Advice on insert vs stove to replace Superior zero clearance fireplace

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T

triceps

New Member
Nov 8, 2023
10
Sierra Nevada
Hello, looking to improve upon our current Superior zero clearance fireplace in our mountain cabin.

From what I’ve read it sounds like there aren’t very many insert options that work with this fireplace?

Also, does anyone know if any of the inserts that do work are 2020 EPA rated and eligible for federal tax credit? and/or California smoke reduction program rebates (‘emission rates not to exceed 2.0 grams/hour”)?

Another thing I read that people might do in cases like ours is remove the whole old unit out and put in a different insert, or make an alcove for a stove?

More context:

The cabin is about 2000 ft.² and is located at about 7500 feet of elevation.

Looking to use this as the primary heating source for the cabin during the winter. I have ample free supply of wood nearby.

Couple of photos of the existing unit attached for reference. Dimensions of the fire box space: 42”w x 27”h x 21”d.

Cabin is two stories and fireplace is located centrally in an open floor plan with sleeping loft directly above.

Suggestions and ideas greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Open IMG_3739.jpeg.png Open IMG_3739.png
 
Also, not sure we actually have a Superior model as we found this “Majestic THULMAN" overview/pamphlet when we bought the cabin.

Our chimney/fireplace inspector report stated it was a Superior, but wondering if there is a way to somehow check, or whether this is even relevant?

image0 copy.jpeg
 
Yes, it's highly relevant if this is what is installed. Is there any mention of the word "insert" in this document?
If not, it may be ok with the caveat of the close by woodwork clearances. bholler, any concerns?
 
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begreen said:
Is there any mention of the word "insert" in this document?
Click to expand...
No, I do not see any mention of the word "insert" in the Majestic document.

What is described is a "factory built "pre-engineered" fireplace "with a firebox and triple-wall metal flue built with inner air spaces that keep the outer surfaces "safe cool" so they can be placed against wood surfaces to save space and installation costs. The triple-wall flue operates on the "Thermo-Siphon" principle and air circulates within the walls of the flue and around the firebox."
 
triceps said:
No, I do not see any mention of the word "insert" in the Majestic document.

What is described is a "factory built "pre-engineered" fireplace "with a firebox and triple-wall metal flue built with inner air spaces that keep the outer surfaces "safe cool" so they can be placed against wood surfaces to save space and installation costs. The triple-wall flue operates on the "Thermo-Siphon" principle and air circulates within the walls of the flue and around the firebox."
Click to expand...
Yes but does it say anything about using parts or accessories other than what is specified by the manufacturer
 
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begreen said:
The fireplace seems to be a Majestic version of the heatform fireplace style with heat convection around the entire firebox. I'm not seeing any insert caveats in the manual.
Click to expand...
Yes our inspector thinks it’s the L42A model. He said Majestic was originally owned by Superior Fireplace at one time, so the manners are sometimes used interchangeably..

Thoughts on insert and stove options?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
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triceps said:
But that’s just your preference right? Jotul says models like the Oslo are designed to work with zero clearance prefab fireplaces (p. 8)

Click to expand...
That info is for putting a freestanding stove in front that is vented via an approved liner inside of the fireplace chimney. This is an option with a rear-venting stove as long as the flue outlet is below the lintel of the fireplace and clearance + hearth requirements are met.

Jøtul freestanding models are approved for installation into a factory-built fireplace with use of an HT chimney relining kit, listed to UL 1777.

Screenshot 2023-11-09 at 11.01.00 AM.png
 
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My Superior ZC WRT3042RS has a warning stating..
"Do not install a fireplace insert in this fireplace unless the manufacturer's instructions with the insert specifically state this fireplace has been tested for use with this insert."
 
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hoot said:
My Superior ZC WRT3042RS has a warning stating..
"Do not install a fireplace insert in this fireplace unless the manufacturer's instructions with the insert specifically state this fireplace has been tested for use with this insert."
Click to expand...
One ZC's manual does not apply to others. Only a few have a line like that. Many specifically prohibit installing an insert.
 
begreen said:
One ZC's manual does not apply to others. Only a few have a line like that. Many specifically prohibit installing an insert.
Click to expand...
Yea I get that. It's confusing. The Lopi insert site says it's compatible with Superior and even goes on to tell you what parts you can and cannot remove to get the insert into my ZC fireplace.
On two different pamphlets for my Superior it has conflicting instructions....

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Superior® Pro Series Wood-Burning Fireplaces

WARNING: Do not install a fireplace insert in this
fireplace unless the manufacturer's instructions with
the insert specifically state this fireplace has been
tested for use with this insert.


HOMEOWNERS GUIDE FOR YOUR
WOOD BURNING FIREPLACE
3.Use of an insert in an IHP fireplace. IHP
does not recommend or authorize the
use of any insert in our fireplaces and
will assume no responsibility for any
damages caused by an insert.

So "Does not recommend or authorize" looks to simply be a disclaimer. It does not forbid it.
2023-12-29_101651.png
 
Yes, it varies from company to company and from manual to manual. Some ZC manuals are very explicit in prohibiting an insert installation and others are more ambiguous.
 
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joop said:
and if you plan on heating only with wood, zc ain't gonna do it
Click to expand...
A new zero clearance of current times definetly has the capabilities of heating this space. I'm able to heat a space larger than this 24/7 when required with a zc fireplace.
 
"The Medium Flush Wood NexGen-Fyre™ Insert converts a wasteful masonry or zero clearance fireplace into an excellent heat source that can provide reliable warmth at a fraction of the cost of electricity or oil."
www.lopistoves.com

Medium Flush Wood NexGen-Fyre™ Arch

INNOVATIONS UNDERSTANDING YOUR WOOD INSERT HOW TO USE YOUR MOISTURE METER GREENSTART™ NEXGEN-FYRE™ CORD WOOD VS.
www.lopistoves.com www.lopistoves.com
 
triceps said:
Hello, looking to improve upon our current Superior zero clearance fireplace in our mountain cabin.

From what I’ve read it sounds like there aren’t very many insert options that work with this fireplace?

Also, does anyone know if any of the inserts that do work are 2020 EPA rated and eligible for federal tax credit? and/or California smoke reduction program rebates (‘emission rates not to exceed 2.0 grams/hour”)?

Another thing I read that people might do in cases like ours is remove the whole old unit out and put in a different insert, or make an alcove for a stove?

More context:

The cabin is about 2000 ft.² and is located at about 7500 feet of elevation.

Looking to use this as the primary heating source for the cabin during the winter. I have ample free supply of wood nearby.

Couple of photos of the existing unit attached for reference. Dimensions of the fire box space: 42”w x 27”h x 21”d.

Cabin is two stories and fireplace is located centrally in an open floor plan with sleeping loft directly above.

Suggestions and ideas greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

View attachment 318250 View attachment 318251
Click to expand...
I'd reccomend pulling that zero clearance fireplace out and installing a "pacific energy" fp25 or fp30 both those fireplaces are zc and is a good option if they fit. They require new 6" double wall chimney
 
PAbeech said:
I'd reccomend pulling that zero clearance fireplace out and installing a "pacific energy" fp25 or fp30 both those fireplaces are zc and is a good option if they fit. They require new 6" double wall chimney
Click to expand...
They aren't so easy to pull out. Often they are built in with the facia needing to be removed.
 
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