Regency I3100 vs. VC Merrimack

[JoeB]

I'm considering replacing my old fireplace insert with one of these two but would appreciate your experience and opinions on the two. I am leaning towards the Regency because it seems to have a good reputation on this site versus the Merrimack which is a new model. The Regency is about $650 less which makes the decision easier. I'm trying to pick the one with the best quality and ease of use. Any insights would be appreciated.

I'm heating a 2300 sq ft colonial with an open floor plan and the heat seams to travel well.

 

[Clarks ACE Hardware]

I'm considering replacing my old fireplace insert with one of these two but would appreciate your experience and opinions on the two. I am leaning towards the Regency because it seems to have a good reputation on this site versus the Merrimack which is a new model. The Regency is about $650 less which makes the decision easier. I'm trying to pick the one with the best quality and ease of use. Any insights would be appreciated.

I'm heating a 2300 sq ft colonial with an open floor plan and the heat seams to travel well.

Ease of use? I3100 hands down.
The Merrimack cannot compete in the warranty department.

The Merrimack has the I3100 beat in terms of aesthetics and air control features. It's also about as close you can come to a solely USA sourced and manufactured product as you come (a big deal for some).

I'd definitely recommend the I3100 in your case if you're not set on the looks of the Merrimack.

 

[Fsappo]

I3100 with very little doubt. I've sold tons of Regency products here in Central New York. The I3100 is tied with the Clydesdale for best selling wood insert (very different inserts for very different applications.) Always have a happy I3100 customer and I stopped selling VC 2 decades ago. I have not been convinced to go back.

 

[JoeB]

Thanks for the two responses guys. I've gotten quite the education here on this site.

 

[KB007]

We have an I3100 and it does an awesome job of heating our 1800 sqft bungalow (plus 1800 sqft finished basement). Only time I ever have to build a fire in the basement stove is when the outside temp drops below -20C.

Easy to use, does a great job with seasoned wood and produces huge amounts of heat. Def get the blower, it is key to getting heat out f any insert IMHO.

 

[Retreadsme]

Gotta jump in and say my I3100 is burning nice and easy keeping my 2100 sq ft warm. Must admit though - I had to open the outside kitchen door the other night to cool things down when it was 29 degrees outside. As others have said - it's a fine heating appliance and mfg quality seems to be approaching excellent. (my stds) Efficiency is all about the space the appliance is being asked to heat so my house will be different from many others. I've been burning hackberry for 2 years from 2 trees because I can't get it all burned up so I can burn the oak I have split; that's how great my I3100 treats me. If you settle on the Regency and need assistance with it - Frank will take care of you any day of the week. He's a great guy to ask for help, I will vouch for that; and we're not relatives either!

 

[JoeB]

Frank, I could use some more advice. I settled in on the Regency 3100 insert and finally wrestled the frame away from the old cast iron inset in there now so I could measure to be sure before I order(dealer won't do it for me). Well, I don't have enough height for the 3100. The dimentions are 24"H x 34"W. The insert in there now is 24 1/4" tall and I could see the prior owned chisled some of the brick away to get it to fit.

Will I be disappointed with the fire box size of the I2400 if I down grade? Right now the old unit I have is very inefficient, no glass, no blower, but I can toss five 20" splits in there if I want. Is it worth going with the Merrimack and it's 3.0 cu ft box because it would fit since the height minimum is 23 3/4"?

The max btu output of the Regency 2400 is 75k which is much smaller fire box than the Merrimack which is at 55k max btu.
If that is accurate the smaller Regency should heat all of my 2300 sq ft home easily. ?

Last question, is it possible to chisle out more brick (1") to get the 3100 to fit? The bricks are verticle so it's just chipping the ends.

 

[Fsappo]

Getting an insert to fit in an opening that it 1/4" taller than needed could have its challenges. If left with that choice, I would certainly look at the VC. I would also research other inserts that may fit. I would also look at another dealer asap if your local dealer refuses to measure for you. Did they give you a reason?

 

[JoeB]

They want the money commitment first. They they would come out and verify measurements. i.e. I need to buy the 3100 first, they come out and verify, if it doesn't fit they would down grade me to the 2400 but I'm stuck with Regency. It's the only dealer in town and they sell other stuff like pools and patio furniture.

 

[KB007]

Using the I2400 would depend a lot on location in the house and your floor plan, but might work. the bricks depends on how it was originally done, is there a solid lintel above the vertical bricks? is there any option to remove a little of the base of your opening / hearth?

 

[JoeB]

Above the verticle bricks are horizonal bricks.

 

[KB007]

You might be able to simply remove the vertical bricks entirely, but you may want to check with a mason first, and if there isn't one, add a steel lintel. If it's not too much hassle it's always better to go bigger...

Post a pic, it may help

 

[JoeB]

Looks like to Lopi Freedom insert, VC Merrimack, and Jotul Rockland would fit the opening. I still need to check price on the Jotul and I'm not sure about the Lopi having owned an Endeavor free stander in the past.

 

[JoeB]

Well I went with the Regency I2400 insert since the 3100 did not fit. I'm pretty sure it will heat the entire house nicely.
Install is monday. Can't wait. And still plenty of buring season left!

 

[Fsappo]

Yup, we'll have some cold weather still to come to see if that insert will work for you. Hopefully your dealer treats you right.

 

[KB007]

Good choice - enjoy!