Choosing between insert and stove inside fireplace

[Carol Lynn]

I have a corner fireplace, in the middle of a ranch home. Roof is flat where chimney is. Chimney stack is approximately 3-4 feet above roof line. No attic. Crawl under home. 1500 square foot home. I’m in Michigan. 5 acres wooded land. I’d like a back up power out heat source or switching to every day heat source. Looking for long burn and ability to heat house.

I looked at Lopi large insert next gen hybrid.

I have seen that the Blaze King stove rather than insert heats long, uses less wood, and will heat well without using power - which I love.

I do like the idea of using the top of a stove to heat food if needed as well.

What are your opinions please?

I’m open to lowering the base of the fireplace if needed.

It’s currently a fully functioning safe fireplace.

 

[stoveliker]

Are you sure the fireplace can handle the weight of the chimney when you change the base?

To me it would either be fully demolishing the chimney, put a stove pipe, ceiling support box and class A in with a stove, or put an insert in and add a side if needed because the insert may look ugly there.

I would not put a stove in that.

Given the cost of demo, I'd put an insert and insulated liner in.

Regarding BKs the inserts have the same hour/firebox ratio, i.e. they burn as long per lbs wood loaded. Their firebox is smaller than of the 30 models (and shaped less ideal for full loading).

 

[begreen]

Yes, give up on the idea of a freestanding BK stove, they are only top-vented. You can't come off the flue collar with an elbow and then to another 90º to connect to a liner. The suggestion of putting in a BK or Kuma or similar insert is a good one. It can be installed without a front surrounding shroud.

 

[Carol Lynn]

Yes, give up on the idea of a freestanding BK stove, they are only top-vented. You can't come off the flue collar with an elbow and then to another 90º to connect to a liner. The suggestion of putting in a BK or Kuma or similar insert is a good one. It can be installed without a front surrounding shroud.

Are you saying a free standing stove won’t be able to sit inside the box?

 

[stoveliker]

26" is too low indeed.
The Ashford 20 is 29-3/4" tall.

 

[bholler]

Are you saying a free standing stove won’t be able to sit inside the box?

Even if you find one that physically fits stoves don't have the full convective jacket to direct the heat out into the room like inserts do.

 

[begreen]

Are you saying a free standing stove won’t be able to sit inside the box?

Correct for BK stoves. There are other contemporary stoves that can be installed without a pedestal like the Supreme Novo series.

 

[stoveliker]

But you'll need a fan to move the heat from the firebox into the room anyway.

Then why not use an insert...?

 

[EbS-P]

Find an insert that looks ok with no surround. Here is mine. Dolet 1800i.

 

[kborndale]

Inserts are stoves that are purposely built to go in a fireplace. I would use what is made for the application.

 

[Carol Lynn]

But you'll need a fan to move the heat from the firebox into the room anyway.

Then why not use an insert...?

I’m trying to find what will heat the house with no power and long burn times. I have a wooded 5 acres also.

 

[stoveliker]

My point is this: If you stick a stove in a hollow like that you need a fan anyway.

Then an insert is better.

Also "the house" is a very different thing than "the room and maybe the next". This depends a lot on the layout and convective paths you can create.

 

[all night moe]

I’m trying to find what will heat the house with no power and long burn times. I have a wooded 5 acres also.

Then you need a free standing stove. Which, like stated, is not compatible with your existing setup.
Either, A. Install a class A chimney and hearth in a different spot,
or, B. Rip out existing fireplace and then, option A.

A. alone is your cheapest route.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

I have a wooded 5 acres also.

On this note, do you already have split wood on hand? The BK or Kuma will not run well on wet wood.

 

[EbS-P]

I’m trying to find what will heat the house with no power and long burn times. I have a wooded 5 acres also.

Or you need a backup power solution. A 1500w invert generator 5 gallons of gas and two long extension cords. Or can do what my dad did and wire a generator outlet in. It’s dead until he plugs an extension cord under the porch into a generator. There are lots of battery backup system with capacities to run a blower on low for as many hours as you want to pay for.

Then you need a free standing stove. Which, like stated, is not compatible with your existing setup.
Either, A. Install a class A chimney and hearth in a different spot,
or, B. Rip out existing fireplace and then, option A.

A. alone is your cheapest route.

I don’t think you NEED a stove in a different location. Your expectations just need to fit the the limitations of what ever choice you make.

An insert with no blower will keep the house warmer than a fireplace. The room that it’s installed in will be warm.

 

[Carol Lynn]

On this note, do you already have split wood on hand? The BK or Kuma will not run well on wet wood.

Yes, 2 year dry wood under a shingled lean to surrounded on three sides with cinder block.