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[Camino Cerdo]

My current OWB is leaking and needs replaced. It is a HeatSource 1, stainless steel.  Unit is just over ten years old and had a ten year warranty.  From what I have been able to find out stainless steel may not corrode but has a nasty habit of cracking. Builders use thinner metal due to cost with SS adding to the problem.   So in looking for a new unit I was shying away from SS and had almost decided on the P&M BL-2840 but then I liked the look and reviews of the Heatmaster G-200.  So what is the experience with the 409 Stainless Steel used by Heatmaster? How thick is it? Anyone had it crack.

Any other recommendations for units I should look at before jumping?  We have no local dealers, (closest is 650 miles), so it is kind of hard to run around and look them all over.

I am going to have to order up something in the next week or two as the water loss is getting  high.

Bob

[mlappin]

The 409 in HeatmasterSS furnaces is the same 409 used by Heatmor for decades, CB is also offering boilers made out of stainless now as well.

409 stainless is titanium enhanced and resists cracking unlike some other stainless used by other brands. From my experience 409 is as close to mild steel far as welding and working with it as you can get yet won’t rot away like mild steel can.

[MISHOOTER]

I had a 12yr old Empyre that was 304 and cracked as well.   I just installed a Portage and Main BL 34-44 and so far, it has been a nice unit.  It only holds half the water as my Empyre, but seems to use a bit less wood.  Even though it is supposed to handle 8000sqft, I don't think it would handle the load as well as the Empyre.  I'm heating a 4000sqft house, 1000ft shop and have 2 hot water heaters supported.   

[FrozenMongrel]

I purchased and installed a Heatmaster G200 this past November and I really like it. I replaced an old Shaver conventional and the difference is night and day! There are a lot of options on the market right now and they all have individual perks. Do your own research so that you'll be comfortable with your choice. Not sure where you are, but the local OWB dealer may have an impact on your choice as you will be able to see whatever they have on hand and probably have better service from a local dealer.

[aarmga]

Seems like heatmaster is the way to go these days.  I love the simplicity of my natures comfort but they have been slowly falling apart due to EPA regulations.  Sad seeing they had to shut down slot of their robotic welders and lay off quite a few employees.  Central has had nothing but poor warranty support for the last 5 years. I haven't yet heard of any heatmaster failures.  I think that would be my next purchase.  My natures comfort is only 2 years old and does a really great job. I can get 24 hour burn times when it's 30 degrees out like today.  When it's negative 20 obviously 12 hour burn times are the best I can get.  How have the heatmaster stoves been doing on burn times?

[RSI]

Where are you located?

[aarmga]

Central Wisconsin

[mlappin]

Any other recommendations for units I should look at before jumping?  We have no local dealers, (closest is 650 miles), so it is kind of hard to run around and look them all over.



Bob

Where are you located at?

If you goto the top of the page then click on Profile then Summary then Forum Profile you can add your location under Personal Text, this generally makes it easier for people to reply to your posts with more pertinent information.

[Watt2323]

This is my 2nd burning season with my BL-3444 and LOVE IT! I'm heating about 6,500 sq ft and DHW. I burn about half as much wood as my neighbor who has a CB-6048. I did a ton of research and I am 100% glad I bought my Portage and Main, you wont be disappointed.

[mlappin]

This is my 2nd burning season with my BL-3444 and LOVE IT! I'm heating about 6,500 sq ft and DHW. I burn about half as much wood as my neighbor who has a CB-6048. I did a ton of research and I am 100% glad I bought my Portage and Main, you wont be disappointed.

Problem is depending on where the OP is, he may not be able to install a BL series, the new gasser from P&M looks interesting though.

[Roger2561]

I have the Central Boiler E-Classic 1400 which CB no longer makes.  It's one its' 6th season heating my home and domestic hot-water (DHW).  Other than the occasional minor hiccup (operator malfunction) it's operated flawlessly.  BUT, I will admit their warranty sucks.  A couple of years ago I wanted to have the air channel welded in one of the corners (nothing to do with water jacket) and they would not honor the repair.  I had to pay out of pocket to get it welded shut before it spread too far.  i don't know if their warranty coverage is any better due to not needing their service since that time.  Roger 

[kommandokenny]

My current OWB is leaking and needs replaced. It is a HeatSource 1, stainless steel.  Unit is just over ten years old and had a ten year warranty.  From what I have been able to find out stainless steel may not corrode but has a nasty habit of cracking. Builders use thinner metal due to cost with SS adding to the problem.   So in looking for a new unit I was shying away from SS and had almost decided on the P&M BL-2840 but then I liked the look and reviews of the Heatmaster G-200.  So what is the experience with the 409 Stainless Steel used by Heatmaster? How thick is it? Anyone had it crack.

Any other recommendations for units I should look at before jumping?  We have no local dealers, (closest is 650 miles), so it is kind of hard to run around and look them all over.

I am going to have to order up something in the next week or two as the water loss is getting  high.

Bob

Go to PROFILE top of page, select FORUM PROFILE,, find SIGNATURE,, and you can add your whereabouts ,,then click change profile at bottom of right .
Now whenever you post we know were your located.
This helps with guys answer your questions etc..

[Camino Cerdo]

 Would like to thank all for their input. I've been away from the computer for a couple of days, but back again. Leak is getting worse, I may shut it down and see what I can do to glue it together till I can get off the fence and get another unit here and installed.
 I am located in South West Washington and have not found any dealers for units that I would consider so I do not have the chance to look them over in person. So your help and comments are most appreciated. 
  We have lots of experience with hot water heat, had two in the house and now the leaking one outside, in floor heat in our shop with used oil boiler, and even had diesel Webesco unit a bus conversion with in floor heat.  So I plan on staying with this type of heat, but I am getting old so if I can reduce the mass of  wood that would be good.
  Biggest concern I have with HeatMaster is stainless steel. I got burnt once. Concerned about the low water volume with the P&M.

Bob

[mlappin]

  Biggest concern I have with HeatMaster is stainless steel. I got burnt once. Concerned about the low water volume with the P&M.

Bob

Heatmaster uses 409 stainless, the very same material that Heatmor has used for decades, the very same material that CB now offers their boilers in as an option.

[Camino Cerdo]

Furnace has been ordered, Portage and Main EGR 250.  Primary reason I choose the P&M was that they would deal directly with me. The closest dealer for the other option was 850 miles so service really was not an option and when I need parts or consultation I wanted to be able to deal directly with manufacture.

I decided to go with an EPA certified unit where I live in the Socialist State of Washington and we are under the constant thumb of the gestapo due to our farming activities.  The EGR 250 will likely require more maintenance and service than my old boiler but I am hoping the promise of better efficiency will compensate for that.

Once I get it installed and have a few cords of wood through it I will post a review.