mhrischuk said:And if that's the case I suppose the EPA test is only for emissions.
Everything else could be fairy tales. Unless you have your own way to measure BTU output, we just have to go by the experiences of others. That's not the best because those aren't controlled conditions.
Firebox size and efficiency will determine the maximum btu output relatively close. But there are still variables like the wood and how the stove is run. And there are design differences. Some inserts are designed to convect naturally better than others for example. Some have better heat exchange systems or warm up a bit more quickly. Some have more effective or quieter blower systems or a better long term track record of service. That is where reading reviews and reports on the stove are helpful.
Another thing to note, there are smaller companies that don't have a large dealer network in the US that make good stoves. We don't see as many reports on Enviro, Enerzone or Kuuma, but from what I've read reported here, they make good products and have very satisfied owners.
One I would consider for this spot is the Jotul C550 Rockland. Excuse the crude Photoshop job, but here is the idea.