Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 vs Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista 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 75% HHV — more heat from every cord. The Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista LE2 produces more peak heat (30,149 vs 29,153 BTU/h), suiting roughly 850–1,200 sq ft. The Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 has the larger firebox (1.821 vs 1.37 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 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista 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 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista 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 % | 75 % |
| Heat output (low) | 12764 BTU/h | 12315 BTU/h |
| Heat output (high) | 29153 BTU/h | 30149 BTU/h |
| Firebox volume | 1.821 cu ft | 1.37 cu ft |
| Carbon monoxide | 0.45 g/min | 1.4 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 | 378-24 |
| Covered model numbers | K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1, Tamarack LE-1, Aberdeen LE-1, and Alpine LE-1 | NEO 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista LE2, Vista Classic LE2, NEO 1.6 LE2, Alderlea T4 LE2, Vista Insert LE2, NEO 1.6 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 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista 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 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista LE2.
Are the Kuma Stove And Iron Works K-181 Series: Aspen LE-1 and Pacific Energy Fireplace Products Limited NEO 1.6 LE2 Model Line (Vista 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.