I love these threads you started Jeff, they have a way of grabbing people's attention. You are like the host of a debate on the most talked about topic of this site: cat vs. nc.
Defiant3, I hate to say it but people can burn up just about any stove if they don't operate them correctly. You can throw a slice of pizza in the microwave for thirty seconds and not burn it. The same slice of pizza in an oven can burn if not watched. Does that make microwaves better than stoves?
I have to say it again, my DW was pushed beyond 800° side door temp several times, no damage. Those things are built like tanks, double walled, cast iron, heating machines. Yes they can heat up quick, flue temps will go beyond 1000° within minutes if the damper is left open. The cat can go beyond 1600° warping the top of the firebox, if you just load it and leave the primary air wide open and close the bypass damper. But if you throw the wood in wait untill it catches and cat is climbing up to 300° then shut the bypass and primary air almost all the way, you will have a stove that will heat your house for the whole night or day while you are at work. It is as simple as that. Two levers, that's it. That is what makes it a great heater, its ability to heat quickly or slowly. Flexibility. It is easy to control the fire, but not everyone takes time to learn how to operate the stove. And like Hanko says, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to operate any stove. Some are harder than others. Furthermore, PE, although they are quality stoves can and will be damaged also if overfired constantly. Like someone said before, they have had cracked welds in the past. Another point, some members on here are comparing their twenty+ year old Federal Airtight CDW's with the post 1993 Dutchwest by Vermont Castings, they are NOT THE SAME "CAT"! Similar, yes, in size, shape, look, but dramatic changes were made to the secondary burn chamber and primate air supply. For one, the ash pan air intake was done away with. Those were a big reason why people overheated their CDW's the DW does not have an air intake there. There is an airwash, which keeps the glass clean and preheats the primary air. Replacing a cat every 6 years translates to just over $20 per year of maintenance cost. You'll save that much in wood consumption in a month! It does not take a lot to maintain the Dutchwests, or a great IQ to run them! In fact, the secondary born chamber doesn't even get dirty, with four exterior bolts you can loosen the top off and see for yourself. If you both like the Dutchwest, neither of you will be disappointed with its performance or durability.
If you go with PE, like I said before, I doubt you'll be disappointed.
PS: Those customer reviews are to be taken with a grain of salt, people don't always have the best wood, installation or knowledge on how to operate their stoves. Burning wood is not like watching
TV! Most people are not willing to do the work it takes to burn wood efficiently, starting with the fuel supply.
p.s. Neumsky, good deals on stoves should start popping up in another month or so. . .maybe just wait for a sweet deal on a T5, which does seem like the best fit for your preferences.
