Review: Quadra-Fire Castile
Overall Performance:
Efficiency:
Ease of Use:
Quadra-Fire Castile
Note - this is an update to my Jan 10 rating...
For those that have the insert verstion of the Castile, you should be aware that the hopper capacity is indeed a bit more than a 40 lb bag (45 lbs according to specs). While talking to a friend of mind and comparing operating characteristics [we both have the same model], I found I was not 'stuffing' the hopper during the refilling process. If you don't do this, you only get about half that amount in the hopper. I am not sure how the non-insert hopper is configured for the Castile, so this comment may only apply to inserts. As you fill the hopper, you must push the pellets 'down' and thus fill the back side of the hopper.
Another comment on ash buildup (required cleaning). Quality of pellets and type of pellets make a drastic difference. I live in Ohio and burn hardwood pellets, while my friend lives in Oregon and burns softwood pellets. The comparison on the cleaning frequencies are quite different - the hardwoods have more ash buildup and thus more frequent cleanings. Softwood pellets, with less ash, allow cleanings to extend to once every several days.