Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 vs Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the cleaner burner: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.6 g/hr. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the more efficient unit: 78% versus 73% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2 produces more peak heat (29,536 vs 29,153 BTU/h), suiting roughly 850–1,200 sq ft. The Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2 has the larger firebox (1.88 vs 1.821 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is a catalytic stove and the Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2 a non-catalytic stove — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 | Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Non-Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Crib Wood |
| Emission rate | 1.1 g/hr | 1.6 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 78 % | 73 % |
| Heat output (low) | 12764 BTU/h | 13240 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 29153 BTU/h | 29536 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.821 cu ft | 1.88 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.45 g/min | 1.6 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | Yes | No |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 346-23 | 386-24 |
| Covered model numbers | K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1, Tamarack LE-1, Aberdeen LE-1, and Alpine LE-1 | NEO 2.5 LE2, NEO 2.5 Insert LE2 |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 or the Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2?
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.6 g/hr for the Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2.
Are the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 and Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 2.5 LE2 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.