Dutchwest Wood Stoves

The creation of the first Dutchwest wood stoves and the Dutchwest Company in the 1970s was a tale of woe, bad stove design and the fleecing of another company, Vermont Castings.

Bruce McKinney, founder and creator of the original Dutchwest wood stove was a terrible stove designer but one heck of a salesperson. 

As the rumored tales go, McKinney spent around $100 on manufacturing each of those original stoves and another $200 on their advertising.

The stoves sold like hotcakes because they were direct manufactured and consumers buying them couldn’t see them before making the purchase. 

The Dutchwest owners then sent a marketing threat to Vermont Castings saying they were going to bury them with their new wood stove.

Vermont Castings, thinking their company was not going to be able to compete purchased the Dutchwest rights for millions. 

When Vermont Castings finally realized what they had essentially bought from Dutchwest, they found they had actually purchased nothing of value.

The purchase consisted of nothing more than molds, patterns and other useless stuff, which they ended up storing for potential future lawsuits.

Vermont Castings had no choice but to tool up from scratch.

The purchase of Dutchwest essentially broke Vermont Castings and the original owner of the company was given his walking papers.

Vermont Castings then passed through company to company and the Dutchwest wood stoves manufactured today are nothing like the originals and are actually quality wood stoves.

Current Dutchwest Wood Stoves

Current Dutchwest wood stoves are designed with a classic look carrying a simplistic design with clean lines.

The stoves have a solid cast iron construction along with state-of-the-art features and heating efficiency.

Stoves are available in three sizes and offer catalytic and non-catalytic operating systems. 

How you plan to use your wood stoves drives which model type you should select. 

Catalytic Wood Stove Features

A suitable choice for those seeking to heat a major portion of their home with a wood stove and the catalytic wood stove features:

• Heat input is of a higher efficiency, which assists in lowering the cost of fuel.
• Thermostatic air control delivers a more even and longer output of heat.
• Cleaner and a more eco-efficient burn due to reduced particulates.

Non-Catalytic Wood Stove Features

A suitable choice for those requiring less demands for heat and non-catalytic wood stoves are easier to use and maintain with basic features:

• Dynamic flame picture.
• Ease of starting, operating and maintaining

Catalytic Dutchwest Wood Stoves

Dutchwest catalytic wood burning stoves come in three sizes: Small, Medium and Extra-Large. 

The clean-burning stoves save on fuel costs due to their convection-like system, which allows for an efficient, longer and more even burn and uses less wood. 

Each stove has a glass viewing area and a griddle area on top. 

The stoves are made of cast iron with nickel accents and have an ash pan and ash lip, rear and top reversible flue collar, bottom heat shield and the side-loading design makes it easier to load the stove. 

Catalytic Wood Stove Specifications:

Model 2462 – Extra-Large

• 55,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 74.3% efficiency rating
• 1.3 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 1200 to 2400 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 25-inch logs
• Up to 12 hours of burn time
• 8-inch, oval and reversible flue collar size

Model 2461 – Medium

• 40,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 75.9% efficiency rating
• 1.4 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 800 to 1600 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 22-inch logs
• Up to 10 hours of burn time
• 6-inch, oval and reversible flue collar size

Model 2460 – Small

• 35,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 69.7% efficiency rating
• 1.1 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 700 to 1400 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 19-inch logs
• Up to 8 hours of burn time
• 6-inch, oval and reversible flue collar size

Non-Catalytic Dutchwest Wood Stoves

Dutchwest non-catalytic wood burning stoves come in three sizes: Small, Medium and Large. 

These stoves are considered some of the cleanest burning when it comes to wood stoves and have received high marks from the EPA. 

The stove’s large glass doors offer an unobstructed viewing area. 

These stoves offer the Everburn, state-of-the-art combustion system. 

This system initiates gases created by the burning wood to mix with an appropriate amount of air, which then causes the wood to burn completely, producing cleaner emissions. 

Additional features of these stoves include a durable refractory lining, cast iron construction, options of loading wood through the front and side, ash pan and ash lip, rear and top reversible flue collar and 100 percent outside air connection. 

Non-Catalytic Wood Stove Specifications:

Model 2479 – Large

• 55,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 63% efficiency rating
• 1.31 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 1000 to 2400 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 22- to 24-inch logs
• Up to 14 hours of burn time
• 6-inch flue collar size

Model 2478 – Medium

• 40,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 63% efficiency rating
• 1.49 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 800 to 1600 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 20- to 22-inch logs
• Up to 10 hours of burn time
• 6-inch flue collar size

Model 2477 – Small

• 35,000 max. BTUs per hour
• 63% efficiency rating
• 1.41 grams per hour EPA emissions rating
• 700 to 1400 square-feet heating capacity
• Handles up to 19-inch logs
• Up to 8 hours of burn time
• 6-inch flue collar size

Dutchwest Wood Stoves - Overall

Once again, this is another wood stove that is either loved or hated depending on who you talk to.

Finding parts won’t be hard as these stoves are still being manufactured, but those owning older and original models will probably have to have replacement parts redesigned and retooled to fit. 

Praises for Dutchwest wood stoves include efficient wood burning and heating, good value for the price, large firebox, attractive design, and catalytic types keep chimneys clean.

Complaints about the wood stove include having to replace parts frequently, including the catalytic system, overheating, back puffing and overfiring.

About the Author

Nick Greenway

Obsessed with firewood, Nick is behind over 350+ of Firewood For Life's articles, as well as countless reviews, guides and YouTube videos to help readers like you reduce heating costs and create the perfect fire.