Anybody running the NexGen Fyre model? I have the generation prior, which uses a catalyst. The NexGen does not use a catalyst. I do not like all the maintenance that my catalyst requires. Any feedback on the NexGen? Anybody know how the two compare as far as burn times or BTUs?
Fireplace xtrordinair or Lopi Large hybrid vs NexGen Fyre
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FPX Dude
Feeling the Heat
My FPX requires zero maint, only when I brush do I clean it and put in new interam gasket. Burns bright orange and no smoke in stack so working perfectly. What maint are you doing?
I think that is the problem, we have different units. I have the Large Flush Hybrid Fyre insert. I know another member on here has problems with it where flames lick the cat. As a result, he made a flame deflector out of metal mesh. I did the same and I do believe that helps with the flame licking. But, flame licking absolutely destroys the ceramic cats in short order. My first cat lasted one season before it was all cracked. The last ceramic, I got two years out of it. But, it was completely destroyed. I now have the steel cat and that lasts much longer. But, i hear they clog a little faster.
The new design of this insert does not use a cat. I have been around long enough to know that likely has to do with way too many warranty claims on cats for the previous design. This is a beautiful insert, but damn, it destroys catalysts.
I use this thing all winter, 24/7. I burn dry wood. I have a moisture meter. I am not buying that is the issue. I have a tall chimney, with a 30ft liner. I am sure I have a strong draft, which may contribute to the flame licking. I keep the air control at 60-80% closed for most of my burns. I try to keep the cat temps 1000-1250 degrees. I have spoke with the manufacturer of the cats, they approve of that. They claim 1400 is totally fine. They want hot fires in order for the cat to clean itself.
But, one of my problems is that I choke it down when I leave for work. When I get home 8 hours later, the cat is engaged, fire cold and cat temps at only 200 ish. They say that can clog the cat. So, I will try to be mindful and make sure I get the next fire nice and hot.
As far as maintenance, I treat this thing like a Ferrari and my father, who is not mechanically inclined, would have had this thing removed years ago. I have an auto detail attachment that I hook up to my ash vac. I vacuum the cat almost daily when I get home from work. It only takes about a minute. That is all I really do. I then have to take the cat out after about two months and do a full pipe cleaner cleaning of all 3000 cells, which takes about 2 hours. I then put on a new gasket and put it back in. I get mixed information with regards to compressed air. But, when I had the cat out 2 days ago, I hit it with a light cleaning with canned compressed air for a computer. I think that is fine and will likely add this to my repertoire. But, I may have to make some sort of adapter for the hose because I don't think I can hit the cat directly from below.
Any suggestions? I love the look of this insert. I like it a lot when it works. But, it plugs steel cats way to fast and ceramic cats are like just throwing in a lamb to be slaughtered. I will sell the brand new ceramic cat I have in the basement to fund my next steel cat.
FPX Dude
Feeling the Heat
I put ~3 cords a year thru mine. I only use supercedars (never paper/cardboard) and ammin for wood, which is really dry. Steel cat is honestly 7+ years and I figure as long as it's still kicking out heat, no smoke in stack, and glowing orange, it must be working. On startup/reload I keep bypass at 50/50 until if I close it I can't see any smoke then will finally close all the way. Maybe run a brush over the cat once a month or so for some fly ash, and only clean once a season with air, and not too aggressive, I can see straight thru cells all the time, and generally just don't touch it. IR gun shows me at cruising range of 650, and air control is maybe half as well. What wood you burning, do you see smoke?
Yes, I have the Lopi Large Flush Insert - NexGen (no catalyst). Purchased in 2020, so I'm on my 3rd season with it. Its a great unit. Is there anything specific you're wanting to know about it?
I was wondering what you thought of it and was wondering if there is anybody that has compared the cat version, that I have, to the non-cat that you have. I wonder if the non cat puts out the same heat and has the same burn times. If it can do the same, then it is a major improvement! Cats are not cheap and the maintenance on this thing is not simple. I need to remove mine 2x per season to clean it. I am going to try a light compressed air cleaning tomorrow.
I believe the units are the exact same physical size. I think they even use the same fans. My unit has a cat temp probe. Is there any probe on the new units to get an objective measurement of what kind of heat it is putting out? Thanks.
I also have a lopi large unseet purchased in 2021 no cat version. It works fine no issues the return baffles seem to do a good job. The cat is supposed to give you longer burns. Mine I'm getting 7-8 hours of heat enough for an overnight burn maybe 9.
I believe there are specific start up procedures regarding a cat. Also I was at the lopi dealer few month ago inquiring about a second insert and was told the new model will be hybrid.
I believe there are specific start up procedures regarding a cat. Also I was at the lopi dealer few month ago inquiring about a second insert and was told the new model will be hybrid.
When you say hybrid, are you saying that they are going back to what they had, where there is a cat and re-burn tubes?
Yes the hybrid will have the baffles for re burn and a Cat. It's triple technology and will qualify for current tax credit I believe.
I can't compare the two, since I have only had the non-cat version, but its a great unit and I'm really happy with it. I have no problem getting 8-10 hour burns when I want to. I'm burning all hardwood, mostly oak. The splits are pretty big. I cut my wood 3 years ahead so I can have big (and dry) splits for those overnight burns.
As far as heat output, I would think the non-cat version has equal or greater high heat. The cat version would be more likely to perform better at low btu output. For me, its a non-issue. I typically only burn when its cold enough to be worth it to me. I just let the heat pumps handle it when its in the mid 40's or 50's. By the way, I'm heating roughly 3,000 sq ft and it has no problem at all.
It does not have a temp probe built in, but I have an Auber mounted to the flu collar. I'm not sure that would give you any useable data for the comparison you're trying to make. You might be able to find the BTU ratings of the hybrid and the next gen fyre from Travis Industries, or on the EPA website.
I am on my 6th year of the cat version being my main source of heat in NY. I burn about 8 cords a year. I love the way it looks and I really like the unit a lot, when the cat isn't clogged. It clogs after about 2 months for me and becomes almost useless. I then spend the 2-3 hours cleaning it and it works great again. Yesterday, I tried something different and I used very light compressed air to clean it in place. That is at the two week since last cleaning mark. I will see if a VERY light blow down will help. If they are truly going back to the cat version, then I imagine it will be a different design. The current design also gets licked by flames way to easily. Another member on here made a flame deflector and I use the same idea. This thing will destroy ceramic cats in 1-2 seasons for me.
I had to grease one fan for the first time a couple weeks ago. I ordered 2 new fans as back up. From what i understand, once they start squealing and you need to grease, they are on their way out.
Thanks.
I had to grease one fan for the first time a couple weeks ago. I ordered 2 new fans as back up. From what i understand, once they start squealing and you need to grease, they are on their way out.
Thanks.
I spoke with Travis today and there does not seem to be any real plan to change the design at the moment. It sounds like the two stoves are almost identical, except the catalyst. Would any of you be willing to snap a picture of the firebox? I am particularly interested in the number of reburn tubes and the box above them. I have a two rods on mine. One that controls the air, located at the bottom and one the engages the cat, located above the door. It seems like the non cat version has a rod above the door as well. What does it do. Also, the BTU ratings system may have changed. But, the cat version is 83,220 BTU and non cat is listed at 66,736 BTU. But, the rating system could have changed for all I know. I have 3 reburn tubes below the cat.
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