if i dont burn 24/7 will soapstone still work as a after work and weekend stove? i want the stove to be able to run all night with a full load. i probably am spoiled by the big firebox i had with the Olympic. This stove will be used a lot just not 24/7 because of having to work during the day.
Heat life is the bonus to soapstone. On days I didn't eat lunch it wasn't a big deal because Mr. Sun helps you out during the day, but the stove was normally still warm when I got in from work... much moreso than my steel Earthstove of the similar size. I'd still recommend it for 14-18 hour attendance. If you limit size you limit burn time. That's why I encourage you to at least ask about Woodstock... AND talk to your Hearthstone dealer about satisfaction.
If my home was only 1500 square feet, I wouldn't have considered the Mansfield. The Heritage was nearly enough for me at 1900, and it's likely what you are looking for. As I used the 2.3 cu.ft. firebox it burned everything I cut and split. And my wood is likely much like yours, sizewise. But in my experience, if I had your situation with 1000 square feet
in Illinois, I would consider the Hearthstone Homestead or a 2 footer in the Woodstock line. But please understand - I really like the soapstone effect.
Some things to consider...
1) 10 degrees in Colorado is way different than 10 degrees in Illinois. You are a tougher man than I
2) Wood species in Illinois are higher quality than what I have available. Your wood is tougher than mine.(Hence, it burns longer)
3) I don't know about you, but I'm in the shoulder season. The NEED for a stove isn't today and I would take some time and ask questions. I'm burning tonight because I'm a diehard and I' really considering opening a window right now.
4) Your house is different than mine. It's likely more airtight, it IS smaller and you have a basement. I think a basement installation makes sense because you will essentially heat the floors of your true living space. Also, if the stove gets really cranked you have places to get rid of it without opening a window (i'm starting to drip with sweat right now.)
I think you are on the right track, but you have a lot of options and I don't want to appear as an opinionated Hearthstone woodchuck. I DO like my stove, but for reasons mentioned above, I'd take some time and investigate. It's likely you won't really be testing your decision until next November. Be happy, don't be sorry. It's a lot of money. Cat, non-cat, steel, cast, soapstone - it's a lot the same as should you buy a Husqvarna or a Stihl. There's a really good chance the stove you buy is very well built. But in the wrong application it may not be as effective as you intended.