do I need a rail kit if I can access back of M-55i?

[quietcorner dad]

I'm a newbie intending to install an Enviro M-55 insert into a doublesided fireplace.

In my first thread, I asked for--and gratefully received--help re: where to put an outlet into this fireplace. [see

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/advice-putting-electric-outlet-in-fireplace.120266/#post-1612366 ]

I also got advice about hiding the outlet...I could block off the side of the fireplace I'm not using with black-painted cement board to prevent seeing the outlet...I may seek a way to do this that would still make it easy to get that board--or two boards--out; Cleetussnow told me that it would be useful to retain access to the back of the stove via the doublesided fireplace; I could vacuum the blower fan or change a fuse more easily this way...

this made me wonder if I need a rail kit for cleaning down the road; apologies for a real newbie question, as I don't yet fully understand what I'll be able to--and need to--get at when doing weekly or annual cleaning.

[and yes, I have seen that some of folks on this board have succeeded at constructing their own rails for much less than enviro's rail kit. Though I can do simple woodworking, I don't trust myself to make rails when such an expensive investment depends on them & how I use them.]

attached pic shows the side of the fireplace that will have insert, but you can see right through to kitchen chairs in back; both sides currently have identical black framed glass doors.

thanks for any advice/help you can give re: getting the rail kit, and why it is/is not needed even if I can access the stove from the back.

tom

 

[jgrz0610]

It's kind of up to you. If you don't mind laying down with the hearth digging into your gut while you fumble around with dropping screws from the back side...no kit required...lol. I'm only half kidding. You have access with the double fireplace but it would still be kind of a PITA in my opinion. Don't sell yourself short. Simple woodworking? Make a 2X4 support and get some steel Lchannel from HDepot. It's really THAT easy. You could do the first year cleaning without the rails and see how you enjoy pulling the blowers etc without it. Worst case scenario, you go buy one for year two. I wouldn't want to buy it and then never use it, kicking myself the whole time because some guy in CT on a hearth forum told me I needed it...

 

[bostonfan49]

Either way, you need to pull out the stove 1/2 way through the season (just my opinion) for a mid season clean. If your handy, a home built might be fine. I am pretty handy with a lot of stuff but not wood! I got the rail kit from Enviro for about $100+ and I love it. I also have an OAK and it's very important that everything line up perfectly....oh yeah, where the two pieces of the exhaust flange meet.....because of the surround, you can't see beans the final few inches of closing.....Good Luck, Bill

 

[quietcorner dad]

Either way, you need to pull out the stove 1/2 way through the season (just my opinion) for a mid season clean. If your handy, a home built might be fine. I am pretty handy with a lot of stuff but not wood! I got the rail kit from Enviro for about $100+ and I love it. I also have an OAK and it's very important that everything line up perfectly....oh yeah, where the two pieces of the exhaust flange meet.....because of the surround, you can't see beans the final few inches of closing.....Good Luck, Bill

jgrz0610, bostonfan49--thank you!
I'm grateful for input from y'all who own an m55i.
Happy new year!
tom