I have a Canadian made Naden stove in the house. It’s a top loader, not much to look at but heats well. New insurance company requires one with US UL numbers on it. Does anyone have a new top loader recommendation?

What's the advantage to a top-loader? I've never owned one, all my woodstoves are and have been front-loaders.

Does smoke escape when lighting or loading?

I’ve never had a problem with smoke, mine have always drawn really well. I like a top loader because you can fill the same size box way fuller when loading from top rather than door on front. No ashes falling out everytime you open the door is a plus as well.

I think I'll stick with my Timberline!

Check the Amish stores near you. A buddy got a top loader a few years back from the Amish.

Thanks for the info Trapset. Having never owned one I was curious to how well they functioned.

Jotul used to make at least two models with top loading. The Firelight and the Rangely. Might find a used one. They have been discontinued

we had a Vermont casting wood stove for many years, it was a top loader, it could also be loaded from the front.

Top loading is easier, smoke isn't an issue as long as you have a draft from the chimney.

[img]https://forgenflame.com/collections/vermont-castings-wood-stoves[/img]

we had a Vermont casting wood stove for many years, it was a top loader, it could also be loaded from the front.

Top loading is easier, smoke isn't an issue as long as you have a draft from the chimney.

vermont casting wood stoves

Thanks guys!
Did you have a lot of maintenance on the Vermont casting? I have heard seals and somthing else needs replaced every few years.

I’d love to find a good used Jotul White. I remember they were top of the line for several years.

We have had a Vermont Intrepid for the last 4 years.
It's been a great stove, with no issues.
It runs best with smaller wood, 13" long and 2-3" wide.
We burn White Ash, Red oak and Locust.
If you don't have one, I suggest getting a wood hydrometer.
Ours doesn't like to burn effectively with any 14% or higher.

CSA is Canada's version of UL. Your insurance co. ought to accept it if present.

I have the Oslo 500 model. I love it ! It has the front door and a side door. I always load through the side.

I've had it about 20 years and it definitely cut my wood consumption. Very efficient !

Do you have a recommendation for a wood hydrometer?

Also curious, what causes the stove plate to bounce in the middle of the night?

My lid will bounce when it’s dampened down and smoldering, then gets a sudden draw of air and ignites. Happens during the day too but on a quiet night when your asleep it sounds like an FBI raid.




I’m going to try to get the insurance company to accept the Canadian code. Getting a few different quotes so maybe I’ll get lucky.

Thanks for all the input, appreciate it.

I have a Cole’s that was my buddy’s great grandfather’s and it still works great. Won’t pass your insurance company’s requirements though. Maybe you need a new insurance company.

They are all doing crazy checks when taking on new customers these days. Different than even a few months ago.

If you have a wood stove in your house and they dont know about it, your not covered if you have a fire due to the stove period. Some will even try not to cover if there is a different cause for the fire. They say "we wouldn't have written the policy if we would have known you have a wood stove".