Starting to doubt that an Englander 30 would be improvement

[Nimrod1911]

And another thing... cottonwood isn't. If you are getting a burn time like that my experience will tell you the stove IS doing VERY well. Of course that depends on where you live and what outdoor temps you are competing with.

My advice... take it and smile. Your scenario isn't so bad. Save your money up and put thought into what you want to do. C/S/S EXTRA wood so you have very good wood for your new stove. Find better wood. ANYTHING is better than cottonwood. Crumpled up newspapers aren't better, but they're as good. And if you really are stuck with cottonwood then always step up to the next bigger firebox size, whatever brand you shop for.

I think the first good step you made was looking around HEARTH.COM. Lots of good experience and advice here, drunk or sober . Spend some time here and think things out. Shop your dealers. Customer service is as important as the brand you shop for. You'll be happier with your decision if you take your time.

Kink regards,
DR

Normally I use lodgepole pine. I'm just burning up a huge cottonwood my buddy had in his yard. I'm thinking it burns that long because the stove fits a whole wheel barrel load in it.

 

[Mrtwostick]

I think you would be better off with a wood furnance or owb as your main heater and a smaller stove for ambience. Or maybe just have two stoves. If the big boy does that well you could get a small blaze king or cat stove. that way you have constant heat while you are away, then when you get home or wake up reload the big boy

 

[daleeper]

If you have an 8" flue, get the BK King. The new Regency would get a look, but doesn't have the thermostatic control. Buck makes a big stove. All of them will save you some wood. If your goal is to heat the house totally with wood, then stick with your present stove, and save towards a good wood furnace or efficient wood boiler.