Wood Burning Inserts Large

Does anyone have a large flush mount wood burning fireplace insert they can recommend? Information & reviews are limited in this area. I currently have a PE Vista wood stove which is fantastic, but would like to use the fireplace for more of an additional heat source. The configuration is such that a freestanding stove would not work. I'd prefer non-catalytic, quiet blower... any input is appreciated.

 

First of all, welcome aboard Melanie .
Ok, where's da' boss? Paging Scotty Overkill .

 

Thank you papa Dave, good to be here too. I've searched high and low..

 

There's several here who have inserts, but Scotty's came to mind first (he's the guy who started this place).
Here's a link to his whole build....hope you have some time to peruse the thread. It may take a while.
The Napoleon NZ3000 Build Thread | Firewood Hoarders Club

 

Quadrafire makes great inserts, some are flush, and other like my Quadrafire 4100i are a bay window. Their fans are quiet, and variable, and can automatically turn on and off when temps in the stove gets to those temps.

I put mine in myself last early December, and it's turned into my primary heat source. I live pretty far north so that's a good measure of its efficiency.

 

Thanks for your input. I looked at a Quadra fire today and determined the larger flush model, may work. Info states burn times up to 14 hrs. WOW if this is even close I'll be happy.

 

Wow that was am amazing DIY! Sure was beautiful. Thank you for sending me to the thread.

 

I think you're talking about the Voyager grand. It's impressive I can tell you. I was looking at one, until I came across a barely used Quadrafire 4100i with a SS liner for 350. Yeah, that was a steal.

The voyageur grand

The other one I was looking at was the Vermont Castings Merrimack. That company has gone through some big changes recently and owners of VC have said that they wouldn't buy one until these concerns are taken care of.


I'm very happy I didn't get a bigger insert. The 4100 will get this 1700 sq ft open concept ranch warm quickly. I've also been working further ahead on my firewood, so while I'm not at the 3+ yr plan, I've got slightly better seasoned wood than I did last year. Also I've got a season of burning in this insert and that goes a long way too.

 

The 4100 sounds like the best choice for you. Boy what a steal. Seasoned wood really helps put the heat out too.

I'll be heating 2200 sq. Ft. 1 1/2 story cabin. I have a Wood stove in my dining room, and it does very well. But doesn't heat the whole house when the Temps get below 20 or its windy.

I hate to cover my fireplace arch! Maybe find a metal fab guy to custom a face plate??? After 15 years I'm convinced an insert would be a good thing.

 

Yes the voyageur grand is correct. Thanks for the photo. I'll also check out the Vermont Casting, as I'm in no hurry.

 

Melanie, what are the dimensions of the fireplace opening?

Yes, the surround costs extra anyway, so you might as well have one fabbed up to really complement your stonework.

 

Welcome Melanie, that is a beautiful fireplace. Here is my Buck Stove 91, of course though it is a cat stove. I think the 80 in the Buck is a good one if you like non cat (I did not check that model might be 81). The brother to mine in the non cat is the 94 which is a non cat that is relatively new to Buck's line up and I read some mixed reviews but I also knew I wanted a cat stove. It comes with flush surrounds but I had to customize for my application.

 

Thanks. I like your Buck too.
I just don't want the maintenance of a cat. & am comfortable with fire wash. I'll look at a Buck also. I would like a work horse, that burns all night! Good wood helps... and larger pieces in addition. So a big firebox would help.

 

Horkn-Width 35" front & 27" back, height 25" onsides & 27" center, depth 28.5",
Hearth 18", 52" clearance to mantel...

 

Non-catalytic
Buck Model 74 ZC Wood Stove
According to the dimensions it may be too large, unless that is the face frame listed. But it looks like a work horse.

 

Model 85 looks like it would fit

 

The Buck Stove Model 85 Wood Stove

 

OK guys anyone know about a lopi I think freedom model insert? I found one 4sale on a market site!!! The guy isn't for sure what midel, but it looks like a freedom. $300 it's a steal if in good shape. Any suggestions onwhat to look for or ask are much appreciated. Do you think money wise used would be a wise choice to start out? & if Iwant to invest later on a new insert I can spend that 3000+ grand to get the look Iwant flush, huge view glass, custom arch....I wanted to upload a pic. Maybe tomorrow.

 

I have a arched stone FP too. I recently installed a Drolet insert but will not be installing the surround cover...it would look terrible IMO. I made legs for the insert to make it look more stove like...and get it up off the floor for loading. Pics here Fire in the hole!
Also, I will be having some sheet metal water jet cut into a woods or nature scene to fit between the top of my stove and the FP arch...just to cover up the pipe and make it look more "finished"