Currently have an older Englander pellet insert that we have been a little dissapointed with and want to try wood. Great rm is 20x20 with 17 ft vaulted ceiling. Anyone have strong feeling with these brands?? Leaning towards the Hearthstone Castleton (quoted $3700) but could be talked out of it. I have read that some folks have struggled with starting/ lighting the Castleton on this forum (maybe due to chimney architecture??), My set set up would be unit on fireplace hearth w/ pipe going straight up chimney that is appx 16 ft high. Also, is it normal in this industry for the dealer to charge MSRP on the stoves?? Thanks all!! Enjoy the looming storm!
Hearthstone Castleton VS equivalent Jotul ???
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I'm the guy with startup issues, probably caused by chimney architecture 🙂
Make sure to find a good dealer. Once you buy the stove you're stuck with them forever.
For that reason, I'd get a Vermont Casting if I had to do it again. At least the parts and service are readily available, you can buy online, etc. Hearthstone is nice, but specialty, so very limited service options.
I think the Castleton was updated to include cats, so the firebox geometry is a little weird now. You can't load standard 16" firewood North/South as advertised. The next size up, Heritage, has a nice side load door, and fits pretty long splits. Maybe worth a look, but probably a grand more.
Make sure to find a good dealer. Once you buy the stove you're stuck with them forever.
For that reason, I'd get a Vermont Casting if I had to do it again. At least the parts and service are readily available, you can buy online, etc. Hearthstone is nice, but specialty, so very limited service options.
I think the Castleton was updated to include cats, so the firebox geometry is a little weird now. You can't load standard 16" firewood North/South as advertised. The next size up, Heritage, has a nice side load door, and fits pretty long splits. Maybe worth a look, but probably a grand more.
VCs are known to be quite finicky stoves. While many people don't have issues with them, many people do.
The few local wood burners I know locally all have VC and they seem to "just work" with any wood, any loading, etc. But that's just a few people, good to know the grass isn't necessarily greener!
I liked the idea of the thermostatically controlled air, so I don't need to baby the main air valve open as the burn tails down.
I liked the idea of the thermostatically controlled air, so I don't need to baby the main air valve open as the burn tails down.
I think we may be from the same area of central mass. did u find the dealer problematic /unhelpful?? Thx for the quick reply earlier.
EbS-P
Minister of Fire
I would go for a Pacific Energy insert. I have a Jotul in my fireplace and it needs a blower. Jotul F45 v2 if you can find one would be my choice today. How high is the opening?
Yes! Ours did a very shoddy job with the install, chimney not to code, and completely brushed us off afterward. Honestly not sure how they're still in business.
We recently had a chimney repair company come in and rebuild from the bottom up, add height to make it legal and fix the draft, add bracing to make it safe. Cost about as much as the initial install, which sucks.
If you're near Worcester, I'd recommend Enchanted, everyone we know has been very happy with them. The place in Littleton might be pretty good too, but I haven't seen/heard about their work.
Because most of their customers have no idea what they should be getting and take the installers word that everything is right.
EbS-P
Minister of Fire
You will have a difficult time with that height. I would suggest looking at inserts.
How much room do you have out front of your fireplace on the hearth? A Woodstock Fireview or Keystone would fit the height but you need some room out front.
EbS-P
Minister of Fire
An insert is so much easier. They heat within 90% of a stove and you can get a bigger firebox with an insert. IMO
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