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[Roger2561]

My suggestion is, get out and see these things in action if you can; i.e. different makes, different models, etc... and see how they are connected to their existing system and make a decision based on that information.  Everyone on here will have an opinion based on their make and model and if they had any trouble with it.  Personally I love my Central Boiler E-Classic 1400.  I experienced a minor hiccup a couple of months into my first year operating it (this is my 4th winter with it) but that was due to laziness on my part and not being attentive.  Since then no problems at all.  Essentially it comes down to the age old argument, which is better,  Ford, Chevy, etc... everyone has their opinions.  Good luck in your search.  Remember one thing, you will not be paying out big dollars for oil or propane regardless of which unit you decide to purchase.  Have a Merry Christmas!  Roger   

[Jwood]

One of the top three you mentioned all good stoves.

[AirForcePOL]

Good advise Roger!  Also, i would recommend deciding what kind of features you are looking for in a stove and it will make your decision a lot easier.  Do you want natural draft or forced draft?  Stainless or regular steel?  The ability to burn coal if you choose to down the road and I would also look through the different sections on this site and see what the owners of these stoves have to say about their experience.  Good luck in your decision, I know it can be hard!

[Line hand]

Thanks to All of you and MerryChristmas

[tulenutn2o]

Thanks to All of you and MerryChristmas

Chrerry Mistmas and Nappy Hew Year to all!

[aries9245]

If you can try to see them working in similar situations as your .. Those were key things that made my decision you can't beat seeing them in person while working..

[Chicken farmer]

I have a Ridgewood. I feel that they are one of the highest bang-for-the-buck stove on the market. Very basic, they heat water, period. I'm a simple guy, I like simple stuff.

[Line hand]

Ok guys I've almost decided on heatmaster 5000

Give me input on shaver & ridge wood

Stainless to last ??

Carbon for heat transfer?

I really like heatmaster especially for the price I'm getting quoted

[AirForcePOL]

Everyone seems to be very happy with their Ridgewood stoves.  But here is something to consider.  What will happen to Ridgewood when the new regulations are enforced?  I doubt they will be able to make it in the industry as it takes a lot of money and testing to produce a stove that will meet the new requirements.  This will only be an issue if you ever had to use your warranty. If the company doesn't exist then they can't stand behind their warranty.  Heatmaster already builds a stove that nearly meets the new standards.  After the new regs are passed I am sure they will be one of the few companies that will still be around. 

As far as stainless vs mild steel goes, I'm a fan of the stainless stoves.  Stainless boilers can be built thinner than carbon steel stoves which is better for heat transfer.  Not to mention better resistance to corrosion that stainless provides. 

[slimjim]

Actually, I think Heatmaster has 3 units that have great numbers and are EPA qualified

[Line hand]

Y'all are awesome heatmaster is what I have been leaning toward

[Lineman]

First year with my heatmaster got a lot of excellent info off this site to do my install  like many have said don't short cut on Urd pipe i used rehau was 10.50 ft  one of the better purchases ihave made  got about 8600 invested good luck on what ever u decide seems to be about 6-8  pretty good performing owb on this site along with home fabricated if your that talented  and there are some very talented folks on this site  again good luck

[aries9245]

So did you make a choice yet?

[Ched Bull]

Love my Heatmaster MF5000 will burn any thing I put in it, 100 ft. of rehau pipe the good stuff awesome burn times at 0 degrees 12 to 16 hours heat 1800 sq ft. home with super never ending HOT WATER!     LOVE IT,LOVE IT, LOVE IT.

[mlappin]

Stainless has several advantages, low corrosion, excellent heat transfer no matter the thickness. But also has several drawbacks, if you need field repairs can be very difficult to find a competent welder that is willing to on site welding of stainless. A good MIG machine can weld stainless but preferred method is TIG.

Going on fifteen years with my mild steel boiler, have some corrosion at the door flange and exhaust exit but those were design flaws on my part.