There are many conveniences to both free standing wood stoves and fireplace inserts. The option you select will depend on your current home and whether or not you currently have a fireplace.
Free standing wood stoves sit on the floor of a room either on a stand or on four legs. These are placed safely away from the wall, however, many can be placed as close as eight inches to the wall without risk of fire. All new free standing wood stoves are EPA certified and are now clean burning. Older wood stoves were not as clean burning, which could cause air quality issues. These stoves also have relatively high heating efficiencies.
There are various styles of free standing wood stoves available, ranging from a traditional, country looking model to a sleek and stylish contemporary design. These stoves are made from various types of metal including cast iron, sheet metal, plate steel or a combination. The appearance of these stoves is often cast iron, as they are usually covered by an enamel to provide this look. They are also available in several different colors or can be covered in marble or porcelain. Stoves also may have glass doors that allow you to see the flames so you get the feel of a fireplace. Many new models utilize an infrared barrier on the door that reflects the heat back so heat is not lost through the door. Many wood stoves come with various features including thermostats that allow you to control the temperature. You will require a chimney for these stoves so you must be certain that they will either fit with an existing chimney or a hole will be cut in your roof.
A fireplace insert is very similar to a wood stove, except that they fit into your existing fireplace. Fireplaces look great, but they are a source of heat loss. If you depend on your fireplace to heat your home, you may be better off with a fireplace insert, as they allow you to retain heat instead of lose heat. The fireplace insert is a great way to turn your fireplace into a heat source instead of causing air pollution in your home as well. Fireplace inserts consists of two shells. The air flows between the two shells and is heated. The heated air is then returned to the room instead of being lost up the chimney or into the masonry structure. Fireplace inserts also feature a decorative fireplace that contains the actual burning fire. Fireplace inserts have become more efficient over the years as a way to heat your home due to several changes. On important change is that they now utilize full chimney liners instead of a partial liner that fit into the chimney. The full liner is easier to clean and maintain, plus less heat is lost from the insert.
Whether you choose a fireplace insert or a free standing stove depends on whether or not you already have a fireplace. If you want to utilize your fireplace to the max, then a fireplace insert will be your best option. If you do not have a fireplace, then a free-standing stove would be a better choice.