Comparing Wood-Burning Inserts And Electric/Pellet Alternatives
Choosing the best wood heater insert depends on your fireplace opening, heating needs, and local regulations. The table below summarizes the five featured inserts and close alternatives selected for their heating capacity, installation flexibility, or suitability as inserts for existing fireplaces.
| Product | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Hearth AW1820E | Wood Stove Insert | High BTU output, accepts 18″ logs |
| Buck Stove Fireplace Insert Model 21 | Wood Burning Insert | Non-catalytic design, large coverage |
| Duraflame Electric Log Set | Electric Fireplace Insert | Supplemental heat for existing fireplaces, remote |
| RICHFLAME Gavin 33″ Electric Insert | Electric Fireplace Insert | Large electric insert with realistic effects |
| Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs 20-Inch | Electric Log Heater | 1500W infrared heat, multiple flame modes |
Ashley Hearth AW1820E 1,200 Sq. Ft. Wood Stove Insert
The Ashley Hearth AW1820E is a cast-steel wood stove insert designed to heat up to 1,200 sq. ft. It lists 69,000 BTUs and accepts logs up to 18 inches, making it suitable for standard residential hearths that need a robust heat source. Construction highlights include a cast iron feed door with a large 16.5″ x 9″ ceramic glass window and heavy gauge 3/16″ reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining for heat retention and durability.
Practical considerations: This insert is intended for installations where a significant heating load is required. The large viewing glass provides visual appeal while the firebrick lining supports higher combustion efficiency. Installation will require a compatible fireplace opening and attention to clearances, venting, and local code compliance.
Buck Stove Fireplace Insert Model 21 | Non-Catalytic Wood Insert
The Buck Stove Model 21 is a purpose-built non-catalytic wood burning insert providing up to 28,901 BTUs and coverage claims up to 1,800 sq. ft. It includes a heat-activated blower to assist heat circulation and offers a traditional look with a black door plus a 12″ faceplate trim kit for finishing gaps at installation.
Installation notes: This product highlights flexible installation options and custom trim kits to match hearth openings. Its non-catalytic design simplifies maintenance compared with catalytic units, though users should account for chimney liner requirements, proper clearances, and regular cleaning to maintain safe operation and performance.
duraflame Electric Log Set — Faux Logs Insert For Existing Fireplaces
The Duraflame Electric Log Set is an electric insert option designed for existing fireplaces. It claims heating coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. and emphasizes a lifelike flame with infrared heating technology and a remote control for thermostat adjustments and flame settings. As an electric insert, it avoids combustion, ash, and local wood-burning regulations.
Use cases: This option suits homeowners who want the fireplace look and supplemental heat without venting, chimney work, or wood storage. The remote control and adjustable thermostat simplify daily use; electrical requirements are standard 120V circuits. It’s positioned as a supplemental rather than primary heating source.
RICHFLAME Gavin 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert With Log Speaker
The RICHFLAME Gavin 33″ electric insert is sized for larger openings and features multiple flame settings, realistic log visuals, and an integrated log speaker for added ambiance. It runs on a 120V circuit and provides no combustion, which removes concerns about soot, ash, and chimney maintenance while delivering supplemental warmth at 750W/1500W settings.
Design and fit: This insert is intended for installation into a wood burning opening, cabinet, or mantel. Its overall dimensions and fading brick interior aim to mimic a real firebox. Buyers should verify their opening dimensions and mounting method to ensure a clean fit and safe operation of the electric insert.
Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs 20-Inch — 1500W Infrared Log Heater
The Riseon 20-inch electric log heater uses quartz tube infrared heating technology and provides up to 1500W power. It offers 5 flame options, adjustable air speed, thermostat control, and overheat protection. The product is targeted at users who want an electric insert that closely simulates real logs and provides significant supplemental heat.
Safety and controls: Overheat cut-off and timer modes are included to support safe overnight use. The infrared heating element delivers rapid warmth and the small footprint fits many existing fireplace openings. As with all electric options, the unit is intended as supplemental heat rather than a primary home heating source.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Heater Insert
Selecting the correct heater insert involves multiple considerations, from heating capacity and fuel type to installation and local regulations. The following guide covers key decision points to help align product features with your needs.
1. Fuel Type And Heating Goals
- Wood-Burning Inserts (Ashley Hearth, Buck): Best for primary or large supplemental heating when you have access to seasoned firewood and a compatible chimney. They provide high BTUs and long burn cycles but require ventilation, chimney/flue integrity, and ash management.
- Electric Inserts (Duraflame, RICHFLAME, Riseon): Ideal for existing fireplaces where chimney repair or local wood-burning restrictions make wood impractical. Electric units offer convenience, lower maintenance, and installation simplicity but are typically supplemental heat sources.
- Pellet Or Outdoor Options: Pellet units and patio heaters are alternatives for specific uses (outdoor or pellet-ready hearths). They differ in venting and fuel logistics.
2. Heating Capacity And Room Size
- Match the unit’s rated coverage (sq. ft.) and BTUs to the area you want to heat. Wood inserts often list high BTU outputs suitable for whole rooms or small homes; electric inserts list wattage (e.g., 1500W ≈ 5,100 BTU) and are best for targeted supplemental warmth.
- Consider thermal characteristics of your space: insulation, ceiling height, and open floorplans affect performance.
3. Fireplace Opening, Dimensions, And Installation
- Measure the opening carefully: insert width, height, and depth must match. Many electric inserts are designed for easy drop-in fitting; wood inserts typically require liner work and professional installation.
- Check clearance, trim kits, and blower requirements. Wood-burning inserts often need a chimney liner and permit compliance; electric units usually need a dedicated 120V or 15A circuit.
4. Efficiency, Emissions, And Local Regulations
- Wood inserts vary in combustion technology (catalytic vs. non-catalytic). Catalytic units can be more efficient but require maintenance. Non-catalytic units are simpler but may produce different emissions profiles.
- Local ordinances or HOA rules may restrict wood burning; electric inserts bypass these limits.
5. Visual Preference And Ambiance
- Large viewing glass, resin logs with ember beds, and adjustable flame effects contribute to the fireplace aesthetic. Electric inserts often provide multi-level flame brightness and sound features for ambiance without real combustion.
- If the fireplace is primarily decorative, an electric insert with realistic visuals may offer the best balance of looks and convenience.
6. Controls, Safety Features, And Maintenance
- Prefer units with thermostats, remote controls, timers, and overheat cut-off. Blowers and heat distribution fans improve room comfort but add moving parts to maintain.
- For wood inserts: plan for ash removal, chimney sweep access, and regular inspections. For electric inserts: check for overheat protection and UL/ETL listings.
7. Cost Considerations And Long-Term Use
- Factor in installation costs: chimney liner, hearth modifications, electrician services, or professional insert installation can materially affect total cost.
- Fuel availability and price volatility matter: seasoned wood requires storage and seasoning time, while electricity cost varies regionally.
8. Performance Comparisons
- High Heat Output: Wood-burning inserts (Ashley Hearth, Buck Stove) typically provide the highest continuous BTUs and are better for primary heating in many cases.
- Convenience & Low Maintenance: Electric inserts (Duraflame, RICHFLAME, Riseon) are plug-and-play with minimal upkeep and no chimney concerns.
- Ambiance vs. Heat: If ambiance is the main goal, electric inserts offer flame effects year-round. If heat is the priority, wood inserts usually provide greater sustained warmth.
Use this guide to match unit type, size, and features to your home layout, heating needs, and local constraints. Always confirm compatibility with your fireplace opening and consult a qualified installer for venting, clearances, and code compliance where applicable.