Insert selection

[hardboiledeggs]

hello, me again. still working on updating my old fireplace. me and the wife have it narrowed down to 3 options (in various flavours). looking to see if anyone has first hand experience with any of these units

particulars

-large open mid 50's fairly drafty house with old windows in saskatchewan canada so im going to need the heat
current open masonry fireplace is 48wx29hx24d so fit can fit no problem (would go bigger if anyone knows of one)
-wife wants the insert to be flush and modern looking
-not going to be burning garbage but most likely a heinz 57 mix of wood
-want largest firebox and log length. epa firebox capacity ambiance/supreme 2.98 cu/ft regency 2.92 cu ft lopi/fpx 2.8 cu/ft
-price of the unit isnt a problem, rather buy the right one once than pay to install something twice
-unit will not be primary heat but try to keep my furnace off ad much as possible
-i like the burn time and effeciency CATs offer but also worry about maintenance vs secondary air
any help is appreciated
thank you for looking!

1. lopi/fpx Large Flush Wood Rectangular NexGen-Hybrid

• Emissions: 0.8 Grams Per Hour
• Heating Capacity:* 1,500 to 2,500 Square Feet
• Cord Wood BTU Range: 18,000 – 67,000
• Crib Wood BTU Range: 11,162 – 39,875
• Maximum Burn Time: Up to 15 Hours
• Efficiency:** 77.8% HHV
• Glass Viewing Area: 24-1/2” W x 13” H (307 Sq. In. Arch, 319 Sq. In. Rect.)
• Firebox Size: 2.7 Cubic Feet
• Maximum Log Size: 24 Inches
• Weight: 530 Pounds
• Construction: 3/16” to 1/2” Steel Plate
• Bypass Damper: Yes

2. Regency alterra pro i3000

• Maximum BTUs/hrinfo 85,000
• Higher Heating Value Efficiency (HHV)info 78%
• Lower Heating Value Efficiency (LHV)info 84%
• General Specifications
• Product Size Large
• Log Size 20"
• Burn Time 20 hrs.
• Firebox Capacity 3.0 cu. ft.
• Emissions (gms/hr) 0.95
• View Area 300 sq. in.
• Room Size Large
• Vent Type Stainless Flex Liner
• Vent Size (Air Intake) N/A
• Vent Size (Exhaust) 6"

3. Ambiance/Supreme flair 34/lumis 32

• Power Cordwood 90,000 BTU
• EPA 49,358 BTU
• Burn Time Up to 12 hours
• Efficiencies G/HR 1.59 g/hr
• Optimal % 75%
• HHV 66.07%
• Dimensions Overall
• 33 3⁄4" W (Front), 22" W (Back) x 19" D x 23 3⁄4" H
• Min. Fireplace Opening
• 34" W (Front), 22" W (Back) x 19" D x 23 3⁄4" H
• Surround
• 37" W x 2" D x 25 5⁄8" H
• Glass
• 22 7⁄8" W x 15 3⁄8" H (352 sq. in.)
• Max. Log Length
• 22" Logs
• Firebox
• Cu. Ft / Log Length
• 3.2 Cu. Ft. / 22" Logs
• Soapstone Lining
• Int. Dimensions
• 22 1⁄2" W (Front), 15 7⁄8" W (Back) x 14 3⁄4" D x 17 1⁄2" H (Front), 16 1⁄4" H (Back)
• Blower110 CFM

 

[stoveliker]

A flush unit will need a fan to "get the heat" that you need. A unit that sticks out farther will need less fan (though inserts always heat best with a fan on).
If power outages are common, I'd not get a flush insert.

How big is the room you'll have the insert in, and what is the layout of (and door widths to) the rest of the house?
If that (layout) works well, you indeed could need a larger insert.
Cat stoves won't be of much help then, possibly, as the burn time being long is with a lower hourly heat output. I.e. the same number of BTUs (wood fuel heat content) is just spread out over a longer time.
On the other hand, if the room won't convect easily to the rest of the home, a large insert will cook you out of the room and don't do much for the rest of the home.

 

[hardboiledeggs]

A flush unit will need a fan to "get the heat" that you need. A unit that sticks out farther will need less fan (though inserts always heat best with a fan on).
If power outages are common, I'd not get a flush insert.

How big is the room you'll have the insert in, and what is the layout of (and door widths to) the rest of the house?
If that (layout) works well, you indeed could need a larger insert.
Cat stoves won't be of much help then, possibly, as the burn time being long is with a lower hourly heat output. I.e. the same number of BTUs (wood fuel heat content) is just spread out over a longer time.
On the other hand, if the room won't convect easily to the rest of the home, a large insert will cook you out of the room and don't do much for the rest of the home.

ya i know that it wont throw heat with out the fan. my original pick was the osburn 3500 but wife wouldnt go for it so picking my battles on that front.
im not too rural, about half hour outside major city and i figure having anything is better than nothing
room that its in is about 25 by 35 with 10 foot ceiling, then fully open to the kitchen with a dog log on the right with 7 by 20 hallway to bedrooms and bathroom. main floor is about 1900 sq ft and basement is about 1000
id rather err on the side of too big and manage the fire loads vs too small and have to be running the thing ragged.

 

[stoveliker]

I think a 3.2 cu ft firebox is on the large side. If it were me I'd take it off the list.

I like the regency but the Avalon has good reviews here too.

 

[begreen]

The Lopi Large Flush is a strong heater with good user reports. It's a top seller. The Alterra line has been out for a bit but the i3000 is new. Generally, Regency's Pro line have been good stoves. This one looks like it has a wopping large combustor and proprietary firebrick which could lead to higher maintenance costs later on. Both the Lopi and Regency qualify for the tax credit. I don't know much about the Ambiance line. It is notably less efficient and has a soapstone liner. The Avalon line was discontinued by Travis about 5 yrs ago.

 

[d.sebens]

I love my lopi large flush non cat. three things. I’ve had tons of strategically placed splits still fall down against the door. I don’t think it would ever have enough energy to break the glass but it’s quite loud and you can’t open it until it’s burned away. I had though if I made some drop on andiron extensions that would solve it.

Second thing is if I bought one again I might consider one with a lip sticking out. Mainly just so I could evaporate a pot of water with the smell goods on it.

Third thing. With the boost air(lopi calls this the pilot orifice) port being in the front middle and the logs being loaded e/w it makes cold starts a little slow sometimes.

I think lopi recommends something like 13” splits. If you did it that way you could load n/s and it would fix all that but that is really small splits.

I still really love the way my insert looks and performs.

Edited to add that my model doesn’t have a cat

 

[begreen]

I love my lopi large flush non cat. three things. I’ve had tons of strategically placed splits still fall down against the door. I don’t think it would ever have enough energy to break the glass but it’s quite loud and you can’t open it until it’s burned away. I had though if I made some drop on andiron extensions that would solve it.

This is a general issue with E/W loaders.

 

[Starbrightsteve]

This is a general issue with E/W loaders.

I have the Lopi large flush and it’s been working good for 4 years.one suggestion is do not get the hybrid. Cat are a pain in the butt.

 

[d.sebens]

I have the Lopi large flush and it’s been working good for 4 years.one suggestion is do not get the hybrid. Cat are a pain in the butt.

I had checked the website as when I bought mine(non cat) they offered both the hybrid and the normal. When I checked this time I only see the hybrid one. Also if they offered the non cat stove you don’t get the rebate as it’s like 5% away from the efficiency credit.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

I have the Lopi large flush and it’s been working good for 4 years.one suggestion is do not get the hybrid. Cat are a pain in the butt.

I have a hybrid stove and agree, the wrist crippling task of closing a bypass destroys my very soul every time I do it andI even have to read a gauge that tells me when to do it, the humanity! Plus, the mind numbing 2 minutes to shoot an air duster into the cat every month is almost more than I can bear. And don't get me started on the clean low temperature burns and low flue buildup I really hate that..................

 

[d.sebens]

I have a hybrid stove and agree, the wrist crippling task of closing a bypass destroys my very soul every time I do it andI even have to read a gauge that tells me when to do it, the humanity! Plus, the mind numbing 2 minutes to shoot an air duster into the cat every month is almost more than I can bear. And don't get me started on the clean low temperature burns and low flue buildup I really hate that..................

Jabs aside. Good secondary burn stoves are close in efficiency to cat stoves. Either is a good choice. If a person doesn’t want a cat that’s okay. I know it’sa hot topic but either is fine, it’s their money.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Jabs aside. Good secondary burn stoves are close in efficiency to cat stoves. Either is a good choice. If a person doesn’t want a cat that’s okay. I know it’sa hot topic but either is fine, it’s their money.

I agree, I am even looking into a non cat stove for a flex space in my house. But this notion that catalysts are a huge pain is silly.

 

[bholler]

Jabs aside. Good secondary burn stoves are close in efficiency to cat stoves. Either is a good choice. If a person doesn’t want a cat that’s okay. I know it’sa hot topic but either is fine, it’s their money.

Yes absolutely noncats work very well. But with a non cat you do not have the low end output available you will with most cat stoves. It all depends what you need.

 

[begreen]

What confuses the issue a bit is the flock of hybrid solutions now on the market. Their low level output and burn times can be inbetween that of a pure cat stove and a non-cat.

 

[d.sebens]

What confuses the issue a bit is the flock of hybrid solutions now on the market. Their low level output and burn times can be inbetween that of a pure cat stove and a non-cat.

I would guess they were born out of this rebate. It was probably easier to adapt a small cat to the stove vs redesign from the ground up.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

What confuses the issue a bit is the flock of hybrid solutions now on the market. Their low level output and burn times can be inbetween that of a pure cat stove and a non-cat.

Do you mean lack of hybrid solutions? Yeah confuses me as well. I really like that my burn tubes are usually ripping within 1-2 minutes of a cold start really heats up the flue and firebox fast. Then I can get it reasonably low and let the cat take the rest.

 

[begreen]

I would guess they were born out of this rebate. It was probably easier to adapt a small cat to the stove vs redesign from the ground up.

It's not the rebate per se as much as the change in EPA regs in 2020. Though indeed, now some stove changes appear designed to pass the HHV test. Unfortunately, this does not necessarily make for a better stove. Some hybrid designs are notably better than others.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

Some hybrid designs are notably better than others.

This. One of the reasons I went with my Kuma is because it looks like they were proactive in their design and wanted to get it right as opposed to just cramming a catalyst into an existing design.

 

[bholler]

I would guess they were born out of this rebate. It was probably easier to adapt a small cat to the stove vs redesign from the ground up.

Actually the majority were designed from the ground up

 

[bholler]

This. One of the reasons I went with my Kuma is because it looks like they were proactive in their design and wanted to get it right as opposed to just cramming a catalyst into an existing design.

The only ones I can think of that are just a cat slapped in an existing design are the Regency cascade line.

 

[Kat1285]

hello, me again. still working on updating my old fireplace. me and the wife have it narrowed down to 3 options (in various flavours). looking to see if anyone has first hand experience with any of these units

particulars

-large open mid 50's fairly drafty house with old windows in saskatchewan canada so im going to need the heat
current open masonry fireplace is 48wx29hx24d so fit can fit no problem (would go bigger if anyone knows of one)
-wife wants the insert to be flush and modern looking
-not going to be burning garbage but most likely a heinz 57 mix of wood
-want largest firebox and log length. epa firebox capacity ambiance/supreme 2.98 cu/ft regency 2.92 cu ft lopi/fpx 2.8 cu/ft
-price of the unit isnt a problem, rather buy the right one once than pay to install something twice
-unit will not be primary heat but try to keep my furnace off ad much as possible
-i like the burn time and effeciency CATs offer but also worry about maintenance vs secondary air
any help is appreciated
thank you for looking!

1. lopi/fpx Large Flush Wood Rectangular NexGen-Hybrid

View attachment 331398

• Emissions: 0.8 Grams Per Hour
• Heating Capacity:* 1,500 to 2,500 Square Feet
• Cord Wood BTU Range: 18,000 – 67,000
• Crib Wood BTU Range: 11,162 – 39,875
• Maximum Burn Time: Up to 15 Hours
• Efficiency:** 77.8% HHV
• Glass Viewing Area: 24-1/2” W x 13” H (307 Sq. In. Arch, 319 Sq. In. Rect.)
• Firebox Size: 2.7 Cubic Feet
• Maximum Log Size: 24 Inches
• Weight: 530 Pounds
• Construction: 3/16” to 1/2” Steel Plate
• Bypass Damper: Yes

2. Regency alterra pro i3000

View attachment 331399

• Maximum BTUs/hrinfo 85,000
• Higher Heating Value Efficiency (HHV)info 78%
• Lower Heating Value Efficiency (LHV)info 84%
• General Specifications
• Product Size Large
• Log Size 20"
• Burn Time 20 hrs.
• Firebox Capacity 3.0 cu. ft.
• Emissions (gms/hr) 0.95
• View Area 300 sq. in.
• Room Size Large
• Vent Type Stainless Flex Liner
• Vent Size (Air Intake) N/A
• Vent Size (Exhaust) 6"

3. Ambiance/Supreme flair 34/lumis 32

View attachment 331400

• Power Cordwood 90,000 BTU
• EPA 49,358 BTU
• Burn Time Up to 12 hours
• Efficiencies G/HR 1.59 g/hr
• Optimal % 75%
• HHV 66.07%
• Dimensions Overall
• 33 3⁄4" W (Front), 22" W (Back) x 19" D x 23 3⁄4" H
• Min. Fireplace Opening
• 34" W (Front), 22" W (Back) x 19" D x 23 3⁄4" H
• Surround
• 37" W x 2" D x 25 5⁄8" H
• Glass
• 22 7⁄8" W x 15 3⁄8" H (352 sq. in.)
• Max. Log Length
• 22" Logs
• Firebox
• Cu. Ft / Log Length
• 3.2 Cu. Ft. / 22" Logs
• Soapstone Lining
• Int. Dimensions
• 22 1⁄2" W (Front), 15 7⁄8" W (Back) x 14 3⁄4" D x 17 1⁄2" H (Front), 16 1⁄4" H (Back)
• Blower110 CF

Hello, just curious if you made a decision and have your insert installed already. We are looking at the FPX Large Flush NexGen Hybrid vs Regency i3000 as well. We tossed the Ambiance out of the lineup once we were able to see a display....it is lacking in build quality compared to the other two.