I've been considering buying a Vermont Castings Merrimack, but I've heard lots of rumblings on build quality on new VC products, so I've been looking for some alternatives. I'm having trouble finding other inserts that meet my requirements however.
1. Output: It needs to be able to provide the lion's share of the heat 2,000 sq ft home that has average insulation, a very open layout, and in a area that frequently has daytime highs below 0.
2. Physical size: The fireplace its going into is 44" x 32". The surround needs to cover the whole space without leaving gaps on the top or sides. I also want the stove to be large so I don't have the odd look of the tiny stove in a giant surround and to maximize burn time, so I'm hoping to find something else in the 3+ cu ft. firebox range.
3. Appearance: The real toughie. The lady of the house has forbidden the flat steel design of most wood stoves. All other stoves I've found that meet the first two requirements fall flat here.
Are there any other inserts I should be looking at, or go with the VC and hope for the best?
1. Output: It needs to be able to provide the lion's share of the heat 2,000 sq ft home that has average insulation, a very open layout, and in a area that frequently has daytime highs below 0.
2. Physical size: The fireplace its going into is 44" x 32". The surround needs to cover the whole space without leaving gaps on the top or sides. I also want the stove to be large so I don't have the odd look of the tiny stove in a giant surround and to maximize burn time, so I'm hoping to find something else in the 3+ cu ft. firebox range.
3. Appearance: The real toughie. The lady of the house has forbidden the flat steel design of most wood stoves. All other stoves I've found that meet the first two requirements fall flat here.
Are there any other inserts I should be looking at, or go with the VC and hope for the best?
