Did you ever get your ember hearth stove going? I have one that I purchased in 1978 that I used for years. It is still in working condition and a very good stove. I have replaced the blower motor several times with just a universal motor. The stove came prepared for an 8 inch flue which could be reduced
to 6 inch if flue had enough height which I had. Looks to me that someone tried to heat liquids on top of stove which didn't really work cause the stove was designed to work with blower running causing the top to be to cool to cook or heat water properly.
