Hello catodog, I think the CFM (Vermont Castings) Sequoia is catalytic and the Quadrafire 7100 is non-catalytic. Are you aware of the differnces in the operation of a cat verses a non-cat? I would avoid CFM because they are in financial trouble. I have not heard anything too bad about the Quadrafire 7100 other than that it may not be the best value because it is quite expensive. Take a look at the line of EPA certified clean burning fireplaces by Security Chimneys. Securtiy calls their line of EPA fireplace "BIS" which stands for Built-In-Stove. In particular look at the BIS Ultima and the BIS Panaroma. The BIS Ultima is a non-cat without an ash pan. (Lennox markets this exact model as the lennox Brentwood) The BIS Panarama is a cat with an ash pan. THe BIS line of fireplaces have been around for a while and have a good reputation. http://www.securitychimneys.com/ Also take a look at the Napoleon NZ26 which is an EPA certified non-cat with an ash drawer. http://www.napoleonfireplaces.com/ The firplaces mentioned above (from the Sequoia to the Napoleon NZ26) are pretty much all of the EPA certified clean burning fireplaces on the market! Choose wisely and let us know what you what you pick and why. Personally, I like the economical and good looking BIS Ultima (same as Lennox Brentwood). Good luck!

Are you happy with the H530? I am thinking of getting the exact same one. Wittus quoted me roughly 3600 for the Optifire and I think 3050 for the H530 from Jydepejsen. These are both workhorses, and I don't think a fan should be neccessary. I went to a local fireplace store and it's appalling the design of American fireplaces... In my old house I had installed an incredible Danish woodburning stove from Hwam. I miss it. High functionality, high design with simple lines that can fit any decor, and a large window so you really see the fire. I imported it myself, which is what I plan to do with my next one. (email me offline if anyone wants info on this) They don't have the zero clearance unit yet, probably not till next year, so I'm trying to work out what to use as a heat barrier as I'm not putting it into an existing masonary fireplace, but I'm pulling out a flimsy gas log unit. My local store didn't seem to have a problem with installing a unit I wouldn't be buying from them. They only carried the Quadrafire which looks I find horrible.

One insert you might want to check out is the Pacific Energy Alderlea T5. It's surround is embossed and a bit more classic looking and more importantly Pacific Energy inserts are designed to be able to be run without the blower running all the time. I've included a link from a dealer in WA state. Here is a link that might be useful: Pacific Alderlea T5

The dryer wood is, the faster that it will burn plus cause less creosote build up in your chimney. This is a good thing. Closing your damper slightly (in a fireplace)is not a good thing. A solution may be to find some less seasoned wood to burn with your seasoned wood. This will slow the burn down. Also, bigger chunks of any level of seasoned wood will burn longer, however, a couple of big chunks of very well seasoned wood can cause quite a blaze! If you mix in acouple of greener pieces with a dryer piece, you may find that burning them in a more vertical position gives you better visual flames.