Finally: a Modern North American Pellet Stove From Snoqualmie
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 04. 4.07
North American designs for pellet stoves are usually ugly, traditional knockoffs of grandma's wood stove, and we complain often that one has to go to Austria or Japan to get a decent looking unit, and then find it is not UL approved for North America or costs a fortune to import. When will we get a decently designed modern North American stove?
Apparently, in June. Snoqualmie Stove works appear to have channelled Raymond Loewy and designed this stunning number. What is even better, those fins serve a purpose- they radiate heat and keep the unit safe for kids and pets.
The technology is patent-pending new too: "This stove represents a remarkable new design in pellet burning appliances, boasting state-of-the-art pellet stove technology and offering for the first time, a truly radiant heat pellet stove. The SNQ-1 uses 100% of its surface area as a heat exchanger; from the point of ignition, to the exhaust exit point, the SNQ-1 radiates heat. The stove is based on our patent-pending "Combustion Capsule” technology, a more efficient and cleaner burning alternative to traditional fire-pot technology. Combustion capsule technology eliminates the formation of fused ash, creating nearly complete combustion and extremely clean operation."
It is going through final approvals now, with production starting in June. Line up at ::Snoqualmie Stove Works
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Personally I can't say I'm that impressed with the overall design.
Again it's not really something I'd want sitting in my living room or the rec room. I've been disappointed with a lot of the designs and over excessive noise made here in American.
But what I can't get over is how when people talk about pellets stoves they always look to Australia or Japan, and rarely to European companies.
Theres a company called Ecoteck http://www.ecoteck.it/ that manufactures gorgeous highly efficient wood pellet stoves from Italy. The best part is it looks like someone is selling them in America now http://www.ecoteck.us/ so we don't have to be envious of the over seas countries anymore. That and I can finally lower my oil bill without installing an ugly outdoor furnace.
Although this article compliments the stove design, it is important to note the revolutionary technology behind this stove is what won the VESTA Award. The heartfelt acceptance of the much deserved award was deeply touching and memorable, I along with many other dealers am on the edge of my seat for the release of their refined stove. Although Snoqualmie Stove Works is definitely a small business, I believe they have the passion and drive to accomplish their goals. I wish them all the luck in the world.