Looking to buy a wood insert. Lots of questions....

[ReidStudio]

Hi all,

Newbie here, looking to buy a wood insert for our basement level in an existing fireplace...so needless to say lots of questions.
This will be supplemental heat in the cold months. Partially finished basement has heat, but stays a bit colder because with thermostat is upstairs. The idea is that heat would rise up from basement space into upper levels.
Online prices seem a lot lower than in-store. I was thinking of using eFireplace.com. Are they a good source? Any others that are better? As for brands it seems there are many good ones. Blower and standard features desired. I do have someone lined up to do the install. Just don't want to deal with that myself. Attached are specs for room and fireplace. Any advice and brand suggestions are appreciated.

 

[begreen]

It looks like a Drolet Escape 1800i would work. What is the fireplace depth at 23" high?

How large is the house upstairs? Where will the hot air that goes up the stairwell dump into?

 

[MRD1985]

Very similar to my fireplace dimensions. I use the Drolet 1800i. I love it.

Couple of tips. Bypass the thermostat for the blower. It can be inconsistent and problematic. Also keep a spare hinge kit. The pin for the roller on the door bends easily. Comes with 3 rollers and pins. Cheap at 30 bucks.

 

[ReidStudio]

It looks like a Drolet Escape 1800i would work. What is the fireplace depth at 23" high?

How large is the house upstairs? Where will the hot air that goes up the stairwell dump into?

Looks to be about 17" at 23"H. Hot air will travel up into hall way of first living floor..center of house. One floor above that. House is about 2800sf including finished basement.

 

[ReidStudio]

Very similar to my fireplace dimensions. I use the Drolet 1800i. I love it.

Couple of tips. Bypass the thermostat for the blower. It can be inconsistent and problematic. Also keep a spare hinge kit. The pin for the roller on the door bends easily. Comes with 3 rollers and pins. Cheap at 30 bucks.

That's two votes for Drolet.👍 Forgot to mention I do prefer something fairly flush with large window and a simple modern design (straight lines) The Drolet is pretty close. Anyone buy from eFireplace? Are they the best deals out there?? Thanks to all response in advance

 

[Mcuan88]

That's two votes for Drolet.👍 Forgot to mention I do prefer something fairly flush with large window and a simple modern design (straight lines) The Drolet is pretty close. Anyone buy from eFireplace? Are they the best deals out there?? Thanks to all response in advance

I bought my Osburn Inspire 2000 from eFireplace and had no problems. Delivery guy put it right in my garage until my scheduled installer was ready for it. I called them to schedule the delivery for a specific day in which they were very accommodating (this was in March '24).

The Inspire is contemporary with a nice viewing glass but it's a flush insert so less radiant heat than others.