Looking for OWB?

gink595 · May 1, 2008

I have a friend who is looking for a OWB, he has narrowed it down to three manufactures: Wood DR. ,Heat Mor, Central Boiler. Do any of you have the low down on these types.He is looking for efficiency, water capacity(some held more than others, rated at the same size) Easy to work on (simplicty) Longevity. I guess probably the same thing all of us look for, since I don't heat with a owb I don't have any preference but told him I'd post.

HUSKYMAN · May 1, 2008

Heatmor is stainless, personally I like mild steel.

I like the forced draft models, they come up to temp much faster.

Just go with whatever dealer will do the best install or provide the most assistance.

WVwoodsman · May 1, 2008

I am just curious as to why Mahoning is not one of the ones he would consider? Maybe there is no dealer near him, but any way I bought a model 300 almost a year ago and have been really happy with it. The model 300 is a forced draft model that has a 24 in. by 24 in. door and the firebox is huge. The water tank holds 290 gallons! This unit has a shaker grate for burning coal although I have not done this. I am heating a 3100 sq. foot house with this unit and am running two zones with 2 heat exchangers, one up stairs and one down stairs. My domestic hot water is being heated also. This having been my first winter heating with this model I was not surprised at the amount of wood I burned, around 8 to 9 chords give or take. This unit was easy to operate and reliable and has so far been trouble free. The company has knowledgable staff on hand to answer any questions that you might have. You may want to pass this information along to him.

blackdogon57 · May 2, 2008

Central Boiler

CB recently came out with an EPA approved OWB. They claim it burns much less wood with less smoke/pollution. I own a CB6048 and am happy with it but wish they had this new one last year when I did my install.

Ed*L · May 2, 2008

Been very happy with the Heatmor.
I really like the ash auger, it makes cleaning easy, no waiting for the fire to burn down before doing it.

Ed

bowtechmadman · May 2, 2008

I'm happy w/ my Woodmaster 5500...I know it's not on his list.

cord wood · May 2, 2008

I have a cl40 central boiler now for about 12 years. Ive had to replace to chimney clean out twice in 4 years and patch the fire box twice. Im not impressed with their product for the price they charge???? Also its a pita to clean out and oil every spring. I think i'll be looking into the shaver line next as im not impressed with stainless as i know of a few people that have them and are having welds cracking and leaking.