Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C vs Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the cleaner burner: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.7 g/hr. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the more efficient unit: 78% versus 75% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 produces more peak heat (29,153 vs 21,356 BTU/h), suiting roughly 850–1,150 sq ft. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 has the larger firebox (1.821 vs 1.82 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads.
| Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C | Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Crib Wood |
| Emission rate | 1.7 g/hr | 1.1 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 75 % | 78 % |
| Heat output (low) | 13560 BTU/h | 12764 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 21356 BTU/h | 29153 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.82 cu ft | 1.821 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 1 g/min | 0.45 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | Yes | Yes |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 405-25 | 346-23 |
| Covered model numbers | Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C | K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1, Tamarack LE-1, Aberdeen LE-1, and Alpine LE-1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C or the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1?
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.7 g/hr for the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C.
Are the Hearth and Home Technologies Vermont Castings by Forge and Flame Dauntless-C and Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 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.