I have a Quad 5100 and I love it, nice long burns, my buddy has the 3100 and also likes it but he wishes he listened to me about going bigger. He is probably in a different situation than you are in but be careful about choosing sizes, make sure it is the right size for your house and take into consideration insulation, windows, etc. If a stove says it will heat 1500 sq ft, you can probably zap some of that off unless your house is "perfect", no drafts, no leaks, more than adequate insulation....
I have another buddy that has the Jotul 500 and loves it, loves the side door as I do, easy overnight burns, nice clean burns too.
Stove shop guys that are on the website really know their stuff, many people that work for stove shops do not. Example, I had a guy in a stove shop that claims he has worked there for 15 years tell me the dollars bill test really does not mean anything, it is good to have some air space between the gasket and the stove... :roll:
Ask the pros here on this website and you will not go wrong with your choice
So again like others have said get the right size so you can burn clean and keep your house warm when it is really cold out there. Plus make sure you get a stove where you can really fill it up for a nice overnight burn with many hot coals left in the morning to easily get it going again. Some mid sized stoves won't be able to do this unless you cut your splits smaller than average size. But if you don't need an overnight burn or are more of a causal burner don't worry about burntimes..no worries
Plus do you prefer front to back loading or east/west burning. The 3100 is made for front to back, the Jotul is east to west burning, I like front to back but the flame is nicer looking in my opinion for east to west burning stoves. Front to back you don't worry about logs rolling out, east to west you do. No side door on the Jotul 400 (unlike on the 500 or 600 models). I am a big fan on side doors, you really can stuff the wood in there with side doors and keep that front door closed
The 3100 claims it can heat 1900 sq feet†...hmmmmm...read the fine print which is what I call the TRUE PRINT.... † Heating capacity and efficiency may differ due to climate, building construction and condition, amount and quality of insulation, location of the fireplace, type of fuel used and air movement in the home. Btu output will vary, depending on the type of fuel used. Units require standard maintenance in accordance with the owner's manual.
This is a big decision so get the one you really want and get something you will really happy with and not wondering "What If" when it gets cold out...
Plus I guess if you are really in a tight budget you do what you gotta do but think how long you are going to have this stove, it will pay for itself in a short period of time.
Enjoy yourself too you are going to buy a new wood stove!