New to Coal Stoves

slb04786 wrote:Just my opinion but I think for the same money I would go with the Hitzer and a hopper feed. http://www.hitzer.com/model50-93.html

The hitzer is about 1.5 hours away, The Gab is about 30 min!

Just my $0.02, and I have never seen a Gibraltar before, but I know that the Hitzers are built like bomb shelters. My 503 insert makes my brother-in-law's Alaska Channing III look like it's made out of tin foil. Well, not really. But there is an appreciable difference. Not that the Alaskas are too thin or poorly made (they are neither)--it's just that the Hitzers are big, thick, heavy SOBs and will last a long, long time. The Gibraltars may also be this way. The photo of it looks like it's well made.

The gravity-fed hopper system on the Hitzer is something worth looking at closely. It works great on my 503. Pouring coal in the hopper versus shoveling it in by hand is a bit easier. I shake/load twice a day and empty the ash pan once a day. I could probably go longer between shakes if I wanted to, but I'm in a routine now, and it works for me.

Also, the Hitzer appears to be a good deal larger than the Gibraltar. Firebox dimensions on the Hitzer are 24.25" W x 19.5" H x 14.5" D. Compared to the dimensions of the Gibraltar's firebox (18" W x 10" H x 12" D), the Hitzer has a much bigger firebox which means a larger/deeper coal bed and more heat. I'm not sure what the BTU comparison is, but the Hitzer puts out 16,000-95,000 BTUs. Does the 50-93 you are looking at have the optional 210 CFM blower on it? If so, and they are the around the same price, I'd have to go with the Hitzer. Again, just my $0.02.

Whichever stove you decide on, you can't go wrong with anthracite!

coal berner wrote:Your comparing a Tank to a VW beetle

Easy now J.C. My dog is named Tank though

coal berner wrote:

MidnightMadman wrote:Hello all! I am here trying to get some answers. I have never owned a coal stove but I am looking for one. I plan on heating my finished basement and hopefully some heat to go up to the next two levels.
I remember one of my best friends having a coal stove as a kid and always was amazed at the heat it would put off so now its time for me to have my own.
I am looking for a used stove and found one local to me. Its a Gibraltar. Its blue with some brass trim. I don't know too much more about it except the dimensions 30"Hx23"Wx16.5"D. Firebox is 18"Wx10"Hx12"D
He wants $600 for it. without any pipe. (pipe is my next big question once I get past if this stove is good)
Would this work for what I am looking to use it for?
THANKS!

HPIM1097.JPG

It is a SCR model Radiant het no blower fan. Should have a heat shield on the back that I don't see . Also the coal banking plate looks missing . weight is 405lbs holds 45 lbs of coal more with the coal banking plate 55 to 60lbs. look at the baffle plate on the inside top for warpage. Also does it have a ash tray shaker handel can't see any in the pic . With out a blower on it I am not sure try will get all the heat upstairs where yo want it . A magic heat reclaimer will help alot with
that stove being there is no blower to blow the heat off the stove into the room . How many sq ft. do you want to try and heat with it .

Do you know what the wall clearance is with this model? catty corner and regular?

I went and bought the Gibraltar today. That sucker is built like a tank!
No I have to decide if I want it catty corner or in the center of the wall.

Any pros or cons to each?