What is the difference between a wood stove purchased in a hardware store and one bought at a fireplace dealer

Question

I have a farm house just given to me that is about 1000 SQ. Ft. and need to buy a wood stove. They are cheaper at the hardware stove but not sure if it is worth the savings.

Answer 1

No offense to you or any others who answer; but the basic notion should be the same. Even the manufacturers might be the same, and that's one place you should check.

I was born and raised on a farm, and we had no "FirePlace" stores to shop decorative stoves, or trendy ideas in the model year changes through evolution.

"Practical" was, and should still be the Key Word in your search. If it's aesthetics you want; there are hundreds of models and varieties available. If it's service you want; the field might be as large. The PLACE of purchase might have very little to do with eventual effectiveness and efficiency.

Also without knowing at all the particular hardware store, as opposed to a big box type Fireplace store; you might consider the smaller operation to be more intune with its customer base and their needs.

Obvious to me; isn't so much any initial cost; but what the appliance will produce; it's structure; serviceability; life span; etc.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

Why would you want to pay more?

Chances are the fireplace dealer has a wider variety of fireplaces and accessories,as well as salespeople that might try to sell you expensive "add ons"They might be somewhat help full if you have no idea of what you are looking for.

Your best bet is to do your research and buy what you want at the best price.An acme brand stove at a hardware store is the same as an acme brand at a fire place store-less the fire place stores mark up

Answer 3

Check on line for a used wood burner, my preference would be a good old Fisher wood burner, we heated with one for years, they do a great job, we heated over 1800 sq.ft. with a PAPA Bear, they make several sizes...sometimes you can find them on e-bay and who knows someone may have one for sale in your area, you can also do a web search for Used Fisher wood burning stoves, make sure the fire brick is in good shape and the best chimmney you can use is metal bestos, which is made out of stainless and will last almost forever....good luck in your search and when you find one be sure it is appropriate for the area you want to heat, better to go a little over than under if you want to stay warm...