keep stove door open?

[Spano89]

I am shopping for a wood stove and am struggling with the cost vs benefit of the higher end stoves like VCs/Jotul etc versus the more economical models from big box stores like Drolet or a Cleveland Iron Works "Hudson". I live in L.A., not Los Angeles but the real L.A....Lower Alabama, so this stove is more for aesthetics as It doesn't get terribly cold here and I have other heat sources in a 2400 SF "barno-minimum". Any recommendations for my stated needs is appreciated. Lastly, is it a problem to keep the door open on your stove in order to enjoy the ambiance and crackle of a nce fire? I read a lot about "run away" stoves, heat & fuel management concerns that I get the impression that these stoves are designed to be fueled up, close the door and watch from behind the glass? thank you.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

I get the impression that these stoves are designed to be fueled up, close the door and watch from behind the glass? thank you.

Yes, run them how they are supposed to be ran with door shut. If you are looking doorless you could do a regular fireplace but that provides minimal warmth.

Drolet makes a good stove at a good price lots of happy folks on here. But none of the listed stoves run well on low quality wood. Learn how to check moisture and get ahead on wood now if you want to use the stove next year.

 

[kborndale]

There are a few stoves out there that have a screen and can be run with the doors open. I know the osburn 3500 does so some drolets probably do too.

 

[Manly]

Since you mentioned aesthetics and open door fires, the Jotul 3 is a nice looking cast stove that has an optional screen for open door burning. Way overpriced these days from what I’ve seen. Mine is 25+ years old and performs admirably.

 

[begreen]

I believe the some Drolet models still have the screen option. They represent a good value + quality option.

 

[VirginiaIron]

What about a 360 degree model either with glass or screen?

 

[BillBurns]

Gotta watch for sparks to jump out!

 

[EbS-P]

I like my Drolet. They sell screens to run with the door open for some/many/all? Models.

I have a jotul too. It looks better. It’s an expensive house furnishing that really made our fireplace look nice. See if you can find an F45. That’s a good compromise.