insert vs stove

[raymondreason]

I assumed that a fireplace insert would be significantly less efficient/effective than a free standing stove. But according to a salesman I recently talked to, there is no difference as far as efficiency goes. Does this seem right?
I mean, if it's true, I'd much rather go the insert route and save space.

 

[firefighterjake]

Efficiency . . . or heat output? Just a guess on my part, but I would bet most all inserts and stoves would be close in terms of efficiency, but depending on the make/model and installation one might find a difference in the heat output. That said, many, many folks here have inserts and are warm all winter long.

 

[raymondreason]

I guess what I really want to know is if, in general, it would take more wood to keep a house warm with an insert than with a free standing wood stove?

 

[Bad LP]

You get a little more heat out of a free stander and there is no fan noise but for my layout an insert was the only way to go. No way do I want a free stander out in my LR.
The fact that the brown enamel finish compliments the wood floors and furnishings speaks for itself.

 

[Huckleberry]

I would make the decision based
on the existing fireplace's location.

If the fireplace is at an exterior wall, I would probably
abandon it and install a freestanding stove.

If it's somewhere in the middle of
the house, I might go with an insert.

That's just me.

 

[begreen]

If you would rather go with an insert, then focus on that. If you choose one that projects out on the hearth as opposed to a flush insert, it will heat ok in milder weather even with the blower off. What are the fireplace dimensions? Can you post a picture or two of it?

 

[blacktail]

Does a free stander heat better? Probably. Is the difference enough to matter? Maybe, maybe not.
Lots of us on here heat our homes just fine with inserts.