Another Recommendation Question / Fireplace insert / Wood

[Reming870]

Looking for recommendations to add an insert to our most inefficient fireplace. Location is in North Central MA. I am not planning on this as a primary heat source but looking for the ability to still run all day. House is only 1600 square feet built in the 60's with 1/2 that on the same level as the fireplace. I have previously owned a Drolet Escape 1800 free-standing in another house and miss that stove a lot! I am open to all manufacturers and have no serious preference. The fireplace opening is 37 wide x 21 High x 23 deep and drops by about 2-inch after the opening. The chimney is about 25 ft to the top.

 

[hockeypuck]

I have had the HI300 for 14 years now. It has been a great stove. I am not sure about fit. It's a non-cat stove which makes it very easy to adjust heat output. No problem with overnight burns, and takes an 18" log, north south and east west.

No affiliation with the store below, just came up first on the google machine.
https://gasgrillsandfireplaces.com/hampton-hi300-medium-insert/

 

[EbS-P]

The 1800i insert is well made and good value. it might need a damper. Mine does on 23’ of insulated liner.

 

[Reming870]

I only have an opening that is 21 inches high then a 2-inch drop to the bottom of the fireplace. The Drolet needs 23 3/8 inches of opening height.

 

[EbS-P]

I only have an opening that is 21 inches high then a 2-inch drop to the bottom of the fireplace. The Drolet needs 23 3/8 inches of opening height.

21” isn’t very high. That will limit choices. You said it drops 2” does that mean you need 19” high?

 

[Reming870]

The actual opening is only 21 high at the hearth, then it drops another 2-inches. I am assuming it was built this way for ash build up of the fireplace. I figured I would have to build up brick blocking inside to support an insert.