A little background - house built in '93 and reasonably well insulated. Has new doors/windows as of last summer. We're 100% electric and use Heat Pumps for HVAC with a little assistance from a Wood Burning insert (Country Flame BBF-1) during the winter to help when the thermostat dips below 30. The existing stove will hold the house at about 68 as long as we burn 24/7
The manufacturer has gone out of business and there's limited parts/support available. We tried getting a Buck 91 because it's pretty much the same size/shape as the existing stove but pre-fab firebox has a sticker that says "for BBF-1 ONLY" - so for insurance reasons nobody will touch it. To cut to the chase we're looking at about $1000 in parts to refurb the existing stove...
I'd rather sink that money into something a little more modern so we've been looking at ZC Fireplaces. This has been a frustrating endeavor because when I visit showrooms I feel like I know more than the guys in there. I'd appreciate some insight and experiences from the folks here who aren't trying to sell me something![Smile :) :)](/talk/styles/default/xenforo/smileys/grin.gif)
The room the stove is in is 2-story/open
What we want:
1. Large firebox 3.5-4.0 cu ft.
2. Window with an airwash to keep soot buildup minimized
3. Are additional features worth it - running an OAK, hot air distribution systems
4. Prefer a cat stove over a non-cat
5. Not break the bank!
Units that have been suggested:
Quadrafire 7100
FPX 44
Astria Montecito Estate/Superior WCT6940 - the wife really likes this one
The PE FP30 has been mentioned but the firebox is a bit small (can only take a 20" log)
What other units should I be looking at? Any advice is appreciated!
The manufacturer has gone out of business and there's limited parts/support available. We tried getting a Buck 91 because it's pretty much the same size/shape as the existing stove but pre-fab firebox has a sticker that says "for BBF-1 ONLY" - so for insurance reasons nobody will touch it. To cut to the chase we're looking at about $1000 in parts to refurb the existing stove...
I'd rather sink that money into something a little more modern so we've been looking at ZC Fireplaces. This has been a frustrating endeavor because when I visit showrooms I feel like I know more than the guys in there. I'd appreciate some insight and experiences from the folks here who aren't trying to sell me something
![Smile :) :)](/talk/styles/default/xenforo/smileys/grin.gif)
The room the stove is in is 2-story/open
What we want:
1. Large firebox 3.5-4.0 cu ft.
2. Window with an airwash to keep soot buildup minimized
3. Are additional features worth it - running an OAK, hot air distribution systems
4. Prefer a cat stove over a non-cat
5. Not break the bank!
Units that have been suggested:
Quadrafire 7100
FPX 44
Astria Montecito Estate/Superior WCT6940 - the wife really likes this one
The PE FP30 has been mentioned but the firebox is a bit small (can only take a 20" log)
What other units should I be looking at? Any advice is appreciated!