Fireplace Insert--anyone with experience?

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Burt
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Hot Air Coal Stoker Stove: Keystoker Hopper

Post by Burt » Sun. Jun. 03, 2018 5:23 pm

We've never burned coal, but have years of burning wood. We have a masonry fireplace with an Avalon woodstove insert, and are looking to switch to a coal insert. (Can't do free-standing--no space.) So far I see two brands: Keystoker and Hitzer. Our local coal dealer has little experience with the inserts. Keystoker is very pretty, but I'm nervous about all the glass on the front. Of course, each website brags up theirs as the best. We do have a Chubby Junior just sitting in the garage, but it is too small for a main room stove.

Anyone with experience with a coal burning insert? Are there other brands to consider?
Thank you!

 
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michaelanthony
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Coal Size/Type: 'nut
Other Heating: Fujitsu mini split, FHA oil furnace

Post by michaelanthony » Sun. Jun. 03, 2018 6:30 pm

Hang in there Burton...this is our slow season. It may take a day or so for the guys with the inserts to see this.

...and welcome to the best forum!

 
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Sunny Boy
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Post by Sunny Boy » Sun. Jun. 03, 2018 9:32 pm

Ditto what Mike said.

While you wait, you can use the search box to start doing some reading up on inserts. There's been quite a few posts about them.

Paul


 
CapeCoaler
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Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
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Post by CapeCoaler » Fri. Jun. 08, 2018 10:43 pm

hitzer 503 is what we installed in the 'rents fireplace...
Love it...

 
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BlackBetty06
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Location: Lancaster county PA
Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 50-93
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Post by BlackBetty06 » Tue. Jun. 12, 2018 9:57 am

I used to use a Harman Elite Coal insert. I just didnt like the fact of little radiant heat and had to run my fans constantly. Plus my stove was a little too small for heating my house. I parked a Hitzer 50-93 in front of it and have much better heating results. The 983 Hitzer looks like a well built model with a nice big fire box from the ones Ive seen in showrooms if you MUST stay with an insert. If theres any way you can go free standing, I would do it. Take that for what you will. :D

 
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Beeman
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Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 503

Post by Beeman » Sun. Jun. 17, 2018 9:34 pm

Ditto the remarks about the Hitzer 503. Love it.


 
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Keepaeyeonit
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Location: Northeast Ohio.( Grand river wine country )
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Coal Size/Type: Nut & stove
Other Heating: 49 year old oil furnace, and finally a new heat pump

Post by Keepaeyeonit » Sun. Jun. 24, 2018 7:47 am

Welcome Burton, BlackBetty06 summed it up, I ran a Hitzer 983 for 5 seasons and loved the heat output, the long burn times ( I did do some slight modifications to it ) It would go 24+ Hrs without batting a eye running 350° and never choke itself with ash but like was said before" constant fans running and very little radiant heat. I would try to go freestanding if possible but if you want a insert ( or any other type of stove ) look real hard at Hitzer, built very well and the customer service is A1!! Good luck :yes:

 
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Formulabruce
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Location: in the "Shire" ( New Hamp -shire)
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Coal Size/Type: BLASHAK Nut and Stove size
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Post by Formulabruce » Sat. Aug. 25, 2018 11:46 pm

What ever you decide, get a unit with a blower if you do an insert, too much wasted heat up the chimney.
Stand in front of chimney is Excellent too, as Blackbetty has said. I would be interested in your small Chubby. > [email protected] , Bruce

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