New Install planning, free standing or built in??

[54d18]

I'm looking for some suggestions on a new corner installation,
a small unit, basically 16x12 room. I'd like to hear from some
users out there as to best performance and cost effectiveness.

Also, either freestanding, or built in comments appreciated.

Thanks,
T from Northern Ont. Canada

 

[DAKSY]

I'd advise you to go to your local hearth shop & see what they offer. You are in a cold(er) area of the north & I assume you will be burning LP.
If you have occasional power outages & no back up generator, then you might want a standing-pilot in your appliance.
A free-standing stove will give you the wood stove look & will heat a small room very well.
They are very radiant & a ceiling fan in the same room will eliminate the need for a blower.
Some only require a hearth pad which is the sixe of the stove's footprint, so that will be inexpensive.
Venting will cost you $400-500 (USD) minimum for a horizontal vent. A little more for vertical.
An enclosed gas fireplace can be much more expensive, by the time you finish it.
It may cost you a little less than a free-stander, but you'll need a front, a surround, a mantle & a hearth to finish the look.
A blower is pretty much a must to get the heat out of the box, & it will need power to run it.
Your insulation in the walls will determine HOW well your appliance will heat.
You want to heat it & KEEP the heat in there.
Most larger units can be turned down by 50% & that's another option you'll want.
Hope some of this helps...