Wood stove insert recommendation - flush front

[AlexainMD]

Hi everyone!

We have an existing masonry fireplace that we’ve used in previous years, but have been told we need to fix the lining and the chimney or install a wood stove insert (and still fix the chimney). We’ve never considered a wood stove insert before, so I’m deep in the world of trying to find out more about them.

The chimney company we expect to use is recommending the Regency i2450 - I know it’s a good company, but they’re also recommending it because they mainly install Regency. The problem is, we hate the footprint - we have an 18” hearth and aren’t interested in extending the hearth significantly and definitely don’t want the whole thing to be jutting out from the bricks by many inches. Ideally, we’d like something flush - I’ve seen the term “zero clearance” and although it’s not the same thing (based on my limited knowledge), the concept and the look is what we want. Big viewing area is important - that’s part of the aesthetic we don’t want to lose out on by moving from the masonry fireplace.

We want something that has a fan/blower that does not HAVE to be on (or that we can turn off when we’re watching a movie or something if it’s a little noisy) so we can use it even if the power goes out. This would not be the main heating for the house, either - the fireplace is in a bonus room off to the side and there are no rooms above, but it is the room we spend the most time in and it’s pretty chilly. I’d say it’s about 500

The fireplace measures about 40” wide x 29” high x 22” deep. We do not have an electrical plug in the fireplace, so any plug would connect to the wall to the side of the fireplace. I lost a house to a house fire growing up, so I’m hyper aware of / concerned about the potential for fire hazards.

We do not anticipate leaving it to burn all night - too nervous about unattended fires. I intend to have someone service it annually and I’ll do some maintenance, but I’d prefer something simpler, so probably non-cat?

Our neighbor has a BIS Última and recommended that, but it’s not manufactured anymore because it doesn’t meet EPA standards. I did like the look of it.

Any suggestions? Price wise, we’re open to midrange - quality is more important. I’m just overwhelmed with options and hoping to narrow it down.

Thank you! Pictures of existing fireplace included. Don’t @ me about that brass face - it came with the house and we’re excited to dump it!

 

[begreen]

The BIS Última is a zero-clearance fireplace, not an insert.
For Regency inserts, the ci2700, i1500, and i3000 are flush inserts. A Lopi Medium or Large Flush insert is also worth considering.

Wood Fireplace Inserts | Regency Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts

Seal drafty open fireplaces while maintaining the ambiance created by a real wood burning fire with Regency wood fireplace inserts

www.regency-fire.com

 

[AlexainMD]

That's very helpful, thank you! Every time I search, I see Osburn as an option as well. Is that worth considering, too?

 

[begreen]

Yes, Osburn and Pacific Energy also make flush inserts.

 

[AlexainMD]

Do you recommend one brand over another? Sorry for all the questions!

 

[begreen]

They each have their strengths. In non-cat, the Osburn Matrix 2700 or the PE Neo 2.5 are both good stove. I like the Lopis in hybrid inserts.

 

[FPX Dude]

Glad you have electricity in the box so you won't have ugly wires laying in front and can have it installed nice and clean. As for the blower, interesting that you mention the noise, yes was my concern too as those squirrel cages would just drive me nuts, ha pun intended , so check out your options for a remotely located one.