Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro vs Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211
The Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 is the cleaner burner: 0.5 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr. The Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 is the more efficient unit: 77% versus 76% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro produces more peak heat (50,200 vs 45,317 BTU/h), suiting roughly 1,450–2,000 sq ft. The Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 has the larger firebox (2.43 vs 2.26 cu ft), which generally means longer burns between reloads. Combustion technology differs: the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro is a non-catalytic stove and the Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 a hybrid — see the catalytic vs non-catalytic guide for what that means day to day.
| Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro | Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 | |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance type | wood-stove | wood-stove |
| Combustion technology | Non-Catalytic Stove | Hybrid |
| Certified fuel | Cord Wood | Crib Wood |
| Emission rate | 2 g/hr | 0.5 g/hr |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 76 % | 77 % |
| Heat output (low) | 14300 BTU/h | 14426 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 50200 BTU/h | 45317 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 2.26 cu ft | 2.43 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 1 g/min | 0.04 g/min |
| 25C tax credit eligible (≥75% HHV) | Yes | Yes |
| 2020 NSPS compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Currently in production | Yes | Yes |
| EPA certification number | 337-22 | 33-16 |
| Covered model numbers | Bistro Series (Bistro, Gusto, Pyra, 600, HEC240, IW600) | Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 |
Frequently asked questions
Which burns cleaner, the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro or the Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211?
The Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211: 0.5 g/hr certified particulate emissions versus 2 g/hr for the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro.
Are the Stove Builder International Bistro Series (Bistro and Woodstock Soapstone Company Absolute Steel Hybrid 211 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.