Stove Newbie - Looking at Flush Wood Stove Inserts

Hey guys,
In the market for a wood stove insert and got two quotes today. I need the whole shabang - liner, cap, stove, blower, install. House is ~3500 sq ft, but I don't intend to heat all with wood. I prefer the flush look with large glass.

One place has Regency and Hampton Stoves - got quoted on the Regency CI2600 and Hampton HI400.

Other place has Lopi/Avalon/FPX stoves and I'd be looking at their Large Flush Inserts.

Both prices were within $100 of each other. Any experience with either of those brands? The Regency CI2600 didn't seem to have the most glowing reviews but it seems relatively new. Might have better luck with the Lopi/Avalon/FPX.

Planning on trying to get some more estimates this week. Any advice?

 

I remember when I was looking last year, the Hampton definitely stood out from all the rest. If I remember correctly, it wasn't exactly a bargain. I ended up with a pacific energy. I got a hell of a deal on it. Good luck BCM!


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How about the Napolean NZ series like Scotty Overkill has...just a thought, I do not know the price. I have a Buck 91 insert

 

I love that build, but it looks to be out of the price range. I'd rather not spend much over $5k. My two quotes were about $5300 each all-in, so including install, liner, cap, etc.

I think the Napeleons are north of $5k just for the stove. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

I'd be looking for the biggest insert that will fit in your fireplace. 3500sqft is a lot to heat, even carrying only part of the load. If you're going to light a fire it just as well be doing some good. 2cuft is usually considered the bare minimum for overnight burns. A flush insert may be the look you want but it has its disadvantages. Pick your poison.
Start CSSing (Cut,Split,Stack) your wood now or you will be very disappointed with your new inserts performance. EPA stoves Need dry wood.

 

Thanks Scotty......hey that avatar with the tipi looks better than that one eyed maniac....

 

Got another quote for a Quadrafire 5100 installed for a little over $5k.

My head is absolutely spinning with all the options - especially cat vs. non-cat. I understand all the above stoves are non-cat, but I was thinking of quoting the BK Princess Insert. I like the longer burn times, don't like having to replace a cat, confused that it has a smaller firebox (2.5 cu ft) than the other stoves I'm looking it (~3.0 cu ft). I'm also thinking it will be more expensive.