Is an insert even possible?

[Chilli]

I’ve made a couple of inquiries at local fireplace stores and seem to be getting nowhere. I was hoping to have an insert installed in the available space without having to engage in major demolition work. Any suggestions for my available space would be greatly appreciated. I live in Wisconsin.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

I’ve made a couple of inquiries at local fireplace stores and seem to be getting nowhere. I was hoping to have an insert installed in the available space without having to engage in major demolition work. Any suggestions for my available space would be greatly appreciated. I live in Wisconsin.

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You may find something that fits, but a bigger thing to look at is your current flue setup. Do you know whats up there?

 

[begreen]

Is the back of the fireplace vertical or does it slope to the front? What is the depth at 20" from the hearth floor. If the back is relatively straight up at 20" high, then a Lopi Answer with a custom surround might work. Cut a sheet of cardboard to represent its base of 23 5/8" wide by 14 1/4" deep to check the fit.



Another alernative is to consider installing a freestanding stove in that space. It may project out further onto the hearth. If so, a hearth extension pad may be required.

 

[Chilli]

The back of the fireplace goes straight up 30”. Then it tapers in (see pic). I created a cardboard cutout 23 5/8" wide by 14 1/4" deep but it doesn’t go all the way to the back as the sides taper in.

 

[begreen]

It looks like the freestanding Drolet Spark could snuggle in there. It would require a 6" insulated liner and a blockoff plate in the damper area is strongly recommended to keep the heat in the room.

High Efficiency Wood Stove | Spark II

The Spark II wood stove is EPA certified at 1.8 g/h - 45,000 BTU/h to heat up to 1200 ft² - Logs of 17 '' - On steel legs - Made in Canada. Us.

www.drolet.ca

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

It looks like the freestanding Drolet Spark could snuggle in there. It would require a 6" insulated liner and a blockoff plate in the damper area is strongly recommended to keep the heat in the room.

High Efficiency Wood Stove | Spark II

The Spark II wood stove is EPA certified at 1.8 g/h - 45,000 BTU/h to heat up to 1200 ft² - Logs of 17 '' - On steel legs - Made in Canada. Us.

www.drolet.ca

This would be a great fit, being a bit of a "long nosed" stove would help it feel like its actually in the room as opposed to in that cave of a fireplace.

 

[stoveliker]

Yes, but if the fireplace is on an outside wall, a lot of the heat radiated from the Drolet will then get shed outside...

If there is enough space (...), a layer of rockwool boards covered with cement board (that you could paint black with stove bright or so), would help mightily with retaining heat in such a case.
(and the block off plate of course).

 

[begreen]

Yes, but if the fireplace is on an outside wall, a lot of the heat radiated from the Drolet will then get shed outside...

If there is enough space (...), a layer of rockwool boards covered with cement board (that you could paint black with stove bright or so), would help mightily with retaining heat in such a case.
(and the block off plate of course).

Yes, good suggestion if this is on an exterior wall. A layer of micore covered with cement board or sheet metal painted black would also work.

 

[Chilli]

Would the Drolet Spark be the only option? Is an insert out of the question with my available space? Does anyone have a recommendation for an installer in Appleton WI?

 

[HotBurner]

Would the Drolet Spark be the only option?

Earlier this week I had a Hearthstone Heritage installed in a similar space to yours. Like you, I wanted a new insert but was told there aren't any that would fit and be up to code. The Hearthstone is beautiful and has me looking foward to winter!

 

[begreen]

The Spark is not the only choice. It's just a low cost solution. The Ironstrike C160 Striker might squeak in there. It's 12.5" deep behind the surround by 25.5" wide.

Striker C160 - IronStrike

Country Stoves Collection wood-burning inserts offer the ultimate in clean-burning, reliable heat to warm your home and your family. Premium-grade materials, quality craftsmanship, and sophisticated technology ensure that every Country Stoves Collection insert we make will provide you and your...

ironstrike.us.com