Coalpail.com Forum

If I purchase a 254 It will be without the blower option. I like the fact that the 254 is top vented and without the blower the rear clearance will be the same as my Vigilant. I seriously considerd the 50/95 with the hopper but being rear vented the stove will stick out about a foot more than my current stove. The 254 looks like it will handle wood better than the 50/95 and the grates are little bigger also. Any thoughts...

Tmegg,
I'm not real sure what you are asking, but I love my 254. Up until a few weeks ago I've only burnt wood in it. It heats my aprox. 1200sf camp just fine. I didn't want a blower either. Figured just more expensive parts to go bad and probably too loud for all the air it moves. I somtimes use a very small house fan (fake industrial looking metal type). They are cheap and the first one hasn't worn out yet. I tried anthracite a little while back,and it makes even more heat and for a long time without messing with it.

Although I like my hopper, I think you made a good choice for burning wood and coal. I believe you can burn anthracite or bituminus. There is something to be said for simplicity. Good luck with your new Hitzer, and enjoy.