Looking for an insert to fit a 24"x24" opening.

[K2Orion]

Like the title says. I am looking for an insert to fit a fireplace in our "new to me" house. The fireplace was built in the last 10 years in a 25yr old house and has a 23 1/2"wide x 24"tall opening. It smokes and and has all the other ailments of a traditional fireplce.
I have checked the local suppliers who seem more interested in selling what they stock than getting what I am looking for. I have also spent hours online with google. I found these forums during those searches and have spent even more time searching here. I am impressed with what I have found here, but am still searching for a small insert. I read the "which stove " post but any suggestions or links are appreciated.

 

[MountainStoveGuy]

I would be courious as to what they have in stock. The smallest WOOD insert i sell is 27", what fuel type are you looking for? Your dealer should be able to order you anything you like as long it is a brand he/she is a dealer for.....

 

[K2Orion]

Wood
And 27" seems to be the smallest I have found other than the Regency I1200.

 

[Dix]

The Pacific Energy Vista will fit.

(broken link removed to http://www.pacificenergy.net/product_insert_vista.php)

Manual

(broken link removed to http://www.pacificenergy.net/PDF/manuals/VISTA) INSERT-C 010606-20.pdf

I had the links saved from my searching

 

[DBoon]

The Lopi Answer insert will fit also. More people on this site seem to have Pacific Energy stoves, but the ones that have Lopi's are very happy with them. I am quite happy with mine.

 

[zeb_walton]

I have a Lopi answer for sale, used 6 months. However, im across the country in N.Y.... If you need an unbiased report on the answer, let me know. I loved that little stove {insert}, but I wanted a bigger one so I bought a Lopi Freedom.
Zeb

 

[BrotherBart]

Is this a masonry or metal pre-fab fireplace. Hit us with a few pictures of it.

 

[K2Orion]

Masonry. I'll get some pics and post em this week.

 

[fredarm]

I have the PE Vista insert, installed last summer. I've really enjoyed it, it's a simple, easy to use unit and puts out nice heat for its size. It seems very well built. It's pretty small, so it won't hold a fire overnight, but there are coals left in the morning if you want to restart it. I'm mainly an evening and weekend woodburner, so didn't do too many morning starts. I'd highly recommend it.

 

[K2Orion]

Here's a pic. The silver thing on top is my attempt at a hood to keep it from smoking. The grate is a "Cozy Grate". It is a cradle made of square tube. There is blower in the square on the right and air passes through the tube and the outlet is on the left. The blower is controlled by a rheostat and comes on when the grate reaches 110. The blower is tolerable at low speed and obnoxious at more than 50%. It is made to work either in an open fireplace or with doors. It is NOT a substitute for an insert.

 

[Dix]

No, it's not, and I agree that you are on the right track with an insert.

Is this fireplace centrally located in the house, or on an outside wall?

I gotta tell ya, my fireplace had a "smoke shield", it didn't work, either :smirk:

 

[K2Orion]

Outside wall. Masonry chimney. I'm guessing about 10' of flue from the damper to the storm cap.
Family room with FP and kitchen/dining open floor plan are on the east end of the house with a large floor to ceiling bay window with a southern exposure in the family room. The bedrooms are on the west end down a hallway. Approx. 1200 sq. ft. upstairs.
My dream setup is to put a Quad 7100 or something similiar in the basement when I finish it. It's a walkout with french doors and great view to the north. It also has the easiest access to my wood storage. The basement will have a 24x20 family room where I'll put the Quad and a 3rd bath, 4th bedroom/office, laundry/mudroom and mechanical/ storage room. Unfortunately, that will cost quite a bit more than an insert for the existing FP. I will have to put the Quad on an outside wall and build a chase outside for the flue because there is nowhere to put one inside. But that is for another time after I have soaked up the Obama stimulus $$$. (I run heavy equipment for a highway contractor.) For now I just want to burn wood in my fireplace and heat my home with it.