newbie looking for wood insert guidance

[lil pa]

Hello,

looking to purchase Regency i1200 any comments? The salesman strongly recommended this make and model the room is about 200sf.

The installer is recommending Napoleon 1100.

Which one and why?
other recommendations?

Thank you
Lil in PA

 

[jtp10181]

Did they say why the recommended one over the other? Maybe the Regency gets the salesman more commission, and the Napoleon is easier to install?

 

[lil pa]

Thank you for your reply

Never had an insert and any info given to me from a salesman or installer I like to do further research for the reasons you bring up.. I found this site via a google search and I'm just searching for input from those who have had any experience (good or bad) with these two models.

This site is a wealth of information.

Thank you
Lil PA

 

[elkimmeg]

Is the dealer selling both stoves or is he just selling the regency and the installer selling the napoleon

BTW both are decent stoves so you win anyways

 

[wg_bent]

I think your going about it backwards. Find out what stoves (narrow it to 2 or 3) you want, then find the dealer who sells those stoves and tell them what YOU want.

I couldn't find an i1200 on the Regency site. Did you mean i1100?

The Napoleon 1100 is a smaller stove. YOu should also consider the Lopi Revere, and Answer, Quad, Hearthstone Morgan, Osburn 1800i, and there are several others people will suggest.

A blower is key for an insert. Ask them if either comes with a blower or how much extra that is.
Give us more info on the fireplace size and home your putting it in.

 

[timfromohio]

I agree with the last post. Determine what you like first, use the stove reviews from users posted on this site, then go and tell local dealers what you want. Also, call around and price shop. Most will match competitive prices. Finally, have you looked at Pacific Energy at all? We had a PE insert installed 2 years ago and have been quite happy. Most dealers can order various brands for you even if they don't stock them.

 

[kwburn]

Did they say why the recommended one over the other? Maybe the Regency gets the salesman more commission, and the Napoleon is easier to install?

thats funny

 

[lil pa]

Thanks for all your replies.
The insert is for the family room 24x16 , on the main floor of a 3200sf colonial.
The room is between the kitchen and a laundry room with access to the outside and garage.
I've never had an insert and with so many types it's hard to know which ones are good and which ones are best to stay away from. From the saleman's point of view is he looking for my best interest or his pocket? I guess the same goes for the installer, which one is the easiest to install.
So that's why I'm here.
It was mentioned that both regency & napoleon are good so this is a start.

Both saleman & installer suggested the smaller one since the room is small and will not be heating the whole house.

I will look into the other makes mentioned as well.
Thank you all for your help

Regards
Lil- PA

 

[BrotherBart]

One thing I would add Lil is if it comes down to a couple of stoves go with the dealer you are most comfortable with. It is hard to think of any "bad" stove these days. There is a dizzying array of good wood stoves being produced. So you are going to end up with a good stove and having a good dealer will make all of the difference. You will need some hand holding in learning how to use it and there is always a possibility of defect or problems with any new appliance and dealer service will be the key on the off chance that happens.

Keep us posted.

 

[MrGriz]

It does seem overwhelming at first, but it really isn't that complicated. I would suggest that you start with the brands that the local shops carry or have access to. From there, narrow it down to those that will physically fit in your fireplace. I would not be afraid of going with a bit bigger insert. At first, I was concerned that I would blow myself out of the basement with my insert just to try and get a bit of heat upstairs. Now, I'm glad I didn't go any smaller. Besides, you can always run a smaller load of fuel in a bigger stove; it gets much more complicated trying to do it the other way around.

Once you have it down to those that fit, have your wife pick the one that she likes the looks of the best ;-) . I'm really only partially kidding. At that point, quality and performance should be very close and aesthetics really takes over as the determining factor.

There are a few other subtle differences in the way different stoves operate or heat, but if you follow the strategy above I think you'll be happy in the end.

 

[MrGriz]

One thing I would add Lil is if it comes down to a couple of stoves go with the dealer you are most comfortable with. It is hard to think of any "bad" stove these days. There is a dizzying array of good wood stoves being produced. So you are going to end up with a good stove and having a good dealer will make all of the difference. You will need some hand holding in learning how to use it and there is always a possibility of defect or problems with any new appliance and dealer service will be the key on the off chance that happens.

Keep us posted.

I saw a Vogelzang just the other day.......

 

[lil pa]

Hey Mr. Griz

I am the wife.....LOL

Thanks for the info!

 

[MrGriz]

Doh...Open mouth insert foot ;-)

Well, now you can skip a step!

 

[mnmoore29]

Hello;

I recently bought an I1200 for my cabin ... its Regency's newer version of the I1100. They have changed the flue connector on the unit. It fits shallow or deep fireplaces... you choose the adaptor that fits your fireplace. If you download their manual you can see what i'm talking about.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[TresK3]

One other question to answer is your reason for getting an insert in the first place. Do you want to heat part of the house or are you just looking for atmosphere? Is the room cold and you want to heat it up without baking the rest of the house? How often do you plan to burn? Only on Friday nights when you wind down from the week or will you go 24/7? If you're just looking for ambiance, consider the viewing area (size of the glass), if you want heat output, look at the size of the firebox. Either way, start with the size of your fireplace and find what will fit.

 

[BrotherBart]

One thing I would add Lil is if it comes down to a couple of stoves go with the dealer you are most comfortable with. It is hard to think of any "bad" stove these days. There is a dizzying array of good wood stoves being produced. So you are going to end up with a good stove and having a good dealer will make all of the difference. You will need some hand holding in learning how to use it and there is always a possibility of defect or problems with any new appliance and dealer service will be the key on the off chance that happens.

Keep us posted.

I saw a Vogelzang just the other day.......

VZ has some stoves I would light up and go to bed any night. And they have a few I wouldn't plant flowers in. Same with VC.

 

[titan]

Lil pa,if you're certain the i1200 isn't undersized,buy it.I installed an i2400 in a similar foom at my f-i-l's house 3 yrs past...he's real happy with it.I'm burning a f2400m in my living room in a 2000' home=just right.I've had other stoves in the past but Regency seems well made,simple to maintain,easy to use, with a good warranty to boot.Now to prove I'm not working on commision....Napoleon also makes quality stoves;you'd likely be happy with either one.

 

[lil pa]

hello everyone,

Just to update you on our decission we purchased an i2400 regency medium wood burning insert. It's to be installed the 17th of Oct and i'll report back once we start using it. we still have 85 degree weather here!

Again thank you so much for all your input.

Regards
Lil-PA

 

[titan]

Don't forget to post pictures.

 

[stoveguy2esw]

hello everyone,

Just to update you on our decission we purchased an i2400 regency medium wood burning insert. It's to be installed the 17th of Oct and i'll report back once we start using it. we still have 85 degree weather here!

Again thank you so much for all your input.

Regards
Lil-PA

nice choice , although both are fine units , and definately , post a few pictures