Reply #9: We were advised against the blower -

[TheCowsCameHome]

both he dealer and the installer didn't feel it would be necessary.

The stove shop recommends 20-22" logs to maximize filling the wide firebox end-to-end, and we've done 6-7 hour burns with a less-than-packed-full firebox. (my wood was cut before we got the stove, to about 16" length)

Again, we're just getting into this, but so far we love the stove. It heats up in no time with a good load of wood.

Jotul has been around forever, and since they're based in Norway we figured they must know something about cold winters.

My neighbor has the Castine 400 and loves it, but we opted for the Oslo F500 because of it's larger capacity and available enameled finish.