Using an insert without a surround

I have a decision to make and I'm looking for suggestions. This terrible winter has taken a toll on my old Better N Ben stove. The stove was originally made to be used slammer style but I removed the surround ( it was only bolted on ) shortened the legs and set it up as a free standing stove sitting in my fireplace. Its performed flawlessly for the past 3 years but after running it hard all winter its starting to warp on the top and sides. I would like to replace it with another free standing stove . The problem is , I only have 23 1/2" in height from my hearth to the lentil . So unless I want to open a can of worms and spend cash I don't have, I cant fit a free stander big enough to fit my needs ( ie englander 30). My wife and I both hate the look of a surround and I would rather not have to rely on a blower, but I was wondering if anyone here uses an insert with out the surround and if so are you happy with how it performs and looks ?

 

People use inserts with no surround, usually to get more heat out of it. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

I agree, I'll get more heat for sure. But of course my wife is worried about looks , and I'm just wondering if theres something that I'm missing. Is there a practical reason for the manufacturers to put on a surround in the first place ?

 

Because the opening is so small will you sacrafice size for heat?

 

Just for a more finished look I suppose. Back in the slammer days, it would help keep all the heat from sucking up the chimney.

 

If you don't have a block off plate, I would definitely install one.

 

I think if I went with an insert I could use a fairly large stove. Width and depth aren't a problem, just height.

I do have a block off plate and a 6'' ss liner. My current set up works great, but the stove is tired.

 

What inserts do you have in mind?

 

Its seems like Englanders are well thought of. My closest hearth shop sells PE, Napolean, and Jotul. I haven't really shopped yet, just considering my options. I'm open for suggestions

 

Englander doesn't make the 30 in an insert, only the 13 which is small. I assume you need lots of heat if the Better N Ben warped. In PE, the 3 cuft Summit gets good reviews.

 

Yep, that's what I have been reading. It's a step that some skip, and regret. So they pull the insert out and put one in.

 

I like the Buck and quadrafires too.

Since I plan on installing my insert myself, I'm thinking of buying it from wherever I get the best price. While they are not light, getting a truck to deliver it shouldn't be an issue. Just get one with a lift gate since I don't have a forklift at home.

 

The summit looks nice, but plain, and getting a different colored/ plated door isn't the answer IMHO.

 

Since the slammer exhaust was not sealed to the flue the slammer surround would also force the draft to pull air through the stove only. If the surround was not well sealed cool air from around the stove would mix with the exhaust from the stove. This would cause creosote and a lot of flue fires. One of the main reasons slammers were banned...

Most inserts today are stoves dressed up on the front only. They usually have convection paths built into the case also. The surround is decorative. Inserts are usually more expensive than regular stoves. If you can find a stove that fits in or in front of your fireplace you can save some money. The low lintel makes it tough. Have you considered a rear exhaust stove on the hearth?

KaptJaq

 

Me tomorrow !

 

Take pics and post them!

 

I run an insert and pull the surround off come January. Put it back on about 2 weeks ago. Strictly for looks, kind of like why my wife married me

You pretty much need a blower to be able to crank on the stove and not overheat it. My squirell cages croaked, and I refused to pay $300 to replace. I use the smallest Vornado fan that sits on my hearth and is super quiet instead.