If you are sick of spending tons of dollars each year to maintain your fireplace, then it’s time to switch to a wood-burning insert.
Not only do these exceptional products help you stay toasty when the cold weather strikes, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fireplace. Furthermore, it has been found that fire inserts tend to offer higher efficiency than conventional fireplaces, hence all the more reason to get one this winter.
Lately, my father had been looking to buy a quality wood-burning insert as his old fireplace was barely producing any heat. Naturally, he called me and asked for my help when I suggested to him some of the best wood-burning fireplace inserts available on the market.
Hi! I am Stacy, and today, I’ll tell you everything about those top products to help you choose the best wood-burning fireplace insert.
Now, with all that said, let’s jump right in, shall we?
Top 3 Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts
1. Ashley Hearth AW1820E
When it comes to heating appliances, Ashley Hearth is one of the most renowned brands out there. Hence, it should come as no surprise that the AW1820E Wood Stove Insert from the brand is one of my top recommendations.
Product Highlights
A major problem with traditional fireplaces is that they are not efficient; only 10% of the heat they produce stays in the home. However, that’s not going to be a problem with this product, as its 69,000-BTU output will ensure that it conveniently heats up areas up to 1,800 square feet. So, rest assured it’ll keep you warm.
Not only that, it comes with decent build quality and design. It sports a durable cast iron door and a wooden handle, which enhances the visual appeal of your existing hearth. Not to mention the air-washed ceramic glass, which allows for an exceptional view of the burning fire.
Speaking of fire, it accepts logs that are as long as 18”; therefore, you can expect a longer burn time from this product. Apart from this, it comes with an automatic spring-loaded adjustment, thereby making installation super easy.
What’s There To Like About It?
For me, the health and safety of my family is my number one priority, so I always ensure the products I purchase are safe to use. And this wood-burning insert is no different; it meets the EPA Step 2 certification requirements, which means it’s not just efficient, but also safe to use.
Another thing that I loved about this product is the design, which makes the product a great addition to existing masonry fireplaces.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Unfortunately, the packaging of this insert was not all that great. When it arrived, the box was a bit warped, and the product had scratches all over it. So, ensure that you inspect the package thoroughly when it is delivered; you might want a replacement. Other than that, I didn’t come across any considerable downsides to this wood-burning fireplace insert.
Pros and Cons of Ashley Hearth AW1820E
Pros
Cons
- 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
2. Vogelzang Plate Steel Wood Burning Insert
Next up on this list, I’ve included another quality wood-burning fireplace insert from Vogelzang, which is equipped with tons of features that work to keep your home warm. Keep reading the next few sections to know about this product in detail.
Product Highlights
One of the most advantageous features of this product is that it accepts logs that are up to 18” in length. This means it can easily provide a burn time of around 6 hours, which is pretty decent if you ask me.
On top of that, it delivers an output of 69,000 BTUs, which ensures that it is able to deliver ample warmth for spaces up to 1,800 square feet. Now, as far as the build quality is concerned, it is durable and eye-catching, especially the air-washed ceramic glass, through which you can see the fire.
Even though the efficiency of this burning fireplace insert is only at 65.5%, it does a far better job than conventional fireplaces, which makes it worth considering. Plus, it comes with a blower that helps increase the room’s ambient temperature, thereby improving the product’s efficacy.
What’s There To Like About It?
Straight out of the box, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This means you no longer have to worry about repairs or replacement; the brand has you covered. I also loved that it features a blower, which increases the product’s efficiency in terms of heat circulation in the room.
Beyond that, it sports an elegant-looking cast iron door with a stay-cool handle, which besides making the product durable and long-lasting, gives it a classy look. Overall, from my experience with this product, I can assure you that it is one of the best in the business.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One issue that I noticed during my usage was that the fan was a bit too noisy. Even though it’s not a significant drawback, it is still an issue for those who can’t stand a high-pitched whistle-like sound. Apart from this minor inconvenience, the wood-burning insert works perfectly, so you can definitely check it out.
Pros and Cons of Vogelzang Plate Steel Wood Burning Insert
Pros
Cons
- Large hearth surround – 31 In. x 44 In.
- Over 75% efficient heating
- Accepts logs up to 18″ in length
3. Timberwolf EPI22-1
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There was no way I was going to end this list without including the EPI22-1 Economizer Wood Burning Insert from the house of Timberwolf. This product lets you transform your fireplace into a clean-burning and efficient heating source.
Product Highlights
To begin with, it features a massive firebox of 1.9 cubic feet that can accommodate 18” long logs with ease. This allows the product to deliver a longer burn time of up to 8 hours.
Furthermore, it has an output of 65,000 BTU, which can easily heat up spaces as large as 2,000 square feet. So, if you have a big-sized living room, this wood-burning insert could be your best bet. Additionally, the dual blower system deserves mention; it ensures that the product is able to circulate warm air and enhance the heat penetration into the room.
What’s more, it is EPA Step 2-certified, which means it meets the most recent standards for air quality, so rest assured you are inhaling clean air. Lastly, it features an aesthetically pleasing design, which ensures it transforms your fireplace into a piece of art.
What’s There To Like About It?
For many ordinary wood-burning inserts, burn time is a major problem. But not with this model, as it can effortlessly deliver 8 hours of burn time, thanks to its large firebox. Apart from this, I’ll have to commend the manufacturer’s effort in making it an EPA Step 2-certified product. It really gives peace of mind knowing that you are not inhaling bad-quality air.
Overall, if you are looking for a safe and efficient wood-burning insert, it’s an option you simply cannot afford to ignore.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Firstly, it sports an expensive tag, which means it may not be an ideal choice for people on a modest budget. Also, installation is a bit tricky, so you might have to call a professional to set it up. I tried doing it myself only to fail miserably.
That said, if you can look past these two drawbacks, you will be quite satisfied with its performance.
Pros and Cons of Timberwolf EPI22-1
Pros
Cons
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Buyers Guide
I am pretty sure by now you have gone through all the three products, but were you able to make a choice? Well, it’s not that easy, is it? Believe it or not, knowing just the brand names, specifications, and a few pros and cons mean you are only halfway there to your goal.
In order to purchase the best wood-burning fireplace insert, there are a few factors that you need to consider. These factors will help you make an informed purchase and prevent you from making unnecessary expenses in the future. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at these factors in detail.
1. Size And Performance
First and foremost, you need to consider the size and performance of your wood-burning fireplace insert. Usually, these products are used to replace traditional fireplaces. Hence, it’s important to take note of its size to ensure that it works properly. I would highly suggest you make a template from cardboard and use it as a guide.
When it comes to performance, there are mainly two figures that you should keep an eye on. Firstly, the BTU of the product, which indicates its maximum heat output. And the other one is the coverage area, which will give you a good idea of how much space the product can heat.
Therefore, it’s best to choose a wood-burning insert with a higher BTU and coverage area.
2. EPA Approved Or Not?
Another crucial factor to consider is the EPA certification. Today, most wood-burning fireplace inserts meet the EPA Step 2 certification requirements, which ensures the number of particles released into the air is kept to a minimum.
On the other hand, those not EPA certified release high concentrations of airborne pollutants into the air and put the users at risk of developing various respiratory diseases. Even though most manufacturers work hard to ensure they comply with the stringent limits of the certification, a good amount of them don’t.
Therefore, before buying a fireplace insert, confirm if it’s EPA approved or not. You can check it in the specification section of the product, and if you are buying from a retail store, simply ask the seller.
3. Catalytic Vs. Non-Catalytic
There are mainly two kinds of inserts on the market: catalytic and non-catalytic.
A catalytic variant is designed in such a way that it offers higher efficiency. It features a catalytic combustion device, which helps it to ignite and burn off the smoke originating from the fire. As a result, catalytic variants deliver the heat evenly, keeping the smoke level to a bare minimum.
As far as the non-catalytic units are concerned, they are ideal for those who tend to use their wood-burning fireplace inserts as a secondary heating appliance. Additionally, it provides a better view of the fire as compared to catalytic units. So, if you don’t intend on using the insert every day, you may get a non-catalytic one.
4. Maintenance
In my opinion, one should always choose a wood-burning fireplace insert that is easy to maintain. Getting it inspected and cleaned regularly will increase the product’s lifespan to a great extent. So, make sure that you keep the interior clean and choose the right kind of firewood to burn.
5. Warranty
Since buying a wood-burning insert requires quite a bit of investment, it’s best to choose one that is backed by a warranty. This ensures that you don’t need to make additional expenses on repairs and replacement of the product. Furthermore, a warranty indicates that the manufacturers have shown faith in their products; they are confident about their durability and longevity.
Most fireplace inserts are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. So, you need not worry too much, but that said, it is still better to confirm before buying.
6. Additional Features
Here, I have mentioned some additional features that you must ensure that your wood-burning fireplace insert is equipped with:
- Decorative door trim
- Push-button ignition
- Air wash - prevents the buildup of soot
- Blower - assists air circulation.
7. Key Differences
Before you go ahead and purchase a wood-burning insert, you must know the key differences between the products mentioned below. Otherwise, you might end up purchasing the wrong one.
A. Wood Burning Insert Vs. Wood Stove
Even though both wood-burning fireplace insert and wood stove seem like the same product, they are slightly different. The latter has a higher capacity for fuel storage and runs longer as compared to fireplace inserts.
Furthermore, most models provide a run time between 6 and 10 hours; if that fulfills your need, you can definitely opt for it. However, if you are looking for a product that offers a longer run time, then a wood stove would be more appropriate for you.
Having said that, keep in mind that not all wood stoves deliver a longer burn time; in fact, most of them operate as long as a wood-burning insert.
B. Wood Burning Inserts Vs. Electric Inserts
These inserts don’t run on electricity, so they can help you save significantly on electricity bills. On the other hand, electric inserts run on electricity, and they are not as efficient in keeping your house warm in the winter. Without a doubt, they are cheaper and portable, but they just don’t produce the same results as wood-burning inserts.
Furthermore, electric inserts don’t provide the natural ambiance of a fireplace, hence don’t expect the natural smell and crackling of burning wood from electric inserts. Lastly, they are more expensive to maintain; needless to say, they will hike your electricity bills if you use them regularly.
C. Wood Burning Inserts Vs. Gas Inserts
Now, let us take a look at the differences between wood-burning fireplace inserts and gas inserts. Firstly, gas inserts don’t produce the popping and crackling sound of wood burning. Yes, they are easier to light and maintain, but they neither add to the aesthetic appeal nor create a cozy ambiance.
So, if visual appearance is among your priorities, then it’s better to go with an insert rather than a gas insert.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I have tried answering some of the most frequently asked questions about fireplace inserts to the best of my ability. I hope you find them useful.
I highly recommend cleaning the ashes out of the insert before starting a new fire. Wait for a minimum of 24 hours before you clean the ashes as they take time to cool off. You can use a sweeping brush to sweep them up off to a bucket. Make sure that you wear a pair of gloves before doing this.
After that, go out of the house and dispose of them in your backyard.
Yes, of course, a wood-burning fireplace insert is absolutely worth investing in, especially if you live in a colder region. It is a safe and eco-friendly approach to producing heat for your home. Furthermore, it can easily slide into your existing fireplace, so you have a fire burning brightly in the living room.
Over the years, these products have gained popularity among American homeowners because of their ability to generate longer-lasting and hotter flames. Unlike electricity or gas, wood is a renewable source of energy, and hence it will help you save tons of dollars on your utility bills.
On top of that, most inserts are backed by a lifetime warranty, so I’d say they are definitely worth investing in.
You can set it up yourself, as most units come with detailed instruction manuals that assist the users in the installation process. However, to be on the safer side, it’s best to hire a professional and get the installation done by him.
Also, if you are buying a wood-burning fireplace insert for your existing hearth, I highly recommend leaving the installation process to the experts. This is because you will require additional infrastructure to set it up properly.
Here’s how you can maintain your fireplace insert
A. Ensure the Interior Is Clean
Since burning wood creates ashes, dust, and soot, it is highly recommended to clean the interior of your product before starting a new fire. This will help increase your inert’s life span.
B. Use A Cap
It’s best to cover the top of your chimney with a wire mesh cap to prevent debris and dust from entering it and affecting your insert.
C. Check The Damper
Before starting a new fire, ensure that the damper is working properly. It is designed to seal the chimney up when the wood burning fireplace insert is not being used, always make sure it’s open before you start a fire.
D. Get The Right Firewood
Maple, oak, ash, and birch are some of the best firewood options as they burn longer and hotter. Also, ensure that whatever wood you are using is seasoned for optimal results. Unseasoned wood creates more smoke and is not that sustainable over-all. It’s for the best to pay attention to wood quality and use only those that are seasoned.
My Final Recommendation
That brings me to the end of my best wood-burning fireplace insert guide. And I genuinely hope that it helps you choose the right product based on your needs. But before I wrap things up, let’s do a quick recap.
The Ashley Hearth AW1820E is the best overall, given its eye-catching design and easy installation. Moving on, the Vogelzang Plate Steel Wood Burning Insert is also a good option as it can provide you ample warmth and a long burn time. Not to mention, it is backed by a limited lifetime warranty as well.
However, if you are looking for a product that is ideal for larger living rooms, I will highly suggest going with the No products found..
On that note, let’s call it a day. Until next time, bye!