glenlloyd said:I'm voting for the insert since I think it would sit deeper into the firebox and leave more of the hearth brick revealed. There's not a lot of brick out front so I don't think it can sit all that much out there without additional protection. I count 8" brick in front with maybe another 8" (or less) brick behind it up to the facing. A stove sitting out in front would require addition protection. An insert may also require protection but since I don't have exact measurements cant tell.
You could install an insert and then mask the liner with a simple piece of black pipe wrapped around just for appearance, that way you could avoid using the plain paneling kits that most inserts use, also you would preserve your arched firebox but still have the flat top insert. You could also have custom panels made to exactly fit your opening too.
Much of your decision will have to come from what's there in terms of masonry and to what extent you want to modify that in order to fit the stove you want.
good luck
steve
Yep that can be really attractive too!