Buck 74 vs Jotul c450 vs Timberwolf

[GusNC]

Hello!
First time posting. I live in eastern NC so the winters are not brutal. I'm looking to augment my heating bill. As the title says I'm looking at a Buck 74, as the users on this forum seem to like it. I've located a Jotul c450 on Craigslist and I like the way it looks at least. I've also seen the Timberwolf epi22 and heard great things. I have a ranch style new construction with a masonry fireplace, 2400 sq ft and a 400 sq foot bonus room upstairs on the far end of the house. Price points are $1000 for a used Jotul up to 2300ish on the equipped Buck stove of my choosing. Any experience you guys have between the different models is appreciated. Thanks !!

 

[Fastdonzi]

For a few $100 more you can get a New Buck.. a friend just sold an older Buck Cat stove for $400 yesterday...

 

[GusNC]

Well the Buck I priced today was $1600 for the model 74 plus $200 for the surround $200 for the blower plus tax and it priced out around $2300. I really liked it. I like the fact it's made in NC. I was wondering how they stack against a Jotul being I could get in a used one for half. Thanks

 

[begreen]

From all I've read the Buck 74 is a solid workhorse. It is larger than the C450 and should heat the place quite well. If you are trying to save some change maybe consider installing it without the surround.

 

[jatoxico]

Prob can't go wrong w/ either. C450 is supposed to be very good heater and you don't hear complaints abut the Buck. I think Mellow ran both the c450 and a Buck. Would be a good source.

 

[GusNC]

I've seen lots of good stuff on the Buck in this forum for sure. Having someone who's ran both would be awesome. Like you say, the Jotul seems to have a good rep. Thanks so far for the input

 

[mellow]

Depending on the size of your fireplace I would go with the Buck 91 if you are looking to heat 2400 sq feet and are spending the money on a new insert, that is hands down one of the best inserts Buck makes. If you are looking to heat a room or two the c450 will do the job but don't expect much more from it past 1200 sq feet.

Check with the guys at (broken link removed) , they get used Buck 91 trade ins from time to time and they are very knowledagble on the product, ask for Matt.

 

[Fastdonzi]

I haven't been through a full Burn season but the few fires I've had really impressed me.. Last night for instance, Before bed ( 10;00 pm ) I put 3 medium splits on a bed of coals, this morning when I got up at 5:30 the stove was still 250*- 300*, The Cat had long been off but the fan was on and it was blowing usable heat... Cant ask for much better without getting in to Alien Technology

 

[mellow]

Depending on how far you want to drive a 91 is for sale in KY for $1200. (broken link removed to http://lexington.craigslist.org/hsh/5251944343.html)

 

[begreen]

Sweet, nice find.

 

[Avalonolympic]

Jotuls are very nice stoves. If I didn't buy the Avalon then the jotul was mine.