DS Machine or Alaska Kodiak, Which to Choose?

I think I have narrowed the field down to one stove. I've decided that due to my location and the availability of coal in this area I need the flexibility of being able to burn either Eastern KY Bituminous or Anthracite, and to that end, and since the DS Machine company seems to be quite willing to make modifications, I have decided upon a DS Machine DS-1600 with these modifications (with all due respect and thanks going to the several people here on the forum who have guided me in making this choice):

Modifications:
1) Over-fire air control knobs
2) 8" flu
3) removable hopper

If I've forgotten anything with respect to the modifications required to meet my objectives please let me know.

One additional modification that I can think of (not related to the bit/anthracite issue) would be a metal lid (cover) for the ash pan, and an extra ash pan as well.

The DS-1600 has over fire vents standard. They are non-adjustable however. Call Amos or Dave JR and ask about the 8" flue outlet. I don't see why they wouldn't be able to do anything like that but it couldn't hurt to ask.

Do you mean that the air vent knobs seen on the stoves door are fake, or that they are permanently opened to some pre-configured and unchangeable degree?

lsayre wrote:Do you mean that the air vent knobs seen on the stoves door are fake, or that they are permanently opened to some pre-configured and unchangeable degree?

..the vent knobs on the ash pan door on mine are fake (although the guy I bought it from, drilled some holes behind them and used it that way)..the over fire vents are in the stove body at the top of the fire brick level just inside the front door..you can see them spouting blue flames here..

Your air inlet is controlled by a thermostat on the back of the stove. If you look through the pictures of mine you can see it.

The knobs on mine are also fake.

What I'm referring to is this. Notice the air vent control knobs on the bottom of the door, and above the fire.

Check with CapeCoaler...He asked for a loading door with air control vent knobs. I know they have them.
I think the door is from the "NewStyle Champion".

That's what I want, only placed upon the DS-1600 Hot Air Circulator. Are the over the fire air control knobs on the door of the NewStyle Champion also fake, or are they real?

lsayre wrote:That's what I want, only placed upon the DS-1600 Hot Air Circulator. Are the over the fire air control knobs on the door of the NewStyle Champion also fake, or are they real?

Send Forum Member "CapeCoaler" a PM....He has this door on his DSM # 4 Basement stove but had to ask for it...
The air vents on the Newstyle Champion are functional...

I fondled a Newstyle Champion at Dettweillers 3 weeks ago. The Overfire knobs are fully functional. The ash drawer knobs are fully decorative. The functional overfire air knobs are what's drawing me to the Newstyle Champion as I'm a Bit and wood burner. Seems to me they'd burn off volatiles beautifully.

Stephen in Soky wrote:I fondled a Newstyle Champion at Dettweillers 3 weeks ago. The Overfire knobs are fully functional. The ash drawer knobs are fully decorative. The functional overfire air knobs are what's drawing me to the Newstyle Champion as I'm a Bit and wood burner. Seems to me they'd burn off volatiles beautifully.

DSM will fit the Door with air vent knobs on any of the Circulator stoves.... Just ask them.

Fantastic, do you think it would be an expensive option?

i got the champion door on my stove with adjustable knobs because burning bit. or wood you need over the fire air. they can change doors,just tell them what you are burning

If I go for this optional door, will it in any way become a hindrance should I eventually decide that I would rather burn anthracite, after first giving bituminous a shot?

lsayre wrote:If I go for this optional door, will it in any way become a hindrance should I eventually decide that I would rather burn anthracite, after first giving bituminous a shot?

CapeCoaler only burns Anthracite with the loading door that has adjustable air vent knobs.
So you will be all set.....