Put Hitzer 503 in the search box in the upper right on this page and you will have a lot to read. I think reaction to this stove has been favorable.ColdHouse wrote:What would you think of a 5 Season used Hitzer 503 Coal Stove Insert for around $1500 with 2 new fans included? Can these units be painted? Where can the paint be purchased?
Thanks!
I Want to Put in a Coal Stove
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- freetown fred
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Nice stove as far as inserts go--not my preference, but a good, functional stove:) I prefer not to paint, but use Williams stove black-- I got it on line -- couldn't find anything but junky Imperial or Rutland around here--just remember--no matter what you use--she's gonna SMOKE
- whistlenut
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Morning Coldhouse! Any stove you choose will keep you warm, but the care and operation will differ greatly. Once mastered, the art of running a hand-fed stove will be a warm thought every day, however if the lady in the house is not comfortable with it, ........you are SOL. A Stoker stove is a no-brainer and extremely reliable and virtually anyone can run it. I'd be looking for 90 to 110 K of output, and a side hopper would be nice for a stoker. The flue hole can be cut with a hand rotary drill if you are skilled, however if you use a low discharge unit and vent into the chimney. that eliminates that cost and appearance issue. Check your PM,s for additional ideas. PS: Nice weather for the next couple weeks, so don't panic for any reason!
I just saw the 'liner required' post, so that makes the use of the damper location the solution. Short money......but I'd check into the regs yourself. You can't be sure if that statement is from the Horses mouth, or.......the other end. Ever here: If you want it done right, better do it yourself?????
I just saw the 'liner required' post, so that makes the use of the damper location the solution. Short money......but I'd check into the regs yourself. You can't be sure if that statement is from the Horses mouth, or.......the other end. Ever here: If you want it done right, better do it yourself?????
Last edited by whistlenut on Sun. Sep. 29, 2013 11:30 am, edited 1 time in total.
- freetown fred
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Well----you need to take the initiative & research that yourself--personally, I don't buy it--is this the same dealer you went to in the first place???????????/ Just buy the friggin thing, install according to manufacturers instructions & if needed get hold of your insurance person & have them come & check it out--remember, it's only supplemental .>)
- Lightning
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I don't believe it... You need to investigate this further partnerColdHouse wrote:Just got back from dealer. He says that according to city code & insurance regulations for the last 10 years you must have a liner in the chimney all the way to the roof.
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not sure what state ur in...but hes kinda 'right'...ColdHouse wrote:Just got back from dealer. He says that according to city code & insurance regulations for the last 10 years you must have a liner in the chimney all the way to the roof.
but liner is a vague term....
a masonry chimney with a clay or terra cotta flue inside is by definition already "lined"....and more than acceptable....granted it is sound and complete.
I told him I had a terra-cotta liner and he said that was not up to code. He does not install. He said something to the effect that you needed possitive draft and sticking it up xxx feet doesn't do it. He said people do what they want but code is a stainless liner.
- lsayre
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Don't believe him until you check with your local authorities. Terra-cotta should be sufficient.ColdHouse wrote:I told him I had a terra-cotta liner and he said that was not up to code. He does not install. He said something to the effect that you needed positive draft and sticking it up xxx feet doesn't do it. He said people do what they want but code is a stainless liner.
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Have a 503...
Had a liner...
The liner failed after 5 years...
Did improve the draft on an oversized cold outside fireplace...
The 503 new was under $1500 direct in 06/07...
If the 503 has new bricks and the parts are straight...
$1500 might be right, how much is new now...
Code may say so in CT...
MA has stupid rules too...
Had a liner...
The liner failed after 5 years...
Did improve the draft on an oversized cold outside fireplace...
The 503 new was under $1500 direct in 06/07...
If the 503 has new bricks and the parts are straight...
$1500 might be right, how much is new now...
Code may say so in CT...
MA has stupid rules too...
I just called a Hitzer Dealer cost of new stove "not dressed up" little under 2200 + tax + 150 delivery. Total hovering 2500. Used one has stainless insert that I can get with purchase. I am going to look at used now.
- Richard S.
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Since I'm the one that sent you off on the insert tangent just be aware there is significant difference in the operation of the Hitzer and the LL.
For convenience the LL is hands down winner as it' automatic stoker.
For the looks like it belongs there and other benefits like electric free operation the Hitzer is better option.
As far as reliability for 5 years it's just getting broken in, properly maintained you can run coal appliances for decades. There is literally no junk available on the market, it's a niche market dominated by well established US companies.
For convenience the LL is hands down winner as it' automatic stoker.
For the looks like it belongs there and other benefits like electric free operation the Hitzer is better option.
As far as reliability for 5 years it's just getting broken in, properly maintained you can run coal appliances for decades. There is literally no junk available on the market, it's a niche market dominated by well established US companies.
Guy said he never cleaned the stove pipe insert in 4 & 1/2 seasons. I spoke with another dealer that said Terra-cotta insert is good but with insert better use stainless steel all the way to roof for ease of cleaning. Looked at the Leisure Line with my wife she did not like the looks of the hearth "too boxy and too many wires hanging off the side." The hitzer insert looks good but I would need to fabricate some type of cover to account for the rounded fireplace.
I was liking the idea of saving money buying used. However, I was looking at the literature and that unit weighs 600#. I would bet that is a beast to get into the house up some stairs, move & install into the fireplace hole. Even if 4 people could get around it they would have to be capable of lifting 150# each. Brand new cost with tax and freight cost is under $2500. Install with SS flex pipe to roof $900. Flex pipe cost if I do it $500. The delivery/install which includes the flex kit doesn't seem outrageous considering it is only $400 more than DIY. Two weeks ago I cut off the tip of my left thumb and am still far from 100% but even if I was I would think moving 600# would have to be a trick.