Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 vs Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the cleaner burner: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 is the more efficient unit: 78% versus 76% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro produces more peak heat (50,200 vs 29,153 BTU/h), suiting roughly 1,450–2,000 sq ft. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro has the larger firebox (2.26 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 Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro 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 | 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 | 1.1 g/hr | 2 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 78 % | 76 % |
| Heat output (low) | 12764 BTU/h | 14300 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 29153 BTU/h | 50200 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.821 cu ft | 2.26 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.45 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 | 346-23 | 337-22 |
| Covered model numbers | K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1, Tamarack LE-1, Aberdeen LE-1, and Alpine LE-1 | Bistro Series (Bistro, Gusto, Pyra, 600, HEC240, IW600) |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 or the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro?
The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1: 1.1 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr for the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro.
Are the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 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.