Best Wood Heater Inserts for Home Heating

Finding The Right Wood Heater Insert means balancing heating capacity, fuel type, installation, and room size. Below is a quick comparison of five relevant inserts and insert-style heaters to help you decide which fits your space and requirements.

Product	Type	Coverage	Key Feature
Ashley Hearth AW1820E	Wood Stove Insert	Up To 1,200 Sq. Ft.	Cast Iron Door, 69,000 BTU
Buck Stove Fireplace Insert Model 21	Wood Burning Insert	Up To 1,800 Sq. Ft.	Non-Catalytic, Heat Blower
Duraflame Electric Log Set	Electric Fireplace Insert	Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft.	Infrared Heat, Remote
RICHFLAME Gavin 33″	Electric Fireplace Insert	Supplemental Room Heating	Log Speaker, Realistic Flame
LegendFlame 23″ Free Standing	Electric Insert/Free-Standing	Up To 400 Sq. Ft.	LED Flames, Crackling Sound

Ashley Hearth AW1820E 1,200 Sq. Ft. Wood Stove Insert

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The Ashley Hearth AW1820E is presented as a traditional wood stove insert designed to fit existing fireplace openings. It claims 69,000 BTUs and coverage for up to 1,200 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized living areas.

• Construction: Heavy gauge 3/16″ reinforced plate steel with firebrick lining for heat retention.
• Door And Viewing: Cast iron feed door with a large 16.5″ x 9″ ceramic glass window to view the fire.
• Log Capacity: Accepts logs up to 18 inches in length.

For homeowners replacing an open fireplace with a wood-burning insert, the unit’s firebrick lining and large viewing window are notable for durability and aesthetics. Installation will typically require a proper chimney connection and possible trim adjustments.

Buck Stove Fireplace Insert Model 21

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The Buck Stove Model 21 is a non-catalytic wood-burning insert engineered to heat larger areas, listed to cover up to 1,800 square feet. It emphasizes traditional styling with a large viewing area.

• Heating Output: Rated at 28,901 BTUs, designed for efficient heating across small to medium-sized homes.
• Installation Flexibility: Includes customizable trim kits and faceplate options to conceal gaps and match décor.
• Design: Traditional look with door color options and a sizeable viewing window for ambiance.

Key considerations for the Buck unit include ensuring your chimney and fireplace cavity can accept the insert dimensions and accounting for blower placement if using the heat-activated fan to circulate warmth effectively.

Duraflame Electric Log Set 1,000 Sq Ft Heater

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The Duraflame Electric Log Set functions as an insert-style electric heater intended for existing fireplaces or freestanding placement. It uses infrared heating to warm up areas up to 1,000 square feet and includes a remote control.

• Flame And Design: Lifelike flames and realistic logs for visual appeal without combustion.
• Supplemental Heating: Intended for targeted zone heating to reduce whole-house thermostat use.
• Controls: Remote control adjusts thermostat, flame effect, speed, and brightness.

Electric inserts like this are vent-free and often easier to install than wood inserts. They are useful where wood-burning is restricted or where minimal maintenance is desired. They do not replace a primary heating system in colder climates.

RICHFLAME Gavin 33 Inches Electric Fireplace Insert

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The RICHFLAME Gavin 33″ is an electric insert designed to fit into stud openings or existing fireplace cavities. It offers a realistic flame display with a built-in log speaker and multiple flame settings.

• Dimensions: Overall 35″ W x 27″ H x 8.8″ D to fit larger openings or mantels.
• Features: Old brick interior effect, vivid flame display, and log-burning sound for atmosphere.
• Operation: Plug-in operation on a 15 amp, 120V circuit with option for heat-only or flame-only use.

This model is useful when visual realism and audio ambiance are priorities. Because it’s electric, it avoids ash, creosote, and chimney requirements while providing flexible installation in cabinets or non-wood burning fireplaces.

LegendFlame 23″ Free Standing Electric Fireplace

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The LegendFlame 23″ is a compact electric fireplace insert or freestanding unit with LED flames and a realistic resin log set. It includes crackling sound and remote control features.

• Energy-Efficient Flames: 100% energy-saving LED flame effects usable with or without heat.
• Heating Capacity: Suitable for rooms up to 400 square feet as supplemental heat.
• Convenience: Remote control included for flame, heat, and sound adjustments.

Because it’s electric and free-standing, this unit is portable and avoids ventilation needs. It’s marketed as a supplemental source rather than a primary heating solution and is practical where local wood-burning regulations limit solid-fuel appliances.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Wood Heater Insert

Choosing the right insert depends on heating goals, installation constraints, fuel availability, and local regulations. Below are key considerations to evaluate before purchasing.

Heat Output And Room Coverage

Match BTUs To Square Footage: For wood-burning inserts, BTU ratings indicate potential output but are influenced by home insulation and ceiling height. Electric inserts are usually rated by square footage they can supplement.

• Wood inserts (e.g., Ashley Hearth, Buck) list BTUs and recommended coverage; check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Electric inserts (e.g., Duraflame, RICHFLAME, LegendFlame) specify room coverage; recognize these are generally supplemental heat sources.

Fuel Type And Availability

Wood Vs. Electric Vs. Pellet: Wood inserts offer high heat output and traditional experience but require fuel storage, chimney maintenance, and local compliance. Electric inserts are low-maintenance and vent-free but provide less raw heat for very cold climates. Pellet systems (not listed here) can be a middle ground with automated feed systems.

Installation Requirements

Wood-burning inserts need proper chimney connections or liners and may require professional installation to meet safety codes. Electric inserts typically require minimal installation—often just a plug-in—though larger units may need dedicated circuits.

Efficiency And Emissions

Efficiency: Look for secondary combustion or catalytic technology in wood inserts for improved efficiency and lower particulate emissions. Non-catalytic inserts (like some Buck models) rely on room-air mixing and baffle systems for performance.

• Electric models produce no combustion emissions and avoid chimney creosote, making them suitable where emissions or burning permits are concerns.
• Check local air quality regulations that may restrict wood burning during certain seasons.

Size, Fit, And Aesthetics

Measure the fireplace opening carefully and consider the insert’s physical dimensions, front trim options, and door style to ensure a tight, attractive installation. Customizable trim kits can help conceal gaps and match décor.

Controls, Safety, And Convenience

Modern inserts provide features like thermostatic control, remote operation, timers, flame-only modes, and overheat protection. Electric inserts often include flame-only operation for year-round ambiance without heat.

• Remote Control: Useful for adjusting flame and temperature from a distance.
• Overheat Protection: Particularly important for electric heaters to prevent hazards.
• Heat Blowers: Many wood inserts include heat-activated blowers to distribute warm air more effectively.

Maintenance And Longevity

Wood inserts require routine ash removal, chimney inspections, and occasional sealing of gaskets and glass. Electric inserts require minimal maintenance—periodic dusting and ensuring the fan and heater elements operate correctly.

Sound And Ambiance

If ambiance is a priority, consider units with realistic flame effects, log speakers, or crackling sounds. Electric models vary widely in how convincing the flame and sound simulations appear.

Cost Of Operation

Operational cost depends on fuel price and efficiency. Wood can be cost-effective where wood is readily available, but requires labor. Electric units have predictable electrical costs and are simpler to use for short-term or occasional heating.

Installation And Permits

Verify local codes for wood-burning appliances and whether a chimney liner or permit is required. Professional installation may be necessary to ensure safe venting and clearance from combustible materials.

Comparison Perspectives

Compare options using the following lenses to determine the best fit for your needs:

• Performance Focus: Choose a wood-burning insert with higher BTUs and durable construction for primary supplemental heating in cold climates.
• Low Maintenance: Select an electric insert if you need vent-free installation and minimal upkeep.
• Aesthetic Priority: Look for large viewing windows, realistic logs, and sound features to maximize ambiance.
• Regulatory/Environmental: In areas with wood-burning restrictions, electric inserts provide compliant alternatives.
• Installation Constraints: If chimney access is limited, electric or freestanding models avoid complex venting.

Use these criteria to weigh tradeoffs between raw heating power, convenience, aesthetics, and compliance when selecting a wood heater insert or insert-style electric heater for your home.