to be my main heating source so I need the 10 hours for overnight burning.
Something large. Maybe the largest hearthstone
Nice stoves and videos. Only thing with the tax credits, this pertains not just stoves but vehicles and anything else the government gives credits for, they don’t help the consumer. They only allow the manufacturers, sellers or providers of the objects getting the tax credits to raise their prices about as much as the credits are.
Thanks for watching!
Does the Heritage meet EPA On Secondary or does the Cat have to be engaged to meet EPA. It would be nice if its just a booster.
I think the cat has to be engaged
What about blaze king stoves? Where would they rank if you were a dealer?
I've heard good things about them, but im not sure
Do you sell Morso? If so can you do a video on the 2b classic? It’s so odd and funky with a lower and upper section that their website doesn’t explain the purpose of.
No we dont
Is blaze king not a good brand?
thank you so much for watching and commenting on our video! I hope the move goes well! If you need any specific information on any of these stoves feel free to give us a call! Cheers
@@embersliving I will do! Keep up the great videos!
7:50 most likely for cooking - the cast iron thingies probably to help get it hotter, and it's removable so you can also cook on direct flame. (just a guess, but that it a common feature on many other older stoves that have more attention to actually functioning as a "stove")
Good to know
I HAVE THE JOTUL, SIDE LOAD IS SO NICE FOR NO SMOKE LOADING... EFFICIENT FOR SURE.
What do you think about the Lopi Liberty I’m debating it because of the green start or a VC
Obviously I stand behind the VC. They just have a great reputation and customer service. We will be having some really fun VC videos coming up the next two weeks . When we used the VC the top load was super easy to use and we cooked a steak on it!! Pretty wild. If you have any questions about stoves please call us at (303) 800-5659
Is there a stove you can operate with it open? I dont want to lose the sound of a fireplace, but maintain the view a stone fireplace to the roof would take away. And a stove would allow the best of both worlds.
Can you please call us and ask one of our salesman for the exact stove you want?? (303) 800-5659
Do you ever review blaze king wood stove products.
We dont have any reviews on that
Do you guys carry Lopi
No mention of cost? I’m looking for a wood stove as a backup.
We dont include prices because they change over the years
You missed the best stove out there that outperforms them all? The Blaze King with 30-40Hr burn times and the cleanest burn! 🙂
Nice
Great video Trevor! I too love a top load stove!
Me too!
Great job, very informative thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve seen way too many complaints on line about VC. They are to finicky to operate, require a lot of maintenance as well as rebuilds. I think you need optimum draft set up to burn these down draft stoves properly. I’m a big fan of the steel fire box with cast iron surround stoves like Jotul F45 or the PE alderlea. It’s nice to have the strength of a steel welded firebox and the cast clad to even out the heat.
Totally agree
Vermont are awesome , had defiant and intrepid .
Nice!
Do stoves need to be epa or just for the rebate? Im up in canada and we dont have any regulations like that. Id like to see videos on stoves and fireplaces that are not epa
We really don’t sell any that aren’t. You should have something up there.
What is the best budget friendly double sided fire place in your inventory that you recommend?
Wood?
Electric
FYI: Soapstone has double the thermal mass of iron per lb, and has much less expansion/contraction as it heats and cools.
Thanks for the info!! We love the soapstone stoves 🔥
I have a Regency (2500 ?) the large model; going on 15yrs. It belts out the heat out: the 'air wash' is effective it there's a full on fire; reducing the air damper at all, smoke / stains the glass; burn time 6hrs max. I was surprised, Drolet, Napoleon, Regency are nowhere on your list.
We sell some of those, but these are our favorites.
Can you burn coal in any of these models?
We dont suggest that
Awesome video! Great Advice :)
finns for higher heat to cook.......some pellet stoves have finns on reverse side to remove heat from fire to air. Soapstone liner for higher burn temps for more complete slowed combustion
11:12 .5 g/h is indeed a very low emissions rating, but not efficiency.
The percentage HHV or LLV metrics describe efficiency and at 83% the VCs are maybe the best.
I heard they stopped making thr 602 is that true
Not sure
I had the VC and Now have jotul. The VC has too many seals and the seals are different sizing. I also Had a problem with the handles cracking and splitting. My Jotul only has the front door. I Also like the knife door latch. The Hearth Stone is sweet but I imagine its the most expensive.
Good feedback! And good points
I had that model of Jotul (the 602) before they came with a window in front, and I heated a fairly well insulated house of 1,215 sq. ft. through Rhode Island winters. It would do overnight burns, except when the temperature got much below zero. Heated the house on a bit over 2 cords for the winter. Since it takes small pieces I would buy log slabs of oak from a local sawmill. Back then, they were $20/cord, delivered. They came in 8' lengths, bundled, and I'd cut them into 16" lengths, and since they were slabs, the splitting was piece-of-cake. And it was a 5" flue, not a 4".
-- Part of what made it so efficient was the hookup. The house came with a 2' deep x 6' wide chimney, into which was set a crappy tract-house fireplace. I knocked out the fireplace and the wall above it, and built a semicircular brick wall set back into the chimney, and made a semi-circular concrete "ceiling" for it that I slid in at the top. For the masonry flue above this "ceiling" I used 6" thimbles. I insulated the space between the semi-circular wall and the outer chimney with vermiculite, with about a foot of vermiculite above the ceiling. I installed the stove so that the metal flue pipe went straight up vertically, right into the concrete ceiling, so it was a straight shot all the way up. The draft was great, even though it was a low ranch house and the chimney was only 3' above the roof.
-- The semi-circular wall would warm up and retain a lot of heat, and unexpectedly, it set up a steady convective loop of heated air that was strong enough to shoot the heat all the way down the hall to the opposite end of a 40' long house. Yeah, it shot it down the ceiling, but for some reason, it worked anyway.
-- To lay the brick, I first laid out the bricks dry in the opening, with one brick flat against the wall on one end and a half brick flat against the wall on the other side. I traced the inside edges of the bricks onto a plywood template, plus some extra plywood sticking into the room, where I attached a piece of furring/strapping across with some spacers to hold the ends of the template out from the drywall on both sides. I laid up one course and then flipped the template end-over-end to get the alternated spacing for the bricks.
-- I don't think vermiculate is considered safe these days.
-- Curved brick walls make awesome shadow patterns.
Fan with oil burner starting wood stoves is best 👌 fast and effective
Nice
What are your thoughts on Blaze Kings? I was debating between a BK Princess and a Hearthstone Mansfield with the goal of heating a two story 1900sq ft house. I like the idea of the soapstone but I have heard BK has the auto damper thing so Im not sure. Thanks
Blaze kings are very nice as well. Probably can’t go wrong with either option.
I heated my one story 1200 sf Ranch in Alaska with a Blaze King Princess. It heated it no problem even at -40F. There were lots of times I had to open the windows because it was too hot. Realistic burn times were 8 to 10 hrs, where it was still hot enough to heat the house. I'd buy another one in a heartbeat.
I have used a Blaze King Princess for 15 years and would have to say it is great. I use less wood than the old stove while getting more consistent heat and get 12 to 18 hour burn times depending on outdoor temperatures. When it is 25 to 45 can get 18 hour burns, below 25 roughly 12 hours.
The side load on the jotul 500 allows longer logs and better stuffing and less ashes fall out the front. It also helps the smoke not come out. Not perfect but its a great stove. I bought that 4 years ago for my parents, because they are getting a tad absent minded and might forget to close the damper. Great stove
I agree!
Do you actually use the stoves before rating them?
Yeah we have some video of us doing a live burn. Its hard to do live burns for everyone it would take weeks to shoot the video
Have you guys had any complaints about the Hearthstone green mountain 60? Been seeing a lot of complaints online about drafting issues.
We haven’t no.
can you cook on any of these?
We have a video cooking a steak on the Vermont castings !! Type in embers cooking steak on wood stove 😃
I really like that Jotul Oslo. Very nice looking stove.
It's a great stove.
Great video
Thanks!
Trevor, losing weight man you look great! Thanks again for another great video
Thanks for watching!
Someone mentioned Blaze King as I’m looking for a friend and haven’t checked stoves in years. Those burn times are pretty weak compared to my Blaze King Princess Ultra. 24 hours is pretty typical at a setting at just under half on the thermostat. I also get 36 hours for Ash logs at about 11 percent moisture at same setting. I can crank down to 40 hrs if I want to on a full load. If it’s good enough for Canada and Alaska it’s good enough for me. Blaze King is the best. I have proof of this.
One more very important item. Maybe the most important. No spikes in air temperature….or drops. It’s very good at delivering consistent temps in the home and holding them, like a nat gas furnace I would argue.
Thanks for watching!
🇺🇲 Cold air drops like a rock down the flue pipe into the fire box. unless the fire box is burning 24-7 an un-lit firebox makes the immediate and adjacent rooms up to 20% colder.
it's like an open window.
Thanks for watching!
One of the best features is the side loading door. If this guy was a serious wood burner he wouldn't have ben critical of the side door. I've had 4 stoves and the best is the one with the side door.
We like side and top loads! Thank you for watching!
Blaze king. King 40 is hard to beat
Thanks for watching!
Why isnt quadfire in the top 5?
We have reviewed it before but we like these more.
Are people buying for the look of the stove, or are they really considering heat output for a house with a sq footage of like 2,000? I have a Lopi Liberty stove. The heat output for the entire house is unbelievable. Do you not carry that brand? Don't think so, otherwise, that would change this video. They are a workhorse, and not a decorative stove for the 4 season's room like I see there.
Which stove has the least number of gaskets?
Please call us at (303) 800-5659 and a salesman can help you.
Wouldn't hit a pig in the butt with a hearthstone product. I found out first hand how they did in a upstste new york winter.
What no blaze king ?
blaze king is good as well,
Flame should be in there with outside air in take
Ok
Hey buddy I like your videos
What do you think of Jotul C 350 Winterport insert
I'm not sure about that specific product, but the Jotul brand is solid and reliable.
@ I have it at home but it only heats up kitchen and living room it doesn’t heat rooms 😢 my house is only 900sf
Book says it heats up 1200sf
On a separate note. You did an amazing job losing weight. Good job.
Thanks
Who makes the biggest stove?
Hearthstone are some of our largest in size.
@@embersliving Bigger than the VC Defiant?
The Hearthstone Heritage possesses 1¼" thick soapstone slabs, NOT 3" to 4" thick as you state at 16:59. I am surprised that you do not know this, given that you sell the product! Also, the side-opening door on the Hearthstone Heritage is VASTLY superior to Vermont Castings' top load door. No contest.
Thanks for watching!
I have a Hearthstone and don't care for it. It works great in a small temp range. If you need more heat on a bitter cold day, the soapstone only gives so much. If you need a little heat on a warmer day, again, no such luck. Even with seasoned wood I have to let it go out at keast 2-3 times in the winter to clean the catalytic converter. It takes a long time to cool the stove, but the house starts to cool off right away.
Very nice! Thank you.
Do you also demo Pellet stoves?
We do on our channel yes
@@embersliving thanks. I'll look for it now.
No Kuma or Blaze King on this list ??....these 2 are the most efficient wood stoves & have the longest burn time of any stoves on the market plus the materials are sourced in the US & built in the US !!
Hi, it can be delivered in Pakistan ❤
We only do US
Hearthstone stoves take longer to warm up initially. It's a tradeoff. Vermont Castings dissipate heat into the home much faster; considerably faster but as the fire dies down they don't retain heat like a Hearthstone because the Vermont Castings dissipates heat immediately when the burn begins.
So if you want a stove to take longer to heat up but continue dissipating LOW heat long after the logs stop burning then you'll want a Hearthstone. I don't value this stove for the aforementioned reason of low heat and long warm up time. I'd rather have the Vermont Castings because once I learned how to use it, I found that it out-performs all the wood stoves I had in the past and present. If you don't know how to use a Vermont Castings then you may experience "puffing". I should make a video on how to correctly run a Vermont Castings.
Eventually, I narrowed things down between the following: Lopi, Jotul, Hearthstone and Vermont Castings. It was the Vermont Castings that uniquely had the most advantages. For long term survival (the world melts down), the Jotul Oslo 500 is the best because you're not going to be able to buy catalytic combustors when nothing is available.
It’s for cooking
Oh yeah
Logs and ash do not fall out when loading.
Thanks for watching!