Coalpail.com Forum

Hi everyone ,Does anyone have the Alaska hearth model stove. If so how does it perform for you? My wife and I are ready to buy one. I know this board is very helpful, thanks to all that take the time out to give us input. Scott and Cathy

Hello Scott and Cathy,
Unfortunately I can't tell you that I currently own an Alaska Hearth Model, though I have recently put a deposit on one.
I have been a casual wood burner for many years and my primary heat source is oil hot water baseboard. The "new" oil pricing has inspired me to find an alternative. I have searched the WEB and have spent countless hours on this site or any other that would help me gain any knowledge about becoming a coal convert. I am also fortunate to have a local dealer nearby who sells Alaska, Keystoker and Leisure Line. Alaska seems to be his primary line. He displays alot of stoves and has an Alaska Channing fired up all the time. Seeing one in operation has been helpful in learning about the Stoker technology. I have been impressed by the Channing and the Hearth Model basically uses the same components. I chose the Hearth Model so we can put the stove on the first floor and vent with the fireplace chimney. Like you I have joined the forum recently and have asked the same question. "who else has a hearth model?" So far I have not seen alot of info for Alaska Stoves on the forum though they seem to be a respected brand. Just the same I read through the forum frequently because it has a wealth of general information. I've relied on my local dealer for specifics and I'm confident that the hearth model is a good choice.
I'll be curious to know if you decide to go with Alaska. If I learn anything new I'll let you know and I would appreciate the same in case you come across any helpful info.
Best of luck,
Rich G
WMass

Hello rich, thank you for your reply to my question. My brotherinlaw lives upstate and I talked to him last night about removeing my wood burning incert one year old this july it was installed yes,I have a 1700 sq foot ranch with an open floor plan, fireplace hearth in back of home. he told me the same thing the coal and stove dealer told me the hearth model will be a warming heat that never goes out and will make its way to other parts of the home he has had his alaska stove in his home more then fourteen years. It cost him 1600 at the time hand shaker in lower part in a high ranch he lives in courtland ny and will use 3 ton of baged coal, I live on long island and may have some left over not a bad thing if you have and questions or infomation please let me know scott

Hello ScottandCathy, I don't believe you can buy a 'bad' stove. Some are better for certain applications than others. but most if not all of the stoves currently in production are very good..

Your questions really apply to your home.. ['how does it perform for you?'] for some with a certain floor plan, or large poorly insulated home, the Alaska Hearth model would be too small or maybe in the wrong location in the house.. for others it may be perfect, and yet others way too much stove and heat.. It really depends on the home and it's location [weather] and the instalation..

My suggestion is to get the stove, get it installed,, and even though it is difficult to do with a hearth model,, install a barometric damper. MAKE SURE you seal off the fireplace damper around where the flue pipe goes through.. You do not want any coal exhaust fumes getting back into the house, or have heat being wasted by being pulled up the chimney around the flue pipe.

Be sure to install several CO [carbon monoxide] detectors.. the ones with a digital readout are best.. At least one in the room with the stove,, and at least one near the bedrooms.

Then read the directions,, and try a trial burn when you can.. then you will be ready for fall and winter...

Thank you Lsfarm for the information. My wife Cathy and I like this form and all the info, happy 4 have a safe one Scott and Cathy