Help Selecting an Insert

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Rhouster

New Member
Jan 7, 2012
3
Western,MA
I am currently debating between a few inserts. I am finding, like most new people, that there is a huge amount of information out there and too much of it is dangerous. I am looking for help in choosing between three inserts:

Pacific Energy Alderlea T5
Jotul 550 Rockland
Quadrafire Voyager

I have taken estimates on purchase/install on all three stoves and am soliciting any feedback and experience you more adept pyros may have with these stoves. Thank you!! Can't wait to supplement my electric heat with something other than an extra blanket.
 
Welcome to the forums, RH.

Like Johnny 5, we need more input:)

House layout/set up, etc.

Don't forget the dreaded wood supply !
 
house roughly 1600sq ft, relatively open 1st floor cape. thee room the stove is going to be in is the largest ~ 14x20.

the wood is dry, very dry. 2 yo mix, oak, red oak, maple, birch, ash

I do expect at some time i will try to burn the biobricks as well.
 
Rhouster said:
house roughly 1600sq ft, relatively open 1st floor cape. thee room the stove is going to be in is the largest ~ 14x20.

the wood is dry, very dry. 2 yo mix, oak, red oak, maple, birch, ash

I do expect at some time i will try to burn the biobricks as well.
Click to expand...

Did you look into the Blaze Kind Princess Insert? I had the 3100I QuadraFire, I can recommend to you that if you are planing on burning 24/7, then you should consider the BK for one of the longest burn time stoves available. Just another point of view to consider.
 
Of the three listed, the Jotul is the largest, closer to the PE Summit in size. If the house is well insulated then all of your choices would do the job. If not, invest in insulation and sealing or lean toward a 2.5-3 cu ft insert if it will fit.
 
I can only comment on the Jotul. Installed almost 1 month ago, I absolutely love it. Very efficient, relatively easy to use. Getting pretty good overnight "burns". Doing a pretty good job heating my ranch home, about 2300 sq. ft. Bedrooms only around 67 or 68, but I'm okay with that. Main living space consistently over 70. Pretty to look at too! Looked at the voyageur too, very nice looking insert. Decided on Jotul after everything I read on this forum! Good luck, I'm sure you won't go wrong with any of them.
 
I have a Jotul 550 and the reason I selected it was it was the best looking stove of all of the options I gave my wife to look at (I did the homework but wanted her to be happy with the look). I will say I do think the Jotul sacrifices some performance for looks although I have no solid proof to back it up. A friend of mine has a regency insert and I think it throws considerably more heat, but is not nearly as attractive. My stove is in a very visible spot so I am ok with the decision. It does look very nice.
 
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