Blaze King King 40 Review

October 11, 2023
2 comment
Reagan Key

From the heart of a seasoned wood burner, nestled in countless hours beside the comforting crackle of logs and the soothing warmth of flames, let me introduce you to a marvel in wood stove technology: the Blaze King King 40. Over the years, I’ve encountered numerous stoves, each with their unique traits. However, the King 40 stands out, not just for its superior build but also for the revolutionary efficiency it brings to the table.

With a remarkable 81% efficiency rating, this stove isn’t merely top-tier—it’s setting the global standard. Imagine every log you place inside the stove being utilized to its utmost potential, ensuring that every ounce of wood translates to warmth. That’s what the King 40 promises. In a world where many stoves are content hovering in the 60-70% efficiency bracket, the King 40’s leap to 81% is not just impressive—it’s groundbreaking.

But numbers aside, what does this mean for the average homeowner? It signifies fewer trips to the woodpile during chilly winter nights, a significant cut on heating bills, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re getting the absolute best out of your fuel. As we delve deeper into this review, I’ll share insights, anecdotes, and a thorough examination of what makes the Blaze King King 40 the crowning jewel in wood stove technology.

Performance Measurements:

Heat Output: The stove provides a maximum heat output of 57,000 BTUs when burning cordwood. For those unacquainted, BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a measure of the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
Burn Time: Remarkably, the King offers up to 40 hours of burn time on its low setting. This ensures heat for extended periods, a must-have for colder climates or larger homes.
Emissions: Environmentally conscious folks (as we all should be) will be pleased to note that its emission rate is a mere 1.1 g/hr. This not only satisfies but surpasses EPA standards.

My Personal Experience

Last winter, I made the pivotal decision to invest in the Blaze King King 40 for my 2,500-square-foot home, and I haven’t looked back since. Nestled comfortably within the stove’s impressive heating range of 1,500-3,000 square feet, my entire house benefited from the even warmth it radiated. What stood out to me, apart from its reliable heating capacity, was the thermostatically controlled mechanism; the stove self-adjusted to maintain consistent temperatures, removing the hassle of manual adjustments. The generous 4.35 cubic foot firebox, which easily takes in logs up to 22 inches, minimized my refueling trips, and at a robust 450 lbs, the King 40’s solid build exuded durability. Experiencing its touted 81% efficiency firsthand was a revelation, with fewer logs consumed and a consistent, comforting warmth enveloping the house. I was particularly fascinated by the catalytic converter mechanism; witnessing the stove radiate such intense warmth without a visible fire inside the firebox was a novel experience. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing; I had to climb a slight learning curve to fully harness its features, and the stove’s preference for seasoned wood meant some forward planning on my part. But weighing the pros against the cons, the Blaze King King 40 has proven to be an exceptional choice, turning my winter nights from cold to cozy. If you’re on the fence about a wood stove, I can vouch that the King 40 is worth every cent.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Blaze King King 40

Unmatched Efficiency: Boasting an 81% efficiency rate, it stands head and shoulders above many competitors, ensuring you extract maximum warmth from every log.
Extended Burn Time: With up to 40 hours of burn time on its low setting, it promises consistent warmth, especially beneficial for extended cold spells.
Environment-Friendly: Its low emissions rate of 1.1 g/hr makes it a greener choice, conforming to and surpassing EPA standards.
Large Firebox: Its firebox can accommodate up to 80 lbs. of wood, translating to 708,275 BTUs of available wood energy, minimizing frequent refueling.

Cons of Blaze King King 40

Demand for Quality Wood: The stove necessitates seasoned wood for optimal performance, meaning additional preparation and foresight.
Learning Curve: The unique functionalities, like the catalytic converter, might require new users to undergo a learning phase to maximize efficiency.

Comparables & Decision-making Factors

In the world of wood stoves, decisions often boil down to efficiency, heating capacity, and reliability. Today, we pit two heavyweights against each other: the Osburn 3500 and the Blaze King King 40. And while both have their merits, the Blaze King King 40 does stand out in crucial aspects.

Osburn 3500

The Osburn 3500 comes with a commendable overall firebox volume of 3.5 cu.ft., designed to heat an area of 1,000 – 2,700 sq. ft. While it claims a respectable maximum burn time of 10 hours, its true strength lies in the maximum heat output, delivering an impressive 110,000 BTU/h when burning dry cordwood. Efficiency, at 71% HHV with dry cordwood, is noteworthy. But where it does falter slightly is in its particulate emissions rate, clocking in at 1.32 g/h and CO emissions averaging at 92 g/h.

Blaze King King 40

Enter the Blaze King King 40, and the bar is instantly raised. Right off the bat, its 81% efficiency rating showcases its prowess in converting nearly every piece of wood into sheer warmth. With a firebox capacity of 4.35 cu.ft., it’s built for the long haul, potentially providing heat for up to 40 hours on its low setting. While the maximum BTU stands at 57,000, its heat consistency is unmatched, with outputs ranging from 47,809 BTUs/hr on high to 14,313 BTUs/hr on low. A significant advantage is its emissions, with only 1.1 g/h particulate emissions, and a CO count of just 0.6 g/mm, making it a friendlier option for the environment.

When we weigh in all the factors, the Blaze King King 40 does seem to edge ahead. It promises longevity with its extended burn time, superior efficiency, and a more eco-conscious operation. The Osburn 3500 holds its ground, especially with its heat output, but for those seeking a balanced performance with top-tier efficiency and sustainability in focus, the Blaze King King 40 may be the ideal choice.

What Sets the King 40 Apart?

Catalytic Converter Mechanism

Unlike traditional wood stoves that rely solely on primary combustion, the King 40’s catalytic converter introduces a second phase of burning. This mechanism significantly reduces visible smoke, resulting in an afterburn that’s both efficient and fascinating to witness. When operated correctly, the stove exudes warmth without any visible fire in the firebox, an anomaly in wood stove operation.

Thoughtful Design Features

The King 40 integrates user-friendly indicators like the ‘active and inactive’ zone dial. This dial helps users understand when to switch from open flue to locking in the catalytic converter, simplifying the operation and ensuring maximum heat output.

Size and Capacity

While some might see it as just a large firebox, it’s a boon for serious wood burners. The generous size means longer burn times and fewer trips to reload, especially crucial during chilling winter nights.

Brick Layout

Essential Safety Precautions

Installation & Ventilation:

Connect to a listed high-temperature chimney, either ULC629 in Canada or UL-103HT in the USA.
Do not vent into other rooms. Vent outside only.
Chimneys and connectors should always be in good condition and cleaned regularly.
Do not vent into a “Class B” gas vent chimney or connect with any air distribution ductwork.

Operating Precautions:

Never start a chimney fire intentionally.
In mobile homes, bolt the stove to the floor and provide outside air.
Do not install it in sleeping rooms.
For the optional fan kit, use a grounded 110-volt outlet.
Don’t alter the stove or its settings.

Maintenance & Care:

Only trained technicians should attempt repairs.
Let the stove cool down before maintenance or cleaning.
Maintain door and glass seals. Keep them in good condition.
Don’t place wood directly against the glass or slam the door.
Store this manual for future reference.

Safety Concerns:

Never place flammable items near the stove.
Burn fire directly on bricks without grates.
Store ashes in a steel container and move outside immediately.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially in homes with heaters.
Avoid over-firing the heater. It can damage the heater and the combustor.
Never burn with the loading door open. It may damage the combustor.
Keep children, clothing, and furniture away from a hot appliance.
Ensure proper installation to prevent house fires.
Don’t use chemicals or fluids to start fires, especially gasoline or similar liquids.
Keep combustibles at least 48 inches away from the front of the stove.
Notify insurance companies and obtain any necessary permits or inspections.

Final Verdict

The Blaze King King 40 isn’t just a wood stove; it’s an experience. If you’ve been in the wood-burning game for a while, you’ll appreciate the innovation and thought put into its design. For those who prioritize efficiency, burn time, and environmental considerations, this is the best pick. Its unmatched performance and design intricacies make it a standout in the market.

So, as you stoke your King 40 and feel the warmth it exudes, remember that this isn’t just about burning wood. It’s about doing it efficiently, sustainably, and, dare I say, royally.

If you’d like to explore this product further, you can view it here Blaze King

Searching for the perfect Blaze King for your living space? Don’t miss our “5 Best Blaze King Wood Stoves Review“.

FAQs

What mechanism does the King 40 use to achieve an efficiency rate of 81%?
The King 40 employs an advanced catalytic converter system combined with precise airflow control. This promotes secondary combustion, optimizing fuel utilization and heat output.
How does the thermostatically controlled combustion differ from manual air controls in traditional stoves?
Thermostatically controlled combustion automatically adjusts the air intake based on the stove’s internal temperature. This ensures consistent heat output and efficiency compared to manual adjustments which might lead to suboptimal combustion.
What is the material and design specification of the King 40’s catalytic converter?
The King 40 uses a honeycomb-structured catalytic converter, typically made from a ceramic substrate coated with metal catalysts (like palladium or platinum). This design facilitates secondary combustion by lowering the ignition temperature of flammable gases.
Given the 4.35 cubic foot firebox size, what is the recommended optimal wood load for best combustion?
While the firebox can accommodate up to 80 lbs. of wood, for optimal combustion, it’s recommended to use seasoned hardwood logs arranged for ample airflow, ensuring complete and efficient burning.
How does the King 40 manage to minimize creosote buildup?
Thanks to its high efficiency and complete combustion, the King 40 produces fewer unburnt particles, which significantly reduces creosote buildup in chimneys.
What materials are used in the construction of the King 40 to achieve its 450 lbs weight and ensure longevity?
The King 40 is predominantly constructed using high-grade cast iron and steel, ensuring durability, efficient heat transfer, and stability.
Is there an external air intake option for the King 40, ensuring better indoor air quality?
Many modern wood stoves, including models from Blaze King, offer options for external air intakes, drawing combustion air from outside the home, thereby not depleting indoor oxygen levels.
How does the secondary burner function in the King 40, and why is it crucial for efficient burning?
The secondary burner, facilitated by the catalytic converter, reignites unburnt gases and particles. This not only increases heat output but also significantly reduces smoke and particle emissions.
Are there specific flue or chimney requirements for the King 40 to optimize its performance?
As with many high-efficiency stoves, a well-insulated chimney flue of the recommended diameter and height helps in maintaining a strong draft, optimal combustion, and minimizing condensation and creosote buildup.
How does the King 40 handle over-firing risks, and are there built-in safety mechanisms?
The thermostatically controlled combustion, combined with quality materials, reduces over-firing risks. Moreover, most modern Blaze King models have safety features such as overheat bypass mechanisms to handle unusual combustion spikes.

That’s a wrap on our Blaze King King 40 Review! It’s clear that this stove is something special, but the best reviews often come from you, our wonderful readers. Whether you’ve cozied up next to a King 40 on a cold winter’s night or are just thinking about getting one, we’d love to hear from you. Do you have questions, experiences, or just a fun wood-burning story? Drop them in the comments below. Let’s turn this article into a cozy chat by the fireplace. And hey, if you found this review helpful, give it a share! Let’s spread the warmth together.