I have a Hearthstone 1 8021 that came with the house. I've been having issues with the door latch over the years (replaced parts, adjusted spacers), but after experiencing the door popping open by itself on a couple occasions this winter, I have had it and think it's time to replace the stove. The design on this door latch is offensively poor to begin with, needs to be adjusted just so and the latch itself is just two small metal pieces that grind against each other each time the door is opened, eventually wearing down and/or shearing off. Replacement parts are spendy and adjusting with the spacer washers is finicky and frustrating. I also think the door itself has warped over the years. And because of the way the stove is set with the brickwork I cannot use the side door, only the front.
I'm considering switching brands entirely. While I do like the soapstone and know that the newer Hearthstones have improved door latch mechanisms, I'm hesitant to work with a company that put out such a badly designed product in the past.
Curious to hear if anyone with newer Hearthstones has had door latch issues at all. Also any thoughts on newer Jotul models and if anyone has thoughts about switching from soapstone to cast iron.
And I should say I live in Northern New England in an old house and burn about 4 cords a year. Wood is our main heat source but we also have an oil furnace as backup, so looking for a larger stove that burns cleanly. Stove is in the main living room.