[Jolly]

Looks somewhat akin to an Ashley.

I've been heating the house with wood for the last 20 years. When I first put the stove in, I considered an Ashley, but the wife wanted something that looked good. I wanted something that performed.

I wound up with a Hearthstone, a green soapstone and cast iron heater. After I learned how to operate it (soapstone is another world, where you always think an hour ahead), I wouldn't trade it for a brass monkey.

Best money I ever spent.

 

[Jolly]

It is not a matter of either-or when it comes to performance.

There are many very good-looking stoves on the market, that perform well. A btu is a btu. Burn time with a full load is burn time.

As for the chimney being the most expensive part - probably not. Single wall within the primary room, transitioning to triple wall on up, if the run is through the attic spaces and up. As long as you clean it out periodically, and have it professionally inspected every few years, it should give great service, and is not horrible expensive to re-do.

Another half-cents worth....(must allow for inflation)...