I notice that I began posting on this forum in 2008, and my initial posts concerned the possible purchase of a Jotul F500 vs. the F600. For several reasons, I ended up with the F500 Oslo, and it is probably way past due for a report on how it has worked out.
The good: Although my living space is far above that recommended by Jotul - the stove size has worked out quite well over all. Our house is a story and a half with 2500 sq. ft. plus in living area, all over a full basement. It was designed and built by myself to super-insulated standards. Once temperatures drop to consistent daytime highs of 45 deg. or below, we heat 24-7 with just the stove. Wood consumption turns out to be even less than I had hoped for (and less than I originally thought - once I actually measured my "cord" stacks). The ash pan is every bit as convenient as I expected, the side loading is excellent, the ivory enamel looks almost like new (except see below), and the glass stays clean...enough. Finally, the 22" log length, with room to fit one or two sticks up to 24", fits my cutting/splitting habits very well. We still find the appearance pleasing.
The bad: Nothing unexpected. The 2.4 cu. ft. firebox is really not adequate for extended periods of sub-zero weather. We have that very seldom, fortunately. However, when it occurs I can only maintain a comfortable temperature in the house by loading every three hours or so. At the other extreme, with daytime highs of 50 deg. or better even a single load a day can be too much heat. Also, it turns out the enamel is not up to dropping a heavy fireplace tool directly on the ash lip of the side door. Perhaps this is not a surprise.
To say I have been pleased would be an understatement. If I had to do it again I still would not get the larger F600; it would be just too much stove for my situation. I would probably strongly consider the Woodstock Progress today, but it was unavailable then.
The good: Although my living space is far above that recommended by Jotul - the stove size has worked out quite well over all. Our house is a story and a half with 2500 sq. ft. plus in living area, all over a full basement. It was designed and built by myself to super-insulated standards. Once temperatures drop to consistent daytime highs of 45 deg. or below, we heat 24-7 with just the stove. Wood consumption turns out to be even less than I had hoped for (and less than I originally thought - once I actually measured my "cord" stacks). The ash pan is every bit as convenient as I expected, the side loading is excellent, the ivory enamel looks almost like new (except see below), and the glass stays clean...enough. Finally, the 22" log length, with room to fit one or two sticks up to 24", fits my cutting/splitting habits very well. We still find the appearance pleasing.
The bad: Nothing unexpected. The 2.4 cu. ft. firebox is really not adequate for extended periods of sub-zero weather. We have that very seldom, fortunately. However, when it occurs I can only maintain a comfortable temperature in the house by loading every three hours or so. At the other extreme, with daytime highs of 50 deg. or better even a single load a day can be too much heat. Also, it turns out the enamel is not up to dropping a heavy fireplace tool directly on the ash lip of the side door. Perhaps this is not a surprise.
To say I have been pleased would be an understatement. If I had to do it again I still would not get the larger F600; it would be just too much stove for my situation. I would probably strongly consider the Woodstock Progress today, but it was unavailable then.
