Key Features
How The Ashley BCAC Coal Circulator Compares To The Ashley AW40 Wood Circulator And Other Heating Options
Homeowners evaluating how to heat a large space usually face this question: should I choose the Ashley AW40 for wood-fueled circulating heat, select this BCAC for coal-fueled heat with non-electric thermostatic control, or install an electric or gas furnace for a fuel source that doesn't require manual loading.
| Feature | Ashley AW40, Wood Circulator | Ashley BCAC, Coal Circulator | Standard Electric/Gas Furnace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Wood logs up to 21 in | Coal, up to 60 lb capacity | Electricity or natural gas |
| Temperature Control | Burn timer-controlled system | Non-electric, bi-metallic thermostat for automatic control | Electric or gas-fired thermostat, requires power |
| Power Outage Resilience | Operates without electricity, blower needs power for circulation | Fully non-electric thermostat operation, functions without power | Requires electricity to operate in most cases |
| Best Suited For | Homeowners with wood access wanting EPA-certified clean burning | Homeowners with coal access wanting non-electric, thermostatically controlled heat | Homeowners wanting hands-off, automated heating without fuel loading |
Product Description
The Ashley Hearth Products BCAC is a high performance coal circulator that's more efficient and cleaner burning than most other circulators on the market. It offers a non-catalytic, trouble-free operating system that's thermostatically controlled via a non-electric, bi-metallic thermostat providing automatic comfort control without needing electricity. Heating up to 2,000 sq. ft. with up to 68,000 BTUs, this coal-burning stove features TRI-AIR induction for a hotter fire, improved efficiency, and reduced creosote accumulation. Heavy duty cast iron grates with shakers ensure long-lasting durability and more complete combustion, and a firebrick-lined firebox enhances combustion efficiency and extends the unit's life. An easy access ash pan makes cleanup a breeze, and a lift top with a positive safety latch provides an auxiliary cooking surface. The unit is tested and certified to U.L. 1482 by Warnock Hersey International for added peace of mind and safety assurance. This stove is coal-burning only and is not approved for use in mobile or modular homes; it is not available for sale in Washington or California.
How The Ashley BCAC Coal Circulator Compares To The Ashley AW40 Wood Circulator And Other Heating Options
Homeowners evaluating how to heat a large space usually face this question: should I choose the Ashley AW40 for wood-fueled circulating heat, select this BCAC for coal-fueled heat with non-electric thermostatic control, or install an electric or gas furnace for a fuel source that doesn't require manual loading.
Here's the honest comparison:
| Feature | Ashley AW40 Wood Burning Circulator | Ashley BCAC Coal Circulator | Standard Electric/Gas Furnace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Wood logs up to 21 in. | Coal, up to 60 lb. capacity | Electricity or natural gas |
| Heat Output | Up to 93,000 BTUs | Up to 68,000 BTUs | Varies by unit size |
| Temperature Control | Burn timer-controlled system | Non-electric, bi-metallic thermostat for automatic comfort control without electricity | Electric or gas-fired thermostat, requires power to operate |
| Coverage | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | Up to 2,000 sq. ft. | Varies by system sizing |
| Power Outage Resilience | Operates without electricity, blower requires power for powered circulation | Fully non-electric thermostat operation, functions without power | Requires electricity to operate in most cases |
| Certification | 2020 EPA Certified | Tested and certified to U.L. 1482 by Warnock Hersey International | Varies by unit, typically UL or AGA certified |
| Best Suited For | Homeowners with wood access wanting EPA-certified clean burning | Homeowners with coal access wanting non-electric, thermostatically controlled heat | Homeowners wanting hands-off, automated heating without fuel loading |
Why The Ashley BCAC Coal Circulator Is Worth The Investment
This isn't just another solid-fuel stove, it's a genuinely automated heating system, giving homeowners non-electric thermostatic control that keeps the fire regulated without needing power, something neither a standard furnace nor most wood stoves can offer.
The BCAC specifically addresses the needs of homeowners with access to coal who want consistent, automatically regulated heat up to 2,000 sq. ft. without relying on electricity to maintain comfort.
Turns Coal Fuel Into Consistent, Automated Warmth. A non-electric, bi-metallic thermostat provides automatic comfort control without requiring electricity, so the stove regulates itself and maintains steady heat even during a power outage, something a standard electric or gas furnace can't do.
Built For Efficient, Clean-Burning Heat
- TRI-AIR induction delivers a hotter fire for improved efficiency and reduced creosote accumulation
- Heats up to 2,000 sq. ft. with up to 68,000 BTUs of output
- A firebrick-lined firebox enhances combustion efficiency and extends the life of the unit
Engineered For Durability And Everyday Convenience
- Heavy duty cast iron grates with shakers ensure long-lasting durability and more complete combustion
- An easy access ash pan makes cleanup a breeze
- A lift top with a positive safety latch provides an auxiliary cooking surface
Real Savings
- A non-electric thermostat means the stove keeps working and regulating heat during power outages, avoiding reliance on backup power
- Coal fuel can offer a longer, steadier burn than wood, reducing the frequency of refueling
- Firebrick lining and cast iron grates extend the unit's usable life, reducing long-term replacement costs
- Free shipping and no sales tax through Summit Forge Supply keeps the total cost down compared to buying elsewhere and paying tax and freight separately
The Bottom Line Homeowners with access to coal who want consistent, automated heat that keeps working without electricity can't get that same non-electric thermostatic control from a standard electric or gas furnace. The Ashley BCAC is built with TRI-AIR induction, heavy duty cast iron grates, and a non-electric bi-metallic thermostat, so it delivers reliable, self-regulating warmth up to 2,000 sq. ft. For anyone wanting coal heat that keeps running through a power outage, this is the circulator built to make it happen.
Features
- Tri-air induction for hotter fire and greater efficiency
- Heavy duty, cast iron grates
- Firebrick lined for long life and combustion efficiency
- 6 In. flue
- Not for use in mobile or modular homes
- Not for sale in California or Washington
- Compatible blower: CB36 Circulatory Blower
Additional information
| Weight | 265 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 38 × 25 × 43 in |
Full Spec Sheet
| Model | BCAC, Ashley Hearth |
| Heat Output | Up to 68,000 BTU |
| Heating Area | 2,000 sq ft |
| Fuel Type | Coal only, up to 60 lb capacity |
| Thermostat | Non-electric, bi-metallic, automatic |
| Flue | 6 in |
| Compatible Blower | CB36 Circulatory Blower |
| Certification | UL 1482, Warnock Hersey International |
| Weight | 265 lbs |
| Dimensions | 38 x 25 x 43 in |
| Restrictions | Not for mobile/modular homes, not sold in CA or WA |
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