Ventis HE325 fireplace vs Osburn Stratus II vs Osburn Everest II (N/S Loading)

[teswanson]

Ventis seems to be a slight variation of the Everest II, even though it requires a slightly smaller opening. I also noticed that it does not have a "stop/step" to limit N/S loading. It seems the Ventis HE325 would support up to 16" logs for N/S loading. Am I reading this correctly? Does anyone have the HE325 who could confirm this? Thank you.

 

[begreen]

16" N/S looks tight. 15" would be better as it could be loaded both N/S and E/W at the back of the firebox which pinches down abit. Compare to another SBI fireplace, the Valcourt FP10 Lafayette.

HE325


FP10

 

[teswanson]

Thank you.

Any idea why some of these fireplaces have a "stop" that limits N/S loading sizes, while others do not?

I understand the reason is to keep pieces of wood and hot embers away from the door, but why don't all fireplaces have them?

The FP10 looks like a bigger Fire Box, but the firestop limits the size.

 

[begreen]

The stop or andirons are usually to prevent E/W loaded logs from rolling up against the glass. Take a look at the PE FP 30 for a true 18" N/S loading fireplace.

 

[teswanson]

The stop or andirons are usually to prevent E/W loaded logs from rolling up against the glass. Take a look at the PE FP 30 for a true 18" N/S loading fireplace.

Thank you for the recommendation. Unfortunately, my chase opening is limited to 42.5". My depth is 36.5", but it seems most are in the 24-26" range. I wish there were more fireplaces with deeper fireboxes....

 

[Brawndo71]

Thank you for the recommendation. Unfortunately, my chase opening is limited to 42.5". My depth is 36.5", but it seems most are in the 24-26" range. I wish there were more fireplaces with deeper fireboxes....

I am looking at these ZC models also to replace my old Heatilator MF36. The Empire St. Clair 3000 is the same fireplace as the Everest II. I am limited by a corner install, it's this or the Stratford II 2.5 ft3 sized fireplaces. A local dealer has the St. Clair on display, think I can go watch it run and take some measurements. I don't know how much a pain it would be to get 15" wood pieces, except for cutting them myself from a dealer. Some will do custom cuts, or they are 14-16". I eventually will cut my own wood, but not at the start. I need to start seasoning. It is an expensive project.