Ceramic Fiber Board or Fire Brick?

Picked up a new stove. Buck 51. It was a bit of a basket case, but I'm in the process of fixing it up.

Regarding the "ceiling" over the secondary burn tubes - do you think it would be better (more efficient) to have traditional fire brick, or ceramic fiber board??

This Buck model 51 is the older generation of the Buck 74. The only difference between the two I can see is that the newer 74 has 4 upper secindary burn tubes vs the older 51's two and a half.

The older 51 was originally sold with brick up top, but my dealer said I can use the fiber board (as the newer models do).

I can't decide which would be better. Dealer recommended that I should NOT use both.

Any thoughts?

 

The brick is much more durable. May be easier to remove for cleaning. Just a thought.

You may be able to get a better sealed fit with board.

Doubt it makes a huge difference in that model. Good luck.

Edit: Unless I am missing something that looks like a pretty darn clean old stove!

 

The fiberboard will work better, it is a much better insulator, which is what you want there.

 

The fiber board is really the right material to use. But it isn't as durable. I replaced my baffle board on my quadrafire a couple of years ago, and it's already got a crack in it. I'm thinking maybe use a piece of SS sheet, like 10-12 gauge underneath the fiber board?

 

Thanks for the replies.

I was aware that the ceramic is a better insulator but I was thinking the brick might "hold" the heat a bit better.

My Buck 74 has the ceramic fiber board. It performs exceptionally and I don't find that I damage the board by loading.

Based on that, I think I'll go fiber board. I'll report back once it's in!

 

I think the ceramic board just gets brittle after a number of heat cycles. To really clean my insert, you need to remove the baffle board. Brittle baffle board and moving it isn't a great combo.

 

FYI, ceramic insulation board can be repaired with furnace cement if it cracks/breaks...it actually works surprisingly well.
I've never broken one while removing/installing to clean...the one I had break happened during a burn cycle...pretty certain I didn't hit it...I think the wood shifted as it burnt and a piece flipped up n hit it.