Eric Johnson said:Interesting analysis, elk.
I've used both, and I prefer the stainless. Here's why:
1.) smoother inner walls promote draft;
True but if a liner is is included in the discussion the ribbing produces as mich as 20% more friction and the clay liner wins that comparison
2.) "instant hot" means quicker draft on startup;
also quicker cool down when dampered and less heat and more cresote build up
that must explain the chuimney fires
3.) much easier to clean;
8" square brush instead or round is easier seemes like the same routine to me?
4.) no potential cracks or voids in the liner or masonry to worry about--ever;
5.) contains a chimney fire better (IMO & I've had fires in both).
If one burned correct dryness of wood and did normal routine cleaning, then What chimney fire? 30 years using two stoves in 8/8 masonry flue and no fires. You must be doing something wrong
If you have an insulated ss liner inside a masonry chimney, then I think you get most of the advantages you discussed, plus all of the ones I mentioned.
But overall, I'd say the ease of cleaning (and thus the greater frequency of cleaning) trumps everything else.
I should qualify all this by saying that I've never owned an EPA-compliant wood burning appliance--just pre-EPA wood stoves, boilers and furnaces. So keeping the chimney clean was an important consideration.