Buck Stove Model 81C Catalytic Wood Stove
The Model 81C is Buck Stove's 2026 catalytic replacement for the Model 81: the bay-front stove for large homes, rated for 1,600-2,700 square feet with an EPA tested output of 13,800-59,500 BTUs per hour from a 3.0 cubic foot firebox, at 80% efficiency and 1.7 grams per hour. The blower and ash pan are included, and it installs freestanding or as a masonry fireplace insert with a trim kit.
What changed from the Model 81: a catalytic combustor (80% efficiency, against 69.8%), a larger 3.0 cubic foot firebox (was 2.48), and a black door only. The blower and ash tray were already standard on the 81 and still are.
Gold and pewter doors on this page are the previous-generation Model 81 (FP 81G gold, FP 81P pewter) from Tri-State's remaining stock, not a 81C. Buck's 2026 line is black door only. The Model 81 is the non-catalytic stove with a 2.48 cubic foot firebox at 69.8% efficiency; it ships while closeout stock lasts, at the price shown when you select it.
Built by Buck Stove in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Buck Stove has made stoves in the USA since 1975.
Specifications
| Model |
FP 81C (black door). Gold and pewter on this page are the previous Model 81 (FP 81G, FP 81P) closeout |
| Stove dimensions |
29" W x 24" H x 23-3/4" D |
| Weight |
460 lbs |
| Firebox volume |
3.0 cu ft |
| Firewood length |
18" (side to side), 20" (front to back) |
| Flue size |
6" |
| Combustion |
Catalytic |
| Efficiency |
80% |
| EPA tested output |
13,800-59,500 BTU/h |
| Heat capacity |
1,600-2,700 sq ft |
| Emissions |
1.7 g/h |
| Minimum fireplace dimensions (insert) |
29" W x 24-1/2" H x 14" D |
| Insert clearances |
21" to mantel, 12" to sidewall |
| Hearth pad size |
33" W x 48" D (minimum for vertical vent installations) |
| Freestanding clearance to combustibles |
16" corner, 23" rear, 25" side as listed in the 2026 catalog; 12" corner, 16" rear, 12" side with Buck's close-clearance shields (MA 810051) and single-wall pipe. Confirm against the 81C owner's manual before installing |
| Blower |
Included |
| Ash pan |
Included |
| Optional pedestal |
Yes (Outside Air Pedestal, Model 81 version) |
| Prefab fireplace approved |
No |
| Mobile home approved |
Yes |
| Installation options |
Freestanding on the optional pedestal or steel legs, or as a masonry fireplace insert with a trim kit |
Specifications from the Buck Stove 2026 wood stove catalog and 2026 price list (Tri-State Distributors, Buck Stove's distributor). Clearances are the catalog figures; the owner's manual for your unit governs the installation, so confirm against it before you build or order pipe.
What is included
- Model 81C catalytic stove with catalytic combustor
- Blower
- Ash pan
- Glass door with air wash system
- Owner's manual
Optional accessories that fit this model
Sold separately. Each link opens the accessory in the version that fits the Model 81C.
- Outside Air Pedestal, Model 81 version
- Freestanding Pedestal, Model 81 version (closeout, limited stock)
- Standard Trim Kit, Model 81 version (insert installations)
- Oversize Trim Kit, Model 81 version (larger fireplace openings)
- Steel stove legs, black (regular or large)
- Steel stove legs, gold (limited quantities)
- Steel stove legs, pewter (limited quantities)
- Bay Window Kit, gold (closeout)
- Bay Window Kit, pewter (closeout)
- Close-clearance shields for the Model 81 (MA 810051): call to order until they are listed.
Questions buyers ask
Insert or freestanding?
Both. As an insert it needs a fireplace opening of at least 29" W x 24-1/2" H x 14" D and a trim kit. Freestanding, it sits on the Outside Air Pedestal or steel legs over a hearth pad of at least 33" W x 48" D.
Is the blower included?
Yes. The blower and ash pan ship with the 81C.
Is this the catalytic 81C?
Yes. The black-door unit on this page is Buck's 2026 catalytic Model 81C. The gold and pewter options are closeout stock of the earlier non-catalytic Model 81.
Model 81C or Model 74C?
The 81C is the larger bay-front stove (3.0 cubic feet, 1,600-2,700 square feet, 80% efficiency). The 74C is the mid-size flat-front stove (2.7 cubic feet, 1,500-2,600 square feet, 77%).
Which Buck do I need for my square footage?
Buck rates the Model 21 and 21ZC for 800-1,800 sq ft, the 74C and ZC74C for 1,500-2,600, the 81C for 1,600-2,700 and the Model 91 for 1,800-3,200. A drafty older house lands at the low end of a range, a tight modern house at the high end. Call (708) 765-6925 with your square footage and we will size it with you.
Does the federal wood-stove tax credit apply?
No. The federal 25C credit for biomass stoves ended for stoves placed in service after December 31, 2025, so a stove installed in 2026 does not qualify, whoever sells it. Some retailers still advertise it. State, county and utility change-out rebates are separate and worth checking. This is not tax advice.
Buying a Buck Stove from MyBBQDirect
Free freight shipping on this stove: it arrives curbside by freight carrier, and the carrier calls ahead to schedule a drop-off day with you. No sales tax on orders shipped outside New York. 30-day return policy; if anything arrives damaged, send photos within 48 hours and we exchange it. Sizing questions on flue size, clearances, hearth pads or insert fit: call (708) 765-6925 before you order and we will check the numbers with you.
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