FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) vs Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro
The FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) is the cleaner burner: 0.84 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr. The FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) is the more efficient unit: 80% versus 76% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro produces more peak heat (50,200 vs 36,398 BTU/h), suiting roughly 1,450–2,000 sq ft. The FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) has the larger firebox (4.42 vs 2.26 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) is a catalytic stove and the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro a non-catalytic stove — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) | Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Non-Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Cord Wood |
| Emission rate | 0.84 g/hr | 2 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 80 % | 76 % |
| Heat output (low) | 13876 BTU/h | 14300 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 36398 BTU/h | 50200 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 4.42 cu ft | 2.26 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 1 g/min | 1 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | Yes | Yes |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 201-19 | 337-22 |
| Covered model numbers | F5200 | Bistro Series (Bistro, Gusto, Pyra, 600, HEC240, IW600) |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) or the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro?
The FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2): 0.84 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr for the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro.
Are the FPI/Regency Fireplace Products F5200 (2) and Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro both EPA certified?
Yes — both appear on the U.S. EPA's current list of certified wood heaters, and every figure on this page comes from their certification records.