One or two doors?

[RRMM]

We've settled on purchasing the Kozy Heat z42. Any opinions on which is better on a zc EPA fireplace insert, one or two doors? I've searched the site, and there are only a couple of posts that address this that I can find.
Any opinions are valued.

 

[webby3650]

I've installed several of both styles, and I really prefer the double doors. They look a lot nicer. They just have a higher end look to them. Also, if you have any draft issues you can just open 1 door, so smoke is much less likely to escape.

 

[Grisu]

I only have an insert with one single door so take my opinion with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, after gazing at the fire for many hours I would not like to have that view restricted by the doors middle section or any other ornaments. I also read one post here that only one of the handles can be turned while the other is fixed. So at some point they would likely not line up symmetrically anymore.

Any chance you can check out the unit in the showroom?

 

[BrotherBart]

Hard to beat the big unrestricted view of the fire a single door stove or fireplace has to offer. Easier to clean the glass too.

 

[webby3650]

I agree that a big single door looks great on most stoves. I'm speaking from experience with both single and double doors on this particular unit.
The twin doors look nicer, and have a much nicer latching system. Also, if the unit isn't perfectly level the single door has a very hard time staying put. It wants to fall open or closed all the time.

 

[RRMM]

Hello, Thank you for all your input. I was hoping it would be unanimous one way or the other . Unfortunately, we haven't actually seen one, only pictures. Weighing your comments and the few I found elsewhere on hearth.com, it seems like the handles not aligning properly after a time is an issue with the two doors along with the somewhat obstructed view of the fire. But overall, it seems like the two doors have more pros than cons... for better or worse, we ordered the two door. In the pictures, I like the two door better esp. when the fire is not lit. Since I'll have to look at it year round, I favor the traditional look of the double door. My husband was leaning toward the single door... so hopefully I won't be regretting this decision, lol. Either way, it seems we need to be prepared for the silicone failing and needing replacing. This website has been so very helpful.

 

[webby3650]

You made the right choice.
You mentioned silicone failing. What's the about?

 

[RRMM]

You made the right choice.
You mentioned silicone failing. What's the about?

There is at least one thread in hearth.com that mentions after the first several uses, the gasket cement that holds the flat braid around the doors in place turns white and crumbly and needs to be replaced. Here's one of them: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/z42cd-gasket-cement-failure.60324/#post-60324. I read it in at least two threads, but this is the only one I can find right now. Has this not happened in your experience?

 

[webby3650]

There is at least one thread in hearth.com that mentions after the first several uses, the gasket cement that holds the flat braid around the doors in place turns white and crumbly and needs to be replaced. Here's one of them: https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/z42cd-gasket-cement-failure.60324/#post-60324. I read it in at least two threads, but this is the only one I can find right now. Has this not happened in your experience?

No. We have a dozen or more out there and have never had any issues of any kind.
In fact we have the single door on a burn display. It's been burned during the day for 2 seasons and its gasket is fine.

 

[Dave A.]

Had always liked the look of the double doors when I started looking about 10 years ago or so. But then when I got more serious and bought in the last few years, I realized it would just be a simpler step to load wood only having to open one door. Also I noticed that there seemed to be less stoves on sale with 2 doors. And that the single door construction seemed beefier.

 

[webby3650]

Had always liked the look of the double doors when I started looking about 10 years ago or so. But then when I got more serious and bought in the last few years, I realized it would just be a simpler step to load wood only having to open one door. Also I noticed that there seemed to be less stoves on sale with 2 doors. And that the single door construction seemed beefier.

But this isn't a stove, its a fireplace.
I agree completely on a stove, not a fan of double doors at all. With this particular unit, I prefer the double.

 

[superbee69]

We operate a z42cd (double door unit) and really enjoy it. We did have the hi temp silicone that holds the between the door gaskets fail fairly early. From the few posts I read, I was looking for it and was pretty easy to repair. We burned close to 5 cord through the unit this winter heating 2500 sq ft. We like the look of the two doors and it does help keep any smoke in while you re-load if you open one and leave the other closed.

 

[RRMM]

We operate a z42cd (double door unit) and really enjoy it. We did have the hi temp silicone that holds the between the door gaskets fail fairly early. From the few posts I read, I was looking for it and was pretty easy to repair. We burned close to 5 cord through the unit this winter heating 2500 sq ft. We like the look of the two doors and it does help keep any smoke in while you re-load if you open one and leave the other closed.

Thanks for your comment. It's good to hear other z42cd owners weigh in. Just found out today that the unit is being installed this week!