Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

All-Purpose OWF Discussions => General Outdoor Furnace Discussion => Topic started by: svo11 on December 18, 2011, 06:27:58 PM

Title: What unit to buy
Post by: svo11 on December 18, 2011, 06:27:58 PM
HI everyone new to the site, trying to decide what unit to buy. What to heat 3500 sq ft house with forced air furnance and 42x53 pole barn, any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: Ridgekid on December 18, 2011, 06:35:04 PM
A really big one! Sorry couldn't help myself.

Where are you located? Some states have restrictions.
Got wood? It might be free heat, but you have to have time to cut and  split it.  Where will you get 8+ cords ayear? ( 8 cords seem to be avg)

I don't know exactly how to size one, but I can welcome you to the site!

Welcome!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: johnybcold on December 18, 2011, 06:38:14 PM
Call a few dealers from different companies
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: beeman on December 18, 2011, 07:11:35 PM
i love it that was good ridgekide so funny    as ridgekide said is eny body close that has an one they can give you advice on close dealers or see what you like and build your own i did with the help of thease guys even tonight i was out playing with mine
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: svo11 on December 18, 2011, 07:19:00 PM
Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: lugnut on December 18, 2011, 07:31:57 PM
Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.

svo11...know this: there is NOT one perfect OWB on the market.  They ALL have their little quirks.  Do a Better Business Bureau check on ALL the manufactures that you look into.  This is the perfect way to find out the pros and cons of the companies themselves.

Check for companies that are "local" to you...or dealerships that are close to you.  Take it from me, you WILL want to have a dealership/company close to you as it's easier to walk into the store or company and vice your concerns without having to deal with email.  Parts will be easier to come by as well.  Look over closely at the warranties and READ the fine print.

Buying one of these OWBs is not like buying a piece of equipment or a truck....so many different variances.

However, you did right by coming to this website.  There is a tremendous amount of help here and as you can see from the main page, there are various manufactures sites you can visit at your own leisure.

Welcome to the site and take a look around and do NOT be afraid to ask questions.  We are ALL here to assist you and you will find many of us to still be "newbies"  Soon I hope to graduate from "newbie" to "some what knowledgeable."   :D

Lugnut
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: Ridgekid on December 18, 2011, 07:40:28 PM
Mine is perfect!  ( so far anyway). Lol
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: beeman on December 18, 2011, 07:47:44 PM
are you whanting to ply with it some if so a shaver if not just feed and general maints woodmaster , heatmaster some cb  down here in missouri sells good  alough if somthing goes wrong will they no what and why that is what i ment by playing with one shaver has a good desine but you have to do modifications to get the full potinal when done you no the inside to the outside of it and why if i had it to do over i would build again
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: wiseass13 on December 18, 2011, 07:58:15 PM
Good luck to u. I researched for several months till finally settling on portage and main. I relized All compqnies only warranty stoves for 5 years and after that its all prorated.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: martyinmi on December 18, 2011, 08:01:06 PM
Located in se mi. lol on buying a big one. wood won't be a problem and already started cutting. Have been checking websites but haven't talked to dealers yet.
5700 sq. ft. in Mi- I'd plan on getting one that is rated to heat at least 8000- 10000 sq. ft. Some of the more popular brands in our state are Central boiler(E-2400 or E-3200), Natures Comfort (GT 500), Portage and Main (Optimizer 350). Those models are gasifiers. They all make conventional ones also. Heatmor is also popular, but I don't know if they manufacture a gasifier. There is also a new manufacturer in Mt. Pleasant Mi. that builds Burn-Rite boilers.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: powerstroke on December 18, 2011, 08:21:06 PM
I heat a little over 5500 sq feet with my Shaver 290 and no matter how bitter cold it is or how hard the wind is blowing, it has never not been able to keep up.  I leave my shop at 70 degrees and my house at 72.  It is rated for 7000 square feet.  I know of 3 other people near me that have em, two of the people have had them for 6 years so far, and havent had any issues with them.  I have had mine for a little over a year.  BUT <-----and this is a big but, there are some people on here that have had issues over the years which you should research.  My logic is.....thicker metal takes longer to rust through.  Plain and simple.  There are alot of great people and info on here and although everyone has there preferances we all love not having heating bills and cuttin wood!  Welcome to the site!!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: jrider on December 19, 2011, 06:53:13 AM
I got the Portage and Main Optimizer 250 - does 5,000 square feet and LOVE it so far.  I am only in the first year so who knows about the longevity, but try to find something bad about that company online and you will have a hard time finding anything. 
I looked around for about 6 months before getting that one.  I spent some time on the phone with the company and unlike many of the other manufacturers, they actually answered their phones or got back to me right away.  Had my stove in exactly 7 days from the time I ordered it. 
I would suggest going with an EPA certified gasification boiler.  If your state changes their laws, you should be compliant and they will burn less wood.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: Bull on December 19, 2011, 08:13:00 AM
Welcome to the site svo11, there are some very good brands out there so read what the different owners on here have to say about their OWB and try to choose what ever fits you best. I would advise to buy the best insulated pipe that you can get as this will help in what ever stove you buy.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: yoderheating on December 19, 2011, 08:26:26 PM
I agree with a lot that has already been mentioned.  Two things I will echo just to reinforce, first go with a local experienced dealer. The dealer is as important as the furnace manufacture. A good dealer is one who after the sale will continue to help you on any trouble that you may run into. As a dealer I have seen so many weird problems that are one of a kind. A inexperienced or unhelpful dealer can be the biggest pain in the rear if you happen to have one of those head scratching types of problems. Second, use well insulated underground pipe. People are crazy that buy a expensive furnace and then try and save a couple dollars on something that is essential for the system to work efficiently.   As a Heat Master dealer obviously I will tell you they are good but if you are looking for a mild steel furnace Central Boiler is the one I would look at. They have been around and are a proven product. Good luck!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: 6pacmac on December 19, 2011, 08:50:09 PM
Timberwolf Furnace Co. has some nice units.  Check'em out at www.timberwolffurnace.com (http://www.timberwolffurnace.com).
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: 6pacmac on December 19, 2011, 09:10:57 PM
Earthwood furnaces look ok too.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: johnybcold on December 19, 2011, 10:16:39 PM
I got a cb I think they have a better unit and it is the only one with a local dealer when I bought it I am in ma so it had to be EPA
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: TLuckoski on December 20, 2011, 04:18:18 PM
I'd go with a CB 6048 for the square footage you have.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: MTJAG on December 21, 2011, 10:18:38 AM
svo11,
I have a CB5036 and couldn't be happier.  You can throw anything, any size (as long as it fits through the door), in any configuration and it burns nicely.   In the past two months, we have had a dozen nights with below zero temps, and much of the time in the teens or single digits, and my CB5036 hasn't missed a beat...unless I let it run out of wood.  However, the CB5036 is too small for your application.  You  would need the CB6048 or the E2400 depending on your legal requirements or preference.  You also might consider erroring on the high side and go with the CB7260 or the E3200 as that pole barn might use quite a few BTU's.  But, most importantly is what yoderheating said regarding finding a local experienced dealer.  A warranty is good to have, but a good dealer is a must have!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: MattyNH on December 22, 2011, 03:41:54 PM
 Its like buying a car..Warranty, all the bells and whistles that go with it. ..So many brands out there.. Word of mouth is a good thing as well..You got a list of OWB's brands with this web sight link on this forum ..Like me theres a few reasons why I went Aqua-Therm..Everyone has there preferences..At the end they work the same..Burn wood or coal and keep your house and hot water warm.. If you live in a EPA state..Your more limited to what you can buy...
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: svo11 on December 23, 2011, 07:50:37 PM
thanks everyone for the info I am still checking and looking for dealers.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: Mrplow on December 24, 2011, 06:59:18 PM
I will second the good dealer and CB plugs.  I have a new 6048, heating house and pole building, up and running for 2 months now, LOVE IT!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: jerkash on December 24, 2011, 08:13:20 PM
I'm loving my Legend!!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: osentoskifirewood on December 25, 2011, 08:11:51 AM
I would go with Hawken Energy 2100 hold 380 gallon water. I had cb the same size went though about 40 face cord with the cb with hawken i burn about 17 face cord. Do your homework the hawken about the best.  :thumbup:
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: Rockarosa on December 25, 2011, 08:37:32 AM
I have a CozyBurn from Pro-Fab, old farmhouse is always warm.
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: koutsman on December 25, 2011, 11:03:27 PM
   Our Legend has been good to our family!!!!!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: rick n kristi on December 26, 2011, 09:36:13 AM
Natures comfort 325G! What you are heating matches what I am. I'm on my 2nd season with a 325G and could not be happier. Search my posts!
Title: Re: What unit to buy
Post by: leguftek on December 27, 2011, 07:59:40 AM
I have a Cadillac 5600 and am extremely happy.  Here are it's statistics:

Northern Steel Manufacturing LLC

Cadillac Outdoor Wood Furnaces

Northern Steel Manufacturing LLC, based in the heartland of Wisconsin, presents our line of outdoor wood burning stoves with our Cadillac stoves. We have been designing stoves for over a decade. We work directly with the stove market, getting right down to the real users’ needs, wants, and demands. Northern Steel manufacturing LLC is committed to bringing to the market not only the highest quality and most durable stove, bet we are continually creating, improving and introducing features and innovations that provide reliability, usability, and convenience, along with the greatest efficiency possible. Every one of our stoves is identified by a serial number, is manufactured utilizing industry surpassing robotic technology, water and air tested, finished and inspected by the most dedicated, experienced craftsman in the industry. Northern Steel Manufacturing LLC backs each and every stove with a limited 20 years warranty. Our skilled employees are the backbone of our company, leading to our success. They are ready to not only meet your needs, but exceed your expectations.

WOOD FURNACE FEATURES

 Tool Caddy – Conveniently attached to the adjustable arm of the dusk-to-dawn light. Holds the rake and shovel provided with each furnace.

 Class A Stainless Steel Chimney – This level of quality on the Cadillac.

 Extra large Fuel Door – 24” x 36” door allowing for the extra large wood and easy loading.

 Extra Large Ash Door – 5” x 12” clean out door allows for fast and easy ash removal.

 Water Filled Heat Exchanger – This technology provides more surface area allowing 100% heat transfer with less heat escaping out the chimney.
 

QUALITY

 High Grade Steel – All Cadillac outdoor wood burning furnaces are constructed using commercial quality boiler plate exclusive to Cadillac outdoor stoves.

 Robotic Seamless Welding – Our Lincoln Arc mate 120il Robotic Welding technology assures unparalleled quality and consistency in the weldment of the inner and out water jacket, door jambs and internal parts.

 Precision Fabricated Parts – Our investment in Whitney Plasma cutting technology in their Advantage and 3400 computer controlled 72” x 240” downdraft cutting tables assures precision cut parts and subcomponents.

 Powder Coated – Our utilization of today’s powder coat technology creates an unmatched consistency in coverage and clarity in paint application.

 R 3 8 Roof Insulation – Our base and side wall foil faced R 1 9 insulation is enhanced with full coverage of the roof with R 3 8 insulation.
 

 INNOVATION

 Our innovation features are industry leading, far surpassing any other stove. These include dusk to dawn light, water filled heat exchanger, and extra large lockable fuel door with anti flash back feature. Our class A stainless chimney is standard as is our innovative tool caddy, the friendliest storage system for the rake and shovel on the market. This is the only line of outdoor wood furnaces that knows the consumer. Northern Steel will meet your needs and wants with our Cadillac stove.

 TOOL CADDY

 Combining innovation with usability, Northern Steel Manufacturing LLC’s tool caddy removes the constant inconvenience other stoves have. This option is available on all of our stoves. Combined with our heavy duty shovel and rake, this feature provides not only more ease in cleaning the stove chamber, it gives the user an easy and safe storage location. No more picking up that muddy or frozen rake & shovel!

 DUSK-TO-DAWN LIGHT

 Attached to the Tool Caddy, this light attachment provides a better and wider lighted area with the automatic dimming and lighting of the load area.

 
FURNACE SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL  3600 4800 5600

WEIGHT (LBS)  2500 3000 3500

HEIGHT*  95” 96” 96”

WIDTH*  78” 78” 78”

LENGTH*  69” 76” 76”

FORCED DRAFT (CFM)  0-140 0-140 0-140

CHIMNEY SIZE 6” 6” 6”

FIREBOX LENGTH 36” 48” 56”

HEATING AREA (SQ. FT.)** 5000 8000 10000

WATER CAPACITY (U.S. GAL.) 175 225 275

FIREBOX DOOR OPENING 24” X 36” 24” X 36” 24” X 36”

 *TOTAL OUTSIDE DIMENSIONS **APPROXIMATE FIGURES, WILL VARY DUE TO HOME AND CLIMATE CONDITIONS
 

ALL CADILLAC OUTDOOR WOOD BURNING FURNACES ARE CONSTRUCTED USING

COMMERCIAL QUALITY BOILER PLATE EXCLUSIVE TO OUR OUTDOOR STOVES.