Advise on Fireplace Inserts Please

[william36]

Hello,

I want to buy a wood burning fireplace insert. First a little background. I have a working fireplace and cut my wood. I love it but I realize I need more efficient heating.

We are looking at fireplace inserts only.

I've looked at: Jotul c550, Hearthstone Clydesdale, Quadrafire Voyager Grand & Alderlea.
Main requirements: Wife likes the classic cast iron look of the surround. I do as well but I want one with a good reputation and long lasting. We both want a large window. (we've almost removed Alderlea due to the small window) Another plus would be a fan as quiet as possible.

House is 2600 sq ft with an open floor plan, but it wouldn't be the only heat source.

I've read as much as I can on the internet and would appreciate any suggestions from actual owners.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[ridensnow23]

Check out the Hampton HI300. The blower is super quiet on low. It has a cast iron facing and surround.

The Pacific Energy inserts have a very good reputation on the forum so you may not want to take it off the list due to door size alone.

You also should think about application in addition to just athstetics. Is this just for supplemental heat? How long is your flue? What size is the fire place opening. The best insert for athstetics may be a poor choice based on application. Save yourself the headaches and do you due diligence.

 

[velvetfoot]

Here's mine
I run the fan on high most times because I think it kicks out more heat, esp. when it's in the single digits outside.

 

[jatoxico]

I have the 550cb and like it very much. Would be glad to answer any questions you have. Jotul is a hefty unit and the company has a reputation for quality. It is a fully flush insert, fans are pretty quiet. I could not do it, but keep in mind that Inserts that protrude onto the hearth can provide more heat w/o running the fans. The Jotul 450 kennebec can be installed almost fully flush but has variable protrusion onto the hearth.

That said there are many great units out there. Post your fireplace dimensions (preferably with a picture) so you can figure out what will fit and really explore your options.

Don't get too caught up in the manufacturer's posted btu's. The square ft of your house is good to know as is the layout to assess the ability to move the heated air out of the stove room and throughout the home.

 

[Paul L]

The Pacific Energy inserts have a very good reputation on the forum so you may not want to take it off the list due to door size alone.

The OP says door size is a prime consideration so of course door size alone is a reason to take an insert off the list.

 

[bholler]

regency inserts use the same door as their free standing counterparts not sure why you would exclude an insert because of door size. we sell and install regency and Hampton units and the Hampton is great but not very big

 

[Hogwildz]

An insert and freestander of same make and model have same door, so that theory is incorrect.
The size difference from one manufacturer to another for a similar sized stove is usually minimal an not many would notice that much a noticeable difference.

 

[prezes13]

How about lopi cape cod? Steel stove and cast iron surround or even a hybrid fyre. I am just trying to stick up for my stove since it's not that popular. Here is a pic of mine

 

[prezes13]

Vermont casting Montpelier is also very pretty. HI300 with enamel was one of my choices, but my dealer talked me out of it, I do not know why, because it's absolutely beautiful stove.

 

[begreen]

I would stick with 3 cu ft inserts for heating 2600 sq ft., especially if there are high ceilings.

 

[Dave A.]

Might check out Enviro Boston (fancy door) or Cabello (plain door) 1700 if you want that cast iron look. They are one of the largest fireboxes in that type insert. Have to agree about 3 cf size being indicated with 2600 sf, though Miss. winters are likely less severe than elsewhere, so you may be okay with something a little smaller.

 

[begreen]

Take a look at the big Jotul C550, Lopi Freedom, Pacific Energy Summit, Country Canyon, Regency 3100, etc. inserts.

 

[smmjam12]

I have the Hampton HI300, second year with it and really like it. I run it with the fan on hi most of the time. this unit looks good and throws a ton of heat.

 

[Makers Mark]

I have a quad voyager grand really like it. House was 72* when it was minus 1. Have never had wood heater with window till I got quad. have to say we have really enjoyed it. With normal temps for Ga. have to be careful or it gets living room and kitchen too hot. We are in NW Ga. so our temps should be pretty close. Go State.

 

[Stax]

I would stick with 3 cu ft inserts for heating 2600 sq ft., especially if there are high ceilings.

I second that. Mine (Lopi Declaration) is 2.9 and I'm just heating 1,700 sq. ft. Why not a free stander?

 

[Leonard]

We bought the Hampton HI300 in the antique brown finish ( very nice looking piece ) it does a nice job of heating most of our house which is 2600 sq ft open 1st floor plan. We have run this stove for 5 yrs 24/7 pretty much from November through March. I blow the fans out with an air gun and 2x since owning I have adjusted tightened the surround.