Review: Quadra-Fire Castile
Overall Performance:
Efficiency:
Ease of Use:
Quadra-Fire Castile
I have the insert version of the Castile and this is my second year in use. After reading other's comments on this stove, I share some of the same thoughts. I have been disappointed with the rattles this unit has had, but have been able to silence most of them. Otherwise, the unit has met my expectations in providing supplemental heat to a 1700 sq ft ranch house - rarely needing the furnace unless temps drop to the teens or lower.
One review mentioned difficulty with the cleaning mechanism on the burn pot. I had this same difficulty until I re-adjusted the clearance on the slide to the thickness of a dime - just as mentioned in the manual. No problems since.
Potential buyers should be aware this unit will require daily cleanings, no matter how good the quality of the pellets. It simply works better when you do so. The capacity of the hopper is 1/2 to 3/4 of a bag - definitely not a full bag. One other item not mentioned by others is the door. Due to poor design, the air flow is restricted when closed. Therefore, for best air movement, I always have the door open at least partially when in use.
Bottom line, this is probably the most attractive unit on the market, but there are also shortcomings as mentioned.