| Author | Content |
medora66
Three Oaks, MI
November 12, 2008
02:03 PM Post #5782866
| We want to get a wood stove insert for our fireplace ASAP. Various people have recommended various models -- including REGENCY, QUADRA, JOTUL, VERMONT CASTINGS, QUADRA, and PACIFIC ENERGY (the "VISTA" insert).
We are totally overwhelmed by the choice. The BTUs/efficiency ratings vary a little; models that have higher BTUs tend to have lower efficiency and vice versa, but we don't know which is more important ultimately. All these models are at different stores -- we live in a rural area and it's difficult to see all of them (and some stores don't even have them on display). And of course, salespeople always argue their model is best.
We're willing to pay a little extra to get a well-made model that would last. We also would like to get something with the biggest glass plate possible (we want to see that fire!).
Any suggestions? We would be ever grateful. |
bulbous1
Cincinnati, OH
November 22, 2008
08:53 PM Post #5820840
| I'm extremely happy with the Jotul I bought nearly a year ago.
You want to take good measurements of your fireplace and that will help narrow your list down somewhat.
Then just go and look at the manufacturers' websites for more detailed information. That will help narrow your choices down even more.
By this time, you should be down to just a few choices. Go and look at them if you can, and pick the one you get the best feeling about, since you'll have it for a very long time.
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argusy54
Seville, OH
November 26, 2008
06:10 PM Post #5833905
| We bought a Lopi Revere because it was the only zero clearance insert that would fit our prefab fireplace. Been very happy with it. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
December 27, 2008
01:55 PM Post #5933001
| We spent months trying to pick out the best insert for us and we have similar requirements to you. We finally decided upon a Vermont Castings, (Montpelier model with the Georgian surround - black). It is being installed right this minute ... on a day when the temp's are likely to climb to nearly 60 degrees F.
http://www.vermontcastings.com/content/products/productgalle...
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wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
December 27, 2008
03:46 PM Post #5933304
| The insert has now been installed and we're doing our first Test Fire. Here's what it looks like. I like that I can still see the flames. The fan has kicked on and isn't too loud. I also like that the surround mimics the design of the existing wooden mantle. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
December 28, 2008
03:01 PM Post #5936352
| I think it's really nice - I wish the window on ours was as large as yours is.
Enjoy that heat, lol!!! |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
December 28, 2008
03:07 PM Post #5936373
| Heh - it's almost 70 outside today!
Okay, a couple of minor things that I don't care much for as of Day 2 with the new insert. I don't like the power cord for the fan which sticks out of the right side of the insert. And ... I lied earlier. The sound of the fan can be a bit distracting, but I guess I'm being nitpicky. |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
December 28, 2008
06:30 PM Post #5936992
| Snort - yeah, I was thinking you were probably as warm as we are. But tonight, it drops back into the 30's, so you will be happy with it!
I bet in a week you won't notice the fan ... unless you're feeling reeeaaaalllly tense, lol.
I don't see the cord in the picture - is it behind the strategically placed log carrier (is there a fancy name for those things?)? |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
December 28, 2008
06:44 PM Post #5937034
| m'thinks you are right about that fan. The cord is visible in above shot, but sort of blends into the SPLC (SPLC = fancy name). Its the black thingy coming out of the side at about mid-height on the surround. heh
Here's another shot, but not sure if it helps much!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
December 28, 2008
11:00 PM Post #5938077
| I gotcha. I bet you could drill a hole in the side of your mantle (heavens!) this summer, or perhaps before they put the new insert in (they'll probably have to move it out in order to hook it up anyway, but that would be a good time) so it doesn't feed in front... I'm sorta surprised they didn't offer to do that when they installed it. |
gmoney_2010
Gardner, KS
January 25, 2009
06:23 AM Post #6047992
| Thats the exact setup i want! I have a question. How hot does the top of the surround get? Like is it hot enought to cook something or boil water on it? Also hearth.com is a excellent website that covers everything about inserts, fireplaces, stoves, and anything related to them. |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 25, 2009
09:56 AM Post #6048313
| No, the surround and top/mantle portion of the surround do not get very hot. We keep a teapot filled with water on top of the insert's mantle and it doesn't ever come close to boiling. |
hart
Shenandoah Valley, VA
January 25, 2009
10:06 AM Post #6048353
| Wrightie, if I didn't say so before, that's about the prettiest insert I've ever seen. It does look beautiful with your mantle and surround.
Before you know it, you won't even notice the sound from the fan.
This message was edited Jan 25, 2009 9:07 AM |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 25, 2009
10:10 AM Post #6048372
| Thanks, Hart - We love it!
Btw, we did buy a little thermometer and slapped it on the metal frame of the door (looks awful) and we now know for sure that we weren't burning it hot enough that first week or two that we had it. |
hart
Shenandoah Valley, VA
January 25, 2009
10:44 AM Post #6048491
| I'm glad you got one then. I'll bet you're enjoying all that nice, warm wood heat on these cold days. |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
January 25, 2009
12:16 PM Post #6048924
| I got one that is similar to Wrightie's - not as pretty, but... my biggest problem is the circulation throughout the house. It can easily be 80 in the room with the stove but in the low 60's in the back part of the house. Turning the ceiling fans on has only helped slightly (they're running 'backwards' IYNWIM) and what's probably most helpful is the blowers on the stove itself, but at high speed I can't hear myself think.
Any suggestions? |
wrightie
Metro DC, MD
(Zone 7a)
January 25, 2009
12:21 PM Post #6048950
| Think LOUDER. ;p
Pagan, how many levels are there in your house? |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
January 25, 2009
08:50 PM Post #6050859
| Two, and basement. I don't even worry about those! Part of the prob is that this house is so boxy - rectangular living room with square dining room and rectangular kitchen - there's a path that the air just flows to. Off of the living room is a hallway that leads to bath and two other bedrooms - but there's nothing to pull the air into that hall as it doesn't lead directly ... here, let me just photoshop what I'm talking about, so it makes some kind of sense. |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
January 25, 2009
09:07 PM Post #6050928
| Hope this is large enough to see... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
rtl850nomore
Glendale/Parks, AZ
January 30, 2009
02:41 PM Post #6071389
| Has anyone tried the Ecofan? |
swissy
Laurentians - Quebec, QC
(Zone 4b)
February 20, 2009
08:05 PM Post #6167119
| We got an insert last year and are very happy with it, especially it's environmental friendly (double burning).This year we had a power outage and we realized than that we could not use the fan. I would suggest to buy a good battery in case of no power. |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
February 21, 2009
07:00 AM Post #6168647
| Good point. |
WhichBurner
Manchester
United Kingdom
April 26, 2009
05:19 AM Post #6464328
| If you want to look at a great range of inserts, check out Prity Stoves. Its a Bulgarian brand and boy does it get cold there in winter! Various styles 3 sided, ones that have 2 glass sides,that fit in corners. Each model also comes with at least 1 boiler option.from 13 KW upto 28+5=33KW for the largest stove with a boiler. Go to
http://www.whichwoodburningstoves.co.uk & http://www.whichburner.co.uk
Let me know what you think, also they have various stockists around the country so you can go and feel the merchandise .
Keep the Home Fires Burning! |
kcviolet
Kansas City, MO
May 26, 2009
12:23 AM Post #6598477
| Maybe I'm too late & you got your insert already. Last fall I wanted an insert for my fireplace, but it is a strange small size. Did some research on the 'net and ended up getting a "Buck" wood stove. It fit perfectly in the fireplace. I have a huge old prairie four square house with steam heat & when we fired up the stove the boiler and fan did not come on. It was cold upstairs, but you're under the covers anyway up there & when the fire burns out the radiators come on. I saved a bunch of money on heat, even tho' I paid for professional installation (for safety's sake). The stove has a fan, but the noise did not bother us. The wood is burned so completely that I maybe had one small ashcan full of powder every week. I got the least expensive finish & with install & everything it was around $1500.00 (they had to resize some of the masonry & run the stove pipe up the existing chimney). I love my stove & so do my cats. |
stadrku
Victor, NY
October 12, 2009
11:35 PM Post #7163614
| This message is for Wrightie...You've had your Vermont Casting for a year now...does it still meet your expectations? Have you come across any problems? I'm considering purchasing a model similar to your but am not sure if I should purchase a VC or a Jotul. Is the VC very loud when it use? |
Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
October 13, 2009
09:57 AM Post #7164421
| Sorry, stadrku - Wrightie has signed off of DG, permenente. |
