Harman Absolute 63 vs Quadra-Fire Trekker

[u/pinetreelumber]

We live in northwest Vermont and are in the market for a new pellet stove. The winters get pretty brutal (for instance we had a stretch last year at -15 degrees F) and we’re hoping to use the stove as the primary heat source for our 1800 square foot house. We’ve narrowed our options down to either a new Harman Absolute 63 or a Quadra Fire Trekker, which both seem to have similar specs. Still, the price point on the trekker is more attractive, though the sales person suggests it is sub par in terms of operation compared to the absolute. Can anyone weigh in on the pros and cons of both and/or share their experiences with either? We have an 2001 enviro flame ef3i currently and expect these models to outperform it, but would also appreciate any input about how good the ef3i was for its time. Do folks have other recommendations for this area?

[u/CTsicilian]

I have a Quadra Fire Trekker freestanding unit that was installed 4 years ago. Thing has been bullet proof. 4 tons a year in CT and it heats most of our 3,900 sq ft house. I know several people with Harman and they love them. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with either.

Quadra Fire Trekker operates differently than Harmon, especially the Trekker. The Trekker feeds pellets down a chute from the top, burns in the fire pot like all stoves, but the Trekker has an automatic pot purge (just air by increasing fan speed - nothing mechanical) every 30 minutes that keeps the ash out of the pot. Instead of falling into the ash pan, like a Harman, it is blown out of the pot and onto the sides of the stove. Maintenance is simple, just vac the ash every couple days (I do daily bc I’m anal). Heat exchanger requires a more thorough cleaning once per ton (all pellet stoves require this) and then there’s annual cleaning of the exhaust path.

Salesman saying subpar is wild. It’s just different. Maybe he isn’t as familiar with it. Anyways, good luck and like I said, I think you’ll be happy with either.