Print

[ruger5901]

I just closed on a home in Ohio that is currently heated by propane. The home has 33 acres of woods. This spring I will be installing an outdoor wood heater. There seems to be many different choices in styles and brands. The home is in a very remote location. I'm not worried about smoke. Where should I start? Thanks in advance.

[Jwood]

I'd start by making the decision on conventional vs. gassifier and if you want a conventional you better purchase one before April I believe that is going to be the end of conventionals.

[MerrellRoofing]

Start cutting wood. Then figure out if you can get a conventional stove there. Then find some dealers around and start looking at stoves and see what you like. And find people that already have them and stop in and talk to them. Most people that have them are happy to talk about them. No better knowledge than 1st hand. 

[Jwood]

I won't try to sway you on Brands simply because I have not gotten mine hooked up yet but the 4 top brands that come to my mind.
1- Heatmor
2- Portage and Main
3- Central Boiler
4- Heatmaster

[cando attitude]

HI Ruger,  I live in Ohio as well and just put a boiler in this year that was purchased back in February.  After careful consideration, I chose a Portage and Main (BL 2840).  I use this to heat my house of 3000ft^2 and my basement (extra 2000).   This stove does a nice job of heating this space and this past week we saw temps into the low teens.  Keep reading this site.  There's a lot of good people here with a lot of good information.

As Merrell suggested, one thing is for sure - Start cutting wood!!

Take a look at the recent thread below for more input from others.

Gassers vs. conventional - Looking for input from those that have had both

[ruger5901]

Yea I'm not sure which would be best for me. I plan on keeping an abundance of dry wood at all times. Is the gassifier more efficient?

[mlappin]

Yea I'm not sure which would be best for me. I plan on keeping an abundance of dry wood at all times. Is the gassifier more efficient?

Yes, you're actually burning your smoke as well.

Stack temps are also lower, lower stack temps mean more heat transferred to your water instead of the environment.

[Jwood]

Yes gassifier are more efficient like mlappin has said a little more maintenance but burns less wood and maintainence is easier than logging. I don't mind cutting and splitting wood and could not afford a gassifier so I went the traditional route.

[fsuftball]

I was you 10 months ago, I went with ridgewood stoves because of price and quality.

It's my first stove and my total installed price is under 6k, it does everything my neighbors central boilers, woodmaster do.

Simple stove

[JTS717]

I had been researching them for about 3 years and recently bought a gassifier.  I have 27 acres of hardwoods at home and nearly unlimited red oak by our cabin.  I am 26 and still enjoy cutting firewood all weekend long.  I chose the gasifier because even for me wood isn't free.  I still have to run and maintain my saws and truck.  I also like the increased effeciency but there is a learning curve to keep the gassifiers running at peak effeciency.   
I also paid more for what I believe is a very well built boiler.  I do not want to have to replace it for a long time and definitely do not want to deal with it taking a crap or start leaking in the middle of winter

[ruger5901]

I just got a quote today for a portage and main BL 2840. I was told around 8k ...... Not including instilation. Seem about right?

[Jwood]

Yep that is correct I think I paid 7900 not including tax

[Ohiowood]

Have a Central Boiler 1400. Been 4 years and love it!

Good luck.

[walkerdogman85]

I was quoted 8300 just for the PM boiler, it was 14,000 total install. That was a dealer here in millersburg Ohio.

[Uponthehill]

Love the 2840. Very efficient for a conventional OWB. I live in KY. Purchased mine early this year. Shop is hooked up and running. Working on house design. Can't wait to heat all structures....