Avalon Fireplace Insert - opinions please

[flashhole]

Guys I'm looking for a new fireplace insert. The Avalon Olympic is the lead candidate at the moment, any experience you can share? It can be seen at the link below.

http://www.avalonfirestyles.com/product-detail.aspx?model=255

 

[Higgs]

I have the Ranier model. If it's similar it's a good stove.

 

[flashhole]

The Olympic is its bigger brother. Thanks for the response.

 

[flashhole]

Bump

 

[ckliff]

We have the Olympic and are happy with it. Wish it wasn't an insert though...

 

[flashhole]

Is your's installed flush or does it stick out onto the hearth?

 

[flashhole]

Ended up with a Lopi Freedom. Original fireplace has a taper toward the rear causing an interference with the Avalon Olympic. Same basic unit but the Freedom is made for tapered fireplaces. Install happens 26 October. Old one is gone. Will post pics when done.

 

[Bob95065]

I like Travis Industries products. Lots of Avalon and Lopi stoves around here. I have an Avalon Rainier free-standing stove in our living room and a Pendelton in our family room. The family room had a fireplace when we bought the house. I got the stove and liner for free off craigslist.

 

[flashhole]

Update - So we ended up with a Lopi because the same model Avalon did not fit my tapered sides fireplace.

Last night we had a fire in the open fireplace.



Install in process this morning. Took the guys about 3 hours total to get the double wall liner down the chimney, get the stove in place, connect to the stove, put the chimney cap on and get the inspector out here to sign it off.



Installed.



First fire with house windows open to vent the new paint smell. I think this thing is going to burn a lot less wood for the same amount of heat. The winter will tell.

 

[flashhole]

And I got a free moisture meter. According to it the wood I'm burning contains about 5% - 8% water.

 

[Bob95065]

You'll be happy with the Lopi. Good move getting the blower. It will throw the heat out.

 

[flashhole]

Yes it does, we also like how it sticks out onto the hearth. Lots of radiated heat too.