Morso 2110

We want to replace our fireplace with a freestanding wood burning stove. We plan on sitting it on the hearth (not inserted into the opening at all) and will be covering up the fireplace area.

Due to the size of the fireplace opening it looks like we only have a few options. Those are:
Appalachian 16T (approx. $1,000), Morso 2110 (approx. $1,300) , Jotul 3CB (approx. $1550), and a Hearthstone model which is way over our budget.

We're leaning toward the Morso but I would appreciate input on this stove. Our home is split level (actually a tri-level) and the stove will be on the main level, which is our primary living area. That area is 600 sq. feet. It would be great if it would throw enough heat to keep the chill off the air at night upstairs, but we'd settle for waking to a decent bed of coals in the morning.

Also, I'm confused about what we'll need to do as far as new chimney pipe is concerned. I know the current pipe is not acceptable for the stove.

Thanks in advance for any input/advice you can give.

PS
We live in East Texas and our winters aren't too bad but we'd love to keep the central heat turned off all winter!

Garett, the chimney is 8" pipe. The prefab fireplace was in the house when we bought it so I don't have any specific details about the pipe, other than it being 21 years old.