Empire Gateway 2300 Wood Stove Size Guide

The Empire Gateway 2300 is rated by the manufacturer to heat 500 to 2,100 square feet. Heat output ranges from 14,200 to 44,500 BTU per hour under EPA test conditions, with a maximum heat output of 75,000 BTU per hour on dry cordwood. Average efficiency is 72% HHV / 77% LHV; particulate emissions are 2.3 g/h; average CO is 69 g/h. The 2300 has the highest LHV efficiency in the Gateway series. Maximum burn time is 8 hours on a single load.

• Mid-size to larger homes (1,500 to 2,100 sq ft). The 2300 is the default Gateway choice for typical single-stove primary-heat installations.
• Primary heat in moderate climates. The 8-hour overnight burn cycle handles overnight heat-through with one reload before bed.
• Open-floor-plan main living areas. The 2300's heat output range is well-suited to a main-floor open plan where a single stove warms living, kitchen, and dining spaces.
• Households that prefer 20 inch logs. Many firewood suppliers cut to 20 inches. The 2300 firebox accepts 20 inch logs east-west.
• The "right-sized" upgrade from a smaller stove. Owners stepping up from a 1.0-1.5 cu ft firebox often select the 2300 for the longer burn time and larger heating envelope without overspending on the 3500.

• Whole-home heating in homes over 2,100 sq ft. Step up to the Gateway 3500 for homes up to 2,700 sq ft.
• Cold-climate primary heating in large homes. A 2,000 sq ft home in IECC zone 6-7 can push the 2300 to its limit; consider the 3500.
• Burning logs longer than 20 inches. The 2300 firebox accepts 20 inch logs east-west maximum. For 22 inch logs, choose the Gateway 3500.
• Tight installation footprints under 24 inches wide. The 2300 cabinet is 26-1/4 inches wide. For a 24-1/8 inch wide cabinet, see the Gateway 1700 size guide.
• Cooking applications. The Gateway 2300 is a room heater, not a cook stove.
• Burning anything other than dry cordwood. The Empire warranty explicitly limits approved fuel to cordwood.

• Mild climate (IECC zones 1-3): The 2300 covers homes up to 2,100 sq ft comfortably as a primary heater.
• Moderate climate (IECC zones 4-5): Size to the middle of the rated range. 1,500 to 1,800 sq ft homes are the sweet spot; a 2,000 sq ft home is at the upper limit.
• Cold climate (IECC zones 6-7): Drop to the bottom half of the rated range. A 1,200 to 1,500 sq ft home in cold climates is well-matched; 2,000 sq ft homes will benefit from the 3500.
• Ceiling height and layout matter. Cathedral ceilings or open multi-story spaces lose heat upward. Drop one model size or supplement with the optional 130 CFM blower for better air circulation.

• Non-combustible material: continuous steel sheet minimum 0.015 inch (0.38 mm), or ceramic tiles sealed with grout, cement board, or brick. No R-factor required.
• Front extension (USA): 16 inches measured from the door opening.
• Side extension (USA): 8 inches from each side of the stove.
• Materials per ASTM E136 and UL 763 are considered non-combustible (steel, iron, brick, tile, concrete, slate, glass).
• Non-combustible floors (concrete, brick, slate): no additional floor protection is required.

• Flue outlet diameter: 6 inches.
• Recommended connector pipe: 6 inch diameter, blued or black steel, minimum 24-gauge.
• Approved chimney types: UL 103 HT (2,100°F rated) factory-built, ULC-S629 in Canada, or code-approved masonry chimney with a stainless steel flue liner.
• Minimum chimney height: 12 feet measured from the floor protector.
• 3-2-10 rule: chimney must extend at least 3 feet above the roof penetration and 2 feet higher than any portion of a building within 10 feet horizontally.

• Build on a hot coal bed. Add new wood when the previous load has burned down to bright embers; this keeps secondary combustion lit during the reload.
• Load east-west. Place logs with the sides visible through the glass (parallel to the door). The EPA loading test for the 2300 used 16 inch logs in east-west orientation.
• Leave space for air circulation. Stack with gaps between logs for combustion air to flow.
• Stay within the EPA loading volume. The 1.95 cu ft EPA loading volume is the maximum recommended fuel load.
• Run the air control wide open after loading. Let the load light off and reach full secondary combustion before stepping down.

• Approved fuel: dry cordwood only, at or below 20 percent moisture content.
• Hardwood vs softwood: hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, beech) burn longer and produce more heat per cord; softwoods (pine, fir, spruce) burn faster and produce more creosote.
• Seasoning: typical 6 to 12 months under cover with airflow.
• Loading density: EPA loading density 7 to 12 lb/cu ft; maximum heat output density 15 to 20 lb/cu ft on dry cordwood.