Print

[tw]

I'd like to start by saying what a great resource this site has been as I've been shopping for an outdoor furnace. Thanks to everyone.

I'm looking at installing an outdoor furnace this fall. I'm trying to stay at or just over $5000 for stove, additional materials, and install, so my options are limited.

Within my price range I'm considering the Ozarks Biomass Econo 200 ($3588) and the Earth brand Rancher series ($4295). I was convinced that the Rancher was the better buy even though it was going to break my budget because of the thicker firebox until I read some threads here that seemed to suggest that less may actually be more in this case as the thicker steel might prevent efficient heat transfer.

One of my main concerns with the Econo 200 and the cheaper of the two furnaces in the Ranch series is that neither have an ash grate. If I get a stove without the ash grate am I going to regret it for ever?

I'm very interested to hear your advice and thanks in advance! Any other suggestions for stoves in this price range would be welcomed as well.

Link to info on Ranch series: http://lakeyandlakey.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Lakey-Rancher-Brochure-1.jpg

Link to info on Econo 200, (note that the price is about $200 more than quoted to me by a dealer): http://www.econofurnace.com/Prices%20&%20Services.html

[1ELVIS]

You might want to take a look at Ridgewood stoves.

[woodbutcher]

I've checking out all the owb's. I will be looking at the Earth Mountain 505 this week. Looking at replacing my old, I mean old, 15 year CB. Why, you may ask, not a CB. Well for one thing all that electronic s---t. It don't work all the time. Also I found out that the 1/4" inside boiler is not 1/4", it's thinner than they clam. There seems to me a lot of Earth dealers in Wis. Has to be some reason for that.  I have Hawken owb dealer just a few min. drive from me. He has an attitude problem. Just wants to sell. You have to wait until he is ready to do the install and keep after him. Once installed he wants his money on the spot. I can't imagine the king of service I would get from him. CB will I hope make it a couple of more years but with the new regulations going into effect, I'm thinking of buying a non gasser and letting it stand until the CB finely dies. Lots of owb's out there, and all claim to have the best on the market and the best warranty.   

[tw]

Thanks, 1Elvis. Yes, I'll look into Ridgewood and see if anyone sells them locally.

"Lots of owb's out there, and all claim to have the best on the market and the best warranty."
Definitely true, woodbutcher. I sort of feel like the more I research, the more conflicted I am.

I appreciate the feedback from everyone. I'd still like to hear from some people actually using a Ozark Biomass or Earth furnace.

[ryan_atkins@yahoo.com]

I'm using Ozark biomass gasconade not ecno one. Its in a insulated building. Built a grate for it and made a firebrick cage inside fireboxto burn cleaner and get more btus. Been good. Going into 2nd year