I've narrowed down my search for a new fireplace insert to these locally available units. I'll be getting my chimney relined at the time of install:
Buck Model 74
Osburn 1600
Lopi Revere, or the similar Republic 1750i
My initial impressions:
The Lopis have a generous cook top and bypass damper not available on the others - I think I'd like those features.
The Osburn 1600 is by far the best value among the 3 because the dealer will install a 316Ti SS flex liner for only $550 with a new stove purchase - others want twice or 3 times that.
Buck is an old brand that's been around for a while. I like the way the blower directs the hot air down at the front of the stove. Not sure about the stove-to-insert conversion which is done by the dealer, on site. Dealer wants $25 to give me an estimate on the install (the others charge nothing).
Can owner's of any of these inserts comment on pros and cons that are not obvious from reading the specifications?
The only other options in my area are Country Flame and Pacific Energy. I've not really looked at them closely - should I? That is, is there some significant advantage of these 2 over my first 3 picks?
Finally, the Osburn dealer says insulation of the liner is a waste of money in my clay-lined all masonry chimney, but literature from the Buck dealer implies it's unavoidably necessary. Since the interior of my clay flue liner measures 6.5"x11", trying to add insulation to a 6" pipe will greatly increase the complexity of the chimney reline. I'd prefer to clean the pipe a little more often rather than going to some kind of pricey oval, insulated pipe, unless it's really necessary. Comments?
Buck Model 74
Osburn 1600
Lopi Revere, or the similar Republic 1750i
My initial impressions:
The Lopis have a generous cook top and bypass damper not available on the others - I think I'd like those features.
The Osburn 1600 is by far the best value among the 3 because the dealer will install a 316Ti SS flex liner for only $550 with a new stove purchase - others want twice or 3 times that.
Buck is an old brand that's been around for a while. I like the way the blower directs the hot air down at the front of the stove. Not sure about the stove-to-insert conversion which is done by the dealer, on site. Dealer wants $25 to give me an estimate on the install (the others charge nothing).
Can owner's of any of these inserts comment on pros and cons that are not obvious from reading the specifications?
The only other options in my area are Country Flame and Pacific Energy. I've not really looked at them closely - should I? That is, is there some significant advantage of these 2 over my first 3 picks?
Finally, the Osburn dealer says insulation of the liner is a waste of money in my clay-lined all masonry chimney, but literature from the Buck dealer implies it's unavoidably necessary. Since the interior of my clay flue liner measures 6.5"x11", trying to add insulation to a 6" pipe will greatly increase the complexity of the chimney reline. I'd prefer to clean the pipe a little more often rather than going to some kind of pricey oval, insulated pipe, unless it's really necessary. Comments?
