Challenge to find inserts < 16" deep?

[PelletPractitioner]

We're considering replacing a gas fireplace with a wood insert. The depth is only 16" but the height is 29". I've only looked at Blaze King, Pacific Energy, and Regency, but I haven't found any inserts that will fit. I think Pacific Energy has one that will fit depth-wise, but the surround is 2" too short.

I was hoping to put in a wood insert without spending too much money. Is knocking out the back wall of the firebox even a possibility? I guess that's a case-by-case problem I'd need to talk to a dealer about.

 

[begreen]

Surrounds can be extended by attaching a strip of metal. Is it short on the top or sides?

 

[PelletPractitioner]

The top. Just saw the oversized surround on the PE Vista covers everything. So that model appears to be my only choice. Everything else seems to be 16" + deep.

The PE Vista is 56k BTU, ~26k BTU EPA-measured, so a little smaller than what I wanted...

 

[begreen]

I don't know your fireplace size, but some inserts are adjustable. The Lopi Freedom is large and can go in as shallow as 13.5".

 

[bholler]

We're considering replacing a gas fireplace with a wood insert. The depth is only 16" but the height is 29". I've only looked at Blaze King, Pacific Energy, and Regency, but I haven't found any inserts that will fit. I think Pacific Energy has one that will fit depth-wise, but the surround is 2" too short.

I was hoping to put in a wood insert without spending too much money. Is knocking out the back wall of the firebox even a possibility? I guess that's a case-by-case problem I'd need to talk to a dealer about.

When you say replace your gas fireplace what type is the fireplace?

 

[PelletPractitioner]

I don't know your fireplace size, but some inserts are adjustable. The Lopi Freedom is large and can go in as shallow as 13.5".

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like Lopi has a bunch more stoves that are < 16" deep.

 

[bholler]

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like Lopi has a bunch more stoves that are < 16" deep.

Is this a masonry fireplace? Or a prefab?

 

[PelletPractitioner]

Is this a masonry fireplace? Or a prefab?

Masonry I think. It's a brick hearth and feels rock solid. But half-way up it transitions to drywall and the drywall sounds completely hollow like it is enclosing the vent pipe.

 

[bholler]

Masonry I think. It's a brick hearth and feels rock solid. But half-way up it transitions to drywall and the drywall sounds completely hollow like it is enclosing the vent pipe.

Post some pics. An insert may not even be an option