Wood burning insert advice

[Pav]

Looking for a recommendation for a wood burning insert for our fireplace in our mid century modern home. We live in Northern California - it doesn't snow or get super cold. Home has lots of glass windows and doors and high exposed ceilings.
Fireplace dimensions
Height: 32.5" / 29"
Width: 39.5"
Depth: 23.5"
Chimney Flue: 20" external diameter

 

[begreen]

There are several inserts that can work depending on the budget and how the insert will be used. How large of an area will it be heating? Is the fireplace room open or separated by doorways from the rest of the floor? How well insulated is the house?

 

[Pav]

Thanks so much. Fireplace room is open to the rest of the floor which is about 1200 square feet of living room and dining room with flow through to kitchen and entry. The house is not the best insulated because of large glass windows and doors that give a great view but it gets chilly. have been looking at the Vermont castings Montpellier, blaze king sirocco, Osborn matrix, but can't discern fit.

 

[begreen]

1200 sq ft is not a large area to heat, though heat loss via the large windows will increase the losses. However, mild temperatures balance this out. It sounds like an insert in the 2 cu ft range will be more than sufficient. The Sirocco is a better choice here. The Montpelier is a single-burn rate stove that is good for night and weekend fires, but does not have the nice low end burn range of the BK insert. The Matrix is a good looker and could be a nice second choice.

How tall is the chimney from fireplace floor to top? Some inserts need at least 16' of flue liner to draft properly. This is especially important if one is going to be having a fire at 45-50º when draft will be weaker. Aesthetics and how the stove will be used will also be determining factors.