Existing double sided fireplace - use Invicta Aaron double sided woodstove?

[stephiegirl]

My husband and I bought a 70's house with a double sided brick fireplace. We had the chimney rebuilt and have been dragging out feet on what to do as we have found there are not many solutions for these types of fireplaces and they suck heated air out of the house up the chimney. I keep looking for some sort of double sided wood stove solution. During the pandemic I only found options for overseas market, but this past year I found the Invicta Aaron double sided wood stove. It is basically a box that can be placed on a stand or can be freestanding. I realize that putting a wood stove inside a fireplace is not ideal - but, it is better than having raging fires that suck the heat out of our house and we would still have the look through feel vs putting an insert in one side and closing off the other side. I was also wondering if having the space around the stove might help the heat move a bit? I am getting really bummed about this.

Our existing see through is 46" wide, 31" high and 35" deep. I attached a photo of what we have.

The invicta aaron is 36" wide, 25" tall and 19" deep. This is what I am looking at: https://smokeymountainfireplaces.co...g-stove-fireplace?_pos=3&_sid=d0af190be&_ss=r

Any thoughts?

Thank you !!

Steph

 

[begreen]

Interesting option. This is a French fireplace that is usually freestanding. Make sure there are no caveats for installing in a fireplace. I didn't find any in the manual, but it's good to check with the dealer. It takes a 7" liner, so verify that the current tile liner of the fireplace is large enough to accomodate this.

 

[stephiegirl]

Thanks for your input!

 

[clancey]

Good looking set up--very pretty...clancey

 

[pixie]

We are considering a similar set-up with the Invicta Nelson/Aaron in our see-through fireplace. @stephiegirl, did you go with the Invicta and if so, how did it turn out?

 

[30WCF]

Although is says up to 30” logs, it does say in the description to burn small quantities of wood. So it will need frequent feedings to keep the wood off the doors.

 

[EbS-P]

I don’t recall anyone successfully posting a double sided insert in a masonry fireplace in the last 6 years. Does anyone else?

Not saying it cannot be done but it’s a difficult to find a workable solution.

 

[stephiegirl]

We are considering a similar set-up with the Invicta Nelson/Aaron in our see-through fireplace. @stephiegirl, did you go with the Invicta and if so, how did it turn out?

Hi @pixie so we have done nothing yet. I had a chimney insert/wood stove installer come in for a quote and got totally turned off - he gave me a quote that was a ton of money more than another reputable chimney installer gave me for a different but similar set up. I just had my chimney rebuilt and this installer also mentioned that I would most likely "need to have my oil burner flue replaced" for over $3500, however, it's been inspected and I was told do not let anyone tell you you need this replaced.
To his credit he did mention that it would not output much heat due to being recessed in the chimney - basically not extended out into the space like it is intended to be installed since it is a wood stove. It would be more ambiance. I can't afford to spend that kind of money for looks. I need/want function.
So, I am trying still trying to figure out what to do.
I am really wishing I could use this fireplace and have a cozy fire right now with all this cold weather. It is a real bummer

 

[begreen]

A single-sided insert will fulfill the wish for heat. The other side can be covered with a mesh grille so that some of the insert's cabinet heat exits to the rear.

 

[pixie]

Hi @stephiegirl, I'm sorry I missed your earlier message and to hear that this has been a challenging and journey. Seems to be the case with our smokey dual sided fireplaces... We pursued the Invicta Aaron/Nelson and have just learned neither unit is approved to be installed into a fireplace. Their latest version of the installation manual has been updated with this statement.

We have concluded the best option for us is to have 2 wood burning inserts installed back to back (or close to back to back). In this way we'll have a good source of alternate heat and while we'll miss the see through nature, we will be able to view fires on both sides. Definitely not an inexpensive option, but we're in it for the long haul. @begreen thanks for your input too! I appreciate all the insights offered on this forum.

 

[stovelark]

Does Supreme still make a double sided stove, if so that may be an option too. I found this stove/insert very appealing. Guess its radiant only no blower? I'd think blocking off the damper area would keep the heat inside. Interesting design. Stay warm.

 

[stephiegirl]

Hi @stephiegirl, I'm sorry I missed your earlier message and to hear that this has been a challenging and journey. Seems to be the case with our smokey dual sided fireplaces... We pursued the Invicta Aaron/Nelson and have just learned neither unit is approved to be installed into a fireplace. Their latest version of the installation manual has been updated with this statement.

We have concluded the best option for us is to have 2 wood burning inserts installed back to back (or close to back to back). In this way we'll have a good source of alternate heat and while we'll miss the see through nature, we will be able to view fires on both sides. Definitely not an inexpensive option, but we're in it for the long haul. @begreen thanks for your input too! I appreciate all the insights offered on this forum.

Thanks for the heads up about not being able to use the invicta in a fireplace, crosses that off my list I had also gotten the double insert installation quote at one point and also considered one on one side and a grill to cover the other side.... but not sure how great that would look. My son has a cute little jotul that sits outside of his fireplace and it is great at heating his house.
I sometimes envision removing the whole darn fireplace it is a behemoth! It is just sad what a waste of masonry the whole thing is when you consider it it so inefficient. If I truly did that then I think I would go with a wood stove because then I could re-use it LOL!!

 

[begreen]

Does Supreme still make a double sided stove, if so that may be an option too. I found this stove/insert very appealing. Guess its radiant only no blower? I'd think blocking off the damper area would keep the heat inside. Interesting design. Stay warm.

I think they dropped that awhile ago. They do make a turnkey, see-thru fireplace still.

 

[bigealta]

I'd go with 1 freestanding woodstove 1/2 in and 1/2 out one side of the fireplace. If you are really bold add another smaller woodstove (maybe like that small jotul you mentioned) on the other side. Same thing part in and part out.

Use the bigger one when it's cold, and the smaller one when it's not that cold.
And when the freeze of the century hits fire them both up.

How big is the flue you have in there now?

 

[stephiegirl]

I'd go with 1 freestanding woodstove 1/2 in and 1/2 out one side of the fireplace. If you are really bold add another smaller woodstove (maybe like that small jotul you mentioned) on the other side. Same thing part in and part out.

Use the bigger one when it's cold, and the smaller one when it's not that cold.
And when the freeze of the century hits fire them both up.

How big is the flue you have in there now?

The flue is pretty big - chimney sweep said it would be no problem to run two double walled insulated flue pipes up through the chimney

 

[EbS-P]

Can you really watch two fires at once I mean like really enjoy them?

There will not be much or any of a view through the fireplace. Personally I would focus on one side. The side I spend the most time one and make it really nice. Sized for the house/space.

I have run two different stoves this winter at the same time more than any other year. I’m really wanting a mini split for the cold but not extreme cold times.

 

[stovelark]

Wow, two stoves and two liner systems installed , thats gonna be 15K. Still believe a double-sided stove and one liner might be more reasonable. It does give you more flexibility though, having two stoves back to back. Stay warm.

 

[stephiegirl]

Wow, two stoves and two liner systems installed , thats gonna be 15K. Still believe a double-sided stove and one liner might be more reasonable. It does give you more flexibility though, having two stoves back to back. Stay warm.

Unfortunately, apparently we are unable to use the double sided stove - it is not approved for use in existing fireplaces - see a comment above from #pixie that the installation guide for the Invicta was updated to reflect no approval for use in fireplaces. Yeah, back to back might be overkill - the footprint of the fireplace is enormous. Not sure that I want to do. We were forced to redo fireplace from roof up because it was in bad shape and we still needed to use flue for our heating system. So, we are already in $$$ for this fireplace that is completely inefficient. If I could go back in time I might have decided to tear the thing down to gain some square footage. And then put a woodstove somewhere. That is why I have not committed to doing anything and spending more $$$

 

[bigealta]

Unfortunately, apparently we are unable to use the double sided stove - it is not approved for use in existing fireplaces - see a comment above from #pixie that the installation guide for the Invicta was updated to reflect no approval for use in fireplaces. Yeah, back to back might be overkill - the footprint of the fireplace is enormous. Not sure that I want to do. We were forced to redo fireplace from roof up because it was in bad shape and we still needed to use flue for our heating system. So, we are already in $$$ for this fireplace that is completely inefficient. If I could go back in time I might have decided to tear the thing down to gain some square footage. And then put a woodstove somewhere. That is why I have not committed to doing anything and spending more $$$

I have a large interior fireplace with a Jotul f400 woodstove in it. Yes a bit of space would be gained without it but it drafts excellently in all weather no matter what. And it's maybe 16' tall max so it's Not a tall fireplace with a very strong pull. just good steady draw even when cold and in warm weather where drafts are weak.

The heat sink effect of all the brick makes the room feel warm after it warms up. It's similar to warm floors but in a more subdued way.
I'd definitely leave it. The reality is the added space is marginal and a woodstove installed elsewhere in the house will take up almost as much floor space when you add all the space needed for clearances etc.

An interior fireplace is a luxury few people have. They are often very under appreciated by new homeowners and new wood burners.

 

[stephiegirl]

I have a large interior fireplace with a Jotul f400 woodstove in it. Yes a bit of space would be gained without it but it drafts excellently in all weather no matter what. And it's maybe 16' tall max so it's Not a tall fireplace with a very strong pull. just good steady draw even when cold and in warm weather where drafts are weak.

The heat sink effect of all the brick makes the room feel warm after it warms up. It's similar to warm floors but in a more subdued way.
I'd definitely leave it. The reality is the added space is marginal and a woodstove installed elsewhere in the house will take up almost as much floor space when you add all the space needed for clearances etc.

An interior fireplace is a luxury few people have. They are often very under appreciated by new homeowners and new wood burners.

okay, good points thank you for the help in thinking this through! My son loves his little Jotul and so do his cats! I definitely like the idea of a wood stove and I have been reading up on everyone who has insulated around the flue area to reduce the loss of heat up the flue etc. We could also remove the long "bench" on the side we don't use as much and gain 16" of use-able floor space.

 

[EbS-P]

I relooked at your picture. Less is more. I wouldn’t tear anything out. A single radiant stove would make the most sense. Two inserts will stick out quite a bit into each hearth with isn’t terrible but will require ember floor protection.


If you could find a used f500 v2. Put short legs in on it (and take the handle off the side load door. they sell a kit)
Add a damper if it’s a tall chimney with a long removable Handel (I use a grill spatula😔).
That’s what I would be looking for.


I can’t say my next recommendation is great but it will look good and heat well if you are willing to risk a stove that has some questionable catalyst function/quality

Jøtul F500v3 with short legs. It will have an ugly UL tag on the back that you legally can’t remove but if one were to relocate it on a piece of picture wire to under the ash pan it would pass my unofficial inspection.

The back of the stove doesn’t look terrible.

 

[stephiegirl]

I relooked at your picture. Less is more. I wouldn’t tear anything out. A single radiant stove would make the most sense. Two inserts will stick out quite a bit into each hearth with isn’t terrible but will require ember floor protection.


If you could find a used f500 v2. Put short legs in on it (and take the handle off the side load door. they sell a kit)
Add a damper if it’s a tall chimney with a long removable Handel (I use a grill spatula😔).
That’s what I would be looking for.


I can’t say my next recommendation is great but it will look good and heat well if you are willing to risk a stove that has some questionable catalyst function/quality

Jøtul F500v3 with short legs. It will have an ugly UL tag on the back that you legally can’t remove but if one were to relocate it on a piece of picture wire to under the ash pan it would pass my unofficial inspection.

The back of the stove doesn’t look terrible.

thank you, I am thinking that with the short legs that the air would move through the opening and that the backside room would benefit from the heat as well and that if I insulated the top of the fireplace around the exit pipe that I could prevent a lot of the heat from just hanging out in the flue exit area.

 

[EbS-P]

could prevent a lot of the heat from just hanging out in the flue exit area.

We call that an insulated block off plate.

I might even consider doors for the back side room. Or some perforated metal/screen.

A contractor recommended we make out masonry fireplace a double sided gas fireplace (and cover all the stone with tile) 4 years before we got the stove. We are so thankful we didn’t. We just kept it original. And removed all the walls on each side of it.

 

[stephiegirl]

Thanks for the input. Yes, everyone was saying get a gas insert. Which would have meant getting a line installed and hooking up service. Now gas prices are through the roof this season in MA. For various reasons!!

 

[bigealta]

Block off plates are pretty simple to install so they are not that big a concern cost wise.

I agree about a jotul f500v2 (older model). That would be a good fit
An f400 would also be ok as it's the next size smaller from the f500. But you would have to get that used too.

What about an f45 in that space?

How big is the space you want to heat?