Nestor Martin New Bayard 312 or D.S. Machine Mini Circulator

caucapon · Post by **caucapon** » Mon. Oct. 18, 2010 4:41 pm

All the discussions I could locate on this forum for Nestor Martin are a year or two old and and really discussed wood burning rather than coal. I am hoping that someone who regularly frequents this site may now have some experience burning coal in either the Bayard or the Harmony III. These two are essentially the same stove with the Bayard having a polished cooking top. Previous threads indicated some real concern regarding the lack of info regarding the grate. Just how effective are these stoves at burning coal?

I've talked with Amos at D.S. This manufacturer has gotten good reviews on this forum. The Mini Circulator is not a particularly attractive appliance; however, effective heating, durability, and a solid warranty are the primary concerns. I would be interested in comments from those who have used a D.S. product as well as stoves from other manufacturers. What, if anything, sets the D.S. units apart.

The Bayard is currently going for about $900 on eBay with no warranty. The Mini Circulator with the customization necessary to have it effectively vent through my fireplace opening plus shipping would come in at about $1450. It comes with a five year warranty. Neither stove is particularly expensive; however, saving $550 is nothing to sneeze at.

Any comments from those with real experience would be appreciated.

Coalfire · Post by **Coalfire** » Mon. Oct. 18, 2010 4:50 pm

Caucapon,
I don't know about the nestor martin, I thought they were not that great for coal could be wrong though. You are correct the DS are not the best looking stove, but with there automatic regulator, hopper, and solid build they are on the top of my list. The other thing is customer service, they are great to deal with. I can't say enough good things about the DS, and there are several others on here that like them as well.
Where are you from could you pick it up to avoid shipping charges.
Best of luck on what ever you choose, Eric

tsb · Post by **tsb** » Mon. Oct. 18, 2010 5:13 pm

The Nestor Maritn stove are very similar to the Saey stoves.
My concern would be replacement parts. The NM is a cast stove.
Over time things tend to crack and wear out. I've been able to get
parts for the Saey stove that I still run now and then, but I can't
speak for the NM organization. I agree that the DS stove is a little
hard to look at, but heat and durability is what your after.
Good luck with what ever you decide.

Tom

YZF1R · Post by **YZF1R** » Mon. Oct. 18, 2010 7:22 pm

I can't speak for the other stoves, and I only lit my DSM last Friday evening, but I like it. It seems to be very strongly built. I liked dealing with Amos and the rest of the guys there, and he had no problem with some minor customization. I actually like the way it looks. All business.

I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever you decide.

Steve

CapeCoaler · Post by **CapeCoaler** » Mon. Oct. 18, 2010 10:21 pm

Spend the money get the DS...
I run a Basement #4...
Best money I ever spent...
Solid stove it will serve you well...
As for looks...
When that stove is giving you no troubles...
It will be the prettiest stove ever...