Coal Pilot Vs Coaltrol
Posted: Wed. Jan. 04, 2012 10:43 am
I am researching a better way to control my Alaska Kodiak stoker stove and it has come down to Coal Pilot vs. Coaltrol. I've searched both here and found almost all positive comments/experiences for both. The Coaltrol has been around longer, has more options available, and appears to be able to vary the rate of burn as needed ...but is significantly costlier.
I understand the maker of the Coal Pilot was banned from this group for whatever reason but is selling his product thru Craigslist. The Coal Pilot appears to be a simpler design going from idle to max (whatever you choose to set max at) when heat is called for from the thermostat and back to idle when the thermostat is satisfied.
Does anyone have direct experience or comparisons with both?
It appears that the Coaltrol, when set up properly, should be able to maintain a more constant temp. than the Coal Pilot. I wouldn't mind a small amount of temp. over/undershoot as the way it is now, if I'm not home to constantly monitor indoor temp, outdoor temp, time of day, etc. we get pretty wild temp swings. I know I'm wasting coal and sacrificing comfort because of this.
Any input would be appreciated, thanks.
I understand the maker of the Coal Pilot was banned from this group for whatever reason but is selling his product thru Craigslist. The Coal Pilot appears to be a simpler design going from idle to max (whatever you choose to set max at) when heat is called for from the thermostat and back to idle when the thermostat is satisfied.
Does anyone have direct experience or comparisons with both?
It appears that the Coaltrol, when set up properly, should be able to maintain a more constant temp. than the Coal Pilot. I wouldn't mind a small amount of temp. over/undershoot as the way it is now, if I'm not home to constantly monitor indoor temp, outdoor temp, time of day, etc. we get pretty wild temp swings. I know I'm wasting coal and sacrificing comfort because of this.
Any input would be appreciated, thanks.