With the big box stores starting their end-of-season sales, I'm thinking about picking up an Englander/Summer's Heat 13NC to install as a hearthmount stove. I have been running an Osburn 1600i for the last few years and think at these prices a second stove would be a good idea. Being more familiar with inserts, I'm looking for feedback from folks who have installed the 13 or similar stoves into a masonry fireplace. Are you happy with the performance? Would you do it again as opposed to using an insert? With the freestanding stove being so much less expensive than the inserts, it seems like a good idea. My Osburn is undersized for my house (2600 sq ft colonial in CT), but it was the best option for my living room fireplace that has clearance issues. I'll be installing the new stove at the opposite end of the house from my Osburn, where the heat doesn't make it to very well.
Thanks for the feedback.
Thanks for the feedback.