Wood Stove Sizing

[Maint1]

I am in the same boat as you (Upnort). https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/my-final-four-stove-bracket.203607/. This is my post similar to yours. I love the looks of the SoapStones but am going to go with a BK princess or Ashford 30. My dad has had a king(?) since the mid 80’s and swears by it. He has only bought 1 extra catalyst for it and swaps back and forth between the original and other one. He has an 8” flue and like you he goes up about20” to a 90, then into a 11” x(?)” masonry flue. Heats his 1800 sqft house great. We are in a milder climate than you though. He gets the fire going good and shuts it down through the cat. keeps the control toward the lower end. Nice deep fire box as well. He burns good dry locust wood, but I’m positive when I still lived at home we would cut wood in the summer and burn it toward the end of heatig season after year before wood was gone.

 

[Upnort]

A pic or 2 of the interior and stove room would help.

I will send some along soon.

 

[stovelark]

Like most have said, I think either Jotul would do the job, but think the F55 would be my preference, for 2 reasons. Maine is cold, and most of us tend to think of the ideal scenario, perfect drafting chimney, super dry wood, etc. But in reality, most of us are in the 50-75% of the perfect scenario, so the two stoves would do fine, but if you need a little extra horsepower, the F55 could still make up the heat needed. Weight of a stove has a lot to do with heat output (thermal mass), these two stoves are about 40-50 lbs apart in weight. Either Jotul would seemingly be a great choice to pick. Still, remember good dry seasoned wood is a must for any stove chosen. Stay warm.

 

[Upnort]

Like most have said, I think either Jotul would do the job, but think the F55 would be my preference, for 2 reasons. Maine is cold, and most of us tend to think of the ideal scenario, perfect drafting chimney, super dry wood, etc. But in reality, most of us are in the 50-75% of the perfect scenario, so the two stoves would do fine, but if you need a little extra horsepower, the F55 could still make up the heat needed. Weight of a stove has a lot to do with heat output (thermal mass), these two stoves are about 40-50 lbs apart in weight. Either Jotul would seemingly be a great choice to pick. Still, remember good dry seasoned wood is a must for any stove chosen. Stay warm.

Thank you! I think the only reason I question the f55 is because some have said (in a previous thread but mostly area dealers) it would be too much heat the majority of the time for the house (1375 sq ft). But also many have stated why it would be a good fit for the same reasons you give here. I guess I just didn't understand why some were so adamant I'd be blasted out of the house or that I'd not be able to burn cleanly as often as I should. I also don't fully understand why Jotul lists similar burn times for both stoves. I might be leaning toward the f45 since it seems a bit more efficient and the firebox is only a little smaller, but we have not purchased a new stove yet. All the feedback here has been awesome tho, and I truly appreciate it!

 

[begreen]

The F45 is only slightly smaller. It would still work.

 

[Upnort]

Yes, place a cap on the bottom of that liner or your draft may suffer. Take it off when you sweep the chimney.

Can you give me an idea of what kind of cap? This is in the basement where the cleanout is (cleanout cast iron door is removed for photo). Stove pipe to chimney is one floor up on the first floor. Is this easy enough to do and a standard part? It's a six inch liner. I have no idea why the installer didn't add a cap. He retired right after install so I can't inquire about the job he did. But if it's easy enough to do, I want to fix it.