Better option for basement insert, occasional use

[noob-stover]

Hello wood stove aficionados, I would appreciate some feedback on what would be the best option for our scenario (basement with possibly not so good draft).

Wood stove insert for finished basement of a two story house

Plan to use it occasionally (power outage, below zero outside)

Two options are:

Morso 5660 standard

https://morsoe.com/us/product/indoor/inserts/p5660st_us

Pacific energy neo 1.6
https://www.pacificenergy.net/products/neo-16-insert-le/

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

PE will be an easy breather, but if you have a long flue due to it being a basement install you may want a damper once things get going to be able to control it

 

[ManitobaSky]

Nether of those inserts are going to be great heaters without power for the blower fan. Since the 5660 doesn’t have a blower I would seriously consider something else if you are looking for more the minimal additional heat during power outages. At least with a blower you could use a battery backup to run the fan.

 

[GG Woody]

My aging Pacific Energy insert is a sweetheart, it just works. I would recommend it for sure, it can put out quite a bit of heat *with the fan* and heat our main floor, 1400 sqft.
Like ManitobaSky mentioned above, it would be beneficial to have a backup power supply for the fan if the power does go out (tool batteries with an adapter?). Our insert will heat a bit without the fan, but I'd bet it wouldn't do 20% of what it does with the fan on even medium low.