Yet another newbie with unrealistic expectations looking for fireplace insert recommendations :-)

[e-stop]

Curious how close I can get to the perfect insert that magically handles a bunch of competing requirements. Have an existing masonry fireplace that never gets used for the usual safety/inefficiency reasons. The #1 purpose for the insert is "ambiance" so prioritizing the aesthetics of just not the fire itself but also the insert and it's surround (less surround is better). Also don't want to be limited on what I burn as it might include some paper, not fully seasoned wood, wood of various species, etc. But, could be nice to reduce my heating bill some with long/slow burns and using the insert in the shoulder-season, which in Northeast Ohio now sometimes occurs every 2-weeks Here's what I have:
- Fireplace is in a 12' wide x 8' deep inglenook that has an 8'x7' opening to the rest of the house.
- Fireplace opening is 36" wide by 29" high. Back of fireplace is 31" wide and 20" deep at the bottom tapering to 15" deep at the top. Masonry floor extends out 23" from the fireplace.
- Chimney is ~23' high and is constructed of 12"x12" flue tile.
- Distance from top of fireplace opening to combustible mantle molding is 14".
- House was built in 1938 and still has original single-pane, double-sash windows so plenty of combustion make-up air available
- Have access to a loading dock/forklift so purchased insert could be LTL'd from anywhere (not restricted to local brand availability).

The questions:
- What size flue liner and should it also be insulated?
- Insert recommendations? Willing to pay more for a larger insert that looks better, shows more fire and has a smaller surround but also don't want to be roasted out of the inglenook so needs to maybe slow-burn (or send extra heat up the chimney), but also show flame and burn not fully seasoned wood. Yeah, contradictions.....Dean

 

[kborndale]

You need a 6" liner and yes, insulate it. No modern stoves will do well burning unseasoned wood so if you can't burn seasoned wood than a modern stove will not work for you.

 

[Wisco Shepherd]

You have a nice big opening so you could put just about anything in there. Brands like Drolet, Pacific energy, Blaze King, Kuma, Lopi all have lots of respect here.

None will burn unseasoned wood well. If you want ambiance, heat, and modern day features you need good wood. If not, get a gas burning insert.

 

[stoveliker]

I think some (home made?) storm windows and the ambiance of the fireplace, as well as a flue blocking balloon (stuffed in the chimney when not using the fireplace to avoid warm air going up and out) might be the best bang for your buck, combining the ambiance,.and reduction of heating bill.

I second (third....) the dry wood remarks. It just won't work in modern inserts. And you're creating creosote in your flue that could burn your home down. Now that's a added cost to your heating bill. Nice big ambiance flames though...

 

[EbS-P]

At 29” high you probably want an insert. 2.0+ cu ft anything run hot will make the what near it warm after two hours of burning. With an insert you could just not use the blower very often.

You want an insulated liner.