Drolet and Osburn are brands of the same Quebec manufacturer, SBI (Stove Builder International). Drolet lists SBI’s technical-support address (tech@sbi-international.com) on its product pages (Drolet), and Osburn’s manuals and catalog are hosted on SBI’s servers (Osburn catalog). Wood-stove owners often notice that some models from the two brands publish the same firebox numbers. Here is what the spec sheets actually show, and what they don’t.
Example: Drolet Escape 1500 and Osburn 1700
| Spec | Drolet Escape 1500 | Osburn 1700 |
|---|---|---|
| Firebox W × H × D | 19 5/8 × 11 7/8 × 13 1/2 in | 19 5/8 × 11 7/8 × 13 1/2 in |
| Overall firebox volume | 1.86 ft³ | 1.86 ft³ |
| EPA loading volume | 1.44 ft³ | 1.44 ft³ |
| Heating area (maker) | 500–1,800 ft² | 500–1,800 ft² |
| Maximum heat output (dry cordwood) | 65,000 BTU/h | 65,000 BTU/h |
| Overall heat output range | 9,800–52,200 BTU/h | 9,800–52,200 BTU/h |
| Average efficiency (HHV / LHV) | 68% / 73% | 68% / 73% |
| Maximum burn time | 7 h | 7 h |
| Average CO | 103 g/h | 103 g/h |
| Minimum chimney height | 12 ft | 15 ft |
| Baffle | Vermiculite | C-Cast or equivalent |
| Status | Discontinued | Current |
Sources: Drolet Escape 1500, Osburn 1700, Osburn 1700 manual, checked October 12, 2026.
The firebox dimensions and test results match line for line. Other details differ: the published minimum chimney height, the baffle material, the door and finish options, and the price. Osburn’s own spec page also lists a particulate rate (1.26 g/h) that differs from the 2.4 g/h in its current manual, so check the certification label on the unit you buy.
What matching specs do and don’t tell you
- They do suggest the same core firebox design and test data, so on paper the tested burn time and output figures are comparable.
- They don’t prove the stoves are identical. Clearances, approved installations, chimney requirements, warranty and parts can differ by brand and model. Install each stove only according to its own manual and certification label, in accordance with NFPA 211 and local building codes, and ideally installed or at least inspected by an NFI‑certified professional.
- Parts aren’t automatically interchangeable. Order parts by your stove’s exact model number.
How to compare sister models yourself
- Put the two spec sheets side by side.
- Compare firebox dimensions, EPA loading volume, output range and efficiency.
- Then compare what affects your install: clearances, chimney height and type, floor protection, mobile-home or alcove approval.
- Compare price and dealer support last.
Sources
- Drolet, Escape 1500: https://www.drolet.ca/us/en/wood-stoves/db03135/
- Osburn, 1700 wood stove: https://www.osburn-mfg.com/en/products/wood-stoves/1700-wood-stove/
- Osburn 1700 owner’s manual: https://sbiweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/6992/45982_ia_2023-09-07.pdf
- Osburn catalog (2025): https://sbiweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/7815/pub043a_osburn_en-usa_2025-10_web.pdf