I have i believe, a Papa Bear fireplace insert that was in this house when i bought it. Can these inserts be used as free standing stoves? Any idea as to value of these inserts?
Papa Bear Insert
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No such thing as a Papa Bear Insert.
The Papa Bear is the largest single door stove of the Bear Series which are freestanding.
Double door stoves are in the Fireplace series. The full size Insert does use Grandma doors since the door opening is the same size. All other measurements are different than the freestanding Grandma.
There are many models of Inserts. a picture would be best if no tag is on the appliance.
The manual is in the sticky section at top and gives criteria of hearth required.
Freestanding stoves are built to two different standards. One having minimum 6 inch legs, and one having longer legs. This is for the required floor protection. (found in NFPA 211) If on a cement floor or non-combustible surface you can have less than 6 inches. ALL inserts must be direct connected to a chimney flue liner that extends to the top. Installing as shown in instruction manual is no longer legal by code.
Pictures are required for value since they were available with different doors and blowers. They can range from $100 for an Insert missing screen with black doors (common full size Insert called "Fisher Fireplace Insert") to over $1000+ for a TF-88 Insert. They came with optional Brass, or Nickel plated doors, or "Brass and Glass". Other Inserts were; Honey Bear, Cub Bear, and Polar Bear for Zero Clearance factory built fireplaces.
The Papa Bear is the largest single door stove of the Bear Series which are freestanding.
Double door stoves are in the Fireplace series. The full size Insert does use Grandma doors since the door opening is the same size. All other measurements are different than the freestanding Grandma.
There are many models of Inserts. a picture would be best if no tag is on the appliance.
The manual is in the sticky section at top and gives criteria of hearth required.
Freestanding stoves are built to two different standards. One having minimum 6 inch legs, and one having longer legs. This is for the required floor protection. (found in NFPA 211) If on a cement floor or non-combustible surface you can have less than 6 inches. ALL inserts must be direct connected to a chimney flue liner that extends to the top. Installing as shown in instruction manual is no longer legal by code.
Pictures are required for value since they were available with different doors and blowers. They can range from $100 for an Insert missing screen with black doors (common full size Insert called "Fisher Fireplace Insert") to over $1000+ for a TF-88 Insert. They came with optional Brass, or Nickel plated doors, or "Brass and Glass". Other Inserts were; Honey Bear, Cub Bear, and Polar Bear for Zero Clearance factory built fireplaces.
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Can these inserts be used as free standing stoves on concrete floor using normal wood stove pipe?
Can they, yes. Legal? No.
Does it have a UL label? That is required in your state.
If so, it needs to be installed as tested and as specified in manual. (installation requirements page 6)
https://www.hearth.com/images/uploads/fishinsertmanual.pdf
That said, many do set them up on cement blocks for easier loading and connect with connector pipe and a flue damper in pipe.
It's not a safety issue, the ICC Code your state adopted like most others requires all appliances to be Listed and installed as Listed. (tested) It wasn't tested that way, so that's why I stated the manual gives hearth requirements to be installed in.
These are a radiant heater in the front and should have a blower to extract the convection heat from the rear. The slot on bottom is used to blow air under, up the back and out the top around vent pipe when installed inside a fireplace. So don't expect it to radiate in all directions like a freestanding stove. It is an air heater using convection.
Does it have a UL label? That is required in your state.
If so, it needs to be installed as tested and as specified in manual. (installation requirements page 6)
https://www.hearth.com/images/uploads/fishinsertmanual.pdf
That said, many do set them up on cement blocks for easier loading and connect with connector pipe and a flue damper in pipe.
It's not a safety issue, the ICC Code your state adopted like most others requires all appliances to be Listed and installed as Listed. (tested) It wasn't tested that way, so that's why I stated the manual gives hearth requirements to be installed in.
These are a radiant heater in the front and should have a blower to extract the convection heat from the rear. The slot on bottom is used to blow air under, up the back and out the top around vent pipe when installed inside a fireplace. So don't expect it to radiate in all directions like a freestanding stove. It is an air heater using convection.
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