On the fence... Need Advice

cmarc · Oct 25, 2015

Hi Everyone,

I've been pulling my hair out in trying to find the right insert. I'd like a flush insert with a large viewing window, a decent burn time, and decent heat. Note I'm in northern SC so we really don't get really cold. Maybe some of the owners here could help me.

I was just about to pull the trigger on a Quad Voyageur Grand, but have see far too many mixed and neutral reviews and it's got me nervous.

I looked at the Jotul 550 and was neutral on it.

I do like the Hampton HI400 and read a few favorable reviews but haven't gotten any quotes on it yet. Not sure if it would be in the same ballpark as the QF Grand.

Any pro/con feedback on the QF Grand and any other flush mounts would be greatly appreciated.

begreen · Oct 25, 2015

Welcome. How large an area would you be heating with the insert?

The Quad Voyageur is a well made stove as is the Jotul 550. Read reviews with a grain of salt. Sometimes the stove gets blamed for a poor installation, poor dealer service, too short chimney and most frequently when poorly seasoned wood is burned. The Hampton HI400 is new. There were some initial issues with early units but Regency has responded with a fix that appears to be working well.

Grisu · Oct 25, 2015

Welcome to the forum!

cmarc said:
I was just about to pull the trigger on a Quad Voyageur Grand,

Don't remember reading many negative reviews about it. I think it's a pretty solid unit that will do well. One complaint that is mentioned sometimes is that QF replacement parts are relatively expensive.

cmarc said:
I looked at the Jotul 550 and was neutral on it.

Quite a few people here that were pretty disappointed by its heat output. Seems not to live up to its billing as "large" insert. Not sure if that matters much in your case.

cmarc said:
I do like the Hampton HI400 and read a few favorable reviews but haven't gotten any quotes on it yet. Not sure if it would be in the same ballpark as the QF Grand.

Check out this thread to read pretty much everything that needs to be known about that insert. I think some members also posted their price in there. https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads...-ci2600-fireplace-insert-risky-costly.132252/ It looks like the modifications by Regency seem to work really well now.

Other units to look at: Pacific Energy Neo 2.5, Osburn Matrix, Enviro 1700 series like the Kodiak or Boston, Hearthstone Clydesdale All of those get pretty favorable reviews here. I would try a forum search and check the review section.

Make sure to get a full insulated liner and a block off plate: https://www.hearth.com/talk/wiki/make-a-damper-sealing-block-off-plate/
If the fireplace is at an exterior wall some insulation will help: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/finally-got-around-to-insulating-my-fireplace.75755/

How long ago has the wood you plan on burning been split and then stacked in a sunny and windy location?

cmarc · Oct 25, 2015

begreen said:
Welcome. How large an area would you be heating with the insert?

The Quad Voyageur is a well made stove as is the Jotul 550. Read reviews with a grain of salt. Sometimes the stove gets blamed for a poor installation, poor dealer service, too short chimney and most frequently when poorly seasoned wood is burned. The Hampton HI400 is new. There were some initial issues with early units but Regency has responded with a fix that appears to be working well.

I have approximately 1000 sq ft downstairs and 1250 upstairs. I'm not looking to heat the whole house but would like to supplement my gas heating systems on the coldest days/evenings.

I have a 32' chimney and plan to install a pre insulated liner. I also have around a half chord of hardwood that has been seasoned for 2 years, so I think I'm good to go with those potential issues.

I just want to be sure I'm not going to get a quality insert that will provide decent heating and a clear window with nice rolling flames for years to come.

begreen · Oct 25, 2015

The best inserts for heating are the ones that project out onto the hearth a bit. A caveat with flush inserts is no ash lip. That means that on several ash falls frequently onto the hearth where it is then picked up by the blower and blown around the house. Keep a dustpan handy to avoid this issue. Take a look at the Heartstone Clydesdale. It is a 2.5 cu ft, semi-flush insert that has a large fire view, is well made, and has an ash lip.

bioman · Oct 25, 2015

Blaze King & don't look back !

brad wilton · Oct 25, 2015

I say we all just chuck our stoves

and buy a bk ;lol

begreen · Oct 26, 2015

I don't think so. Our stove is much too heavy.

bwells794 · Oct 26, 2015

begreen said:
I don't think so. Our stove is much too heavy.

lol

cmarc · Oct 26, 2015

That you for all the links and feedback. I also read a lot about getting an insert that stick out a bit so that I can take advantage of the radiant heat. While I do like those one's there is the TWF (the wife factor), so I'm limited to flush mount inserts. I'm going to go look at a Hampton HI400 this week and hope to have the decision made be the end of the week.

Thank you to everyone for your input.

mellow · Oct 26, 2015

Also show her the Jotul C450, it can be installed so it barely sticks out, but will give you the ash lip and the ability to move it further out of the fireplace down the road.

Retreadsme · Oct 26, 2015

I would also throw a Regency I3100 into the mix for a "flush" insert that actually extends about 7", does not present a problem with ash falling out onto the hearth, puts a ton of heat out (if installed properly), and has an excellent reputation - - if you want an insert that does not have a cat. Regency stands with their products.
If you want a cat then I would second the vote on BK.

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On the fence... Need Advice

cmarc

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begreen

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Grisu

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cmarc

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begreen

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bioman

Feeling the Heat

brad wilton

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begreen

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bwells794

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cmarc

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mellow

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Retreadsme

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