Wood Fireplace Ratings, A Repairman Reviews The Brands...

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 as well as the manufacturers' web addresses. Where more than one unit has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive unit.

For reviews of units that are designed to be installed in an old masonry fireplace, you can check out our insert ratings.
BRAND--------------WEB ADDRESS----------------RATING-----

ACUCRAFT-----------acucraft.com----------------<1* This brand offers a variety of models including standard, double sided, and custom fireplaces. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BELLFIRES----------bellfires.com---------------<1* This brand is a part of INTERFOCUS and they are available in Europe. The ESCAMOLUX models feature a sliding door system which allows for either an open fire or closed and the door tilts up for easy cleaning of the glass. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

BODART & GONAY--- b-g.be --------------------<1* These fireplaces are made in Belgium and are available in a wide variety of models. The "green" models feature enhanced combustion and therefore produce less CO emissions. They meet the 2012 European standards for emissions. The guarantee on the units, especially on the firebox, is not as good as some of the other brands.

BUDERUS------------buderus.de------------------<1* This brand is a part of BOSCH THERMO GmBH and offers a wide variety of models. The THERMO PLUS units are cast iron and feature dual combustion for environmentally clean burning. The KA 146 model features a rounded front for a larger viewing window of the fire. The KA 306 features a bay window. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

COMFORT FLAME------fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This is a brand from FMI PRODUCTS LLC. The BUILDER series has direct vent models in three sizes while the BLACKSTONE is their custom series. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ComfortGlow--------fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This is another brand from FMI PRODUCTS LLC. They have a small selection of units and limited features on them. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CONMOTO------------conmoto.com-----------------<1* This brand is made in Germany and offers a wide variety of models. The "TURN" model offers an ultra modern look and feel as the unit can rotate 360 degrees to facilitate viewing from anywhere in the room. The BALANCE model is like a piece of furniture while the GATE model is a tall unit that does resemble a gate. The PLAZA units have a more traditional look and feel. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

CONTINENTAL----continentalfireplaces.com--------2* The CZ26 models are made by WOLF STEEL LTD and are available in North America. They are refractory lined and EPA clean burn certified. They offer an optional duct system as well as a blower.

COUNTRY FLAME--americanenergysystems.com-------<1* This brand is a part of AMERICAN ENERGY SYSTEMS (AES). Their "Smart" fireplace is available in three sizes and can be connected to the home's hvac duct system. The INGLENOOK is a zero clearance model for new construction. It features an airwash system to keep the glass clean for fire viewing. It also offers an optional blower and duct kit for better air distribution. The warranty on the units is not very good.

DESIGN DYNAMICS----fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This brand is a part of FMI PRODUCTS LLC and offers both indoor and outdoor fireplaces. They have the look and feel of traditional masonry units including an open front. The warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

DON-BAR -------- don-bar.com ----------------5* These units are custom made in Canada and available worldwide. The 9000 series is a freestanding unit with glass on four sides. It quickly becomes the focal point of any room. The 7000 series is wall mounted and has glass on three sides. The units are backed by a very good guarantee.

ENERZONE--------- enerzone-intl.com ----------3* This brand is made in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The SOLUTION 2.5ZC model is an EPA certified unit that has self cleaning glass and heat activated twin blowers. It uses B vent and offers a fresh air kit as well as a forced air option. The units are sold through dealers and backed by a good warranty.

FIREPLACE XTRORIDINAIR-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 -------------3* This brand is made in Canada by STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The MONACO units have a 75,000 btu/hr output which can heat many homes when attached to their optional forced air duct kits. They feature self cleaning glass and twin blowers for good air circulation. The unit uses B venting and offers an optional fresh air duct kit. The units are sold through dealers in North America.

FMI----------------fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of models including corner and peninsula fireplaces. Their PUREFIRE model is an EPA phase II certified catalytic unit for clean burning. It uses a catalytic combustor which requires replacement every three to five years. They do not have a stated warranty policy on their website.

FONDIS-------------fondis.com------------------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of models to suit your individual needs. They offer both traditional units as well as clean burning units that use catalytic combustion. 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. They offer zero clearance units as well as see-through units to allow views of the fire from two different rooms. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

HEATILATOR---------heatilator.com---------------4* These units are from HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES. The brand offers a wide selection of models in both traditional and contemporary styling. Multi-sided viewing models are also available. the units are sold through dealers and are backed by a very good warranty.

HERGOM-------------hergom.com------------------<1* The SPARTHERM range offers a variety of units with a modern look and feel to them. They feature air wash systems to keep the glass clean and wide views of the flames. They offer peninsula and corner models as well as the standard units. The manufacturer's website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HORSE FLAME--------horseflame.com.cn-----------<1* This brand is made in China by HENAN HI-FLAME METAL CO LTD. They offer a variety of models in traditional styles as well as modern styles. They feature clean burn technology and air wash systems for keeping the viewing glass clean. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

IBC-------------- ibc-heiztechnik.de --------<1* These units are made in Germany and available in Europe. They offer cast iron units with an antique look and feel to them. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

JC BORDELET--------bordelet.com----------------<1* This brand is a part of the SEGUIN GROUP and is made in France. They offer an ultra-modern look and feel with spectacular views of the fire. The units use B vent and the warranty is not as good as many brands.

JETMASTER----------jetmaster.com.au------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in Australia. The brand features open units in several styles including a double-sided (peninsula) model. The warranty on the unit (especially on the firebox) is not as good as other brands.

KENT---------------kent.co.nz------------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in New Zealand by ABER GROUP. The LOGFIRE SUPREME models have a brick-lined firebox. The warranty on the units is not as good as other brands.

KOZY HEAT----------kozyheat.com----------------<1* This brand is from HUSSONG MANUFACTURING. They offer either zero clearance units or masonry models. The Z42 units are EPA certified non-catalytic units. They are available in North America but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

LENNOX-------------lennoxhearthproducts.com----<1* These units are available in a wide variety of models. They are sold through dealers but the warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as some brands.

MASPORT------------masportheating.co.nz--------<1* This brand is part of the GLEN DIMPLEX GROUP and is made and sold in New Zealand. The units feature a triple air combustion system for clean burning and a multi-speed circulation fan. The warranty on the units (especially the firebox) is not as good as many brands.

MAX!---------------selkirkcorp.com--------------1* These units are made in Canada and sold throughout North America. The CHARDONNAY is an EPA exempt model and can be ducted for up to three zones. The BORDEAUX is a high hefficency unit that is EPA certified for clean burning. The unit features a stainless steel log retainer and secondary air tubes for durability. The warranty on this brand is not as good as some of the others.

MCZ----------------mcz.it----------------------<1* This brand is made in Italy and sold throughout Europe as well as in the USA. The FORMA range offers closed fireplaces with a unique rise and fall door that tilts out for easy cleaning and maintenance. They offer a duct kit for the units to allow for more heat extraction from the unit and supplying it to another area of the home. The warranty on the units (especially the heat exchanger) is not very good.

NAPOLEON-----------napoleonfireplaces.com-------2* This brand is sold through dealers in North America. The HIGH COUNTRY series units have a firebrick lined firebox and are direct vent units.

NECTRE-------------nectre.com------------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in Australia. The WALL FIRE is a basic model for hanging on a wall. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

NORDICA------- lanordica-extraflame.com-------<1* This brand is made in Italy and offers a wide variety of models to choose from. In addition to standard fireplaces, they offer "thermo" units which can be connected to the home's hydronic heating system. The warranty is not as good as many brands and their website is not much help.

NORDPEIS-----------nordpeis.eu-----------------<1* This brand is available in Europe and offers a wide variety of styles to match the decor of any home. Their website is not much help though and does not have a stated warranty policy.

REGENCY---------- regency-fire.com ----------<1* These units are from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL and are sold through dealers in North America. They offer two models and feature dual-burn design and are EPA emissions standard certified. They have a thermostatically controlled blower for air circulation through the home/room.

RENAISSANCE--------renaissancefireplaces.com---<1* This brand is made in Canada and sold through authorized dealers throughout North America. The RUMFORD 1000 features Skamol lining for durability and a guillotine door for great views of the fire with the door open. The RUMFORD 1000H gives you the option of ducting the heat to other rooms within 15 feet of the fireplace. The warranty on the firebox is not as good as many other brands.

SEGUIN----------- cheminees-seguin.com ------<1* This brand is available in Europe and Northern Africa. They offer a wide variety of units to fit any home but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

SUPREME------------supremem.com-----------------5* These units are made in Canada and sold throughout North America. They offer zero clearance models and see through models. The LASER model can be ducted for up to three zones. The brand is backed by a good warranty.

VALCOURT-----------valcourtinc.com--------------3* This brand is from STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL. The FP9 VERSAILLES units are EPA certified zero clearance units that can be connected to a furnace duct system. The FP5 WESTMOUNT units are a decorative see through unit that serves two rooms. The FP7 ANTOINETTE has a unique "guillotine" door system that allows the door to disappear for using the unit as an open fireplace. The units are made in Canada and sold through dealers.

VANTAGE HEARTH-----fmiproducts.com--------------<1* This is another brand from FMI PRODUCTS LLC which offers a wide selection of fireplaces including multi-view models. They are lined with firebrick for efficient heating but the warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

VERMONT CASTINGS---vermontcastings.com-----------3* This brand is a part of MONESSEN HEARTH SYSTEMS CO. and is available in North America. The SEQUOIA model is an EPA phase two certified combustion model that uses catalytic combustion. The unit has a traditional look and feel and a large ash handling system for convenience. The STRATTON model is a smaller version of the SEQUOIA model. The units are sold through dealers and have a very good warranty.

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