How to choose a fireplace insert (part one)

Types of fireplace inserts

Models come in different sizes and shapes - straight and angular. The first type is installed against the wall. This option is considered traditional. Others stand in the corner. Their outer facade is straight, but inside it forms an angle.

On a note!

This type of fireplace requires shorter wood.

In addition, before choosing a firebox for a wood-burning fireplace, take into account that they can be open or closed. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of each type.

Open fireplace inserts are a traditional hearth, with all its implications, a classic solution. Peculiarities:

1. Free, open burning means a lot of wastage of wood. In addition, a significant part of the heat goes into the chimney.
2. You can watch the open fire forever. But the disadvantage is that it is quite difficult to regulate the emitted temperature.
3. Soot and dust, unfortunately, fly not only into the chimney, but also into the apartment. Therefore, after some time, you may notice that the walls and ceiling in the house have become grayer than they were originally.
4. When the fireplace is not in use, the chimney provides excellent ventilation. But do not forget that heating a room with a fireplace with an open firebox is more difficult.
5. We must not forget about fire safety. Open fire is a risk of sudden ignition. You need to carefully monitor the safety of your home.

Closed fireplace inserts look aesthetically pleasing and elegant. There are quite a lot of options. There are fireplace inserts with glass, which will highlight the interior. Peculiarities:

1. A closed firebox requires less wood to heat the room, and the heat lasts longer.
2. Closed fireboxes have a sealed door. This allows you to regulate the combustion temperature using the damper.
3. Smoke and dust from a fire can only enter the house if the chimney is faulty.
4. Closed fireboxes are safer due to the sealed door. In addition, this design allows you to create unique and unusual design solutions.

On a note!

To know how to choose the right fireplace insert, you should not forget about the above features. This will help with making the right decision.

What determines the cost of a fireplace insert?

The price of a fireplace insert is a decisive parameter that many buyers rely on. This issue is undoubtedly important and should not be ignored. Some nuances that affect the cost will help you choose a firebox for a wood-burning fireplace:

1. Kind and type. This is what was mentioned above. As a rule, the most expensive options are closed straight or corner ones.
2. Materials from which it is made. It can be made of either stone or metal. Here you need to rely on taste and budget.
3. Brand and supplier. Fireboxes are produced by many companies from different countries. There are both Russian high-quality models and reliable German ones.
4. Dimensions. The more parameters the firebox has, the higher the price. This is due to greater expenditure on materials and labor to assemble the structure.
5. Uniqueness. There are companies that can make tops to your measurements. Since this is not mass production, the price of such a product increases significantly.
6. Design. For example, there may be a chic handle for a closed firebox, a laconic and minimalist design. There is a lot of different things in the world, and everyone will find the perfect model of fireplace insert for themselves.

On a note!

The fireplace in the interior attracts a lot of attention. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to choose a fireplace insert with glass, for example - reliable, safe and beautiful.

Selection of door and insert glass

Closed-type fireplace cassettes can have different designs and designs of doors and glass, depending on the design of the product and its configuration. As a rule, the task of manufacturers is to create the most beautiful view of the flame in the fireplace, which is why the vast majority of models are made with large doors and wide glass. Often the doors are equipped with a thin frame so that nothing interferes with the beautiful view of the fire. Of course, there are other door solutions, for example, with wide frames, lintels, decorative details, frames made of gold or other valuable materials. The doors can be double or single, opening upward (guillotine type), to the right or left, on both sides at once, tilting, or opening towards themselves.

In turn, glass can be devoid of any solutions, or be decorated with silk-screen printing and decorative elements. It is important to approach the choice of glass carefully: it must be characterized by a high level of thermal and heat resistance, and it is advisable to be equipped with a blowing system for automatic removal of soot and carbon deposits.

Glass configuration can be:

• Straight
• Prismatic
• Spherical
• Semicircular

Performance calculation

Calculating the performance of the firebox is essential for comfortable further use of the fireplace. When calculating power, it is worth paying attention to some data:

1. Thermal insulation. The better the house retains heat, the lower the power of the firebox you can use.
2. Room size. For small rooms, you should not choose huge fireplace inserts. Small sizes will be enough for them. So, for a room of 200 m3, the furnace power must be at least 8 kW. If the volume of the room reaches 250 m3, a structure with a power of 10 kW is installed.
3. Fuel. Usually, this is the simplest firewood familiar to everyone. But some models use alternative fuels.

On a note!

Having determined these indicators and data, there will be no difficulties in choosing.

Which fireplace insert is better to choose?

The appearance will depend on the design, and it, in turn, takes on most of the attention from the entire interior. To make life easier, the TOP best modern models are presented.

Spartherm Arte Xh-3S

This chic, premium closed model is made of steel. Spartherm Arte Xh-3S is chosen by those who care about the aesthetics of their home. The weight of the equipment is 430 kg, the diameter of the chimney is 25 cm, the height of the firebox is 66 cm. This allows it to be placed even in a small room.

Spartherm Varia 2R-100h-4S

This model is famous for its efficiency and non-standard design. The height is 55 cm, and the width reaches 1 m. The efficiency is 78%, which allows you to use this cast iron fireplace insert with glass as the main heat source.

Hitze ALBERO AL16RG.H/LG.H

Fireplace insert with glass and lifting mechanism, steel, ideal for those cases where the design requires combining this device with a TV. Its small dimensions and vertical rise of glass make it possible to make such a dream come true.

INVICTA 700 GRANDE VISION

This is a classic cast iron variation that follows all the rules of traditional design. When the word “fireplace” is pronounced, the imagination pictures exactly what is presented in this model. Weight 133 kg, power 12 kW. This allows you to heat even large rooms.

Hitze Albero AL11S.V

This is perhaps the best combination of price and quality. The stylish and laconic design of Hitze Albero AL11S.V will decorate your home and give warmth. Perfect for small houses, it will perfectly emphasize their comfort and beauty. Maximum power 11 kW.

Considering the initial data, you can choose the ideal model for your home. There are both very small models and huge ones that heat perfectly. Design solutions also capture the heart and imagination of many buyers.

On a note!

It is important to understand the features of the chosen modification and maintain safety.

Advantages and disadvantages of cast iron inserts

Cast iron is characterized by high strength, resistance to high temperatures and temperature changes, as well as excellent heat-accumulation properties. This means that the thermal energy generated during the combustion process is actively accumulated in the structure of cast iron and then radiated in all directions for a long time.

This ability allows you to increase the heating time of the room: heat will emanate from the fireplace several hours after the firewood has completely gone out. At the same time, while cast iron takes a long time to cool down, it also takes a long time to heat up, which is identified as a disadvantage in cases where the house needs to be heated in a short time. At the same time, cast iron has a large specific gravity, so fireplace solutions with cast iron inserts always require a foundation to distribute the weight load.

Rating of the best manufacturers of fireplace inserts

They are produced by countries around the world. There are both world-famous companies and budget models. But it’s worth paying attention to several large and high-quality manufacturers.

Brunner (Germany, Bavaria)

The fireplace insert is corner, available in both cast iron and steel. The model range includes small, compact, and large, with a width of 569 cm and a height of 1530 cm. Price - from 2500 € to 5500 €.

Spartherm (Germany)

There are different options - wood, for coal briquettes, gas, fireplace inserts with glass with a water circuit. Some models even come with air supply from the street. It is possible to make your own unique model according to your own parameters.

Lotys (Denmark).

Steel fireboxes with the highest strength. This company guarantees its products for 10 years. Externally, their models look simple and concise, which is ideal for modern interior designs.

Kaw-Met (Poland)

Good budget company. With a low price tag (500-900€), the products are of very good quality. Therefore, even for little money, you can get a picturesque option.

ASTOV (Russia)

ASTOV is a brand from its native Russia, with good quality. They have not been on the market for long, but have already fallen in love with many buyers. A wide range of models is presented. Some models are not exactly budget, but there are also up to 100 thousand rubles.

On a note!

There are both inexpensive and expensive options for fireplace inserts on the market. Many companies have already become world famous and have established themselves among a huge number of buyers.

A fireplace is no longer a luxury for wealthy officials. Already now, many can drink hot tea after a walk and enjoy the captivating flame. And all the inhabitants of such a house love the comfort and warmth of the fireplace. The main thing in this matter is not to make a mistake with the choice and to be safe when using it. In addition, a fireplace is a great opportunity to decorate your home and make the interior design unusual and unforgettable.

What to look for when choosing inexpensive fireplaces

All fireplace inserts can be roughly divided into three categories: cheap, mid-price and expensive. The point is mainly not in the manufacturer and his name, but in the quality and technologies that are used. There are no miracles. It is impossible to buy a cheap fireplace insert with the same performance as an expensive one. But there are better and worse models in every price range. And, with the same price, the quality can vary significantly. What is typical is that the higher the price range, the fewer differences between products from different manufacturers. So if you want to choose from cheap ones, carefully inspect the models you choose.

The price range is amazing

The first and most important thing is the quality of the metal. If it is steel, make sure it is heat resistant and check the quality of the seams. They must be smooth, without sagging, cavities, etc. The quality of cast iron is checked by external inspection. The smoother the casting, the higher the quality. The wall thickness of steel and cast iron fireboxes is also important. Especially on the vault, where the heat load is highest. There should be a maximum thickness.

Firebox tightness

First and most important, the fireplace insert must be airtight to operate effectively. Then it can operate in any mode - active combustion, smoldering, etc. This is what distinguishes expensive models from cheap ones: the degree of sealing. Therefore, when choosing a budget model, pay attention to the ability to regulate the air supply.

• Air supply system. Air is usually supplied through the ash pan. Grooves are made under the door, which are overlapped by movable flaps. Lever at the bottom or side. By opening and closing the air supply, we adjust the combustion intensity. There may be several adjustments, but they all make sense if they allow you to completely shut off the flow. Check how well they fit and how reliably they block air access.

  
  What to look for to ensure that your fireplace insert is of good quality

• Door seal. Made from ceramic cord and goes along the perimeter without gaps. Not from below, not from two or three sides. The cord should be wide (extend further beyond the frame) and soft. If it has lost elasticity or is made flush with the groove in a new firebox, there will be no tightness.
• How the glass is pressed to the door frame. If the pressure is only applied by several holders, air will flow in. Ideally, a metal corner that is pressed with holders. And one more thing: the holders must be reliable, made of good metal (you won’t be able to bend them with your fingers).
• Glass seal - along the entire perimeter between the glass and the door frame. Better is the same ceramic cord, but flatter. The sealant is not bad, but the cord is better.

  
  Sealing the glass and the door itself is very important for saving fuel

• Glass cleaning system. These are the holes at the top of the door frame above the glass. Air enters through them and falls down, carrying away soot and fumes. This way the glass stays clean longer. Please note: the glass will still need to be cleaned occasionally.
• Method of opening a chimney damper. The cheapest is bolted, but also the most unreliable. If a bolted connection is selected, provide access during installation for repairs and replacement of bolts/nuts.

As you can see, there are enough parameters and these are just the main ones. There is still that same beauty. If your budget allows, choose a frameless door. They look much more solid, although they cost more.

Fuel efficiency

If the fireplace will be used for heating, and not just for beauty, its efficiency is important. It will be economical when the heat is extracted to the maximum. Therefore, we pay attention to the presence of a secondary air supply.

Air is usually supplied through a grate. It goes to firewood, it burns. The process produces more gases. For the most part, they are flammable and their heat of combustion is greater than the heat we get when burning wood. If you ignite these gases, there will be much more heat. To set them on fire, just add oxygen.

Gas is blazing under the roof - this is afterburning of gases

To do this, holes are made in the back wall and in the top of the firebox. This is the secondary air supply - for afterburning gases. Air is supplied to the upper part of the firebox and mixed with hot gases. This mixture ignites, which provides additional heat. This process can be observed. When burning, a cap of fire forms in the upper part of the firebox. But let us draw your attention once again - this makes sense in a sealed firebox, where the air supply (and the oxygen it contains) is normalized.

Features of guillotine fireplaces

If you are interested in a fireplace insert with a vertical opening, then you will also need to choose the mechanics of the lifting mechanism. Such models can no longer be classified as cheap - the mechanism itself is quite expensive. There are three opening options:

• rollers;
• cable;
• chain.

Roller skates are the most convenient. Smooth running, little effort required. The rollers are made of metal that tolerates overheating well, but can wear out over time. This will make opening more problematic.

Guillotine fireplaces are not cheap

There is also a chain and cable that are pulled through a system of wheels and sprockets. The chain is more reliable, but noisier - it rings when moving. The cable glides silently, but when heated it can stretch more, which can complicate the process. It is impossible to say for sure that some of the systems are more reliable and some less. What is certain is that the chain is noisier. If this is critical for you, choose a cable or roller mechanism.

Glass: double, triple or mirror

The closed fireplace insert has a large area of ​​glass. If there is single glass, it emits a lot of heat. To reduce the amount of heat that penetrates through the glass, double or triple glass is used. The second option is with mirror coating. Heat is reflected into the firebox, which increases the temperature, which leads to more complete combustion of the fuel.

Glass must protect against excessive heat

What's better? Spraying is more effective, but also more expensive. Double glass is cheaper, although it works worse. But double or triple glass helps it stay clean longer. Although, this depends more on how well the self-cleaning system is made.