looking to purchase new wood insert.

[BAYRAT]

Looking to put a wood insert in my old(1860s) home that I am renovating. Have approx. 1000 sf open floor plan downstairs and 800 up. House is a little uninsulated and can be drafty. looking to cut back on my oil so iwill be using this for a heat source. Fireplace is centrally located and chimney is in good shape but will need a liner. There are limited dealers in my area and all pitch ther own products. Lopi Declaration seems to be the way I am leaning but is much pricier ($4750 stove,installation) than others Napoleon, Regency. looking to make investment that will last but don't want to overspend either. Couldn't find many reviews on Napoleon1101 or Quadraflame voyageur. Any input would be helpful. This site has been very helpful and intersting so far.

 

[begreen]

One big difference you will note in inserts is that some are flush and others project out onto the hearth. Flush inserts almost always need a blower running to heat while some the project out onto the hearth will convect naturally without the blower. This is important for those that have the insert for power outage backup heat. There are also design differences between some models. For example, look at the firebox shape. Some are squarish, which allows maximum loading flexibility and others are wide but shallow, which allows larger log loading, but can allow logs to roll out toward the glass.

 

[BAYRAT]

One big difference you will note in inserts is that some are flush and others project out onto the hearth. Flush inserts almost always need a blower running to heat while some the project out onto the hearth will convect naturally without the blower. This is important for those that have the insert for power outage backup heat. There are also design differences between some models. For example, look at the firebox shape. Some are squarish, which allows maximum loading flexibility and others are wide but shallow, which allows larger log loading, but can allow logs to roll out toward the glass.

I need a flush insert due to location of existing fireplace which is at floor level. Does a bigger firebox neccasarily mean more btus or burn time?

 

[begreen]

Generally yes. Which one depends on how the larger stove is run. Give the fire a little more air and you will get more heat, but shorter burn times.

I'm not fond of the 1101 because the blower is in the back of the insert making it hard to clean. The 1402 is a good heater with a front blower. The Quad Voyager has several owners here. Have you read their reviews and comments? The Jotul C550 is also a large flush insert.

 

[ridensnow23]

I need a flush insert due to location of existing fireplace which is at floor level. Does a bigger firebox neccasarily mean more btus or burn time?

Not sure why the fireplace being at floor level would necessitate a flush mount insert. Can you describe this a bit more? Are you concerned about how far the hearth comes out? A hearth extension is a possible solution if that's the case.

That would widen the selection of inserts to choose from.

 

[BAYRAT]

Not sure why the fireplace being at floor level would necessitate a flush mount insert. Can you describe this a bit more? Are you concerned about how far the hearth comes out? A hearth extension is a possible solution if that's the case.

That would widen the selection of inserts to choose from.

Old house has been added on to. Extending my hearth out would would put it out too far into room.

 

[pdxdave]

I have a Lopi Declaration and personally would NOT recommend it.

 

[dafattkidd]

I would recommend going with a 3 cf firebox or larger. If going with Napoleon as Begreen said, go with the 1402 (2.25 cf). I used to have the 1101. It's a good little unit but not enough firepower to heat that much space. However, I really liked the fan in the back of the unit; it never rattled and was super quiet.

I later upgraded to a 3.2 cf Osburn 2400. The larger firebox and extra mass in the space really puts out a ton of heat. That being said there are other more attractive units out there and several other large inserts that will serve you well. Good luck.

 

[rwhite]

Some pics of your hearth would be helpful to provide some additonal ideas. Extending the hearth is usually not a big project and doesn't always require a remodel. Mine was also a floor level hearth that was 16". That left me 6" short when the insert was installed. I built a free floating hearth and used pavers in the back to level.

This is what I started with:
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This was the solution

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And the finished product (surround has been finished since the pic as well)

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