I am a new member and would like to say hello from frozen Michigan. This is my first post, but not the first time that I have visited the Hearth Web Site. I love it! There is more information here than a person could ever ask for. Great site!
Here is my problem. I am in the market for a efficient, reliable free standing wood stove, so I am doing what I think is my due diligence in reading and finding out as much as possible about my favorite manufactures and their models. I am not going to mention brand names, because the question is generic. I have found that no matter how expensive, or how well made you can always find someone somewhere that has nothing good to say about a stove that everyone else has rave reviews for! The person with the bad experience may even claim to have installed it perfectly (or professionally) with all new pipe, but still can't get good heat or performance.
So what did you use to make your decision? If possible, I would like to avoid a couple of thousand dollar investment that I am not happy with.
Here is my problem. I am in the market for a efficient, reliable free standing wood stove, so I am doing what I think is my due diligence in reading and finding out as much as possible about my favorite manufactures and their models. I am not going to mention brand names, because the question is generic. I have found that no matter how expensive, or how well made you can always find someone somewhere that has nothing good to say about a stove that everyone else has rave reviews for! The person with the bad experience may even claim to have installed it perfectly (or professionally) with all new pipe, but still can't get good heat or performance.
So what did you use to make your decision? If possible, I would like to avoid a couple of thousand dollar investment that I am not happy with.