Insert with no outside panels

[Little D.]

I am not very knowledgeable on this so please have patience. I was looking on craigslist for an insert and came across a Lopi (answer) that was being sold with no outside panels. What are the purpose of the outside panels, cosmetic? Are the outside panels necessary? Is this brand known for quality or any negatives?

Thanks,

Little D.

 

[EJL923]

They are cosmetic. Mine has cast iron surrounds, and doesn't do much in the area of radiant heat. It would be easy to make some side panels. However, make sure you can do a few things.

1. Able to afford new surrounds from lopi
2. Want to spend the time making some (and making them look good)
3. Dont mind the look of the stove without them. A lot of stoves look good without them. Mine not so much

I have no idea what they cost new, but i bet new surrounds are a couple hundred. From what i hear Lopi are good stoves.

 

[Lanningjw]

You dont need um, it will burn with out them.

 

[gzecc]

If you don't use them you will definetly need a block off plate above the insert to prevent conditioned air from escaping up the chimney.