Inserts with the best radiant heat

[creek chub]

Looking for wood inserts that offer the best radiant heat output. Prefer cat options but open to all suggestions

Many thanks

 

[stoveliker]

I think both the cat and it being an insert make models much more effective as (fan forced) convective heat sources.

Radiant needs surface area to radiate out of, and given that inserts have only one out of 6 sides exposed, that doesn't work very well.

If you want an insert, you're going to have to live with a fan most of the time.
If you want the largest fraction of time without a fan that is possible, go with a protruding insert with the largest window.

 

[creek chub]

Got any models in mind that protrude onto the hearth more so than the typical inserts?

 

[kborndale]

Got any models in mind that protrude onto the hearth more so than the typical inserts?

Depends on the size of your fireplace.

 

[EbS-P]

I think another good question is what insert has the most quiet blower on lowest setting.

These are all designed around forced convection. They still heat without a blower and are safe to use but just aren’t efficient.

Any insert that sticks out of the opening more will be more radiant. BK princess insert would be on my list for more radiant cat insert

 

[creek chub]

Depends on the size of your fireplace.

opening dimensions
height 30 1/4”
depth 20”
front width 36”
back width 29”
Thanks

 

[stoveliker]

I did not look at the sizing, but the Buck 91 also protrudes.

 

[mellow]

I did not look at the sizing, but the Buck 91 also protrudes.

Just a side note that this insert requires an 8" liner. You will also need to check what size liner you can fit down your chimney to help with your options.

 

[creek chub]

I think another good question is what insert has the most quiet blower on lowest setting.

These are all designed around forced convection. They still heat without a blower and are safe to use but just aren’t efficient.

Any insert that sticks out of the opening more will be more radiant. BK princess insert would be on my list for more radiant cat insert

I’ll look to see how close a blaze king dealer is to me

 

[BKVP]

Kuma also makes a hearth heater insert.....

BKVP

 

[creek chub]

Kuma also makes a hearth heater insert.....

BKVP

Thanks, I’ll check them out

 

[Solarguy3500]

The Osburn 3500 protrudes but its a tube stove, not a cat stove.

Importantly, no matter which make, model, or type of stove you get make sure to install a blockoff plate and insulate the back, sides and above the blockoff plate with rockwool insulation if the chimney is on an exterior wall. That way you won't lose your heat up the chimney or radiated out through the masonry.

 

[begreen]

The Osburn 3500 protrudes but its a tube stove, not a cat stove.

Importantly, no matter which make, model, or type of stove you get make sure to install a blockoff plate and insulate the back, sides and above the blockoff plate with rockwool insulation if the chimney is on an exterior wall. That way you won't lose your heat up the chimney or radiated out through the masonry.

Good idea, but more important with an exterior wall fireplace than an interior one.
Pacific Energy, Buck, Quadrafire, Kuma, Regency, etc. also make more radiant, non-flush inserts.