Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)after much research, looking at different stoves locally and online, i decided on a shiloh. mostly because it was available locally and has the ash drawer for easy cleaning.
I had a working budget of $1k for the entire stove project. I ended up being very close to that, $1050 after it was all said and done, including a full cord of hard wood for fuel.
the prices online for this stove are absurd. i bought the Shiloh on sale at my local Menards for $498. i picked it up and they loaded it in my Jeep. unloading is certainly a two person job. even with the fire bricks removed, the stove is probably just over 200lbs. i managed to wrestle it in the house my self with some clever use of a mechanics dolly and some brute force.
installation was pretty easy. after $75 for a mechanical permit with the city to install, i started at it. total install time was about 8 hrs. Menards also had a complete Selkirk supervent brand HT UL rated chimney for $220 or so.
the chimney instructions are detailed and straight forward. my city conforms to manufacturer specifications for install and has no other codes required for installation. vogelzang requires a minimum 15' height chimney. that works out to roughly 5' inside, and 10' above. that's pretty tall, the top of the chimney extends about 5' above the roof line.
now, for stove performance. first thing i noticed, it's really hard to get a fire going. the door has to be cracked, and you need to get the chimney good and hot to get a strong draft. once the draft is strong, you need to burn for at least a half hour to get some coals started. overall, it's tolerable, but a pain.
another point to make, which is true of all stoves, only really seasoned and DRY wood will burn. the stove flat-out WILL NOT burn wood that is even slightly damp. it has to be totally dry. once it's dry, the stove burns very well. it will last several hours with a load of oak or cherry. but, no-where near the 6-8hrs burn time Vogelzang claims.
in terms of quality, it appears to be built well. weld quality is acceptable, not great. it's (unfortunately) made in China. overall, as the adage goes: you do get what you pay for. the painted finish is not very durable. it scratches quite easily.
summary
the stove looks great. we get complements on it all the time. this is a nice, affordable option for weekend and evening burners who want to supplement their winter heat with wood, or are looking for emergency use only. it's probably not the best option as a primary heating stove. you will quickly get annoyed with it's short comings. i'm satisfied with the purchase.
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Vogelzang "The Shiloh" Wood-Burning Stove, Model# TR002BHandsome plate steel stove is loaded with features giving you a great stove at a great price. Use in accordance with local codes and ordinances. Fuel Type: Wood, Heating Capability (sq. ft.): 1,200, Max. Log Size Accepted (L in.): 17, BTU Output: Cordwood BTU: 68,000; EPA method BTU: 12,801 to 28,701, Blower Power Supply (Volts, Amps): 110, Blower Included: Yes, Blower (CFM): 100, Heat Settings: No, Full Load Run Time (Hours): 4 - 6, Igniter: Manual, Thermostat Included: No, Door Opening W x H (in.): 17 x 8 1/2, Firebox Size W x D (in.): 18 1/4 x 11, Flue Collar Size (in.): 6, Clearance from Side Wall (in.): 15, Clearance from Rear Wall (in.): 12, Clearance from Corner (in.): 12, EPA Exempt: EPA certified, Dimensions W x D x H (in.): 23 1/4 x 21 x 31 1/2
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