Advice on stove upgrade needed

[bonnieville]

I saw the post about the Woodstock Soapstone Stoves. http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=92176
This has got me thinking that I should upgrade the Franklin style stove that was in the house when I bought it 5 1/2 years ago. It makes plenty of heat but has quite an appetite. It doesn't make heat for more than about 2 hours fully loaded. Looks like this.
http://www.pcfarming.com/uploaded_images/DSC03511-727329.JPG
It seems like the new catalytic stoves are the way to go. The soapstone looks pretty nice, but is it much better than the iron? I'm doing some research on the net, but I would also appreciate advice and opinions on what brands to consider and whether to go with the iron or stone.
My house is older and kinda drafty. It is about 1400 sqft. The location of the stove allows it to heat 1/2 of the main floor and most of the second floor. I use it to supplement the furnace. I currently burn about 4 cords a year. I like the idea of burning less. I suppose burning a little cleaner isn't such a bad thing either.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

We've used a Vermont Castings Encore catalytic stove for the last fifteen winters, and have been very happy with it. Kind of pricey to begin with, but well worth it. We burn about three cords a year since we both work, and only use the stove evenings and weekends.

Our house is a 1500 sf story and a half, built in 1933. We have in-the-floor radiant heating, but it just can't keep up with the drafty old house.

Surprisingly enough, we're still using the same combustor, even though they're supposed to quit working after 3-7 years. Just take it out once a year and clean the fly ash out of it.

Here's a good source for combustors, along with a lot of other stove stuff: http://www.catalyticcombustors.com