Insert pellet stove recommendation

What is the best insert style pellet stove would you recommend. I don't have an existing fire place but I'm planning on building a stone mantle and insert a stove. I don't like the type with large sheet metal plate around it. Please post some photos if you have it.

Here is my setup.

http://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/purchased-a-new-mt-vernon-ae.103051/

I'm enjoying the stove for the most part. Having an issue with the autoclean mechanism which the dealer is coming out to look. The stove puts out great heat and is generally silent. All cast iron and looks great.

Well the "large sheetmetal plate" depends entirery on the size of your existing fireplace vs the size of the stove you choose.

It would seem that the two premium inserts are the Quad Mt. Vernon and the Harmon Accentra. That does not mean that they are, nor does it mean that every other insert is crap because they certainly aren't, but those two inserts have the most options/gadgets. I have a Mt. Vernon insert and I like it very much. It has a thermostat which keeps it from being a stove that's either on or off.

I also think that maintnance wise the Harmon outshines the Mt. Vernon because they have a rail mechanish (costs extra) which allows a single person to slide the stove out easily and clean it. Would certainly make me clean the stove more throughly more often.

A lot depends on your style. The main choices are steel or cast iron. The next thing is BTU size and features such as thermostat and control functions. Shop around and speak to the dealers close to you and then go to price range. If you are building the surround you also have to consider venting.

Eric

Would you consider building a hearth and placing a free standing stove on it? Free standing stoves are generally easier to clean and have bigger hoppers than inserts. I have the Enviro M-55 insert and think its a great stove. I got the insert because the fireplace was the only feasible place in the house for the stove. If I had the option to go for a free standing stove, I probably would have bought one instead of the insert.

x2 Dam insert keeps running out of pellets after 4 to 6 hours of burn. Hopper is too small.

x3

My quad insert has a ~50 lb hopper but the freestanding version is at 80. The space limitation is something to consider, as others have pointed out. And for the most part, loading inserts with pellets is somewhat awkward when compared to the free standing units.

We just purchased the Enviro M55 insert to replace a gas FP that was in the house when we bought it. Can't say how we like it yet as it won't be installed until next Wed but we've got high hopes for it.

The vent will go straight out the wall.

I have free standing in the basement, I don't want it in the living room. I'll build a mantel around the insert.

I'll stop by the local dealer just to see what they have.

Thanks for all the inputs.