Wood stove insert recommendation, trying to buy asap

[IlChengis]

Hello guys, I hope everyone is doing well. I normally like to research things extensively and often find all my answers during this process, but I am in the middle of a major home renovation along with moving and I simply couldn't find the time to sit down and to do my due diligence before posting. For this I apologize in advance to this community as my questions are going to be pretty basic. 🫣

I installed a freestanding wood stove in my "old" house and absolutely loved it. The "new" house came with a fireplace, so I'd like to get a wood stove insert for it before the holidays (would love to take advantage of any Black Friday type deals, if possible).

Below is what the area looks like, I also included measurements and a picture of the flue (looking up from inside the fireplace).

I am in the metro Atlanta (GA) area. Would love recommendations on the best performing wood burning stove I can fit in this space (house is big enough that no matter what I put here, it won't be enough, but would love to get as much heat coming from this as possible) and what is the recommended way to go about purchasing (local dealers vs online - I plan on installing it myself, not concerned about that part).

Thank you in advance for any help or insight you might be able to share. If more data/images are needed, please don't hesitate asking.

 

[begreen]

Will the insert be used for 24/7 heat or more like nights and weekends? How large is the stove room and is it open to the rest of the floor? How many sq ft will be heated?

The hearth may need extension if the insert projects a bit out onto the hearth. Is that ok or is flush preferred?

 

[IlChengis]

@begreen, thank you for the quick response. Replies below:

Will the insert be used for 24/7 heat or more like nights and weekends?

Nights and weekends.

How large is the stove room and is it open to the rest of the floor?

Stove room itself is about 32' x 20', however it is an open area totaling about 32' x 38' (over 1200sq.ft).

How many sq ft will be heated?

The whole floor is over 2000sq.ft.

The hearth may need extension if the insert projects a bit out onto the hearth. Is that ok or is flush preferred?

100% ok. For something like this my mindset is "function > form", so whatever is needed I am ok with, especially if projection onto the hearth means that I am getting a larger burn box, extra fan(s) and/or better ash tray, etc.

Thank you for your help!

 

[begreen]

The best values will be a Drolet Escape 1800 or a True North TN20 insert. You could go larger and/or fancier depending on the budget.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

As the local Kuma fanboy I would throw out their inserts as well. They are nice simple stoves and a small American company.

 

[IlChengis]

Thanks for the recommendations, @begreen and @Wisco Shepherd. Do you know whether the options you suggested can be ordered online, or do people typically go through their local dealers exclusively? In other words, are wood burning stove online orders even a thing?

 

[begreen]

Drolet can be ordered direct online and from several online retailers.

High Efficiency Wood Insert | Escape 1800-I

The Escape 1800-I is an EPA certified high efficiency wood insert. Easy to install thanks to its size, it will transform your old mansonry hearth. Us.

www.drolet.ca

 

[mellow]

Since you are truly in a hurry I would recommend looking for a used insert on FB Marketplace.

Dealers usually don't have inserts on the floor and order them.

I took a look at the Atlanta area and see Buck stove inserts and a brand new Blaze King insert for sale.

You will also need to figure out your Liner install since there is no way you will find a professional installer this time of year unless you pay out the nose and get a spot from someone canceling.

 

[mellow]

On second look, is that a gas fireplace now? Is it rated for a wood burning insert? Looks like a Zero Clearance.

I would recommend having a pro take a look at it before install.

 

[begreen]

For sure, a professional sweep should come out and do a cleaning and inspection before proceeding. Start safe before buying.

 

[IlChengis]

@begreen, @Wisco Shepherd and @mellow absolutely, I definitely plan on having a cleaning and inspection done before installing.

Looks like Drolet and Kuma are the only two that can be ordered online, unless you have other good quality brands that you think it's worth considering. IF we're sticking with Drolet and Kuma, I've narrowed my search down to the following (basically the largest insert offering from each brand):

• Drolet Escape 1800-I
• KUMA Cascade LE-1

Price aside, any comments on one vs the other? Any insight will be immensely appreciated. Thank you!

 

[begreen]

Woodstock can also be ordered online directly. There are many others that can be ordered via online, general sales, including Amazon.

The largest insert available online, (if it fits), is probably the Osburn 3500:

https://www.efireplacestore.com/osburn-fireplace-inserts.html

 

[IlChengis]

Thanks @begreen. I am about to pull the trigger on the Drolet. Before I do, I also found out that the Century Heating CW2900 can also be ordered online and is in the same price range. Do you or anyone else have an opinion on the Century Heating CW2900 vs the Drolet ESCAPE 1800-I ? I like the appearance of the Century Heating more (rectangular door, more modern/streamlined) but if the Drolet is a better performer, I am getting that one hands down, since for this I think "function > form". I am placing my order today.

Thank you.

 

[stoveliker]

Don't pull the trigger until you know that you have an actual masonry fireplace.... Otherwise you can't install an insert.

 

[IlChengis]

Don't pull the trigger until you know that you have an actual masonry fireplace.... Otherwise you can't install an insert.

Thank you for the reminder to triple check. I am pretty sure it is, do the attached images help to confirm whether it is an actual masonry fireplace? Can I provide other images if these aren't enough, just to be sure?

 

[begreen]

The Century CW2900wand the Drolet Escape 1800 are two peas from the same pod. Both are value versions of the Osburn 2000.

 

[stoveliker]

Thank you for the reminder to triple check. I am pretty sure it is, do the attached images help to confirm whether it is an actual masonry fireplace? Can I provide other images if these aren't enough, just to be sure?

I think so but can't exactly see what is solid brick and what might be behind it.

 

[begreen]

It looks like a masonry firplace. Is this an exterior wall fireplace or interior? If exterior, is the brickwork exposed?

 

[IlChengis]

I think so but can't exactly see what is solid brick and what might be behind it.

It looks like a masonry firplace. Is this an exterior wall fireplace or interior? If exterior, is the brickwork exposed?

Exterior wall. Unfortunately the house is "stucco", so no brickwork to be seen. Would it help if I took a pic of the entire chimney?

The Century CW2900wand the Drolet Escape 1800 are two peas from the same pod. Both are value versions of the Osburn 2000.

What, really? That's great to know, it means I could get the CW2900 since it looks a little more contemporary. Thanks!

 

[begreen]

Exterior wall. Unfortunately the house is "stucco", so no brickwork to be seen. Would it help if I took a pic of the entire chimney?

It will be evident when the chimney is thoroughly cleaned before installing the insulated liner.

What, really? That's great to know, it means I could get the CW2900 since it looks a little more contemporary. Thanks!

It's often about $200-300 less than the Drolet.