MF Fire Nova C vs Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950
The Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950 is the cleaner burner: 1.8 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.9 g/hr. The Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950 is the more efficient unit: 74% versus 71% HHV — more heat from every cord. The MF Fire Nova C produces more peak heat (28,140 vs 26,500 BTU/h), suiting roughly 800–1,150 sq ft. The MF Fire Nova C has the larger firebox (1.7 vs 1.55 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the MF Fire Nova C is a catalytic stove and the Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950 a non-catalytic stove — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| MF Fire Nova C | Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950 | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Catalytic Stove | Non-Catalytic Stove |
| Certified fuel | Crib Wood | Cord Wood |
| Emission rate | 1.9 g/hr | 1.8 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 71 % | 74 % |
| Heat output (low) | 23654 BTU/h | 12100 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 28140 BTU/h | 26500 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.7 cu ft | 1.55 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.94 g/min | 1.2 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | No | No |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 356-23 | 289-21 |
| Covered model numbers | Nova C | 1.4 Series (Osburn 950, Escape 1200, Gateway 1400, Solution 1.4, Spark II, Fox, Déco Nano, S250, Harmony 1.4, HES140, Blue Ridge 100) |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the MF Fire Nova C or the Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950?
The Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950: 1.8 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 1.9 g/hr for the MF Fire Nova C.
Are the MF Fire Nova C and Stove Builder International 1.4 Series (Osburn 950 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.