Osburn 2400 vs FPX Large Hybrid inserts. Price/quality compression. Opinion needed.

[Dmitry]

Choosing between FPX Large Hybrid Fire and Osburn 2400 insert for my kids. I have FPX insert and it's a good unit but there are things that i don't like and thats why looking at Osburn 2400 insert. Major thing that I don't like about FPX is trapezoid shape of shallow firebox, which makes lot of space unusable. Osburn 2400 is much better on a paper with square large firebox and protruding design.

Now, why FPX retails for more than $1000 more? Is this cut for dealers? Is this because of lower quality of Osburn? Never seen Osburn in person, but reviews are good.
I know you can buy Osburn online. FPX is distributed through the dealers only. Wondering if thats why we see difference in price. They not much different on a paper, Steel thickness is the same, weight is roughly the same.

 

[illini81]

I know you can buy Osburn online. FPX is distributed through the dealers only. Wondering if thats why we see difference in price. They not much different on a paper.

Isn't the FPX a catalytic unit? And the Osburn is a non-cat? Seems like that's a pretty big difference.

Also, the FPX is a flush insert, whereas the Osburn is non-flush (doesn't have to rely as much on fans).

 

[Dmitry]

It is catalytic , catalyst costs $270 at dealer , still don’t justify $1200 hike
Yeah, and being not flash is another good quality of Osburn for me

 

[illini81]

I wasn't trying to say that it justified the cost difference. I was just trying to point out that there definitely are differences between the two.

 

[Dmitry]

I wasn't trying to say that it justified the cost difference. I was just trying to point out that there definitely are differences between the two.

I know these are very different inserts. I can’t understand why such a difference in price.

 

[illini81]

I have no idea... price points are pretty subjective. Seems to me that the FPX is a bit more of a looker, and the Osburn has more of a standard steel stove look. People are often willing to pay a lot more for aesthetics.

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

Choosing between FPX Large Hybrid Fire and Osburn 2400 insert for my kids. I have FPX insert and it's a good unit but there are things that i don't like and thats why looking at Osburn 2400 insert. Major thing that I don't like about FPX is trapezoid shape of shallow firebox, which makes lot of space unusable. Osburn 2400 is much better on a paper with square large firebox and protruding design.

Now, why FPX retails for more than $1000 more? Is this cut for dealers? Is this because of lower quality of Osburn? Never seen Osburn in person, but reviews are good.
I know you can buy Osburn online. FPX is distributed through the dealers only. Wondering if thats why we see difference in price. They not much different on a paper, Steel thickness is the same, weight is roughly the same.

Can't speak for the fpx, but Osburn is a nice quality stove. And yes, the dealer markup is significant. Anytime you add a middleman, you have to account for their cut.

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

I have no idea... price points are pretty subjective. Seems to me that the FPX is a bit more of a looker, and the Osburn has more of a standard steel stove look. People are often willing to pay a lot more for aesthetics.

What did you decide on? Sorry if I missed it in another post.

 

[illini81]

What did you decide on? Sorry if I missed it in another post.

Did you confuse me with the OP? I jumped in with some thoughts, but I'm not the one buying, Dmitry is.

 

[Easy Livin’ 3000]

Did you confuse me with the OP? I jumped in with some thoughts, but I'm not the one buying, Dmitry is.

Sure did.

 

[ColdNorCal]

The FPX is 5/16 and 1/4inch steel. The Osburn is 3/16 and 5/16 inch top.

If its this FPX:

(broken link removed to https://www.fireplacex.com/productguide/productdetail.aspx?modelsku=99800604#Specs)


I used to think thicker is the only way to go. Not sure if it matters that much because of how stoves are made and designed now. Unless you over fire a lot perhaps thicker is better. Lots of 3/16 stoves have been around for many years and are still in service. And many manufacturers use 3/16 including Lopi.

 

[Dmitry]

What did you decide on? Sorry if I missed it in another post.

Nothing yet , but it seems like my daughter will go with FPX as it looks better. it just happened that I got almost new free standing Osburn 2400 for $ 700. It's not pretty at all. Well build , I think , but finishes and look overall not really glamorous at all.

 

[bholler]

It is catalytic , catalyst costs $270 at dealer , still don’t justify $1200 hike
Yeah, and being not flash is another good quality of Osburn for me

There is a whole lot more than the cat itself that goes into a cat stove.