Wood Fireplace Insert Ratings, Reviews From A Pro's Perspective...

We have ranked them with from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating indicates the units that we would most likely purchase, if we were shopping for ourselves. We have also included our comments regarding the advantages/disadvantages of the brands. Where more than one unit has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive unit. In case you require more information about a particular brand, we have included the web addresses of the manufacturers.

AAROW---------------------aarowfires.com-----------------<1* These units are made and sold in the U.K. by ARADA. The ECOBURN INSET is available in two sizes (5 and 7 kw) and features an airwash system for keeping the viewing glass cleaner. The SIGNATURE INSET features curved glass styling. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

ACUCRAFT------------------acucraft.com-------------------<1* This brand offers custom designed and manufactured fireplaces that they will ship anywhere in the world. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AMESTI--------------------amesti.cl----------------------<1* This brand is made in Chile and is available in Peru and Brazil as well. They offer two sizes of fireplace inserts and use basic technology. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the heat exchanger is not very good when compared to other brands.

ARCHGARD------------------archgard.com-------------------<1* These units are made in Canada and are available in North America. Two models (CHALET 1600 or CHALET 1800) are offered and the units feature a two speed fan to help to circulate the warm air throughout the room. They feature a brick lined firebox with ceramic baffles and stainless steel combustion tubes for heat exchanger durability. They have air wash to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire and a single lever control handle for burn rate but the warranty on parts (other than the heat exchanger) is not very good.

ASHLEY------------------ashleyhearthproducts.com---------<1* This brand is from US STOVE COMPANY and offers one basic model. It has a standard blower for circulating the heat and an output of 69,000 btu/hr. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AUSTWOOD------------------barbequesgalore.com.au---------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in Australia. The fireplaces are lined with firebrick for improved combustion efficiency and feature a three speed fan for enhanced distribution of heat throughout the room. They also have an airwash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. The WENTWORTH model is for normal size rooms while the LAWSON model is designed for larger areas. The warranty on this brand (especially on the firebox) is not as good as many other brands.

AVALON--------------------avalonfirestyles.com-----------<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES and is sold through dealers in Canada and the USA. They offer non-catalytic units in small, medium, and large sizes. The units have a bypass damper for easy fire starting and smoke free refueling and feature an airwash system to keep the glass clean. They offer an optional blower. The warranty on the units is not as good as many brands.

BLAZE KING----------------blazeking.com-------------------3* This brand is sold through dealers in North America. The PRINCESS model uses catalytic combustion for a cleaner burn but the combuster will require regular replacement. They also offer non-catalytic models and feature a variable speed circulation fan. The units are backed by a good warranty but the warranty on the firebox is pro-rated.

BODART & GONAY---------- b-g.be ------------------------<1* The SD-442 fireplaces are made in Belgium and feature dual combustion technology for improved efficiency. They also feature a retractable door that allows for an open fire. The guarantee on the units, especially on the firebox, is not as good as many other brands.

BOSCA---------------------boscastoves.com-----------------<1* These units are made in Chile and sold throughout the Americas as well as in Spain and Portugal. The CHIMENEA units are available in three sizes to match the requirements of your home. They feature a quick lighting system, refractive brick lining, and self cleaning glass. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BRECKWELL-----------------breckwell.com-------------------<1* This brand is from NATIONAL STEELCRAFTERS and only offers one model. The W3100 is a basic non-catalytic wood fireplace insert. They offer an optional blower as well as an outside air kit to improve efficiency but the warranty is not very good.

CENTURY HEATING--------- century-heating.com -----------<1* This brand is from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL and is sold through dealers. The CW2500 is EPA certified for cleaner burning and has a built in air wash system to keep the glass cleaner for better viewing of the fire. The unit also has a variable speed blower for good air circulation but the warranty on the unit is not as good as many brands.

CLEARVIEW-----------------clearviewstoves.com-------------<1* These inserts are made and sold in the U.K. The VISION INSET has a traditional look and feel and an air wash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. The unit is refractory lined for better heating but their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CONTINENTAL---------------continentalfireplaces.com-------<1* These units are made in Canada by WOLF STEEL LIMITED and are available through dealers in North America. The CI 1101 features basic technology and a variable speed blower. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

COUNTRY FLAME-------------americanenergysystems.com-------<1* This brand is from AMERICAN ENERGY SYSTEMS (AES). The BBF insert is a model that uses catalytic combustion for clean burning. It has a standard built-in fan and an airwash system to keep the glass clean. The MODEL 02 is a non-catalytic unit. The warranty on the units is not very good.

DON-BAR --------------- don-bar.com --------------------5* This brand is made in Canada and is available worldwide. Their models feature extra large glass with an air wash system to allow for great viewing of the fire. In addition to traditional single sided units, they also offer peninsula and corner models. They are backed by a very good guarantee.

DROLET--------------------drolet.ca------------------------1* These units are from STOVE BUILDERS INTL. and are made in Canada. The ESCAPE 1400-I are EPA certified clean burning units that feature a variable speed blower and an air wash system. They offer an optional fresh air kit for enhanced operation and energy savings. The warranty on electrical parts is not as good as some brands.

EDILKAMIN-----------------edilkamin.com-------------------<1* This brand is available in Europe and features fireplaces with large unobstructed views of the fires. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ENERZONE---------------- enerzone-intl.com --------------1* This is another brand that is made in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The SOLUTION series is available in three sizes and features a variable speed blower for good air circulation throughout the room and a self cleaning glass system to allow for better viewing of the fire. The warranty on the electrical parts is not as good as some brands.

ENGLANDER-----------------englanderstoves.com-------------<1* This brand is from ENGLAND'S STOVE WORKS and is available in North America. The 13-NCI units are non-catalytic and EPA certified for clean burning. They have a blower included for air circulation throughout the room and an air wash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the flames. The warranty on the units is not as good as most brands.

FIREPLACE XTRORDINAIR------fireplacex.com-----------------<1* These units are from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES. The ELITE series features catalytic units which require more maintenance. The fireplaces have a traditional look to them with their arched front. The units have a variable speed blower to distribute the heat throughout the room and an airwash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. The warranty on the units is not very good.

FLAME-------------------- flame-intl.com ----------------2* This is another brand that is made in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The units have a traditional look and feel to them and are sold through dealers in North America. They offer two models (sizes) that feature a standard blower and an air wash system. An optional fresh air kit is available and they have a pretty good warranty but the guarantee on the electrical parts is not as good as some of the brands.

FONDIS---------------------fondis.com---------------------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of models to choose from. The "LOW" models feature their "MULTI-ENERGY TECHNOLOGY" which incorporates a ductless heat pump with the fireplace to provide cooling in the summer. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty.

FUEGO FLAME----------------fuegoflame.com-----------------<1* These units are from FLINT CLIFFS MANUFACTURING and are sold through dealers in the USA. They feature dual fuel units that are designed to circulate the air in the room by natural circulation instead of a blower. This is good in case of a power outage. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

HAMPTON------------------ regency-fire.com --------------1* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTL. LTD. They offer two sizes (55000 and 75000 btu/hr) of units featuring EPA certified dual burn design for cleaner burning. The units include a thermostatically controlled blower for good air circulation throughout the room as well as an air wash system to keep the glass door cleaner. Overall they offer a good warranty but the guarantee on the electrical parts is not as good as some brands.

HARMAN---------------------harmanstoves.com----------------2* These units are a part of the offering from HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES and are sold through dealers. The EXCEPTION is a non-catalytic model with an easy access blower and is backed by a good warranty.

HARVIA---------------------harvia.fi----------------------<1* The "Panorama" models are available in two sizes (12 and 8 kw) and feature a large glass for viewing the fire. The look is similar to a bay window but is rounded for a more elegant look. The brand also offers a standard model with a heating capacity of 5 kw. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HEAT TECH---------------- heat-techstoves.com ----------<1* This brand offers only one model with basic technologies. The units do not have a very good warranty.

HIGH VALLEY----------------highvalleystoves.com-----------<1* These units are available in two sizes and feature an airwash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. They also have a thermostatically controlled variable speed fan for improved air circulation throughout the room. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HITZER---------------------hitzer.com---------------------<1* This brand features "Amish craftsmanship" and is available in the USA and Canada. The model 983 has a boxy look and feel to the unit but it is firebrick lined and has two 100 cfm blowers. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

JAYLINE-------------------jayline.co.nz-------------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in New Zealand. The STARFIRE model is a basic insert with a rated heat output of 14 kw. Their website is no help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

JOTUL---------------------jotul.com-----------------------<1* This brand is available through dealers in Europe and North America. The C 450 KENNEBEC features a classic cast iron surround and a large fire viewing area combined with an air wash system to keep the glass clean. The C550 ROCKLAND is a larger unit with their simplex clean burn combustion system and twin circulation fans. The unit is flush mounted with the masonry fireplace for a better look and feel. The warranty on the units is not as good as many brands.

KALOR---------------------kalorstufe.com------------------<1* This brand offers a basic unit. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

KUMA----------------------kumastoves.com------------------<1* The ASPEN model is for smaller spaces and features double wall construction for convective heting. The ASHWOOD model is for medium sized homes (typically up to 2000 ft2). The SEQUOIA is a model for large homes (up to 3500 ft2) and uses catalytic combustion for clean burning. The warranty on parts other than the heating chamber is not as good as most brands.

LENNOX--------------------lennoxhearthproducts.com---------4* The COUNTRY COLLECTION offers a variety of units in small, medium, or large heating capacities. The units have an air wash system to keep the glass clean for better viewing of the fire. The units are only sold and installed through authorized dealers but they are backed by a very good warranty.

LOPI----------------------lopistoves.com------------------<1* This is another brand from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES. The units are sold through dealers in North America and Australia. They offer EPA certified clean burning units in small, medium, or large heating capacities. The guarantee on the units is not as good as many brands.

MASPORT-------------------masportheating.co.nz------------<1* This brand is a part of the GLEN DIMPLEX GROUP and is made and sold in New Zealand. The I3000 features an attractive curved fascia and uses triple air combustion for clean burning. The warranty on the units (especially the firebox) is not as good as many other brands.

MORSO---------------------morsoe.com----------------------<1* These units are made in Denmark and are sold through dealers worldwide. The 1710 model features a traditional look and feel with a large glass window that has an air wash system. The 5660 offers a more modern look and is also available with a blower. The units use a ribbed outer firebox for better heat transfer and an advanced combustion system but the warranty on the units is not very good.

NAPOLEON------------------napoleonfireplaces.com----------<1* This brand is available through dealers in North America. They offer two models and feature a "whisper quiet" blower for good air circulation throughout the room. The warranty on the units is not as good as many brands.

NORDICA------------- lanordica-extraflame.com ----------<1* This brand is made in Italy and offers a wide variety of models. The warranty on the heat exchanger which is the most vital part of the unit is not as good as other brands. Their website is not much help.

NORSEMAN--------------barbequesgalore.com.au--------------<1* This brand is available in Australia and features a wide curved window for excellent viewing of the fire. It also has a three speed fan for good air circulation throughout the room. The warranty on these units (especially on the firebox) is not as good as many other brands.

PACIFIC-------------------pacificenergy.net----------------4* These units are made in Canada and sold throughout North America. They offer small, medium, and large units to match the requirements of you home. All of the units feature a variable speed fan for good circulation of air throughout the room and an air wash system to keep the glass door clean to allow viewing of the fire. The units are backed by a good guarantee.

RAIS----------------------rais.com------------------------<1* These units are made in Denmark and are sold through dealers in Europe and North America. The units use basic technologies but offer a patented handle that allows for opening and closing the door without a glove. The guarantee on the units is not as good as most brands.

REGENCY----------------- regency-fire.com ---------------1* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL and is available in North America. They offer small, medium, and large models that use a dual-burn design to produce EPA certified clean burn performance. they feature a thermostatically controlled blower for good air circulation and a pretty good warranty. The guarantee on the electrical parts is not as good as some brands.

RENFYRE-------------------countrymaidstoves.com-----------<1* This brand only offers one model. It is EPA certified for clean burning and has an airwash system to keep the viewing glass clean. An optional blower is offered but the warranty on the unit is not very good.

REVERSO-------------------reversomfg.com------------------<1* These units are made in canada and sold through dealers in the USA and Canada. The MMX-I features stainless steel secondary combustion chambers for clean burning and durability. The units have a variable speed fan to circulate the air throughout the room and an airwash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the fire. The warranty on the units is not as good as most brands and they have a very limited dealer network.

SAXON---------------------barbequesgalore.com.au----------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in Australia. The BLACKWOOD models feature a three speed fan for enhanced distribution of heat throughout the room. The warranty on this brand (especially on the firebox) is not as good as many other brands.

SCAN----------------------scan.dk-------------------------<1* This brand is a part of the JOTUL GROUP and is made in Denmark. The DSA4 is a non-catalytic clean burning unit that has a modern look and feel to it and a large glass for viewing the fire. The units are sold through authorized dealers. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SEGUIN------------------ cheminees-seguin.com ----------<1* This brand is available in Europe and Northern Africa. They offer a wide variety of units but the warranty (especially on the firebox) is not as good as many brands.

SIERRA--------------------sierraproductsinc.net-----------<1* The 4700TEC models have a bay window for good views of the fire and an airwash system to keep the glass clean. They are catalytic units so the combustor needs replaced periodically. They have a blower to circulate the heat in the room but the warranty on the units is not very good.

STANLEY-------------------stanleystoves.com---------------<1* These units are made and sold in Ireland. The CARA is available in three colors and features a large viewing glass with air wash for great views of the fire. The warranty on the units is not as good as most other brands in the industry.

SUMMERS HEAT--------------englanderstoves.com-------------<1* This brand is from ENGLAND'S STOVE WORKS and is available in North America. The 50-snc13I units are non-catalytic and EPA certified for clean burning. They have a blower included for air circulation throughout the room and an air wash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the flames. The warranty on the units is not as good as most brands.

SUPREME-------------------supremem.com---------------------5* These units are made in Canada and sold throughout North America. The VOLCANO PLUS units feature stainless steel fireboxes, variable speed blowers, and an air wash system. The units are certified EPA clean burning and are backed by a good warranty.

TimberRidge---------------englanderstoves.com-------------<1* This brand is from ENGLAND'S STOVE WORKS and is available in North America. The 50-TNC13I units are non-catalytic and EPA certified for clean burning. They have a blower included for air circulation throughout the room and an air wash system to keep the glass clean for viewing the flames. The warranty on the units is not as good as most brands.

TIMBERWOLF--------------timberwolffireplaces.com----------<1* This brand is made by WOLF STEEL LTD and is available through dealers in North America. They offer EPA certified clean burning fireplaces in three sizes. They have dual blowers to circulate the air throughout the room but the warranty (especially on the heat exchanger) is not very good.

VERMONT CASTINGS----------vermontcastings.com-------------<1* These units are made by MONESSEN HEARTH SYSTEMS CO. and are sold through dealers in North America. The MERRIMECK model units use catalytic combustion which requires periodic replacement of the combuster while the MONTPELIER maintains the EPA certification without the catalytic combuster. The WINTER WARM model is not EPA certified and therefore is not allowed in many areas. The guarantee on the units is not as good as some of the other brands.

WARMGLO---------------- burning-log.com.au -------------<1* This brand is made and sold in Australia by TRAZEND PTY LTD. The HOMESTEAD line features a two speed fan for enhanced air circulation throughout the room. The warranty on the brand (especially on the firebox) is not as good as many other brands.

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