Why go hybrid?

[roastytoasty]

Drolet 1800i, Osburn Inspire 2000 insert, and Osburn 3500i
Which inserts have a ceiling clearance spec?

I've emailed SBI about this, but here's what I see in their documents.

The Drolet Escape 1800-I requires 84" of "Clearance - Base of the unit to ceiling" according to the website. Its Owner's Manual reiterates this requirement (clearance Q) in section 3.1 on page 13.

The Osburn Inspire 2000-I requires 84" of "Clearance – top (measured from the platform on which the appliance is installed)" according to the website. Its Installation and Operation Manual reiterates this requirement (clearance Q) in section 9.3 on page 39.

The Osburn 3500-I requires 84" of "Clearance – top (measured from the platform on which the appliance is installed)" according to the website. Its Installation and Operation Manual reiterates this requirement (clearance Q) in section 9.3 on page 36.

As I mentioned before, I've seen this requirement for almost every SBI insert I've looked at, with the exception of a few of the smallest models, which only require 72".

I'll be happy if SBI responds and explains it's a mistake. That would open up some options, since they own a number of brands. But if it's a mistake, then it's a mistake they've somehow included in all their manuals. Right now the available evidence suggests it's a legit (though bizarre) requirement.

 

[begreen]

That section is in the freestanding models' manuals. Looking a the Drolet manuals, I see what you are talking about, but it is definitely only the freestanding model. Section 3.1 for the inserts covers firewood.

 

[roastytoasty]

That section is in the freestanding models' manuals. Looking a the Drolet manuals, I see what you are talking about, but it is definitely only the freestanding model.

Are we looking at the same manuals? I linked to all three above, and all three of them

• Describe the appliance as an insert on the cover page and hundreds of other times
• Show an illustration of an insert on the cover page and list an insert model number
• Include numerous illustrations of the appliance installed as an insert, including immediately before and after the minimum clearances section
• Label the minimum clearances on an illustration of the appliance installed as an insert in a fireplace with hearth and mantle
• Include instructions for installing the insert's surround and operating the insert's blower

 

[roastytoasty]

Also, the manufacturers' websites list the 84" minimum clearance requirement on the webpages for each of those three inserts, not just in the manuals. I linked to those pages above too.

 

[roastytoasty]

Section 3.1 for the inserts covers firewood.

Section 3.1 in the Drolet Escape 1800-I manual that I linked above lists and illustrates minimum clearance requirements to combustibles, including the 84" minimum clearance from the "base of the unit to ceiling".

 

[begreen]

You are right. It looks like they have updated the manual since my copy of 2023. This addition is pretty lame considering the minimal projection of the stove. This is what they had in 2023.

Now its up to SBI to decide how much they want to restrict their market. Raised hearth fireplaces are common and desirable.

 

[roastytoasty]

You are right. It looks like they have updated the manual since my copy of 2023. This addition is pretty lame considering the minimal projection of the stove. This is what they had in 2023.

Now its up to SBI to decide how much they want to restrict their market. Raised hearth fireplaces are common and desirable.

View attachment 343251

Dang it, I sure wish the clearances still looked like that. I'd have many more choices. I figured the unusual 84" requirement was a lazy copy/paste from earlier freestanding stove manuals. But given the diagram in your 2023 manual, it must be a recent and intentional addition to insert manuals. How strange.

I'll report back if SBI responds to my email with any clarification.

 

[begreen]

Ask them if this is an illustration error and they meant that the minimum ceiling height is 84", not hearth height.

 

[roastytoasty]

Ask them if this is an illustration error and they meant that the minimum ceiling height is 84", not hearth height.

I'll ask that too. Though on the webpages more so than the manuals, the wording seems unambiguous: "Clearance - Base of the unit to ceiling" on one page, "Clearance – top (measured from the platform on which the appliance is installed)" on another. From the SBI websites, it seems like they're intentionally ruling out raised hearths, though I can't imagine why they'd want to.

 

[EbS-P]

I'll ask that too. Though on the webpages more so than the manuals, the wording seems unambiguous: "Clearance - Base of the unit to ceiling" on one page, "Clearance – top (measured from the platform on which the appliance is installed)" on another. From the SBI websites, it seems like they're intentionally ruling out raised hearths, though I can't imagine why they'd want to.

My guess is they didn’t test it to a lower clearance. Testing is expensive.

 

[fao1989]

If the hearth is done right to code then it is continuouse and reinforced with rebar. There shouldn't be any issues here. The Lopi hybrid inserts are good quality, I just didn't want choices to be narrowed due to misconceptions.

The PE Neo 2.5 looks like it would work.

Also take a look at the Osburn Inpire 2000 for a nice flush unit comparison.

https://www.osburn-mfg.com/en/products/wood-inserts/inspire-wood-insert/

That is an attractive hearth. If you are concerned about the cantalever, you could reinforce the under lip with a concrete column at each corner.