Outdoor Wood Furnace Info

Outdoor Furnaces - Manufacturers WITH EPA-Certified Models => Central Boiler => Topic started by: smokingun26710 on October 28, 2012, 08:25:57 PM

Title: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: smokingun26710 on October 28, 2012, 08:25:57 PM

Im in the market for a new outdoor wood stove.  Ive narrowed my choices to the Heatmaster MF5000, the CB CL5036, and the Portage and Main ML30.  Ive owned a CB CL 5036 before and liked it but Im a bit leary because all the reviews Ive read stating leaks were discovered along with poor customer service.  The ML30 appears to be a quality product but Im not sure its worth $1000 more than the other two.  Kinda leaning towards the Heatmaster with its lifetime warranty at this time.  Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.  I live in the mountains of West Virginia.  My new home will be approximately 2500 sq. ft.  There are no P & M dealers in my area, but I have about 3 CB dealers near me and one Heatmaster dealer.  Again, all opinions would be appreciated.

Title: Re: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: muffin on October 29, 2012, 07:07:26 AM

I have the CB 6048 and love it.  Where abouts are you?  I'm in the Keyser area next to Cumberland, MD.

Title: Re: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: smokingun26710 on October 29, 2012, 11:42:53 AM

Im from Keyser also.  My house Im building is in Burlington, WV. 

Title: Re: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: dwneast77 on October 29, 2012, 08:19:35 PM

I have no experience with the non-gasser OWBs.  But I have a CB E-2300 (first model year, 2008) and have had a lot of frustration with it.  Mostly design issues.  Finally, with some slight modifications I got the unit burning the way it should 1/2 way through last season (3rd season).  However, early in the season I had a water leak in the firebox and then discoverd another leak at the time of shutdown.  Tapping on the inside of the firebox, it does not feel as though it was made of 1/4" boiler plate as I was under the impression it was.  Feels like 1/8" at best.  Even the welder I had to fix the first leak thought it felt light.  I'm not real familar with Heatmaster.  I've followed P & M on this sight.  Most guys seem quite happy with their Opt. 250 units and others. 

Title: Re: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: yoderheating on October 29, 2012, 10:29:00 PM

S are you from the area with the wind farm? I've been hearing a lot about them, we may be making a trip to learn more about them.

Title: Re: Central Boiler, Portage and Main, or Heatmaster?
Post by: muffin on October 30, 2012, 10:33:11 AM

Quote from: smokingun26710 on October 29, 2012, 11:42:53 AM

Im from Keyser also.  My house Im building is in Burlington, WV.

Its a small world after all!