I was in same situation , I researched , researched, looked asked questions ect , Willie brings up important points , if you don't have access to a good supply of wood don't do it , I looked at several different models and the dealers were all knowledgeable , I then researched problems and made my decisions by asking questions here , looking at the issues particulars models have and like any investment I buy I look for how its built and longevity ,
I'm in the middle of my install now so i cannot tell you how it performs just yet but rather why I went with who i did , it was based on seeing , comparing and complaints or lack of
someone said it like buying a car or id say like buying a heat pump , you can buy the good names in the business like carrier or trane or if you look at ebay you see all the builder grade models they sell to anyone and unfortunately those are what they are putting in new houses, so buy it like you are buying a cordless drill , you can buy B n D cheap or you can buy a commercial grade dewalt or porter cable, how long will the cheap last you vs the commercial version, ?? and like a car or heat pump its how you take care of it
hope that helps