The best fireplace insert: how to determine the price and manufacturer

In our imagination, a fireplace is warmth, comfort, the smell of firewood, the play of flame. But for all this to be real, it is necessary to build it correctly. Laying bricks is too long, expensive and no one gives a guarantee. Therefore, many people decide to make a fireplace from a fireplace insert, overlaying it and lining it. Choosing by parameters is not easy in itself, but choosing a manufacturer is even more difficult. And although the best fireplace insert for everyone is different, there are certain brands for which reviews are more positive than negative. 

Which fireplace inserts are better, how to choose

When choosing a fireplace insert, first of all, we take into account the operating conditions and the possibility of access. It’s one thing if the fireplace is for beauty and joy. Quite another – if for heating. By the way, for heating the fireplace can work in different modes. Somewhere constantly and as the main source, somewhere only on the coldest days, as an additional and for comfort. The best fireplace insert in each case will be completely different.

The best fireplace insert: what we definitely look at

The price difference for fireplace inserts is very, very impressive. The cheapest (non-Chinese, those are even cheaper) can be found for 100-300€. The average price range is 500-1500€. The price for expensive ones starts from 3000-4000 €. It is clear that this is not just the case and there is a difference. The best fireplace insert in each range is different. However, there is a certain set of characteristics that are necessary in any case:

• High-quality metal, sufficient wall thickness. It is clear that expensive and cheap metal cannot be the same, but the very quality of the metal, the wall thickness and the quality of the connection of parts is worth tracking. The thickness of the metal on the vault of the firebox is very important – here the greatest temperature load.
• Convenient ash pan. In expensive models, there is often no ash pan at all, but that’s another story. For this point, the best fireplace insert is one in which the ash pan can be pulled out, cleaned, and then put back without any problems. Among the inexpensive, believe me, this is not easy to find.
  

• Sealed door. There are several positions and a fireplace insert is better, in which all conditions are met:
  • Sealing glass gap and frame. The best option is a heat-resistant cord. Cheaper – sealant. Both of them should be around the perimeter.
  • Clip glass to the frame. Not several holders, but a corner that is fixed with screws.
  • The door around the perimeter must be laid with a heat-resistant cord. Not from two or three sides, but around the perimeter. And the cord should be voluminous, protrude beyond the groove. Then, when the door is closed, air will not be sucked in.
• Normally working dampers for adjusting the air supply. They should fit well enough to keep air out when closed. This is rare with cheap fireboxes, so pay attention.
• For cast iron fireboxes, the edges of the parts must be even. The joints are laid with a heat-resistant cord (better) or coated with silicone. If the silicone layer is thick, this means that the parts do not fit well and you should not buy the product.

Why is tightness important? Because a fireplace insert with a door is needed in order to be able to select the combustion mode. If the air enters only through adjustable dampers, you can put out the flame and put the unit into a long burning mode – when the firewood smolders and does not burn. This helps to save fuel and regulate the temperature in the room. And the best fireplace insert, definitely, which really allows you to regulate the air supply.

Additional options, but not superfluous

There are several other factors that will be helpful. Double or mirror glass and its self-cleaning system. Double (cheaper option) or mirror glass allows you to reflect most of the heat rays into the firebox. The benefit is twofold. First, the temperature in the furnace rises, which contributes to more efficient combustion of fuel. The second is not so hot in front of the door.

Self-cleaning system – air supply to the glass, which carries soot deep into the firebox. Due to this, the glass is not smoked so quickly (although it is still smoked), soot is burned, which is also a plus. By the way, this is the secondary air supply to the furnace. Air is supplied directly to the burning wood, and not from below, which also improves the degree of their combustion. But these shutters must also be well fitted.

The presence of a gate (damper) at the outlet of the chimney. The damper also allows you to control the intensity of combustion. This is convenient – I reduced the draft, closed the dampers and the firewood barely burns. But the absence of a gate in a fireplace insert is not critical – it can be placed on a pipe. You will have to bring the adjustment knob out, but everything is possible and not too expensive.

Comfortable and/or cold handle. Open / close the door of a burning fireplace and not be afraid to get burned – this is important. Since the metal can be heated to very high temperatures, it is necessary to make not only nozzles, but also inserts from materials that conduct heat poorly. You can put up with a hot handle if it is comfortable and easy to open / close even with a mitt. So the best fireplace insert is with a comfortable and reliable handle.

Possibility of air intake for combustion from the street. With properly functioning ventilation, there is enough oxygen in the room, even with many hours of burning. Worse is the case with humidity. In the presence of an open fire, it becomes very low. This is bad for well-being, but not only. Humidity is important for wooden houses. They have a minimum allowable level of 50%. Otherwise, the wood dries up, cracks, twists it. With a long-running fireplace, humidity can drop to 20-35%, and this is a problem. It is solved by installing humidifiers, but humidity is easier to maintain if air is supplied to the fireplace from the street.

Decide on the price category: cheap and expensive what is the difference

As already mentioned, the difference in the price of fireplace inserts is enormous. It is clear that higher quality cast iron is used (black instead of gray, for example). It is clear that the casting itself is of better quality, parts fit better, glass is more expensive, etc. Indeed, there are differences. Let’s omit the technical and technological details and features, and consider how expensive and cheap fireplace inserts differ during operation.

• Duration of burning wood. In cheap ones, it is necessary to throw firewood every 2-3 hours (more likely once every 2 hours). That is, the consumption of firewood is large and someone needs to constantly monitor whether there is fuel or not. In expensive ones – in normal mode – firewood is thrown every 4 hours, in smoldering mode every 6-8 hours.
• Flame adjustment options. In cheap ones, it is very rarely possible to achieve a reaction to the closing / opening of the dampers. You will be very lucky if there is any difference. In expensive fireboxes, you can easily switch to smoldering mode, limiting air access.
  

• Glass cleaning system. Everyone is talking about this option. And indeed, if not everyone, then the majority has a gap in the door. Some even have shutters. Glass is still smoked in both expensive and cheap ones. But in expensive ones, it must be cleaned after 10 fireboxes or more, and in cheap ones, at least twice as often. But that’s not all. In expensive ones, plaque appears in smoldering mode, when the temperature in the furnace is low, which contributes to the appearance of soot. It is worth heating a little at full power, it will clear itself. In cheap, plaque occurs constantly – due to the low temperature, the large amount of fuel burned per unit of time.
• The need to clean up ash and coal. In most fireplace inserts, air is supplied to the chamber through an ash pan and a grate. That is, below. During combustion, larger coals remain on the grate, smaller ones and ash fall into the ash pan. All this interferes with the air supply. And this means that it is often necessary to clean the ash pan and the grate from coal and ash. In the cheapest ones – after 2-3 furnaces, in more used ones – after 5-10 bookmarks, in expensive ones – once every one and a half to two weeks. Some expensive ash pans do not have air supplied from above. As a result, the firewood burns completely, leaving a small pile of ash.

This is what distinguishes expensive fireplace inserts from cheap ones during operation. No one says that cheap ones are not worth buying. They also give out warmth, create comfort, a special atmosphere, and also allow you to admire the flame. There are some very good ones for little money. But they have shortcomings, and usually, all at once. They are simply expressed to a greater or lesser extent. It is important that you understand what to expect and decide what exactly the best fireplace insert means for you.

Manufacturers of fireplace inserts

Conventionally, all metal fireplace inserts can be divided into three price categories: cheap, middle segment and expensive. In the expensive segment, the differences between the units are minimal. The quality is usually high. The choice is influenced by aesthetics, the presence of technological innovations. But, in general, there is not much difference here. But if you are looking in the middle price range or among the cheap ones, for the same price (or comparable) you can find units of different quality.

German, Austrian, Danish and Swedish

Fireplace inserts from the northern part of Europe, today the market leaders. Yes, their products are not cheap, to put it mildly. Or rather, expensive. But these fireboxes serve for a very long time, and they do not cause any complaints. There is not much difference between manufacturers here. Choose according to features and appearance. Real figures correspond to the declared ones. One piece of advice: before buying, read the instruction manual (completely). They are usually on the Internet. There may be points on the features of operation. If everything suits you, you can safely buy.

• Brunner Bruner (Germany, Bavaria). There are fireboxes made of steel, cast iron. There are wide ones – from a meter or more wide, there are narrow and high ones – 569 cm wide and 1530 cm high. In general, for every taste. The price is from 2500€ to 5500€.
• Schmid Schmidt (Germany). Cast iron fireboxes with different types of glass: straight, angled, round, prismatic. You can choose the color of the doors and the option of their design: anthracite, gilding or chrome plating. A narrow frame around the perimeter of the glass, the entire door frame, the entire visible part of the firebox can be trimmed.
  

• Spartherm Sparterm (Germany). Produces not only wood fire chambers. There are options for coal briquettes, gas, with a water circuit. There are options with air supply from the room or the street. The new line – GET – has a small installation depth. These are rare. If desired, you can order production according to your own parameters.
• Jotul Jotul (Norway). Pig-iron inserts in fireplaces of various sizes and power. Combustion thought out to the subtleties, which allows you to burn firewood completely even at low heat.
• Lotys Lotus (Denmark). Steel furnaces with an official guarantee of 10 years. Appearance is simple and elegant. Beautiful burning, guaranteed clean glass, easy cleaning.
• Keddy (Caddy) is a solid-cast thick-walled cast-iron fireplace. No seams or seals between parts. Small in size, with wall installation and in the corner.

If we talk about this price category, then all fireplace inserts of this class burn wood to ashes. This is due not only to fuel efficiency, but also to the need to adhere to environmental regulations. All these countries have strict control over carbon emissions into the atmosphere. And its level will be low if it burns in the furnace.

Polish and Czech

If your best fireplace insert is in the middle price range, take a look at Czech or Polish factories. They produce good heating equipment with good characteristics. They have models that look like expensive German or Swiss ones. There are certainly differences, but the prices differ more. There are many manufacturers, and the reviews are normal. It is important to accurately represent the features that await you. In addition to those listed below, these are Czech ABX, Romotop, Supra, Liseo; Slovenian LK and others.

Nordflam (Нордфлам)

The Polish company Ekkom produces cast iron and steel fireplace inserts under the brand name Nordflam. Price segment – cheap. There are very simple models for 290-350 € (Capri, Corno – can be heated with coal, Kaldo). This is a firebox with a door without any bells and whistles. The most expensive at Nordflam cost 1000-1300 € (La Braise almost hearth burning, Modesto). Between these poles there are about 20 models at a price of 500-750 €, differing in size, shape, and power. What is nice is that the design is very different – from classics with curved shapes (Arona) to ultra-modern ones with frameless glass (Elbrus). And the prices are quite democratic.

In assortment:

• corner;
• with two and three-sided glazing;
• glass framed and without;
• the possibility of air intake from the street (almost all models);
• with water heat exchanger;
• lining with cast-iron removable plates or heat-resistant material (for more expensive models).

Efficiency 60-75% depending on the model (60% for the cheapest). Built-in gate, normal-sized handles that are comfortable to grip in gloves. Sealing glass and doors – cord. In general, for the low price segment, Nordflam are very good fireboxes. The proof is a 7-year warranty.

Short (Short)

Another Polish manufacturer produces Kratki fireplace inserts. Some believe that the best fireplace insert in the middle price category is the Polish Kratki. The main price range is 450-600€. Good metal is used in production (both cast iron and steel are normal). There are wood, gas and water circuit. Power – from 8 kW to 24 kW. The main advantage is the adjustment of the degree of pressure of the doors, which is rarely implemented. Thoughtful shape, good traction. In terms of external design, it is rather modest, but not bad.

When burning, the glass is smoked, so you have to wash it often. But when using dry firewood, proper installation (not too big and massive portal), everything is much better. The most popular model from this manufacturer Kratki Nadia is a small fireplace, which is often purchased for summer cottages. Its cost is about 350 €, which makes it the leader in this segment. The Zuzia series has a good price / quality ratio, like many other models.

If we talk about the main lines – they are good for their price. Thought out to the smallest detail and run in. New ones often need to be improved. If you want to buy something more modern in design, look for other manufacturers. But if the classic design is the best fireplace insert for you, Kratki is a worthy choice indeed.

Kaw-Met

If you need a good budget fireplace insert, look at Kaw-Met products (KavMet or Kav Met). Of the budget options – this is one of the most worthy. With a low price tag – 500-900 €, they have all the signs of good fireboxes. Unfortunately, you won’t get perfectly clean glass, but a good fireplace for little money – yes.

Their advantages are:

• greater wall thickness than analogues of the same price category;
• good sealing (door, glass);
• convenient locking mechanism;
• built-in gate (with adjustment on the body in front);
• smooth cast iron (better to see, because it is different from the usual);
• there is an opportunity to supply air from the street.

But not everything is so good. Air supply is provided along the glass (not in all models), but these are just adjustable slots. That is, the glass will be smoked. On average, it must be cleaned after 4-6 fireboxes, the firewood burns for 2-3 hours. So if for constant heating, you will look at the fire through the plaque. The problem will be partially solved by using dry firewood. On the other hand, in budget models it is always the case. They cannot have complete combustion, the temperature is insufficient, so the glass is always smoked. Many consider the best inexpensive fireplace insert – this is KavMet.

French

The countries of central and southern Europe have long been heated not by stoves, but by hearths and fireplaces. Their winters are not so severe, so there was enough warmth. It is not surprising that they have a lot of developments in fireplace inserts, as well as companies that produce them. Not all are represented on our market, but the choice is sufficient. French and Italian fireboxes (Italian ones are less common in Russia) occupy the middle part of the price range. Their equipment has a price of 1,5-4 thousand euros. Of course, there are more expensive and a little cheaper. In terms of quality, they also occupy an average position. Better than the budget ones, but they fall short of excellent quality (consciously, I must say, they fall short).

Invicta (Invicta)

The French plant Invicta specializes in the manufacture of cast iron stoves and fireplace inserts. Cast iron is poured by themselves, which gives certain guarantees of quality. The price range is average – 1000-1500 €. In cheaper models, air is supplied through the grate, in more expensive ones – from above. Designed for many hours of operation, as the French warm themselves with them all autumn and winter. The warranty period is 5 years, but the campaign claims that the service life is one generation. But this is in France – they do not fill the fireplace with firewood to the eyeballs. Invicta is often considered the best fireplace insert in its range.

Design feature – no top flap. The door in a circle is laid with a heat-resistant ceramic cord. The locking handle is designed in such a way that it additionally presses the door to the body. The design of all models is thought out, the details are adjusted, the joints are sealed with sealant. At the top of the firebox there is a smoke tooth – to improve draft and protect the chimney from fire.

There are removable cast-iron lining plates, the walls have stiffeners, which also increase heat transfer. The firebox is made with a slope towards the grate, so that the coals roll down, which improves the air supply, the firewood burns to ash. The air supply is metered, combustion is regulated. The option is really good.

If we talk about the appearance, then the design is more classic. Interestingly, in each line there are models with almost square glass (700 and 800), high (600) and wide (1000) models. Here they are, with the appropriate design, can look very modern. There can be two options for opening the doors – classic hinges for opening to the right or left, as well as lifting the door up (guillotine fireplaces). The lifting mechanism is made on the basis of a chain.

 Seguin

French fireplace inserts Seguin (Seguin) belong to the middle price range with a cost of 1000 to 4000 €. Wide power range (from 7 kW), different design, good performance, stable quality. This is what makes this brand different. The company has its own foundry, which allows you to control the quality of products throughout the entire process.

Seguin cast iron fireplace inserts are designed for long-term operation. 9/18 operation is not a problem. Firebox walls – from 70 to 85 mm – depending on the model. Efficiency – 70-75% (usually XNUMX-XNUMX%). Sealing – ceramic cord, adjustable (really adjustable) air supply, there is afterburning, but not in all models.

The pluses include a modern and diverse design. There are models with three-sided and even circular glazing, with a vertical door lift.

Other advantages:

• tightness (precisely tight);
• a working glass self-cleaning system (not in all models);
• door lock (to protect against children and to prevent combustion products from entering the room);
• fireclay lining;
• wide ribs on the outer part of the body – to improve heat transfer.

The company is proud of its patented door closing system. But this is the most inconvenient thing about these fireplace inserts. The door must be opened by pulling on a very small handle. It must be crocheted, which is far from being as convenient as they say.

Russian

Not always the best fireplace insert is made abroad. There are quite good domestic options for modest money. The longest on the Meta market. Some have been working for 5-7 years and without complaints. But don’t expect miracles. Definitely not ideal. You have to watch live. If the overall impression is positive, you can take it.

• Meta. Normal furnaces, with a working afterburner and regulation of the intensity of combustion. Glass is not smoked if fired with dry hardwood firewood. Resin and raw smoke strongly. There are different opening systems – vertical and conventional. The company also assembles fireboxes from parts made in France. The name of the model contains the word Ardenfire – by the name of the company producing them.
• Ecofireplace. Budget fireboxes, reliable, without any frills, but they work fine.
• ASTOV – ASTOV. Some models are not quite budget, but there are up to 100 thousand rubles. The company entered the market recently, so there is no experience of long-term operation of its products. Those who use it are happy. Normally lit, adjustable. There are models with a guillotine door, a choice of lining type (dark and light ceramics or fireclay).
• Thermofor. A large Russian enterprise that produces stoves for baths. They have a couple of fireplace inserts. Normal quality, reasonable price from 400€.

There are fireplace inserts from many manufacturers of sauna stoves. It is difficult to say how much they have been finalized – there is too little information from the owners.