Empire Gateway 1700 Wood Stove vs US Stove US1100E-BL Wood Stove

Both are non-catalytic steel stoves for roughly the same room sizes, so the choice comes down to control and build. The Empire Gateway 1700 has a bigger 1.9 cu ft firebox, a one-lever air control, an air wash glass system and a no-mess ash pan, and its 5/16-inch steel body is heavier at 318 lb. The US Stove 1100E-BL matches it on heat output and log length and includes a blower, but it is lighter, has no listed ash pan and fewer published efficiency figures. Buy the Empire for easier daily operation and sturdier construction; buy the US Stove if you want a blower included and a simpler, smaller unit.

• Choose the Empire Gateway 1700 if you want a larger firebox, a one-lever air control, an air wash glass door and a no-mess ash pan in a heavier steel body.
• Choose the US Stove 1100E-BL if you want a blower included and a lighter, more compact stove for up to 1,200 sq ft.