wood stove insert

[trackerben]

I am trying to find the function vs longevity vs price sweet spot for a wood stove insert or maybe 2, and hoping y'all could help me narrow my search. I am capable of installing on my own and have two existing fireplaces, one in the basement and one on main level of my home. I had a Lopi Answr at my last house because of size constraints and thought it was decent.
The new fire place dimensions are 40"W x 32"H x 19.5"D with 18.5"H at 18" D. The floor plan is about 1800Sf on each level. We spend most of our time upstairs but would like to heat up the basement for movie nights and when we have guests staying down there. Ideally I would run a fire all winter as needed. I love long burn times. No preference regarding cat vs non cat, but want a quiet dependable blower. Maybe a cheaper model for the basement and a nicer model for the main floor. Are there brands to avoid? What brands are best bang for your buck?

 

[begreen]

Lopi still makes good inserts. The fireplace depth looks like it will be the determining factor. A low cost option would be a Century or Drolet insert.

 

[trackerben]

Thanks,
i see the drolet, and am curious about quality. Are they decent stoves?

 

[kborndale]

Thanks,
i see the drolet, and am curious about quality. Are they decent stoves?

Drolet are basic stoves but of good quality.

 

[begreen]

Thanks,
i see the drolet, and am curious about quality. Are they decent stoves?

Yes, they are. The Century, Drolet, Enerzone, and Osburn stoves are all part of the SBI family. They share a lot of basic components with the Enerzone and Osburn lines being the more upscaled versions. The more expensive versions have a tougher c-cast baffle, nicer door trim, and sometimes upgraded blowers.

 

[EbS-P]

I like my Drolet. Not fancy, not a looker, but a good heater. It’s what I put in the basement as a second stove.

 

[stoveliker]

And I read their customer service is great!