Wood insert with blower & ash drawer???

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lobsta1

Member
Hearth Supporter
Sep 6, 2007
220
Eastern Ma.
I've been heating with wood for the last 30 years. Last 15 with an old Russo sitting in my fireplace. I would like to replace it with a modern insert. I don't want to give up the ash drawer. Does anyone make an insert with a blower & an ash drawer?
Thanks
Al
 
I haven't done exhaustive research, but when I was looking for my insert (Avalon Rainer) it seemed that the closest you could get to an insert with an ash drawer was hearth mounting a stove. There are a number of freestanding stoves that come with short leg kits or in the case of Dutchwest, the legs can be off completely. In addition to DW, Vermont Castings, Jotul, & Hearthstone all have such models. Seems that every modern insert has their fan mounted on the front bottom which negates an ash drawer. Best wishes as you search!
 
Energy King and the Vermont Casting Winter Warm are the only ones I am aware of that have an ash pan on the insert. The Energy King isn't available in a whole lot of places.
 
To make a True insert with an ash pan would make the stove to tall to fit into most fireplaces
You would be giving up firebox size for an ash pan.
 
Cleaning out thge ash is a pain in the ash. After a while you get good at it though. Take some out every 3 days if burning 24/7. BTW use a covered pail, it makes a big difference. If you are burning right the ash is very fine.
 
Thanks to everyone for the replies. Looks like I will have to go with a short leg stove. Can't really find an Energy King nearby & the Winter Warm review I read was horrible.
Al
 
lobsta1 said:
Thanks to everyone for the replies. Looks like I will have to go with a short leg stove. Can't really find an Energy King nearby & the Winter Warm review I read was horrible.
Al

Take it from a long time insert burner that replaced it with a stove in the fireplace. You will love it. Get a stove with a blower and it will put inserts to shame for heat production.
 
We have a Buck insert with an ash pan, but very seldom use it. It's just easier to use the little shovel and bucket.
 
Would you consider one of these? It's gotten some good reviews here and at woodheat.org. I'll be ordering one this year.

(broken link removed)
 
Appalachian makes several models of insert that have ash pans. my circa 1989 BWXL has a blower annd ash pan. Still going strong.
 
senorFrog said:
Would you consider one of these? It's gotten some good reviews here and at woodheat.org. I'll be ordering one this year.

(broken link removed)

That ashtrap looks intriguing.
Heading off to the boat for the weekend.
Al
 
lobsta1 said:
Thanks to everyone for the replies. Looks like I will have to go with a short leg stove. Can't really find an Energy King nearby & the Winter Warm review I read was horrible.
Al

Al, check out Morso. The new 5660 may suit you.

Curious, if you read a "glowing" review on the WinterWarm, would that make a difference?

I'm always curious how much weight these reviews have in decision making. Fact is, these reviews are not very scientific and there are so many variables involved as to make them only as useful as any other personal opinion. Shame to remove the WinterWarm from the running based on someone elses opinion. That can only be a contributing factor, and shouldn't be the deciding factor. I think the WinterWarm could be just what you are looking for. Have you seen it in person? Does the fact that I have literally hundreds in service with happy owners make a difference? Or will the one or two customers that I have who hated their WinterWarm be enough to eliminate it from consideration?

Good luck,
Sean
 
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