I would like to address the comment pro-rated warranties. I firmly believe that if any new OWB owner is going to have problems with workmanship and materials, it will be evident the first year or maybe the 2nd... There are so many OWB owners that do NOT do ANY maintenance on their units.... do not use boiler treatment, do not clean ashes out of the firebox at shutdown, burn tires and railroad ties, ashes not maintained properly, etc. I have even seen some that do NOT put a cap over the chimney during the summer when they are NOT burning...WET ASHES ARE HIGHLY ACIDIC AND WILL EAT STEEL. If an owner complains about warranty after 5 years on any problem other than electrical, I would like to have the history of the units care.... I have spoken with owners from ALL different companies, and it does NOT matter if it is a 20 or 30.yr warranty.. there are loopholes.... Example of loopholes: no record of a water sample sent in annually or water wasn't properly adjusted, no record of purchasing boiler treatment annually, etc etc etc. Typically, ash corrosion is NOT covered... I have heard from owners that have found out that the factory does not warranty exactly as the dealer initially explained...
In my opinion, a basic 1/4 inch mild steel unit that is properly maintained and burning factory approved materials, should last MANY years and a warranty is not an issue. The key word is "properly maintained". Yes, blowers, solenoids, elec., may need to be replaced...
Thanks for allowing me to get up on the soap box for a few minutes.