So.... I've done a bunch of looking, measuring etc and I think I've talked myself out of trying to install a stove recessed into our fireplace opening - it's a little too small to really work well. This will be to heat the main floor of our 1800 sqft bungalow.
So, now I've been looking at various inserts and seem to have it narrowed down to these ones:
Napoleon 1402 with the black cast surround
Hampton HI300
PE "medium" Insert
Have some questions for anyone who has either of these:
1) How does the Napoleon cast iron surround look - quality, fit, finish etc - I haven't been able to see the cast surround in person anywhere near me. I've seen the basic black insert and surround and the surround just seemed really cheap looking. I'm familiar with the firebox as it's basically the same as the 1450 in our basement.
2) How does the Hampton look and perform - again, I can't see one in person anywhere near me, and I normally like to touch before I buy and none of the dealers have one in their showroom. Any quirks or dislikes in how it operates? the box is listed as 2.3 cuft - is it big enough to load 18" splits N/S? How high is it from bottom of the firebox to the door lip?
3) For the PE medium - does it put out lots of heat? I like the secondary burn system on them - my neighbor has a Vista and likes it, tho it is way too small to heat more than his living room really.
Thanks in advance.
So, now I've been looking at various inserts and seem to have it narrowed down to these ones:
Napoleon 1402 with the black cast surround
Hampton HI300
PE "medium" Insert
Have some questions for anyone who has either of these:
1) How does the Napoleon cast iron surround look - quality, fit, finish etc - I haven't been able to see the cast surround in person anywhere near me. I've seen the basic black insert and surround and the surround just seemed really cheap looking. I'm familiar with the firebox as it's basically the same as the 1450 in our basement.
2) How does the Hampton look and perform - again, I can't see one in person anywhere near me, and I normally like to touch before I buy and none of the dealers have one in their showroom. Any quirks or dislikes in how it operates? the box is listed as 2.3 cuft - is it big enough to load 18" splits N/S? How high is it from bottom of the firebox to the door lip?
3) For the PE medium - does it put out lots of heat? I like the secondary burn system on them - my neighbor has a Vista and likes it, tho it is way too small to heat more than his living room really.
Thanks in advance.
