Imagine a cozy evening, the air crisp outside, and a warm, crackling fire filling your living room. That dream can be a reality with a wood burning insert! But if you’ve started looking, you might feel a little lost. So many brands, sizes, and features! It can feel like trying to pick the perfect puzzle piece in a giant box.
Choosing the right insert is important. You want something that heats your home well and looks great doing it. It’s easy to get confused about efficiency ratings or chimney connections. Nobody wants to buy something that doesn’t quite fit or doesn’t keep them warm enough when winter really bites.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know. You’ll learn how to match an insert to your home and your heating needs. By the end, you will feel confident about your choice.
Let’s dive in and find the perfect heart for your home’s heating system.
Top Wood Burning Insert Recommendations
- 69,000 BTUs heats up to 1,200 Sq. Ft
- Cast iron feed door with large 16.5" x 9" ceramic glass window and heavy gauge 3/16" reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
- Accepts logs up to 18 inches in length
- Over 75% efficient heating
- Replaces Vogelzang model TR004 and the US Stove Company 2200IE fireplace insert
- Large hearth surround: 31 In. x 44 In.
- Accepts logs up to 18″ in length
- Heavy 10 gauge reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
- Cast iron feed door with large 16.5″ x 9″ ceramic glass window
- 69,000 BTUs heats up to 1,200 Sq Ft
- Large hearth surround – 31 In. x 44 In.
- Over 75% efficient heating
- Accepts logs up to 18″ in length
- Heavy 10 gauge reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining
- Cast iron feed door with large 16.5″ x 9″ ceramic glass window
- HIGH HEAT OUTPUT: This wood-burning fireplace insert efficiently heats up to 1,200 sq ft, perfect for cozy indoor spaces.
- HEAVY-DUTY CONSTRUCTION: Built with reinforced 3/16" plate steel and firebrick lining for durable, long-lasting performance.
- CLEAR VIEW WINDOW: Large ceramic viewing window, showcasing a beautiful flame display.
- INCLUDED 100 CFM BLOWER: Circulating blower enhances heat distribution throughout the room for consistent warmth.
- EASY LOG LOADING: Accommodates logs up to 18” in length, providing longer burn times and reducing the need for frequent refueling.
- Premium Quality :Our stove flue pipe thermometer is consist of aluminum dial, bimetal thermometer sensor, brass pointer and metal handle, sturdy and durable, you can use for a long time.
- Accurate Temperature Reading;Face reads 100 to 900 °F with extreme accuracy.
- Exclusive Golden Needle: The bright color needle moving is clearly visible even from far away.
- Magnetic Stove Thermometer :Magnet attaches the thermometer to the stove can monitor and optimize the work efficiency of your stove, protecting the stove fan from being damaged by overheating
- Monitor & Optimize Stove Efficiency: Can be placed on the top or side of stove, single wall flue pipe ONLY, to avoid the wood stove fan damaged by overheat.
- Glass doors reduce cool air and heat loss up the chimney by as much as 90% when fire is not lit; for use with masonry fireplaces
- Cabinet-style doors close with easy-catch magnets to provide energy efficiency
- Rigid mesh fireplace screen panels
- Hidden damper knob to control air flow
- Easy grip handles
- Simply the best way to clean any ceramic glass in your home
- Micro scrubbers won't scratch ceramic glass but will make quick work of soot, creosote or other buildup
- Leaves an invisible coat of silicone that keeps your glass cleaner for longer and will make the next time even easier
- 8 oz. bottle
- Vermiculite Material Fire Bricks - Can withstand high temperature of 2200F, has strong thermal insulation performance, help you save woods and money.
- High-strength Firebricks - Not as brittle as clay bricks, and it's also not easy to peel off after burning.
- Size 9″ x 4.5″ x 1.25″- Common size firebricks for most of the stoves and fireplaces replacement, same size as service part 1-00-900450125 for Harman, FBP6E for US Stove.
- Precise size - Easy to install and won't leave gaps.
- Flat Surface Firebricks - Ensure that the combustion chamber is sufficiently flat after installation, beautiful and easier to clean.
Choosing Your Perfect Wood Burning Insert: A Buyer’s Guide
Wood burning inserts are fantastic additions to any home. They turn old, inefficient fireplaces into powerful, cozy heat sources. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, certain features make a big difference in performance and ease of use.
- **Efficiency Rating (EPA Certified):** Look for high efficiency ratings, usually shown as a percentage. Higher numbers mean more heat goes into your room, not up the chimney. EPA certification is very important for clean burning.
- **Heat Output (BTUs):** This measures how much heat the insert produces. Match the BTU output to the size of the room or area you need to heat. Too small won’t warm the space; too big can overheat it.
- **Blower System:** Most good inserts include a fan or blower. This pushes the warm air created by the fire out into your living space. Look for variable speed controls.
- **Firebox Size:** This determines how long you can load wood and how big the logs can be. Bigger fireboxes mean less frequent refueling.
- **Door Type:** Most inserts use airtight, glass doors. Make sure the glass is ceramic and can handle high heat for safe viewing.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used directly impact how long your insert lasts and how well it performs.
The main body of the insert is usually made from heavy-gauge steel or cast iron. Cast iron holds and radiates heat very well, providing steady warmth even after the fire dies down. Steel heats up faster.
Inside the firebox, you will find firebrick lining. This special brick protects the steel shell from extreme heat and helps keep the fire burning hotter and cleaner. Good quality firebricks should be thick.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality shines through in the details.
What Improves Quality:
- **Secondary Combustion System:** High-quality inserts feature tubes or channels above the main fire. These reheat smoke and send it back into the fire to burn off, which increases efficiency and lowers pollution.
- **Air Wash System:** This system directs a stream of air across the inside of the glass door. This keeps the glass clean, so you always enjoy the view of the flames.
- **Heavy Door Seal:** A tight seal around the door keeps air flow controlled. This allows you to manage the burn rate precisely for longer, slower burns overnight.
What Reduces Quality:
Cheaply made units often use thinner metal. This metal warps over time due to repeated heating and cooling. Poor welding or thin gaskets around the door cause air leaks, which makes the unit burn fuel too fast and reduces overall heat output.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the insert.
If you plan to use the insert as your **primary heat source** during winter, you need a large firebox and a high BTU rating. You will want an efficient model that can burn cleanly for eight hours or more on one load of wood. User-friendliness, like easy ash removal, becomes crucial.
If you just want **ambiance and supplemental heat** for chilly evenings, a smaller, moderately efficient unit works fine. Ease of startup and a nice view through the glass become top priorities.
Installation complexity is also part of the experience. Ensure the unit fits your existing fireplace opening. Professional installation is usually required for safety and proper chimney connection.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Wood Burning Inserts
Q: What is the difference between a wood stove and a wood insert?
A: A wood stove sits in front of the fireplace opening. An insert slides directly into the existing masonry fireplace, using a liner connected to the chimney. Inserts are generally much more efficient.
Q: Do I need a professional to install a wood burning insert?
A: Yes, professional installation is strongly recommended. They ensure the chimney liner is correctly sized and sealed, which is vital for safety and proper draft.
Q: How often do I need to clean the chimney when using an insert?
A: You should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year, especially if you use the insert frequently during the heating season.
Q: Can I use wet or green wood in my insert?
A: No. Always burn dry, seasoned wood (wood that has dried for six months or more). Wet wood creates excessive smoke, clogs the chimney with creosote, and wastes heat.
Q: What is creosote, and why is it dangerous?
A: Creosote is a tar-like substance that builds up inside the chimney from incomplete wood combustion. It is highly flammable and causes chimney fires.
Q: How much wood does an insert use compared to an open fireplace?
A: A modern, EPA-certified insert uses significantly less wood. It can be up to 70% more efficient, meaning you burn less wood to get more usable heat.
Q: Do I need a damper if I install an insert?
A: Yes, but the insert itself acts as the primary air control. The original fireplace damper must usually be permanently closed or sealed off once the liner is installed.
Q: What is a catalytic combustor, and should I get one?
A: A catalytic combustor is a device that helps burn off smoke and pollutants at lower temperatures. They increase efficiency and reduce emissions, making them a great addition.
Q: Can I use my wood insert during a power outage?
A: Yes. Because they rely on natural draft (the chimney pulling air up), most inserts will operate safely without electricity. Some blowers will not work without power, but the fire will still produce heat.
Q: How do I control the burn rate of my insert?
A: You control the burn rate using the air intake dampers or levers on the front of the unit. Closing these intakes restricts oxygen, slowing the burn down.