A pellet stove is something every homeowner with a fireplace should have. It’s convenient to own one than chopping up logs every time.
There are plenty of options in the market. But, you’ll never know which ones are worth buying unless you try them. Continue to read this review to find the best pellet stove insert for your home. Here are the top 9 products from some of the best pellet stove insert brands in the market today.
What are the Benefits and Disadvantages of a Pellet Stove Insert?
Contents
Before buying a pellet stove insert, you should know its advantages and disadvantages. With this information, you can decide if you need and would want one for your home. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of having a pellet stove insert.
Benefits:
- Produces great heat
- Almost produces no ash making it mess-free
- Low heating cost compared to gas systems
- Pellet fuel is easily available
- Free from pests
- Easy heat regulation
- Easy maintenance
- Eco-friendly since smoke and chemical emissions are low
- Some are remote-controlled
Disadvantages:
- You can only use pellets specially made for it
- Uses a lot of pellets depending on the duration of use in a day
- Some pellet stove inserts may not provide as much heat as a wood-burning stove
- Hopper needs regular refilling
Despite its disadvantages, companies continue to develop newer models of pellet stove inserts. You should keep an eye out for new releases and look at the pellet stove insert reviews to find better options in the future.
The 9 Best Pellet Stove Inserts for 2020
1. Englander Pellet-Burning Fireplace Insert
This pellet stove insert from Englander made it on the list for many reasons. First, it can fit pre-fabricated and zero-clearance fireplaces. It can warm a room that’s up to 2,000 sq. feet. Features a 3” vent with a140 ft³/min built-in speed blower.
This insert can hold about 45 lbs. of pellets. Also, it burns no more than 1 and a half grams of pellets an hour which makes it efficient. It’s considered one of the cleanest stove inserts that’s EPA-certified because of the steady burning rate.
Highlighted Features:
- Can hold about 45 lbs. of pellets
- 2,000 sq. feet area heating capacity
- Works with pre-fabricated and masonry fireplaces
- EPA-certified
- Thermostat adaptable
- 3-inch pellet vent
- 140 CMF built-in blower
What We Like:
- Can heat large areas
- Can fit and work with most typical fireplaces
- Includes an outside air kit
- Window trim and back place included
What We Don’t Like:
- May require more maintenance schedules
- Hopper capacity isn’t as large as other pellet inserts
- Plate trim kit not included
- Thermostat no included
2. US Stove Multi-Fuel Fireplace Insert
If you want to utilize biomass pellet fuels, then this fireplace insert is for you. Besides pellet fuels you can buy, this stove insert can burn pellets made from corn, cherry pits, and more.
It has a large hopper capacity of 60 lbs. The burning time may vary depending on the type of pellet fuel you use. It has a digital control panel with an LED display which lets you monitor your stove insert. It has built-in diagnostics for testing, operation, and startup.
Using biomass pellet fuels may cause clinker to build up. This is why this pellet stove insert has an agitator on the burn pot to prevent buildup. The only thing is that it can be noisy. The agitator on the burn pot can create squealing sounds. Also, the lid on the hopper is narrow which can become inconvenient to refill.
Highlighted Features:
- Can burn soybeans, olive pits, corn, and other compressed biomass fuel sources
- 5 heat and 5 blower speed settings
- Digital control panel with LED display
- Agitator prevents clinker buildup
- 2,000 sq. feet area heating
- EPA-approved
- 60-lbs. hopper capacity
- Removable ash pan
What We Like:
- Using biomass pellet fuels is eco-friendly
- Requires less refilling because of the large hopper capacity
- Digital controls with LED display is easy to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Can make too much noise
- Small hopper opening
- Difficult to assemble and maintain
3. ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove
This HP22i is considered as powerful yet clean in the industry of pellet stoves. It features a level of 1 to 5 heat and has an option of manual or automatic adjusting. Its convection blower covers high cubic feet per meter, making sure that all heat is transported to your home.
Furthermore, the HP22i has high efficiency, and you will be able to get the maximum heat from the bag of pellets you bought. It is also very quiet, so no irritating noise!
Highlighted Features:
- Can heat almost 2800 sq. ft of room
- It can produce up to 50000 BTU
- Preset temperature ranging from 61°F to 82°F
- Automatic pellet ignition
- Automatic air wash system
- Heated air circulates at 142 cubic feet per minute
What We Like:
- Powerful Exhaust
- Powerful blower
- Its color can be match with other decorations
- One-year Warranty
- Has EPA Certificate
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive than another pellet stove fireplace
- Not efficient for small spaces
4. Ashley Hearth 1800 sq. ft. Wood Stove Insert
The Ashley Hearth AW1820E has plenty of positive pellet stove insert reviews. It is an airtight insert fireplace, and greatly improves the efficiency of your fireplace.
It meets all the requirements of EPA 2020 Certification Guidelines. You can view the burning fire through the ceramic glass that is cleaned by air washed.
Also, the door is made of iron cast along with a wood handle. This surely will look great to your house interior. It is surrounded with hearth to enclose the fireplace, and it can be adjusted automatically on installation because of its spring.
Highlighted Features:
- Can heat almost 1800 sq. ft of room
- It can produce up to 69000 BTU
- Speed blowers can be adjusted to 100 cubic feet per meter.
- Maximum log length is 18 inches in length
- 75% efficiency in heating
What We Like:
- Made of metal
- Wood fuel
- Black color can be matched with your room interior easily
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Has EPA certificate
What We Don’t Like:
- Need woods
- Expensive than other wood stove inserts
5. Napoleon NPI45 Eco Pellet Insert
Another item from Napoleon made it on the list. This shows that it’s one of the best pellet stove insert brands in the market.
The Napoleon NPI45 has many features to offer. It has an auto auger and igniter which lets you start a fire fast. Even though it only has a 45-lbs. hopper capacity, it can last for 45 hours. It means that you can enjoy continuous heating for about 2 days without needing to refill.
It also has a warning light to tell you if the hopper has run out of pellets. The burn pot cleans itself automatically every 60 minutes, on start-up, and shutdown. It deposits and residue in the ash pan. It has a control panel that’s easy to use and access.
The NPI45 also has a feature that modifies the combustion air as well as the pellet fuel feed rate. This adjusts depending on the vent variance and the quality of the pellets. However, you need to buy the surrounds and doors separately.
Highlighted Features:
- Automatic auger and ignition system
- 45-lbs. hopper capacity
- 45 hours of continuous heating
- Automated controls
- 4-inch pellet vent
- 120 CFM convection fan
- Up to 2,000 sq. feet area heating
- Automatic burn pot cleaning
What We Like:
- Pellet fuel-efficient for
- Easy to operate
- Works quietly
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Easy to install
- Elegant and classic design
What We Don’t Like:
- Needs constant maintenance
- Thermostat not included
- The doors and surrounds are excluded and sold separately
6. Breckwell P2000I Wood Pellet Insert
The P2000I pellet stove insert from Breckwell can heat a 2,000 sq. feet area. Its hopper capacity can accommodate about 60 lbs. of pellet fuel. This means that you won’t need to refill it as often as its competitors.
It uses a digital controller with 5 heat settings. This gives you the option to adjust the heat depending on the weather and season.
The P2000I is also EPA-certified that burns about 2 grams of pellets per hour. It’s not as low as Englander’s but, it still has a low-particle emission. It’s thermostat adaptable as well and it has an auto-ignition feature.
Highlighted Features:
- Digital controls
- 60 lbs. hopper capacity
- Large capacity ash drawer
- Quiet blowers
- Automatic pellet feed
- Heavy steel build
- Automatic igniter
- 3” exhaust pipe and 2” fresh-air pipe
What We Like:
- Digital controls are easy to operate
- Easy to clean
- Quick to cool down after turning off
- May be able to heat up to 3,000 sq. feet
- Fan adjusts automatically for consistent heating
What We Don’t Like:
- The bin entrance might be too narrow
- Pellet feed might cause inconsistent heat
- Doesn’t included a thermostat
Currently unavailable.
7. Timberwolf Economizer Pellet Insert
The Timberwolf Economizer seems to be smaller than its competitors. This pellet stove insert can deliver great heat even with a small package. The back of the insert sits inside the fireplace while the rest sticks out. The design of the Economizer is a mix of a traditional and a modern fireplace.
It has a hopper capacity of 45 lbs. which you can burn for about 30 hours without needing to refill. It can also heat an area of 2,000 sq. feet.
You can hook up a digital system to this pellet stove insert. But, it isn’t included with the purchase. Also, it couldn’t provide as much heat as its larger competitors.
Highlighted Features:
- Efficient pellet fuel burning
- Covers a 2,000 sq. feet area
- One full load can last up to 30 hours
- 45-lbs. hopper capacity
- Stylish design
What We Like:
- Its small design can fit most fireplaces
- Can heat a large area relative to its size
- Can provide constant and steady heat
- Digital system adaptable
- Stylish and can fit most home designs
What We Don’t Like:
- Might provide as much heat as larger pellet stove inserts
- Not as fuel-efficient compared to its competitors
- Digital system not included
Currently unavailable.
8. Napoleon TPI35 Direct Vent Pellet Insert
One of the reasons why the Napoleon TPI35 is one of the best pellet stove inserts in the market. It has some features similar to its competitors like the heating range of 2,000 sq. feet. It also has a digital control panel which you can use to adjust the level of heat.
But one thing that makes it stand out is its fuel flexibility. If you have a cornfield, you can save using pellets and use corn. With a 50/50 ratio of pellets and corn, the TPI35 can still provide heat. But, its hopper capacity is enough for a day’s worth of heating. This means you need to refill the hopper every day, especially in winter.
The overall design is elegant. It has black cast iron doors which is a classic look. Also, the flame patterns produced by this pellet stove insert is natural. It can imitate real flames coming from a furnace.
Highlighted Features:
- 2,000 sq. feet area heating range
- 25-30 hours continuous burning
- 45-lbs. hopper capacity
- Digital control panel
- Burns “corn” and pellets at 50/50 ratio
- High EPA-efficiency rating
- Auto-ignition feature
- Natural flame pattern
What We Like:
- Pellet fuel-efficient for
- Easy to operate
- Works quietly
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Easy to install
- Elegant and classic design
What We Don’t Like:
- Pellets sometimes don’t fall into the stove because of the hopper’s shape
- Hopper capacity may be smaller than its competitors
Currently unavailable.
9. Summer’s Heat 55-SHPEP Evolution Pellet Insert
England Stove Works creates some of the best-rated pellet stove insert products. This pellet stove insert from England Stove Works has all the same features as its freestanding counterpart. But, this Summer’s Heat pellet stove insert is made to fit into pre-fabricated or masonry fireplaces.
It has a clean burn with only 1.43 grams of pellets. Because of this, it’s considered as one of the cleanest pellet stoves according to the EPA. It can heat up an area of 2,000 sq. feet.
You can install a thermostat to it, but it’s sold separately. This will let you start and shut down the burner using a remote control. Still, you can adjust the heat and blower speed settings using the digital control panel on the pellet stove insert. Its firebox is also easy to clean saving you time and effort.
The overall design isn’t so bad as well. It has a set of ceramic logs. These would appear that you’re actually using wood as a wood-burning stove. The only thing is that you may need to buy high-quality pellet fuels. Low-quality ones may affect the heating quality and lifespan of your pellet stove insert.
Highlighted Features:
- WA State qualified and EPA-certified
- User-friendly control panel
- Burns 1.43 grams of pellets per hour
- Heats an area up to 2,000 sq. feet
- 45 lbs. hopper capacity
- One-touch start
- Thermostat adaptable
- Automatic burn pot cleaning
What We Like:
- Large viewing class and elegant design
- Burn efficiency of 75%
- Auto-ignition feature allows quick start-up
- Outer air kit and window trim included
- Easy-access ash drawer and side panels
- Rear vent can fit standard vent pipes
What We Don’t Like:
- Fake wood looks artificial
- Needs high-quality pellet fuels to work efficiently
Currently unavailable.
Pellet Stove Insert Buying Guide
There are many pellet stove inserts in the market. It’s important to know basic information about buying one for your fireplace. Here are some factors to consider before buying a pellet stove insert.
Know if you can use a pellet stove insert
Before you buy one, check your manufactured fireplace’s manual. You can find here if you can install a pellet stove insert in your fireplace. If your chosen insert isn’t listed in your fireplace’s manual.
Also, you must check your local codes about hearth appliances in your area. It’s important to know the rules and guidelines for installing fireplace inserts to avoid future problems.
Size
After confirming if you can install a pellet stove insert, it’s time to determine the correct size. First, find out your fireplace’s dimensions. You’ll need to know these measurements:
- The front opening’s height and width
- The depth of the opening
- The back wall’s height and width
With these measurements, you’ll be able to find a pellet stove insert that can fit perfectly.
Price
A standard pellet stove insert can cost anywhere between $1000 and $3000. This excludes the installation and pellet costs. Still, it has many upsides than a wood-burning stove and other types. This makes the pellet stove inserts worth buying.
Room size
If you have a large room, you’d need a more powerful pellet stove insert. Sometimes, inserts promise to heat a large area. But, it may not always be the case. That’s why it’s important to check pellet stove insert reviews for the actual performance of your preferred product.
Conclusion
The best pellet stove insert is needed, especially when the season changes and snow is everywhere.
These two products seem to be the best of the best when it comes to stove inserts but they use different types of fuels. One uses wood while the other uses pellets. However, they are both efficient and work greatly according to their purpose.
So when choosing between them, the deciding factor must be your room measurement. If you have a larger room, then the HP22i should be considered. You can save yourself from less hassle of getting wood and it has higher BTU. You can buy the product by clicking here.
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