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Can you recommend some brands of vented gas FP's?

18 years ago

My wife and I are building, and there are two rooms where we want fireplaces installed; one in the bedroom and one in a hearth room off the kitchen. Which brands offer the best value for the money? We're interested in FP's with forced heating (fans), but not necessarily extremely effecient ones, as I know they would be a lot more expensive. What would a reasonable price range be for a good, budget package?

Thanks for any suggestions!

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Comments (4)

twocats_wy
18 years ago
When you say "fans," do you mean just a built-in blower, or do you want to distribute the fireplace heat via ductwork to adjacent rooms?

If the latter, Fireplace Xtrordinair (FPX) offered this option on its larger gas fireplace models when I was looking a couple of years ago.

As far as a blower on the fireplace unit itself, most brands offer this as a standard or optional accessory.

I bought a gas insert from FPX for my existing masonry fireplace, so can't help much w/ gas fireplace pricing.

FWIW, don't know what you have in mind for the bedroom FP, but FPX and sister companies Avalon & Lopi (all part of Travis Industries) offer a "portrait-syle" (small upright wallmount/corner) gas fireplace -- link below.

Harmon, Mendota and Town & Country are other brand names that seem to have happy owners on this forum. Part of your decision will depend on what brands are available in your area & what style you want (e.g., modern, traditional, period....)

Here is a link that might be useful: Travis Industries
Xanndra
18 years ago
If you read OP's post a couple of times, the impression is that OP is looking for the cheapest gas fireplace on the market. You get what you pay for. If you want cheap, then go down to the big box hardware store. If you want something that you will actually be happy with, then go down to your local fireplace shop(s).
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I share your reservations about fireplace editions, based on our experience with their installation of a direct vent gas insert in our house. I am glad to share with you the details separately. There are several alternative installers in the area that you can check out. The one in Hillsborough (I cannot remember the name) is one we came close to going with except they do not offer Jotul which was the insert we wanted. I think they are a bit less expensive in installation costs because they do the gas line, so you do not have to coordinate that part to make sure it's done in such a way that it is compatible with the particular model of insert. That was an unanticipated complication in our case. There is also a dealer in Raleigh that carries Jotul and other high end brands. Both Hillsborough and Raleigh dealers have numerous models on display in their showrooms. However, I cannot vouch for either one from personal experience. I would ask for personal references from the installer(s) you are considering. Putting a direct vent gas insert into a fireplace is a complicated lengthy job, taking several hours. Any info you can get about the competence of the prospective installer is worth getting. I would also check out local building codes to make sure the planned installation is within code guidelines. I also strongly recommend getting a remote thermostat. They charge too much for them, but you really need it because otherwise you'll be turning the thing on and off manually. They throw off heat like a blast furnace after a while. Good luck.
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To me, the electric ones are too cheesy: not better than nothing. But a Mendotta can run 5k BEFORE the install. A corner mount of a mid sized, mid ranged FP should be do-able for well under 5k, especially if you keep the surround pretty simple and straight forward: you can always cover the drywall with marble down the road. I'm using a Mendotta in the great room, but the finished basement will have something cheaper. Ask yourself how often you'll use the space-- Twice a week?-- and how much value you'll receive from the FP each ussage-- $1? $5? If the payoff is too far down the road, I wouldn't bother. But if the FP adds $10 of enjoyment each time you use the basement and you find you use it 5 or more times a week, the payoff comes much sooner, and would definetely be worth it. Oh: I don't think your going to save a bunch by buying online. Odds are you'll be calling the local FP shop for install, anyway...
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jamesrgeib
Original Author
18 years ago
Sorry! When I say fans I simply mean a built in blower.

I'm not looking for the cheapest on the market. I typically purchase products that are middle-of-the-road. Not the absolute best, and not the cheapest. (I'm a Toyota, Omega, Kitchenaid kinda guy, not Lexus, Rolex and Wolf)

Something in-between a Lowes-made-in-China brand and and an expensive fireplace shop model is what I'm interested in. I'm assuming there are various price points, but maybe I'm wrong? Xanndra, actual brand names would help if you're recommending a fireplace shop.

Thanks for your reply twocats.

James R. Geib
Xanndra
18 years ago
Napoleon is a good brand with several price points.

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