insert input

Coworker mentioned they have a insert stove or so they think. Will give it to me free if I pick it up. She got it from a couple who bought it new never put it in wife got mad he got mad. Set it out for rummage sale didn't sell to prove a point he left it in the yard. 1 year later slight rust coworker picked it up. Couple years later my scrounge rat hoarder instinct kicks in. Should I take it. What could be wrong with it. What to look out for. Have never messed with an insert. Hope to get pics from her. No idea if it is smoke dragon cat or what. No idea on brand. It has 2 bifold doors on front. Ok guys what do I do?

 

Your description of the stove will yield you a couple hundred options. A pic may get you a true stove model and make, not to mention maybe even a guess as to manufacture date if you take detailed pics of all emblems, id plates, the inside and outside of the stove etc.

I'd like to see it!

 

So wood I. Hopefully over Christmas break she will be able to get into her shed to get sum pics. As for now I am just looking for advice as to is there any major difference between a free standing stove or an insert to look for as something to disqualify this as a score.

 

Well usually a free standing stove has legs or a pedestal and no mounting points/holes on the sides/top of it to mount a surround panel.
If you say double door, I'm lead to believe it may be old or be a freestanding stove. I cant personally think of any inserts (at least made in the last 15 years) that have double doors but that doesn't mean much, there have been a LOT of stoves made. If it is newer there will be some sort of ID plate on it telling you the model and make, after that it should be easy to figure out what you are working with.

 

I have 0 experience with insert stoves. Do they have any quirky traits like draft issues or not having big enough fire boxes ect. It would be a drive to get and I just need a quick learnin so I don't put on a slug of miles to only pick up a headache that will end up as a waste of time and fuel.

 

Jotul Kennebec had double doors, I think the Merrimack did too so who knows it could be a score. Curious now, definitely need to see pics.

 

Well yes and no. If it is an old slammer insert with a rectangular flue opening on top and you don't install a liner you might have an issue with draft, or it may work great. It's a pretty good bet that if it has a 6" round flue on it you might have a good gem on your hands. Also what are you inserting this into? Is it a masonry (all brick, top to bottom), or Zero Clearance (chincy cheap metal and a round metal chimney) fireplace? The key to a GOOD draft is to install a liner kit with it.
They make inserts with HUGE fireboxes but that all depends on whether or not the insert will fit into YOUR fireplace which is always the limiting factor. Always keep in mind negative/positive pressure issues. Sometimes inserts don't work well in the lower stories/basements of homes. There are a lot of factors that go into this.

Above and beyond all make sure it will fit into your fireplace. Although I can NOT understand why, people still pay good money for terrible wood stoves every day, so even if it doesn't work for your application, it might make you a buck if you go pick it up.

 

http://firewoodhoardersclub.com/forums/threads/cold-here.8031/#post-195973

Here's a thread with the Chief's insert (Buck stove) this is the first insert that comes to mind when you say double doors. It's an old model but I can tell you Steve loves it.
To answer your questions or hesitation about inserts I can tell you I have had 2 now over the last 22 years and love both. Not much different than any other stove other than they sit inside a fireplace and you need a blower to get the benefit.