Q&A Vermont Casting Winter Warm Fireplace Insert

Question:

I have been searching for a fireplace insert to install in the basement of our 3 yr old house. I really like the look of the small vermont casting insert. Unfortunately, a local wood stove dealer has been quite critical about the performance of this insert versus others (Pacific, Regency). Am I being lead astray? Are Vermont Casting inserts reliable products? The insert is not intended to be a primary source of heat.



Answer:

They are fine products...however, being catalytic, as opposed to the non-cats you mentioned, may mean that they have more parts and need more service/maintainance. Also, neither Vermont insert is considered a "brute force" heater. Given your indication that it is not the primary source of heat, I think you'd be happy with the VC