How to choose a fireplace insert: selection criteria, types of designs and review of popular models

The fireplace insert is understood as a separate part in which the fire burns and the maximum heating of the system occurs. It includes:

• frame;
• doors;
• smoke collector;
• chimney:
• grate;
• ash box.

If the firebox is a closed type, the doors can be made of special glass ceramics that can withstand very high temperatures.

The smoke collector is installed at the very top, in the area where smoke accumulates. A chimney is connected to it.

The grate is installed inside. An ash box is installed under it to collect ash and remains of unburned firewood.

Cast iron fireplace inserts are equipped with a double back wall, which can be replaced if necessary.

The steel firebox is lined with fireclay bricks inside, which protects the steel from deformation at high temperatures.

Materials

This question is very important when choosing a firebox. It determines how long the product will last.

Basically, the firebox is made of cast iron. This material has high heat resistance. It is constantly used to create fireplace equipment. Typically, cast iron plates are installed for small-sized products. Their assembly is carried out using fireproof sealant, as well as special fasteners.

Cast iron easily tolerates high temperatures. Therefore, it is used to create grates. They are installed in almost every combustion system. Moreover, it does not matter at all what the body and its internal lining are made of.

Large products are made of special, heat-resistant steel. This material is distinguished by its reliability. It can be safely used for a long period of time.

A deflector, the so-called “chimney tooth,” is made from stainless steel .

Fireclay is used to accumulate heat. They are used to cover heating units installed in a steel casing. Fireclay, in the process of fuel combustion, accumulates heat, which slowly moves into the room. In addition, fireclay lining protects the steel body. She doesn't let him overheat.

Vermiculite, similar to fireclay, is used for internal lining. It also protects the steel body and prevents it from overheating. The material differs from fireclay in its ability to reflect heat. The room heats up much faster.

Almost every fireplace insert is equipped with heat-resistant glass made from special vitroceramics. Such glass can withstand heat of 750 degrees.

Firebox material

The choice of fireplace insert is primarily based on the quality characteristics of the material from which they are made. Today, products made of cast iron and steel are common. Despite the strength and acceptable performance of cast iron structures, many owners prefer to install steel fireboxes lined with ceramics, fireclay or vermiculite. Let's take a closer look at the criteria and features of each type of material.

Cast iron firebox

Cast iron fireplace inserts are quite popular today due to their low cost, optimal size and level of equipment. They are available because the production process of casting iron is much simpler than creating steel structures on an automated line.

The most famous brands:

• CHEMINES PHILIPPE;
• BRISACH;
• GODIN.

Among the features of this material are the following:

• resistance to temperature changes;
• good heat storage capacity, achieved due to a wall thickness of 8-18 mm;
• increased usable area of ​​the product, thanks to the equipment with vertical and horizontal ribs;
• ability to heat a space of up to 300 m2;
• combustion chamber tightness.

However, manufacturers of cast iron fireboxes update their model range less frequently than manufacturers of steel structures, due to which they all have standardized properties and are rarely subject to change.

Steel firebox

Steel fireplaces and inserts, the prices of which are significantly higher than cast iron products, fully justify the costs. This type of material is suitable for designer fireplaces that are original, as they have a variety of shapes and dimensions. Among other features of steel fireboxes, we can highlight the following:

• ease of operation and maintenance;
• no size restrictions, making them universal and suitable for any room design;
• continuous improvement by manufacturers to improve quality characteristics;
• multifunctionality.

The most famous brands:

• Seguin;
• KFD;
• KAW-MET.

What heating systems can do

The composition of the firebox sold in the store usually includes:

1. Ash box.
2. Cast iron grate. Air is supplied under the grate, fuel combustion intensifies.
3. Deflector. Installed to protect the chimney from direct ingress of flue gases. As a result, productivity increases.
4. Smoke collector. Made from cast iron or steel. Each manufacturer chooses the type of material, it all depends on the technological process used.
5. Lining. Can be made of fireclay. Sometimes cast iron plates are used. Vermiculite is used to replace fireclay. Almost every modern model is a mechanical design that includes:
6. Air supply regulator.
7. Afterburning system. Increases air supply. The remaining small particles burn out. Product performance increases and fuel consumption is significantly saved.
8. Glass cleaning mechanism. The air in the system begins to heat up. A free space is formed between the burning flame and the glass, which protects the glass from soot settling.

Fireboxes "Supra"

Supra products can be called the best-sellers among closed models. They have a lot of positive reviews and, despite their considerable cost, are purchased quite often. The range of models is huge, all fireplace inserts can be selected for a specific style of home. The country of origin itself is France, so it is made to perfection and in accordance with European quality.

The material of manufacture is steel or cast iron, it all depends on the type. The glass of the product is fireproof, and thanks to the mechanism that lifts it, you can achieve the effect of an open fireplace. Reviews about the product are only positive. Therefore, if you purchase one of the models from this company, it will definitely be good.

Note! If we talk about French products, it is worth noting the Fabrilor fireplace inserts. The equipment is high quality and worthy of attention.

What shape do the glasses have?

Several types of glass are installed in fireplace inserts:

1. Direct. Considered the standard option. Manufactured for fireboxes of any size.
2. Prismatic. This shape of glass refracts the appearance of the flame. A beautiful picture is created, the view of the blazing fire becomes much larger. Such models look great in a wall-mounted fireplace or corner system.
3. Spherical. There is no refraction of fire. The curved shape increases the visibility of the flame. Sometimes the radius of the glass is made very large. As a result, the sight of the flame turns into an incredibly beautiful picture. A firebox with such glass can be installed in a corner of the room or near a wall. With a radius of more than 180 degrees, the firebox will look great in the center of the room.
4. L-shaped glass. It can be left-handed or vice versa, right-handed. Corner installation possible.
5. Double-sided glass. This type received an additional name: “through glass”. This product helps to zone the room.
6. Three-sided glass. A wall-mounted installation option is best suited.

Fireplace in a country house: what is it for?

People like to watch the play of the flames of real fire. And you can gather by the fireplace on a winter evening in good company. A fireplace dramatically transforms the interior of a room and becomes a stylish decorative element. Even a small living room, if you install a fireplace in it, turns into a real “ Fireplace Hall” with a special aura.

Andrey Kozyrev Specialist

In modern homes, we are mostly surrounded by artificial materials. Open fire is a powerful tool that has a positive effect on the human psyche. In winter, when short days quickly give way to long nights, we especially feel the lack of sun. The bright light of burning wood and a real flame help make up for this.

A fireplace brings an open fire directly into a person’s home. And a modern fireplace makes this as safe as possible.

In addition to the aesthetic component, modern fireplaces with metal inserts, unlike their outdated open stone counterparts, have high efficiency.

Andrey Kozyrev

Today, fireplaces use the convection principle of heat transfer. The thermal power of a conventional fireplace is 10 kW or more. This is quite enough to heat not only the fireplace room, but also adjacent rooms, as well as the rooms above it (with appropriate organization of air flows).

In the event of a power outage or breakdown of the main heating system, the fireplace can become a backup heating system during the cold season.

What does the cost depend on?

When setting the price of a heating system, several parameters are taken into account:

• application of the latest technologies;
• model dimensions;
• panoramic glass size;
• how the doors open. There are models with side opening or top lift. These mechanisms provide free access to the glass from the inside;
• The firebox is equipped with a special convection casing. It must have holes and welded pipes so that corrugated pipes can be connected. With their help, convection air is directed to other rooms;
• water circuit of any type;
• decorative design of door frames.

Installing a new firebox in an old fireplace

This type of modernization of old fireplaces is very popular today, and is done mainly for the purpose of saving money and increasing the efficiency of the stove.

Modern stove manufacturers produce so many models that you can choose the right option for almost any size and shape. When dealing with the question of how to make a firebox for a fireplace in an old niche, you need to take into account several important values:

• The depth of the fireplace insert should be less than the old niche or completely correspond to it. The same applies to other parameters, but if a smaller width can be decorated, then the protruding parts will ruin the entire appearance.
• The neck of the fireplace insert should fit perfectly into the old chimney, and if it is made of brick, then it is best to run an additional sandwich pipe structure inside it.

If you decide to install a firebox in an old fireplace with your own hands, we strongly recommend that you first watch the video in this article, which shows important nuances.

Performance calculation

In order to obtain maximum efficiency of the firebox, it is necessary to correctly calculate the thermal power. If the calculation is done correctly, the fireplace can become the main heating system. When calculating performance, you must take into account several very important indicators:

1. The level of thermal insulation of the room. If the home's insulation is poor, then a more powerful firebox will be required.
2. Room volume. For a room of 200 cubic meters. meters, the furnace power must be at least 8 kW. If the volume of the room reaches 250 cubic meters. meters, a firebox with a power of 10 kW is installed. When using a fireplace as an addition to the interior, its power may be lower;
3. Product configuration. Fireboxes usually differ in appearance and have individual characteristics that affect their performance. Corner systems are distinguished by their compactness. Their appearance always attracts attention, but they are not capable of heating a large room. It is better to install them in a small country house;
4. Fuel. The most popular type of fuel remains ordinary firewood, but some models can use alternative types. This must be taken into account. After all, the level of heat in the house depends on the fuel.

   

Which fireplace insert is better to choose?

The appearance will depend on the design, and it, in turn, takes on most of the attention from the entire interior. To make life easier, the TOP best modern models are presented.

Spartherm Arte Xh-3S

This chic, premium closed model is made of steel. Spartherm Arte Xh-3S is chosen by those who care about the aesthetics of their home. The weight of the equipment is 430 kg, the diameter of the chimney is 25 cm, the height of the firebox is 66 cm. This allows it to be placed even in a small room.

Spartherm Varia 2R-100h-4S

This model is famous for its efficiency and non-standard design. The height is 55 cm, and the width reaches 1 m. The efficiency is 78%, which allows you to use this cast iron fireplace insert with glass as the main heat source.

Hitze ALBERO AL16RG.H/LG.H

Fireplace insert with glass and lifting mechanism, steel, ideal for those cases where the design requires combining this device with a TV. Its small dimensions and vertical rise of glass make it possible to make such a dream come true.

INVICTA 700 GRANDE VISION

This is a classic cast iron variation that follows all the rules of traditional design. When the word “fireplace” is pronounced, the imagination pictures exactly what is presented in this model. Weight 133 kg, power 12 kW. This allows you to heat even large rooms.

Hitze Albero AL11S.V

This is perhaps the best combination of price and quality. The stylish and laconic design of Hitze Albero AL11S.V will decorate your home and give warmth. Perfect for small houses, it will perfectly emphasize their comfort and beauty. Maximum power 11 kW.

Considering the initial data, you can choose the ideal model for your home. There are both very small models and huge ones that heat perfectly. Design solutions also capture the heart and imagination of many buyers.

On a note!

It is important to understand the features of the chosen modification and maintain safety.

Which design to choose

In this matter, buyer preferences play an important role. Any design, closed or open, has both positive and negative characteristics. First of all, you need to decide whether the firebox is needed for beauty, or whether it must fulfill its functional duties.

An open firebox is suitable for fashionable interior decoration. During installation, it is imperative to comply with safety requirements.

If the fireplace is installed as a heating device, a closed type product is suitable, but it will be impossible to see the live fire.

Cast iron or steel

The fireplace insert can be steel or cast iron. In general, debates about which is better - cast iron or steel for fireplaces and stoves - have been going on for a long time. And there is still no clear answer. Each option is ambiguous, each has pros and cons. Let's list them:

• Cast iron fireboxes weigh more and have greater thermal inertia. On the one hand, this is bad. There will be no heat until the firebox warms up. On the other hand, cast iron takes longer to cool down—after the wood burns out, it will stay warmer longer.
• The low weight of steel options has its advantages - they can be placed on any ceiling without any problems, without recalculating the load. If the total weight of the firebox + portal structure is above 200 kg, reinforcement of the floor is necessary. If the floor is concrete, everything is fine, but additional support is needed under the joists.

  

  Without reinforcement, a structure up to 200 kg can be installed on a wooden floor

• Steel can be welded. This gives enormous scope for different designs. Cast iron is just being poured, and the creation of new models is a long and complex process. Therefore, cast iron models are more conservative. But the fireplace insert is most often hidden in the portal. So you don’t need any special beauty - just quality.
• Steel, even thick and high quality, burns out. To protect the walls from direct heat, they are covered with heat-resistant materials - a lining is made. This extends their service life, but depends on the quality of the material and the work performed. Cast iron walls can withstand fire for decades. No steel, even with lining, will last thirty to forty years.
• A cast iron fireplace insert usually consists of several parts. They are connected hermetically. But any connection is a risk. Steel fireboxes are welded. The seam is also a weak point, but if done correctly, it is quite reliable. However, often the destruction of metals begins precisely at the seams.

  

  The presence of a lining does not guarantee long service life in itself. Material and proper installation are important

• If water gets on hot cast iron, it will burst.
• Cracked cast iron cannot be repaired. You just need to completely replace the damaged fragment. If such models are still produced by the factory, you can order the required part. Steel can be welded, patched, etc.

We hope you were able to conclude for yourself which fireplace insert is better - steel or cast iron. Both options are not ideal, but cast iron is usually preferred. It is more durable, which is usually the decisive argument.

Fireplace with open hearth

For a living room where you are going to meet friends for a friendly conversation, a fireplace with an open firebox is best suited. Looking at the flames, a person relaxes and rests. Living heat creates a feeling of security. Open fireboxes cost much less than closed models. However, with all the positive qualities, such fireboxes also have negative aspects.

First of all, this is a very low efficiency. It rarely exceeds 30%. An open firebox can always cause a fire. Its installation requires compliance with increased safety measures.

Such fireplaces must be installed on a foundation made of refractory bricks. The floor surface must be protected from fire by any non-combustible materials. Ceramic tiles or natural stone are suitable for this.

Injury hazard. This factor is especially important if there are small children in the room. While playing, they can touch the firebox and get burned. Poorly dried firewood can “shoot.” A fireplace equipped with an open firebox must be supervised.

Choosing fireplace inserts - why they are needed, why they are popular, what to prefer

Metal fireplace inserts are becoming popular. With their help, the main problem of building a brick fireplace is eliminated - a separate foundation for this heavy structure.

• In addition, the use of fireplace inserts allows you to significantly reduce the cost and simplify the creation of a fireplace in the house, as well as obtain the exact configuration of the fireplace hearth for better combustion, which is usually guaranteed by manufacturers.

How to make a fireplace with a metal insert, what to choose

The purchased metal structure is usually installed on a subfloor, or on a reinforced floor, and is enhanced with heat-resistant finishing material, laying red brick on the edge, if the strength of the ceiling allows, or other..., which is already decided by local craftsmen in accordance with the chosen design, delivery set or recommendations manufacturer.

From the outside, through the wall, a metal chimney is supplied, connected to the firebox pipe.

But, before proceeding with installation issues, you need to decide on the main thing - which fireplace insert will be in demand in a particular situation. You can choose from the following.

• Open or closed.
• Made of cast iron or steel.
• For aesthetics, or for heating.
• Configuration, shape, size and volume of the firebox.
• Sizes and shapes of glass.
• For closed fireboxes - the method of opening the door, consideration of the guillotine design.

As you can see, choosing a fireplace insert right away is not so easy; you need to understand the details. Let's look at what kind of fireplace inserts there are, what they advertise and what to pay attention to.

The key choice is open or closed firebox

You can get a classic fireplace by choosing an open firebox, without covering the hearth with a glass door. There will be smoke and smell in the room, and the sight of an open fire will create a special atmosphere. The crackling of firewood, flying coals, and the settling of soot everywhere, just like in ancient times. You can grill meat over coals...

The open-type fireplace insert is aesthetically pleasing and allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of an antique fireplace. But at the same time, it has disadvantages.

• Smoke, smell, and especially the sooty content of a space are considered by many to be negative factors, especially over time, with intensive use.
• Flying embers require special fire safety of the room. They were not scary in ancient castles on a stone floor, but today we need an additional barrier, a fireproof floor covering.
• The efficiency of a fireplace and open firebox disappoints everyone. Literally about 20% with good traction. At the same time, the chimney becomes hot from overheated and unburnt gases. This cannot be prevented, since the air flows from the room through the open gable directly into the pipe...

An open fireplace in our conditions is not inherently for heating. The power is not enough for one room in winter. It is imperative to monitor fire safety, do cleaning... A fireplace is suitable for creating a special mood on a great evening...

As a rule, such a device is installed rarely, and only for the purposes indicated above.

Closed fireplace insert

A fireplace insert covered with panoramic glass is devoid of the above disadvantages and ensures optimal air supply to the combustion zone.

• Doors with glass or frameless glass must close tightly. There should be no air leaks or smoke emissions other than those provided for in the diagram. It is the tightness that ultimately determines the quality of the product and, in many respects, its price.

The efficiency of a closed type firebox is usually 70 - 80%.

The flame behind the glass is a great decoration. If this does not seem enough, then a closed firebox can be converted into an open (ajar) one by simply opening the door. The best option for this remains fireboxes with a guillotine-type door.

Is it possible to heat a house with a fireplace insert?

Options for heating, with increased power, a large combustion chamber, are also equipped with a water circuit that allows you to connect radiators with a power of 4 - 8 kW. But you need to take into account that such a firebox is like a mini-boiler - you need to constantly be on duty near it with an armful of firewood. At the same time, the space around quickly becomes littered, and quite heavily, the glass becomes covered with soot, so this heating option no longer becomes attractive; it should still be considered only as an additional or backup heating option.

The combustion process in a closed fireplace insert - achieving better efficiency

Sealing the door tightly with a fire cord seal is very important. After all, the air supply and combustion in a closed fireplace insert is akin to a regular boiler designed for heating.

• Primary air is supplied from below through the ash pan and determines the combustion intensity, power, and consumption of firewood.
• Secondary air is supplied to the upper part of the firebox and burns out all unburned particles and carbon monoxide formed during incomplete combustion of wood. Accurate supply of secondary air is especially important during smoldering mode, when many underburns are formed...

In this mode, the highest heating occurs in the upper part of the chamber, where the gases burn out. It is the intensity of heat removal from it that determines the final temperature of the exhaust gases, and therefore the efficiency of the fireplace insert.

• It is necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the design and arrangement of heat dissipation, the movement of room air around the structure, or ensuring the operation of the water circuit in order to maintain the durability of the materials and the best heating of the room.

After adding firewood, to obtain better efficiency, the door should be closed and the supply of primary and secondary air should be adjusted.

Guillotine type fireplace inserts

Fireplace inserts with guillotine door opening can be easily converted into open ones. Their configuration allows use as a regular fireplace without problems. The front glass rises up into the structure using a special drive, possibly an electric drive. Chain, cable or roller mechanisms are used. The chain, by the way, is noisy and reminds us of the old chains on the gates...

Guillotine fireboxes are more expensive, but they are considered universal. True, their configuration may not fit into the existing interior.

Design options

The shape of the fireboxes can be angular, located in the corner or wall-mounted.

All of them are designed to be framed with some kind of casing and ensure the movement of air around the heated parts, cooling the built-in radiators with it, and throwing it into the premises for heating.

The front glass is dangerous due to burns, therefore, to prevent overheating, it is made double or triple, as well as with a coating that reflects infrared radiation back into the firebox.

The front glass can be frameless panoramic, as well as L-shaped or U-shaped. Tunnel-type fireplace inserts with a U-shaped front glass can be embedded in a partition for 2 rooms.

Steel or cast iron

Models with similar characteristics (power, size and configuration, method of front door control...) can be made of either steel or cast iron. Steel itself weakly resists the effects of flame; it is intensively oxidized by water vapor and acid at high temperatures—as they say, it burns out. Therefore, it must be lined from the inside in areas exposed to flames with special fire-resistant material. But layered structures are always and everywhere less reliable than single-layer ones.

Cast iron is moderately resistant to fire. Relatively speaking, cast iron is more durable. They give it a longer guarantee.

• Cast iron weighs more, the weight of the firebox can exceed 200 kg, and this may lead to the impossibility of installation or the need to reinforce the floor with a foundation pillar, or...
• Cast iron cannot be repaired if it bursts from cold water (suddenly gets in) or due to significant mechanical impact, or a fall. Steel can be welded and patched on the spot.

More often, they choose heavier and more expensive cast iron, due to one parameter - it is more durable and reliable, it does not burn out.

Products made of cast iron or steel usually consist of several parts, which are hermetically fastened together with a seal with a fire-resistant cord and a tie with bolts. But there are also heavy fireboxes, presented as single cast iron castings. They are considered more reliable, but are more expensive, and delivery and installation are difficult.

On-site installation is usually carried out by the selling organization and provides a guarantee for this.

• As a rule, they choose a fireplace insert (and its design) of a closed type, primarily suitable in design. More expensive copies usually provide long-lasting tightness, and ease of door operation in the first place...

Closed firebox

For high-quality work, as well as creating complete safety, a fireplace equipped with a closed firebox is suitable. The door is equipped with heat-resistant glass. You will be able to look at the flame without worrying about sparks getting into the room. In France and Germany, very beautiful fireboxes with lifting doors are produced. This design allows for an open system. Simply lift the lid.

The advantages of closed systems include:

• high efficiency;
• long service life;
• fire safety;
• the ashes do not scatter around the room, they settle in the ash drawer.

Flaws:

• high price when compared with open products;
• very complex installation;
• In the absence of a self-cleaning system, the glass will need to be constantly cleaned with your own hands.

Combustion chamber type

When choosing and preparing to purchase, many people have a question: how to choose a fireplace insert? The lineup today is represented by the following variations:

• Open type;
• Closed type.

Open type modifications

The main features of such installations are a partially or completely open hearth. Which makes the fire completely unprotected. Thus, it is not separated from the main room by various partitions, doors and dampers.

This option has its advantages and disadvantages. This fireplace has a very attractive appearance and allows you to enjoy the sight of an open flame. Due to the absence of some walls, it is able to heat the room quite well.

The presence of a smoke collector prevents smoke from entering the room

Original design using several materials: massive model with open hearth

Massive classic cast iron hearth

This fireplace has a traditional appearance. Due to its insufficient power, its cost is affordable.

Tip: in order to have an additional opportunity to admire the burning flame in the summer, you can install a purchased electric fireplace in the firebox, which can operate both in heating mode and simply reproduce high-quality visual and sound effects.

Before choosing a fireplace insert, we also suggest that you familiarize yourself with its main disadvantages:

1. Not high enough efficiency. According to more harmful statistics, it does not exceed 15-25 percent;
2. Such equipment is not completely safe. Due to the open type of installation, the risk of fire increases many times;

Important: to create additional protection against fire, you can equip the fireplace with a special door, grate or damper, and also seal the floor covering with non-flammable materials.

1. For cast iron models, special attention must be paid to installation. It is recommended that it be carried out by a professional;
2. High consumption of firewood due to the entry of an unlimited amount of air masses;
3. As a result of combustion, a large amount of condensate and soot is formed. Which makes it necessary to carry out frequent cleaning and treatment with special protective compounds;
4. The need for constant ventilation of the room, as oxygen quickly burns out.

Closed modifications

Such furnaces do not have any significant disadvantages. These include exclusively the impossibility of their operation in the open state.

The main advantages and features include:

1. Current and regularly updated product range, with the ability to choose any shape, decoration materials and sizes;
2. Efficiency is due to high efficiency, which thus allows for faster and more uniform heating of even large houses and premises;
3. Simple installation and long service life of the device;
4. Safety in use due to the presence of a protective door or flap.

Availability of a special stand and fireproof glass

The closed type of the hearth makes the operation of the structure as safe as possible

Closed combustion chamber with simple classic decor

Which manufacturer is better

To answer this question, you need to find out what their characteristic differences are. Let's compare the most famous brands that you see in the store.

MCZ

This manufacturer of fireplace systems uses the latest “ComfortAir” technology in the production of heating devices. The principle of its operation is the air supply system at a distance of 8 meters from the walls of the fireplace. As a result, the room receives even heat distribution. Modern technology “ComfortAir” creates maximum comfort and coziness for a person. The main advantages of the “MCZ” models heated with wood are:

• The body of the model is equipped with a silicone handle. The door can be easily opened without fear of getting burned;
• Very high efficiency – 86.6%;
• Secondary combustion installed;
• To heat the room, you can use wood with a humidity of 50%;
• Perhaps using a fireplace with poor ventilation;
• An inlet pipe has been installed. Thanks to this design, fresh air comes directly from the street;
• Inside, the fireplace insert is lined with a special fire-resistant material.
• The system is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism;
• High impact resistance;
• The oven body never overheats.

  

La Nordica

Such fireplaces were specially created to mount an autonomous heating system. Moreover, the model allows you to heat even a two-story building. The main advantages of La-Nordica products are considered to be;

• The firebox is made of refractory cast iron;
• The system efficiency reaches 78%. This high value is created by the expanded walls;
• The facade of the product is equipped with large heat-resistant panoramic glass. Through it it is very easy to observe how the combustion process occurs;
• The ash pan has a special design. It makes it possible to easily remove accumulated ash located in the combustion chamber;
• The system is equipped with a special function that creates long-lasting combustion;
• The glass door is equipped with a self-cleaning mechanism; Air is supplied to the firebox in several ways;
• Rated power reaches 10 kW;
• Fuel consumption is quite economical - 2.9 kg/hour.

  

Schmid

For the manufacture of such fireplace inserts, refractory cast iron or high quality steel is used.

Opening the combustion chamber door in each model is done differently. It can be opened upwards, directly towards you. There are models where the door can open to the side.

A glass panel can have several types:

• Straight;
• Corner;
• Prismatic;
• Semicircular.

It is quite easy to clean the glass from heavy carbon deposits, because the door can open in different directions.

The main advantages of "Schmid" are:

1. Fireplace performance. Its high performance is associated with ideal air supply.
2. The “clean glass” mechanism operates.
3. The door is made of special heat-resistant material. It can withstand temperatures reaching 800 degrees for a long time.
4. manufactures fireplaces according to individual projects. The firebox inside the fireplace is lined with fireclay tiles. As a result, heat accumulates and gradually enters the room.
5. The interior of the firebox, exposed to very high temperatures, is covered with additional cast iron plates more than 15 mm thick.
6. The rotating air intake makes it possible to connect the chimney at the desired angles. Therefore, installing such a heating system is much easier.

Spartherm

The range of products produced by this company makes it possible to choose a fireplace that can perfectly harmonize with the existing interior and will be equipped with all the necessary functions.

Among such a variety of these devices, there are several newer designs that have used the latest, modern technological developments. For example, the Varia H20 fireplace boiler is equipped with a built-in heat exchanger. Its high power allows you to quickly heat water.

Several functions of Spartherm fireplaces allow us to speak of these models as more advanced. The products differ from similar heating devices in some mechanisms and technical characteristics:

1. The fireplace door opens silently.
2. Equipment productivity is 85%.
3. The long burning system is working.
4. The housing is highly sealed.
5. Models are equipped with a secondary combustion system.
6. It is very easy to use the device.
7. You can adjust the intensity of the flame.
8. Air supply is carried out by forced ventilation, or directly from the street.
9. The “clean glass” function helps you quickly clean the glass door.

How to choose a combustion chamber

Without knowing which firebox to choose for a fireplace, you need to familiarize yourself with the main criteria, features and note for yourself the most important and significant of them:

Important: when choosing a cast iron model, it is important that it has minimal weight. This suggests that its walls are thin enough for quick heating and even distribution of heat throughout all rooms.

You can additionally learn about the classification and selection criteria by watching the video in this article.

Advice: the best models are usually made in the following countries: Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Czech Republic, Poland. The warranty card must have a maximum validity period of at least 5 years. A shorter warranty period indicates low quality products.

Glass for fireplace insert

The most important part of any firebox has always been its door. It is mainly made from several materials:

• crystal ceramics;
• heat-resistant quartz.

Such a product must be able to easily withstand temperatures of more than 750 degrees.

Main features of glass used in the firebox

Heat-resistant glass has several types:

• flat;
• bivalve;
• multifaceted.

The glass door of the cast iron firebox always opens only to the side.

Steel products are equipped with a counterweight system. This mechanism raises the glass, fulfilling the owner's requirements.

In some products, the firebox walls are made of glass. They can rise up, leaving a bare, burning hearth.

Most models have a glass cleaning system. An air stream is automatically supplied inside the firebox, which cleans the door.

In the design of the firebox, manufacturers use two types of elevator mechanisms, one chain, the other lever. The lever system is considered the most reliable. It very rarely gets clogged.

Selection of firebox by manufacturer

Many companies engaged in the production of fireplace inserts have firmly won their place in the market segment. They have gained reputation, popularity and are distinguished by the introduction of individual innovations that are valued by customers. Let's look at the main manufacturers of fireplace inserts.

Supra fireboxes

All products of this company meet quality and safety requirements. Today, the Supra manufacturer is the leader in the number of sales of closed fireboxes in the world. Features of the brand's products:

• closed models are made of alloy steel or high-quality cast iron, additionally equipped with fragments of fireclay slabs;
• technological developments of specialists made it possible to equip fireboxes with a “long-smoldering” system;
• all Supra models are equipped with fire-resistant glass, making the use of the fireplace safe;
• the products have a mechanism for counterbalanced glass raising, which provides the effect of an open fire;
• Most fireboxes from the manufacturer are equipped with a smoke collector, due to which you can operate the structure without fear of smoke in the room;
• Supra offers various models - bay windows, frontal, rounded, etc.

Ferlux fireboxes

All products from this manufacturer are made of high-quality cast iron and provide reliable heating of the room. Let's look at the main features of Ferlux fireboxes:

• brand products are resistant to oxidation and deformation;
• have high efficiency - up to 80%
• all parts of the structure are easily replaced, due to which repairs can be carried out without dismantling the fireplace;
• The products are easy to use and maintain.

Axis fireboxes

The products of this French brand are presented in a wide range and variations. In addition, Axis fireboxes have a number of advantages:

• models of fireplace inserts ensure almost complete combustion of fuel, after which the chamber remains clean and little carbon monoxide is released into the air;
• all fireboxes are equipped with a convection casing, where there are 4 holes for the release of warm air;
• some Axis products are equipped with a heated air supply system through removable dampers;
• the possibility of installing the firebox on a concrete slab or floor without labor-intensive installation;
• the manufacturer's fireboxes have portable legs;
• The products are equipped with a double ignition function;
• the doors in the products can automatically close and hide inside the firebox.

Recommendations for choosing a fireplace insert are presented in the video:

How to use a fireplace correctly

To increase the service life of the fireplace insert, it is necessary to handle it correctly. Any firebox, no matter what size it is, no matter what type of fuel it is heated with, is quite expensive.

If such a product is used in violation of the rules, it becomes a very dangerous structure.

You can light a fire only with natural materials. If you use chemicals, you can be poisoned by the toxic fumes that these materials emit.

Before you start lighting the fireplace, you must open all the holes in the ash pan lid.

When wood is burning in the fireplace, the door must be closed.

There is no need to immediately set the maximum fuel combustion value. It must be changed periodically.

There should be no objects near the fireplace that could ignite due to high temperature.

Selection of materials

Not everyone knows how to choose the right fireplace insert. Based on this, you will need to choose the most suitable type of material for yourself:

• Cast iron. Such designs have an affordable price when purchasing a ready-made structure. They retain heat perfectly. They tolerate high temperatures and temperature changes well, have a high degree of heat transfer and maximum efficiency;
• Steel. The price for them is mainly high, due to their low weight and the ability to choose a device of large dimensions with an original design and shape. If necessary, you can easily replace all worn parts and structural elements.

Budget and affordable option: cast iron model

Reliable and expensive steel combustion chamber

Installation site requirements

It is permissible to install a fireplace insert only after the project has been created - in rooms where air flow speed is high and the likelihood of fire is high, fireplaces are not installed. The structure must be equipped with a powerful hood, which is not required only for electric models. It is best to install a fireplace near a free wall, in a place where there are no gas pipes, electrical wiring, or flammable objects. For heavy objects, it is important to consider the load on the wall and floor.

In order for the operation of the fireplace to bring maximum pleasure, you should decide in advance on the color scheme of the interior and the style of the room itself.

Which models to choose

The best and most popular fireplace inserts are produced by many manufacturers. When choosing, the basic conditions of use are taken into account - the item will heat the house or simply decorate the room.

The lining of the fireplace insert is an important factor for the appearance of the portal.