Drolet Vs Jotful: Which Wood Stove Brand is Best for Your Home?
As you look for the perfect wood stove to keep your home cozy and warm, you may have come across two popular brands: Drolet and Jotul.
In this article, we will dive deep into the similarities and differences between these two brands, comparing their price, value, heating performance, size, capacity, ease of installation, operation, design, and aesthetics. By the end, you'll have a clearer understanding of which brand is the right choice for you.
Quick Preview: Drolet wood stoves provide more affordable and diverse design options, while Jotul excels in heating efficiency. Both brands offer high-quality cast iron construction, but Drolet edges out Jotul with superior customer support and a limited lifetime warranty
Price and Value
Drolet Wood Stove Price Range
Drolet wood stoves range in price from $949 for the Fox wood stove, which heats up to 1,200 sq ft, to $3,499 for the Cape Town wood stove, a cast iron stove that heats up to 2,000 sq ft.
Jotul Wood Stove Price Range
Jotul wood stoves are more difficult to find pricing for online since they are sold primarily in-person. Prices range from $1,399 for the Jotul F 602 V2 wood stove, which heats up to 800 sq ft, to $5,079 for the Jotul F 500 V3 Oslo wood stove with blue/black trim, which heats up to 2,300 sq ft.
Where to Buy
Drolet wood stoves are available for purchase online through reputable retailers like firepitsurplus.com and in-store. Jotul wood stoves are sold only in-store through their network of dealers, which you can find using their store locator.
Buying a Jotul wood stove is more difficult than purchasing a Drolet stove. The Jotul website does not include any filtering options to help shoppers narrow down which model is best for them based on the square footage they are looking to heat or any other relevant information. There are also no Jotul prices listed online, and we had to call local stores to determine the pricing of each model.
Winner: Drolet
Heating Performance
When comparing the heating performance of Drolet and Jotul wood stoves, it's important to consider their efficiency. Efficiency is measured using two values: Lower Heating Value (LHV) and Higher Heating Value (HHV), which help determine the heating potential of a fuel like firewood in wood stoves.
HHV calculates the heating potential by assuming that all the water produced during combustion is in liquid form, making all the energy (BTUs) in the wood available for heating. LHV, on the other hand, calculates the heating potential with the assumption that the water produced during combustion is in vapor form, meaning that only most of the energy (BTUs) in the wood is available for heating.
In simpler terms, HHV measures efficiency based on the assumption that all the water created during combustion can be used to recover heat, while LHV assumes that only the heat from the vaporized water can be used. As a result, HHV efficiency values are lower than LHV efficiency values. The maximum heat output value is obtained from certification tests and is more representative of how a homeowner would use the stove than standard test protocols.
For example, Drolet's Escape 2100 wood stove has an average overall efficiency (dry cordwood) of 71% (HHV) and 76% (LHV). In comparison, Jotul's F 500 V3 Oslo wood stove has an efficiency of 84.7% (LHV) and 78.4% (HHV). Based on these efficiency ratings, Jotul's F 500 V3 Oslo wood stove is more efficient at heating a home.
This higher efficiency means that the Jotul stove will use less wood to produce the same amount of heat, which translates to cost savings and reduced environmental impact.
Winner: Jotful
Size and Capacity
When it comes to choosing a wood stove, the size and capacity are crucial factors to consider. Different homes have varying heating requirements depending on factors such as square footage, insulation, and climate. In this section, we will compare the size and capacity of Drolet and Jotul wood stoves, focusing on their smallest and largest options, to determine which brand offers better options for small and large spaces.
Smallest Options
Drolet Fox Wood Stove
- Recommended heating area: 250 - 1,200 sq ft
- Maximum log length: Up to 17" logs
- Overall dimensions (H x W x D): 28 3/4" x 18 1/2" x 28 7/8"
- Maximum BTU: 45,000 BTU
Jotul F 602 V2 Wood Stove
- Heating capacity: Up to 800 sq ft
- Maximum log length: Up to 16" logs
- Overall dimensions (H x W x D): 25.25" x 12.625" x 21.25"
- Maximum BTU: 49,576 BTUs
The Drolet Fox wood stove offers a wider heating range, making it a more versatile option for smaller spaces. Its ability to accommodate longer logs may also be advantageous for those who prefer less frequent reloading. While the Jotul F 602 V2 has a slightly higher maximum BTU output, its heating capacity is limited to 800 sq ft. Therefore, for smaller spaces, the Drolet Fox wood stove appears to be the better option.
Largest Options
Drolet HT3000 Wood Stove
- Heating area: 1,000 - 2,700 sq ft
- Maximum log length: 22" logs
- Overall dimensions (H x W x D): 36 3/8" x 28 1/8" x 31 1/4"
- Maximum BTU: 110,000 BTU
Jotul F 55 V2 Carrabassett Wood Stove
- Heating capacity: Up to 2,600 sq ft
- Maximum log length: 18" logs
- Overall dimensions (H x W x D): 30.625" x 27.25" x 24.5"
- Maximum BTU: 84,311 BTUs
In terms of heating capacity, the Drolet HT3000 and Jotul F 55 V2 Carrabassett are quite comparable. However, the Drolet HT3000 has a higher maximum BTU output and can accommodate longer logs, which might mean less frequent reloading for the user. These factors make the Drolet HT3000 a more suitable option for larger spaces.
In conclusion, Drolet seems to offer better options for both small and large spaces due to its wider range of heating capacities and ability to accommodate longer logs.
Winner: Drolet
Ease of Installation and Operation
We will compare how easy it is to install and operate each brand's stoves and discuss any user-friendly features they may have.
Installation
Both Jotul and Drolet recommend that their stoves be installed by a professional installer. However, Drolet wood stoves are designed to be easy to install and come with detailed installation instructions.
Operation
A significant design flaw with Jotul stoves is the lack of an ash pan, making cleaning difficult and allowing ash to float into the room. Most Drolet wood stoves come with free accessories, such as a pedestal with an ash drawer, top air deflector, ceramic glass, side panels, ash lip, and air damper.
In terms of burn time, the Escape 1800 offers up to 8 hours, while the Carrabassett provides up to 10 hours, requiring less reloading.
Winner: Tie, due to accessories with Drolet but easier reloading for Jotul.
Design and Aesthetics
Design and aesthetics are subjective and dependent on personal preferences. As such, choosing a stove that complements your home's aesthetic is important.
That being said, Jotul stoves tend to have a more traditional look, while Drolet offers a wider range of models, providing various appearances from modern designs like the HT3000 or Deco Nano to traditional designs like the Columbia, Legend, and Escape 1800.
Winner: Drolet, due to a wider array of choices.
Build Quality and Durability
When considering build quality and durability, both Drolet and Jotul stand out as strong contenders. They use cast iron in their wood stove construction, ensuring durability, heat retention, and resistance to warping and cracking. Let's take a closer look at their histories, reputations, and build qualities.
Jotul has been manufacturing wood stoves since 1853 in Norway, boasting over a century of experience. Jotul's long-standing history has enabled them to develop a solid reputation for crafting high-quality, long-lasting stoves. Many customers appreciate the durability and performance of their Jotul stoves, which stems from their meticulous attention to detail and use of top-grade materials.
Similarly, Drolet, established in 1875 by François-Xavier Drolet in Quebec, Canada, has a well-deserved reputation for producing long-lasting, high-quality wood stoves designed to serve their owners for years. By utilizing premium materials and enforcing strict quality control measures, they have become a reliable and trusted brand in the wood stove market.
Determining which brand has superior build quality is difficult, as both brands have a history and reputation for creating durable, high-quality wood stoves. Since both Jotul and Drolet use cast iron in their construction, one can expect their stoves to exhibit comparable levels of durability and performance.
However, it is worth noting that Drolet offers a more extensive range of wood stove models compared to Jotul. This wider selection allows customers to choose a stove that best suits their specific needs and preferences. While this does not necessarily reflect on the build quality, it does indicate that Drolet is committed to catering to various customer requirements.
In conclusion, both Drolet and Jotul wood stoves are built to high standards using durable materials, and both brands have a history of producing long-lasting stoves. Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner in terms of build quality and durability.
Winner: Tie
HERE
Warranty, Customer Support, and Customer Satisfaction
When it comes to warranty, customer support, and customer satisfaction, Drolet stands out as the winner in comparison to Jotul. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this conclusion.
Warranty:
Drolet offers a limited lifetime warranty on some of its products. The warranty extends only to the original consumer purchaser and is not transferable. It covers brand-new products only, which have not been altered, modified, or repaired since shipment from the factory. You can register your warranty on their website.
In contrast, Jotul provides a 5-year guarantee on its wood and gas stoves against any defects in material or workmanship, subject to exclusions and limitations noted on their warranty. While this warranty is substantial, it falls short of the limited lifetime warranty offered by Drolet.
Customer Support:
As a retailer for Drolet, we have had a few customers reach out to us needing part replacements, and it has always been easy for us to process these requests and get the necessary part shipped out to the customer within a few days. Also, since Drolet works with online retailers like us and we are open 7 days/week, you get access to support for your Drolet products any day you need it via chat, phone, or email.
On the other hand, Jotul only works with brick-and-mortar retailers, so they do not have the same level of online support. We cannot speak to Jotul's customer support since we do not carry their product. However, this limitation in support channels puts them at a disadvantage compared to Drolet.
Customer Satisfaction:
Drolet is one of the highest-rated brands on our website, as evident from the numerous positive reviews from customers. You can see all Drolet reviews here.
For Jotul, based on a thread in an online forum, customers seem generally happy with the burn time and heat output of their stoves. However, it is difficult to gauge the overall customer satisfaction for Jotul due to limited data.
Considering the factors mentioned above, Drolet emerges as the winner in the warranty, customer support, and customer satisfaction category. Their limited lifetime warranty, extensive customer support options, and high customer satisfaction make them a more attractive choice for potential wood stove buyers.
Winner: Drolet
Noteworthy Similarities
While Drolet and Jotul have their differences, it's essential to highlight some of the key similarities between these two reputable wood stove brands:
- EPA Certified: Both Drolet and Jotul wood stoves are EPA certified, ensuring that they meet the environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. This certification guarantees that their stoves have a low impact on the environment and produce fewer harmful emissions compared to non-certified stoves.
- Biomass Tax Credit: Both brands offer at least one stove model that qualifies for the Biomass Tax Credit. This credit is designed to encourage the use of renewable energy sources, such as wood, for heating purposes. Jotul has one qualifying stove (F 500 V3 Oslo), while Drolet has a more extensive list of qualifying stoves. This means that buyers can potentially benefit from tax savings when they purchase a stove from either of these brands.
- Made from Cast Iron: Both Drolet and Jotul wood stoves are made from cast iron, a material known for its durability, heat retention properties, and resistance to warping and cracking. The use of cast iron in their stoves highlights the commitment of both brands to produce high-quality, long-lasting products for their customers.
Summary of Comparisons
Here's a summary of the comparisons between Drolet and Jotul wood stoves, highlighting the strengths of each brand:
- Price and Value: Drolet offers a more affordable range of wood stoves, making it a better choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Heating Performance: Jotul wood stoves have higher efficiency ratings (LHV and HHV), making them more effective at heating homes compared to Drolet stoves.
- Size and Capacity: Drolet offers better options for both small and large spaces, with a wider range of heating capacities and log sizes.
- Ease of Installation and Operation: This category is a tie, as both brands have their advantages – Drolet offers more accessories, while Jotul stoves require less reloading.
- Design and Aesthetics: Drolet wins in this category due to its wider array of design choices, catering to various homeowner preferences.
- Build Quality and Durability: Both brands are known for their high-quality cast iron construction, making this category a tie.
- Warranty, Customer Support, and Customer Satisfaction: Drolet comes out ahead in this category, offering a limited lifetime warranty on some products, better online support, and positive customer experiences as a retailer.
In conclusion, while both Drolet and Jotul wood stoves have their advantages, Drolet appears to be a better choice overall, offering greater value, a wider range of design options, and better customer support. However, if heating efficiency is your primary concern, Jotul may be the better option for you.
We hope this comparison helps you make an informed decision when choosing a wood stove. If you're interested in Drolet wood stoves, you can find them on our website. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any specific questions or recommendations – we're here to help you make the best choice for your heating needs.
