I need a review on a Monessen Monarch BFC36

[firefight43]

I have an old Martin Wood Burning fireplace box and looking to replace with a high efficiency fireplace to supplement the heat on my first floor and be able keep the doors closed at all times and uses less firewood. I was considering getting the Monessen Monarch BFC which has all the features that I'm looking for and I believe that I can just take my old fireplace box out and replace it with this one because it has the same specs, plus I like the price of it which is around $3k. Some of the other ones I was looking at Like the Fireplace Xtrordinair were about $4k-$5K. I'm looking for some advice. I can't find any reviews on this fireplace and before I buy it I want to make sure its not a piece of junk. Any info would be great. Thanks.

 

[sticks]

The BFC is a better fireplace than what you have but it is not close to an FPX. I probably sound like a broken record(or a scratched CD) but take a look at a Kozy Z42. The FPX is my favorite but they can be a pain on a switch out.

 

[firefight43]

I can get the BFC for $2500. I can't afford the price of the other units. Would I be make a total mistake getting the BFC. Thanks Bonzo

 

[begreen]

I can't see where this unit is going to meet the requested high efficiency criteria. How large an are you trying to heat? Is the Martin shot? If not, could it accommodate a wood insert with a liner instead? Or could a freestanding stove (rear-exit) be place on the hearth in front of the Martin?

 

[firefight43]

The martin glass doors broke and it doesn't have a blower and burns the logs quickly. I really want one where I could close the door keep it safe from the kids and if I have to leave the house. I putting in radiant heat in the floors to heat my 1st floor so I'm looking for this just to supplement the heat which is about 1000 sq ft on 1st floor. The whole house is 2100. I want it to be a zero clearance flush mount because I'm building a mantle around it. What you think?

 

[begreen]

If the goal is efficient, safe heat I think you might be able to install an insert like the Enviro line. Do you have the model number for the Martin? The glass doors on the Martin would need to come off anyway. The insert has its own blower. If the mantel is not already in, then consider a non-combustible mantel or put in the mantel at a height that meets the insert's clearance requirements, or put in a mantel heat shield.

If the goal is just to pretty it up and have a more modern fireplace with a blower, then the Monarch could do, but I think you can get more efficient units for the same price. Have you looked at the Napoleon NZ26 or Lennox Brentwood? Visit some more dealers and keep asking questions.

http://www.choosefireplacesandstoves.com/fireplaces/Wood-Burning-fireplaces/

 

[firefight43]

I have a Martin SC36. I don't have a brick chimney just a chase way with vent flue pipe. They don't make this model anymore and replaced by Monessen Soverign model. I'm making the whole mantle myself so not a concern. Thanks for the info

 

[begreen]

Other inserts might also fit. We would need full dimensions of the firebox including front L&W, rear L&W, and depth, top and bottom.

FWIW, a glass kit is about $330 and they may have made a fan kit (FA2?) for this model as well.