So I am running one of these stoves. Allow me to give you the reality. 1. Build quality.....great 2. and that's about it. Yes, you can keep it close to a wall. Spectacularly so. And that's part of the problem. It is completely designed to project heat forward, basically through the glass. The metal exterior stays amazingly warm, but not hot. So there is a bunch of heat going up chimney. It dumps smoke when you open it. Yes, I know how to open slow, etc etc. Doesn't matter. If you are getting fire started, or restarting, any smolder just pours out into room. Big problem. Wood and embers easily fall out. Total pain in the rear to reload. There is no depth to it, so wood will just darn near fall out of it. Add to this the fact the heat is projecting right at you, and makes it harder. Sooty glass. If you are not burning high, the glass will soot up. BUT, it does a good job cleaning itself the next time you burn hot. It has its place, but only in a small space near a wall. Otherwise, I would not buy again.,
I like the forward heat projection as it is perfect for my home/cabin with vaulted ceiling -- 720 sq ft 1st floor 160 sq ft loft. The woodbox is small, and the burn time is not overly long, even with oak, and if you open the door before you are down to mostly coals smoke will pour out - it can be HOT to load! I don't have much trouble with sooty glass. This is NOT a stuff it and forget stove. Every 1-2 hours I am adding wood which can be challenging as you described. When I am home I typically add a piece or two at a time on a regular basis. Some people might find this annoying, but mine is as much about focal point as it is about heat. She has a beautiful burn! One thing I really like is it doesn't seem to run you out of the house and the heated space is just comfortable. I would definitely buy mine again (6143B). It was a good fit for my cabin. .
We're thinking of putting one in with the rear vent option. Hoping it gives a little more usable space on the top for a teapot, etc...Do you find that it gets hot enough on the top for a teapot with water (humidity)...I realize it's a convection stove but haven't been able to get an answer on how hot it gets! Thank You!
I measured the top at about 250F /120C but the fire was towards the end and was pretty tame to start with. I suspect it would go even higher but those temperature should be more than enough for your teapot.
I bought this based on the feedback or one of my neighbors that had put one in 3 years before. Mine is a high efficiency model and that came with a nice 26% tax discount so that was nice. I’ve used it last season from October to March every day. It looks really good it burns nice. The only drawback is the the firebox is small so you have to cut your wood shorter about 11” but if you cut your own wood then it’s not that big of a deal. I am very happy I got it.
@@asquaregarden Similar for a 6143B. When she is warmed up you can go 2-3 hours if you an put in some dense (round or chunky) pieces of oak. 1-2 is normal for me but I generally don't fill up the tiny wood box exept when starting it up.
