Wood Burning stove insert for around $1k

[cgbills]

We live in Indiana so winters are not super harsh. Our home is 2 bed, 1250 sqf (with 1250 sqf unfinished basement) and was built in 1952. The previous owners put a fair amount into updating insulation, so the house does pretty well. The current fireplace and chimeny are brick with (I believe) clay lining, so installing a metal flue should be easy. It is fairly large at 36 ½ in wide, 24 in tall and 21 ½ in at its deepest. Also the fireplace sits level with the floor. I want to heat the house through the winter. We are on a fairly tight budget and would like to get a wood burning stove insert with installation for around $1k. I have looked at a couple through Lowes and Ace (I am military so I get an additional 10% off at Lowes).
http://www.lowes.com/pd_365186-66915-DB03120_4294765285__?productId=3623484&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=
http://www.lowes.com/pd_97363-850-2200I_4294765285__?productId=3457288&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=
http://www.lowes.com/pd_239295-7684...uctId=3027302&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3706810
I know these are not one of the big name brands like Napoleon, but do you think they will do the trick? Seems like some of the issues with cheaper inserts is their fans, but are they on par in terms of efficiency and burn? Are they less durable, which is a worry since it will see heavy use. I have wanted to start burning for a while, but don’t have the $1600+ for some of the bigger name stoves. Just wanted to hear some views on these less known brands, and welcome options people may have for doing it cheaper. Also let me know if there are some good deals out there

Here is the fireplace before we finished the living room. The carpet is still there.

Much Thanks

 

[Dix]

Hay, CG... welcome to the forums, incase I missed ya before !

The Summers heat is an Englander

http://www.overstockstoves.com/50tnc13i--epa-certified-noncatalytic-wood-stove--1550131500.html

Lot's of happy campers here with their brand, my self included.

Good luck with your search !!

Get your wood supply now, so it has as much time to dry as possible !

 

[begreen]

They are all familiar brands. That is a heckuva good price for the Century at this time of year.

 

[kingquad]

Drolet and timberwolf brands fall in your price range too. Northern tool has good prices on the Drolet. I forget who carries the timberwolf, but google should get you the info. That mantle may have to go to meet clearances.

Thank you for your service. What branch?

 

[m1garand]

I don't think the Lowes mil dicount applies to purchases over $500.

 

[cgbills]

From the edge of the opening of the fire box to the edge of the mantle is 10" on top and 6" on the sides. I will have to look up the manual for clearances, but it seems like it would be ok. It would suck to have to rip out the mantel, re-paint wall, get new mantel, etc. I think I am leaning toward the century because of cost. For around $850 for the stove, I should be able to get the steel chimney liner installed and set for $1k. Am I underestimating the cost of those materials and possible install? Also since I have an existing brick fireplace, single wall piping should be good right? That would be a good way to cut on expense

King, US Army for the past 8 years.

 

[Huntindog1]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442426_200442426

Here is even a better deal, I also noticed it will take a 20.5" log which is nice for a smaller stove.

This one is a little bigger fire box:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200325829_200325829

Looks like this one is even bigger and will also fit.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200577754_200577754

 

[cgbills]

Another thought is a stove. Can I get one in a low clearance of 24"? Stoves are usually cheaper than inserts

 

[kevinmerchant]

As mentioned earlier, thanks for your service. I may be wrong but 24" is to low I think. If you want to save some cash, installing the liner yourself is not that difficult depending on your set up. Plenty of help here. As far as the stoves, the Summers Heat made by England's Stove Works is a great stove with a great reputation on this forum. I have been using that insert for 2 years. I would also add the manufactures customer service is excellent, always able to get someone on the phone. (broken link removed to http://www.amfmenergy.com/50tnc13i--epa-certified-noncatalytic-wood-stove--1550131501.html). Remember, DRY wood is your friend with any of these stoves.

 

[Huntindog1]

Here is how one guy did it.

https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/general-questions-about-brands.80541/#post-1028290

 

[rwhite]

I would find out what the wall construction is and where the brick actually stops and wood begins. It doesn't look like you have the clearances to the sides. I'm guessing the brick continues up past the mantle for the chimney construction but I would make sure of that. Here is a break down of my costs for installing an insert.

Used Osburn insert- $250
Liner and insulation - $550
Appliance adapters - $40
Various and Sundry items due to a used stove (gaskets, bricks,etc.) $75

I know I'm missing some stuff here because it ll ran me about $1200 and I did the install myself.

Even if you have to do it in stages don't skimp. Liner, insulation and the knowledge from here will let you and your family sleep safe. And don't fall for the older non-epa slammer inserts that everyone seems to be trying to get rid of on craigslist. Get a good modern stove.