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!
Fireplace Insert--anyone with experience?
- michaelanthony
- Member
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- Location: millinocket,me.
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Vigilant 2310, gold marc box stove
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- Coal Size/Type: 'nut
- Other Heating: Fujitsu mini split, FHA oil furnace
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!
...and welcome to the best forum!
- Sunny Boy
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- Location: Central NY
- Hand Fed Coal Boiler: Anthracite Industrial, domestic hot water heater
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- Coal Size/Type: Nuts !
- Other Heating: Oil &electric plenum furnace
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
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
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- Joined: Sun. Feb. 10, 2008 3:48 pm
- Location: Cape Cod, MA
- Stoker Coal Boiler: want AA130
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: DS Machine BS#4, Harman MKII, Hitzer 503,...
- Coal Size/Type: Pea/Nut/Stove
hitzer 503 is what we installed in the 'rents fireplace...
Love it...
Love it...
- BlackBetty06
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- Joined: Tue. Jan. 01, 2013 10:44 am
- Location: Lancaster county PA
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Hitzer 50-93
- Coal Size/Type: Stockton Nut
- Other Heating: Jotul 118b woodstove, dual fuel heat pump/condensing propane furnace
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.
- Keepaeyeonit
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- Location: Northeast Ohio.( Grand river wine country )
- Baseburners & Antiques: Glenwood #8
- Coal Size/Type: Nut & stove
- Other Heating: 49 year old oil furnace, and finally a new heat pump
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
- Formulabruce
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- Location: in the "Shire" ( New Hamp -shire)
- Hand Fed Coal Stove: Harmon Mark 1 Goldenfire
- Coal Size/Type: BLASHAK Nut and Stove size
- Other Heating: Blower from a gas furnace if I need to move air, no heat
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
Stand in front of chimney is Excellent too, as Blackbetty has said. I would be interested in your small Chubby. > [email protected] , Bruce