Pacific Energy Summit insert vs. Quadra Fire 5100i

Hi All,

First, thank you for all of the great feedback I've received on this site thus far. We've finally narrowed down our insert choices to the Pacific Energy Summit and the Quadra Fire 5100i. We need to make a decision today ASAP because of sales. P

Priorities are: 1) ledge/shelf to steam and cook on (in an emergency); 2) enough heat for 2600 sq. foot colonial (insert on main floor); and 3) insert that looks decent in our large 33" x 51" fireplace opening.

Would love to hear general thoughts and answers to specific questions, such as what is the size of the window/viewing area on the summit, and how deep is the ledge/shelf (I can't tell in the manual.) And can you boil water on it? (People have been able to do so on the Quad).

Thanks in advance!

Benchwrench said:

You can see an old thread I created for my 5100i install here; https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/a-square-peg-in-a-round-hole.71287/

I posted some pictures begining at post #56 on page 3 of that thread if you want to look at the install pictures to give you an idea of what a guy can expect from a DIY install.

It also looks like we have a similar fireplace design to work with.

Click to expand...

The final product looks very nice! We won't be installing ourselves. (My husband doesn't have time, as he works full time and is in school, plus kids.) We are planning to have a custom surround made to fit the arch. It's really big, so it seems to be the best solution.