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[jtepn87]

I'm new to the OWB world, and don't yet have one. I have grown tired of spending 1200-1500 a winter on propane, and have begun to research the boiler market. I have found a few boilers that would most likely fit my need in the <$5000 range. I'm currently considering either an Earth Rancher or a Wood Boiler standard. I'm sure there are more out there but these are the ones that have stuck in my mind. I was hoping to get some pros and cons on both set ups, or if there is something else that may better suit me. I live in an aprox 50x25 double wide and may eventually heat a 16x32 shed. I will also probably heat my dhw with this system.
 Thank you.

[juddspaintballs]

I'm pretty certain I paid a little over $4k for my Heatmor 200CSS a few years back.  Stainless steel water jacket, ash auger tube below the grates, fire brick and sand bottom so there's nothing to rust out, forced draft.  I'm very happy with mine and it's more than big enough to heat your doublewide and shed.  There weren't nearly as many manufacturers back then so there might be better out there but I know what I have works quite well for me and I'd recommend it. 

[jtepn87]

I thought the Heatmors were a little more than that, but I will look into them again as I have a couple neighbors very happy with their Heatmores.

[Scott7m]

Heatmor are wayyy more than that and make for some what of a difficult install.  For a boiler under the 5k mark the riegewood would be hard to beat

[victor6deep]

Heatmor are wayyy more than that and make for some what of a difficult install.  For a boiler under the 5k mark the riegewood would be hard to beat

I would 2nd that along with what my buddy Scott stated. Ridgewood Bro and don't look back.

[juddspaintballs]

It's been a few years..

[Speed]

Ridgewood. Good unit with very good backing from the builder.

[automan77]

Ridgewoodstove.com

[ITO]

 I am satisfied with my HeatSource1, it is a Heatmor twin, the company went bankrupt, was sold and I am not sure what design they make now but in 04 I paid $3800 for it, not sure why Scott says the install is more complicated? Hooked up supply and return lines and power, must be similar to most, other installs? Not sure on other brands and not trying to promote, just telling you my experience, for the record I am very happy for the last 10 years of no propane. Good luck on your choice, there are many more now, don't forget how important a good local dealer can be.

[yoderheating]

 I carry a Heat Master furnace that sells for $4,900. If you are going to buy a furnace for anything close to $5000 you will most likely have to do it in 2014.

[jtepn87]

That stinks. I don't know if I will have the funds yet this year, that's why I was trying to stay in the <5k territory. Did I not look close enough on here or are the Ridgewoods just not mentioned much on here yet?

[Scott7m]

Yea 2014 is your last chance....   

Heatmor are more complicated with all the sand, pad requirements, etc

But there def not 5k

Yoder is right as well!

[CountryBoyJohn]

That stinks. I don't know if I will have the funds yet this year, that's why I was trying to stay in the <5k territory. Did I not look close enough on here or are the Ridgewoods just not mentioned much on here yet?

There are a few Ridgewood threads in the General Discussion area.  Many members have petitioned the webmaster to add a Ridgewood area in the Brands section, but to no avail.  Do some more searches and you'll find the Ridgewood threads.  Lots of good things said about them on here.

[WoodMOJoe]

...For a boiler under the 5k mark the riegewood would be hard to beat

Scott, are you not recommending Earth for a sub-$5K unit?

[mwvwaw]

I am the proud owner of a Earth Rancher 365.  I am very pleased with its performance and the help from the manufacture.  The total package was well over $5000.
Matt