Drolet 1800i or Ventis HEI240?

[ReidStudio]

So looking to finally pull the trigger on a wood insert. Based on budget and current sales I've narrowed it down to either a Drolet 1800i or a VentisHEI240. Both will fit and i have an installer lined up.
I'm leaning toward the Drolet based on lots of good reviews, price and support. (I like the look of the Ventis but I can't seem to get a lot of info on it...reviews or support info) Any thoughts on these?
Also Home Depot has the Drolet for a very good price. Any drawbacks with buying it there? Thanks in advance.

 

[EbS-P]

I like my Drolet 1800i insert. It would be my choice.

 

[begreen]

They are siblings, both SBI stoves and fairly similar inside. The Ventis has a bit more of a contemporary look with a squarer, wider window. Inside the firebox is slightly deeper but specification-wise, they are the same.

 

[GG Woody]

I also looked into Ventis this fall as a dealer had one in stock. I also found very little info on it and inevitably went a different route because of that and maybe a poor review. I do believe that a poor review is probably not the stoves fault, most likely the user.

 

[ReidStudio]

I like my Drolet 1800i insert. It would be my choice.

 

[ReidStudio]

Thanks for the feedback. Another question.. ...specs say I should have 84" clearance from bottom of unit to ceiling. I have somewhat low ceilings and stove would sit on the brick hearth. So I would only have 72" from bottom of unit (83' from floor). Will this be an issue? Basement space is about 700sq. with stairs going up to first floor about 12 ft away. I'm somewhat concerned that the space may get too hot.