2nd opinion - gas insert or gas free standing in a fireplace

[dzen]

Hello Hearth community,

I am looking to remove my wood burning Avalon insert and install a gas fireplace. What is the consensus regarding installing a gas insert vs a free standing gas stove (partially in my fireplace). I like the Jotul Allagash DV for the simplicity (no blower, no controler IPI unit, no electricity) and placing it on the hearth. Or am I crazy, and I should install a gas insert in my fireplace? Is it just personal preference? The sales guy pushed me towards Free Standing but the installer pointed me to Gas Insert. And now I look to Hearth.com for advice. Thoughts?

Thanks,
-Dan

 

[dzen]

BTW, first time caller, long time listener.