Other wood inserts with large viewing area (comparable to Osburn 2200i or VC Mont)?

[noce]

Spousal unit favors big roaring fires in the fireplace, disbelieving the inefficiency. The large viewing area of the VC Montpelier I showed her convinced her that maybe an insert would be okay. Then I saw the Osburn 2200i discussed here at the forum, which is even more attractive to her (except for the flat black surround). The Osburn clearances are going to require a hearth extension for us (not out of the question, but …)
Any familiarity with OTHER reputable inserts comparable in glass surface area, of comparable size box?
[combustible clearance constraints: 46” side-to side, 37.5” vertical, 17.5” hearth. fireplace opening: 29.5” high x 32.25” wide x 22.75” deep]
any leads appreciated!
thx

 

[velvetfoot]

Just curious, I looked up the firebox dimensions here, (broken link removed to http://www.osburn-mfg.com/en/heaters/model-OB02201-description) . It comes to about 2.4 cu ft, with ability to load 16" splits north/south, which I'm a fan of.

My insert can also load north/south, and it's 2.3 cu. ft. It's "pretty" and the ladies tend to like it.

As I recall, I remember being impressed in the shop with the size of the viewing area and good looks of the Clydesdale. I don't think you can practically load north/south though.

 

[jdp1152]

Osburn Matrix
FPX Hybrid-Fyre (I think this has the biggest viewing area of any insert)

 

[Iembalm4aLiving]

Wife was a big factor in choosing our 2200. Second season in, she's still loving it. I love it too-does what it's supposed to and looks good doing it.

 

[weatherguy]

Women always favor asthestics and a large glass for viewing, while we want something that throws tons of heat and is easy to use, always a compromise between the two.

 

[noce]

Thx!

CLYDE
I had ruled out the clydesdale early on (thinking they were "high end" or something (soapstone, e.g.))?

velvet's reply prompted a search and i found this thread on the clydesdale, which is really pretty good:
https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/hearthstone-clydesdale-wood-insert-help-please.10401/

unlike for the osburn, it is EASY to find a dealer in my area for hearthstone, so we can prolly see one soon.
a quick scan of the specs suggests it may not fit with its standard surround--i have 46" across b/w trim, and literature requires 47"...

MATRIX
much more attractive surround than the 2200i, but smaller.

FPX
will reconsider. the Xtrord's that i touched on various show floors always seemed... less sound than those nxt to them.

 

[mikeszak]

the Clydesdale is a FANTASTIC choice, i have had mine for 4 years and love it. the wife does too! the glass is very big and stays clean (provided you burn hot enough). it puts out a tremendous amount of heat... i live in the northeast and was heating with oil. now Clyde does the heavy lifting in that dept, i am using less than a third of what i was. my house is prob 3500 sqft with a very good layout for the insert and i can honestly say that it does the bulk of the heating in my house. the soapstone holds the heat for hours and the fan really pushes the heat out of the unit.
the downsides: 1 the fan is a little loud but honestly, i don't even notice it anymore. between the kids, dog, and TV.... the fan is nothing. 2 it doesnt have a removable ash bin, i have to remove the ashes once a month (i let it get pretty full)
hope this helps.