A top load stove is easier on the back. Front and/or side loading stoves are much more common. All of them have a lip designed to catch ashes. Burning coals will not spill out unless you allow their depth to get too great. Fine ash is another issue; no matter how careful you are some will come out onto the lip when you open the loading door. Most codes require a minimum of 18" of non-flammable hearth surface from any door.

Before you decide on a stove, check reviews and comments from owners at www.hearth.com. The original Vermont Castings company made great stoves. Bankruptcies, ownership changes,and warranty issues in recent years have caused many to avoid this brand.

Thanks. I'll have to do some research to see if any companies besides Vermont Castings has a top-loading stove.

Kelp the Harmon TL300 and Quadra-Fire Isle Royale are other top loaders that you might want to look at. The Isle Royale is a cast iron stove and looks a bit like the VC stoves. You should also look at and consider that many stoves are side loaders like some of the Hearthstone soapstone and cast iron stoves.

Thanks, nhyankee. I ended up with a Hearthstone Tribute. We'll see how it goes.

So many people say side loading isn't necessary, but when you have to keep a steady hot fire like up here in northern MN, front loading risks hot wood falling out! So much easier with a side loading door and a nice front window.