WHAT FIREPLACE INSERTS ARE THE BEST?

This is a difficult issue. It’s like asking which automobile is the “best,” which brand of paint is the “best,” and which brand of blue denim is the “best.” The reality is that there is no such thing as a “best” fireplace insert. The truth is that there are several high-performing inserts on the market today. There are several more critical considerations to consider before purchasing a vehicle, a gallon of paint, or a pair of jeans, just as there are with a car, a gallon of paint, or a pair of jeans.

Definition: a fire pit An “insert” fireplace is one that has been developed and intended to be inserted or slid into an existing wood-burning fireplace. Your current fireplace might be a classic, open-burning fireplace or a zero-clearance fireplace that was made, delivered to your home, and framed into the family or living room. You may add an insert into your existing fireplace if you can safely burn wood in it.

A fireplace insert comes in a variety of styles. Consider a wood-burning insert if you have quick and simple access to a wood supply, want to save money on heating your house, and don’t mind the prep work chopping, splitting, carrying, stacking, and drying wood. A gas fireplace insert may be your best choice if simple operation and no mess or ashes appeal to you. Pellet inserts heat your area by burning compressed wood pellets. This gasoline is sold in 40-pound sacks. (similar to water softener salt) Pellets are simple to store and transport. Perhaps you don’t want any heat from the insert, just a pleasing flame pattern to gaze at even in warm weather.

Your first consideration should be determining which fuel is ideal for you and your lifestyle.

SIZE DOES MATTER!

The second question is, how big is your current fireplace? The width and height of the front aperture, the depth, the width and height of the back opening, and the position and size of the damper are all crucial parameters that will decide what fireplace insert will physically fit into the space of your existing fireplace. Keep in mind that if you’re using a wood-burning insert, you’ll need to make room for the stainless steel liner. The vent system, gas valves, and other controls for a gas fireplace insert all require a little extra room. Because an electric insert does not need to be vented, the only additional space required is for an electric supply line.

THERE ARE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN FIREPLACE INSERTS.

A stainless steel liner must be fitted in all wood-burning fireplace inserts. The draft will be established by this liner. Because your current fireplace chimney is too wide for an insert and there is no permitted way to connect the existing chimney to a liner, a stainless steel liner will give the right size and considerably increase the insert’s performance. It is also required by the majority of manufacturers. The diameter of stainless liners for wood-burning fireplace inserts is normally six inches.

Pellet inserts also need a stainless steel liner, which is typically three or four inches in diameter.

Two metal liners, generally three or four inches in diameter, are required for gas fireplace inserts. The first liner transports exhaust gases from the unit, while the second liner takes combustion air into the insert.

With an electric insert, no liner is required; only an electric supply line is required.

WHAT ABOUT THE HUMIDITY?

Depending on the type, all inserts will provide a significant amount of heat, ranging from 6-8000 BTUs/hour to 50,000 BTUs/hour. Remember that the higher the BTUs, the more heat you will receive. The heat output of a wood-burning insert is determined by the size and intensity of the fire, the type of wood being burned, and the location of the air control.

The quantity of natural or LP gas used determines how much heat is provided. Depending on the model, this is done manually by turning a knob on the gas valve, or it may be done using remote control on some versions. The quantity of heat produced by a pellet fireplace insert is determined by the feed rate of the pellet fuel. The faster a pellet bin is burned, the more heat you will obtain. In the meanwhile, the electric heating element in an electric fireplace insert is either turned on or turned off. This heating element is not affected by the electric flame pattern. It is generally controlled using a remote control.

DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN FIREPLACE INSERTS

There are roughly 40 fireplace insert manufacturers. Many manufacture high-quality, trustworthy products. Some are of lower quality. When buying, you should evaluate the thickness of the steel, the quality of the welds, the “fit and finish” look the manufacturer’s reputation, and the guarantee they give.

Furthermore, the distance between the insert and a flammable mantel, as well as the size of the hearth, are significant factors in the safe functioning of an insert. These clearance limits frequently have an impact on the precise kind of insert that may be securely put into your existing fireplace.

Some wood-burning fireplace inserts are constructed of thick gauge steel. Some are constructed of cast iron, while others are not. Some people use a mixture of the two, while others utilize soapstone.

The most common choice for a wood-burning fireplace is a blower fan.

It is also one that most dealers would enthusiastically recommend. Popular choices for gas fireplace inserts include porcelain enamel colors, customizable fronts in a variety of colors and finishes, remote controls, refractory, and media possibilities.

WHAT CAN I DO TO FIND WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR?

Check out the manufacturers’ websites by clicking on the “Brands” button above to view many of these fireplace inserts and possibilities, as well as what appeals to you.

Granted, some of this may appear convoluted and perplexing, but by clicking on the “Find A Store” link above, you will be able to identify a dealer near you who can continue this discussion and show you these items and possibilities firsthand.

Our dealers are always eager to assist you in sorting through the items and options accessible to you, answering your concerns, and recommending and installing fireplace inserts that will meet your expectations and keep you and your loved ones toasty warm!

The subject of what is the best fireplace insert arises once more. Simply spending some time at our retail shop will provide you with the answer!

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