Lopi Freedom vs Regency 2400, new to inserts questions

[Clevelander]

My husband and I would like to add a wood burning insert into our existing masonry fireplace.
We are new to the world of inserts. Our #1 request is that we could still have fires with the door open from time to time.

Every dealer we go to tells us something different and we don't know who to trust.

The lopi dealer told us that lopi has a patented damper and is the only manufacturer that can be used with the doors open. He said all other wood burning inserts will fill the house with smoke, even if they claim otherwise.

The regency dealer assured us that the regency insert could also be used with the doors open without any problems.

I understand that having the doors open kills the efficiency, but we would like to have the choice from time to time.

Desperately need advice!

 

[begreen]

The Lopi has a bypass damper that will help keep the smoke heading up the chimney, but other stoves permit open door burning with a screen. Smoke spillage will be more a matter of draft. You can be certain that most folks owning inserts would find smoke spillage unacceptable. Remember the stove door has to be open each time wood is loaded into the stove.

Other stoves have a bypass damper, in particular catalytic stoves like Buck, Kuma, etc..

 

[jaychino415]

I like the lopi freedom too, because of the bypass damper.

 

[Hogwildz]

I think you will find you will burn with the door open a few times, and that will be that. Not much after that.

 

[tickbitty]

I'm guessing that many will work for you, but look for one where you love the look with the door closed too. Those beautiful rolling flames on doors that don't blacken up might become a preference, especially when it's cranking out the heat for you! Good luck!

 

[Clevelander]

I also really like the Hampton by Regency but it doesn't have a screen option, could I have one custom made, just for those rare occasions we use it open.

Also what do those of you with experience recommend for keeping a stove or insert safe for little ones, I have 2 under 4 yrs old.

 

[tickbitty]

I think you can get or adapt a screen for one that doesn't specifically have one. I'd choose the Lop for the large uninterrupted door which is going to give you a better view even with the door shut! Some folks get those child gates made to go around the woodstove. We didn't have room for one of those but our child was a little older, maybe 4 or so, when we really got rolling with the woodstove.