Biggest Wood Insert known to Man / Other recommendations

[MattyC]

Hi All,

I've got a fairly massive fireplace and I'm planning on installing a woodburning insert. The major issue is that the fireplace opening and the brick facing are both really large. The fireplace space is 44" wide by 30" high by 22" deep. The surrounding brick is 102" wide by 50" high. The room itself is fairly large - 26' by 16' with 9' ceiling.

We're looking for something that adequately fits the opening and will match the size of the bricks and the room. As background: when we bought the place, it had a tiny little gas insert in the space with a massive surround - it looked like a candle in a castle. We hated it so much we removed it (disconnected gas, removed line, etc.) and have just had the opening sitting empty with some logs thrown in as "decoration".

I've been searching manufacturer's websites / forums for the biggest insert I can find (and preferably with the largest glass) and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on the absolute largest insert (think Moby Dick of inserts). I've looked at models such as Country Flame BFF, Buck Stove Model 91, Lopi Freedom Bay and Lopi Large Flush Wood Insert. We're leaning towards the Flush Wood Insert (partially because of looks and partially because of the existing hearth depth. The largest I've found in the flush is the Lopi Large Flush Wood Insert which is approximately 31" wide and 24" tall. Is there anything out there that sits flush that is bigger than that?

On the other hand, are there any alternatives to an insert with a space this big that I'm missing? (We're not interested in a gas fireplace)

Thanks in advance!
Matt

 

[weatherguy]

Look at the Kuma Sequoia

 

[dafattkidd]

Have you considered a hearth mounted stove as opposed to an insert? With that much masonry it might be a nice aesthetic to have a large hearth mounted wood stove in a masonry fireplace.

 

[Hogwildz]

Sounds like a good place for an Equinox

 

[jeff_t]

Freestanding stove would look good in that space, for sure.

What size is the flue? Can it accomodate an 8" liner?

 

[mstoelton]

I have two fire places the same size as yours. I am in the process of installing a second Hearthstone Clydesdale insert into my livingroom fireplace. The first one went into our finished basement.

The clydesdale is an insert that is approximately 31 inches wide and 23 inches tall. It has one of the largest viewing glass areas available.

The Clydesdale is a soapstone lined insert that is made of steel and cast iron.

The soapstone liner causes the insert to heat a little slower and also to retain its heat a little longer. The soapstone acts as a heat sink. together the soapstone and the cast iron make the Clydesdale a more gentle heating appliance than some inserts. The Clyde will get my 1600 sq foot basement up to 80 degrees with no problem if I desire. I have to keep the blower on a very low setting to keep the beast from overheating our basement living room.

The surround for the clydesdale is 48 inches wide and 30 inches tall, so it should fit perfectly in your fireplace. If the surround is not quite tall enough there are trim pieces available that will allow you to raise the insert slightly while still making the install look good.

The Clydesdale was redesigned in 2009. Any reviews on the forum prior to that time are talking about a different insert. The original had some issues around noisy fans and weak door latch. These issues have been fixed.

 

[weatherguy]

His height is 30", he could fit a Progress Hybrid with a short leg kit, most of the rear vent Jotul's are 30.5" so that would rule those out. Not sure of the height of other rear vents, those are the only ones I've checked so far.