We had a Valor fireplace at our previous house and loved it. We wanted to put one in at our current house but they didn't have a model we liked that would fit. We ended up going with a Mendota FV44i. We liked the Valor unit better. It heated as well as the Mendota without the need of a fan. Also, the Valor unit worked when the power went out. To use the Mendota unit, you need a special battery pack to plug in on the side of the fireplace that will let you ignite the logs but won't work the fan or the light. We learned this recently when our power went out during an ice storm and our fireplace turned off. We hope to get the battery unit from the company that sold us the Mendota unit. (Note: We purchased from a company in Virginia, not the company that did this video). Both brands make nice fireplaces. In our case, the Valor fireplace was better at radiant heating than the Mendota which is important during power outages.
Great videos, I watched 4-5 in the las 24th. Looking for a solution in my old Victorian house that has 2 chimneys and they are just white elephants right now, I am leaning towards gas insert if there is one that fits a coal burning opening. Any suggestions?
The non-reflective glass on the Quadra Fire Fire Brick Gas Insert would be enough to rank it number 1 for me, for an otherwise very good product. I picked a TV for the same reason. Reflection in glass can be a distraction. Eliminating it in a fire place would also be great. My two questions would be: Does it distort the view of the fire? (from my picture framing days, non-reflective glass was great unless there was a distance between the glass and the picture) and How does the Non-reflective glass hold up? (Is it harder to clean?)
a question I do not understand the difference between a gas fireplace insert and the gas fireplace? Both videos say they heat amazing? Is there a unit that is also a cooling system in the summer? It would seem for the expense of havac units these fireplace inserts and all the bells and whistles would include air conditioning as well?
A insert fits into an old existing wood burning fireplace. A Gas fireplace can be installed anywhere so long there is space and venting. None of our fireplaces have an A/C feature, but there is a fan option which is used to push heat out.
Thanks for this video. It really helps. My local dealer (I’m not in CO) offers Heat & Glo which seems similar to Quadra. They even use the same terms and diagrams. Like intellafire touch ignition, firebrick tech, anti-reflective glass, etc. Are these companies related?
Thanks, Trevor! Is the Regency LRI6E still recommended, or would you wait for the Proflame II updates? Regency seems to have only updated the medium gas insert line (new Gi29) thus far this year, with no ETA on updates to the large gas inserts.
Thanks so much, very informative. I am trying to decide between the Mendota full view FV33i and the Decor. I was planning to go with a plain back frame and black reflective interior. It's hard to tell the difference in how they would look with the white oak logs. Do you recommend one over the other? Appreciate your thoughts.
Removed an old Regency wood fireplace and ran a gas line for a new gas insert or logs. Just wonder your opinion on mounting a 65" TV on the wall above the fireplace? I don't need so much heat for my room and worry about the inserts creating too much heat for the TV?
This video is great! Very informative when solid info has been hard to come by. We have had an estimate from a local dealer in NC to replace an existing 30 y/o Marco fireplace, which is labeled for wood but has a gas log set installed in it.(It was here when we bought the house). They want to sell us on a KozyHeat direct vent unit for around $5100 installed. Our box/chimney is wood/vinyl siding construction, and they want to vent out the back of chimney, bypassing the existing pipe. Would like to know if this is normal, recommended, or just plain kooky. What would be your professional opinion?
Re: The Quadrifier: 1. Does that anti-reflective glass still need a protective screen (for fingers) in front of it? 2. Is the Quadrifier the only brand/company...that has that antireflective glass then?
Will these still heat during a power outage? I understand the blower may not unless there is some type of battery backup, but would it provide any radiant heat?
I have had a Kozy Heat direct vent system for years. It recently was hit by lightening and I am in the market for a new system. Where doe Kozy Heat sit in your ratings and why didn't they make your list?
You mentioned a normal service of 15 years for these units. What are the main services/repairs you have to do?? How good or in depth are the warranties? I'm interested primarily with the Mendota FV44i.
By far the best videos on what to consider, goods and bads. Unable to find similar takes on two models I'm considering. Any thoughts/feedback on fireplace xtrordinair 616 and marquis capri insert? Appreciate the hard work you put into doing these videos. Thanks!
This is fantastic information. If I was in Denver I’d be at your showroom today. Since I’m in NJ... any thoughts on Heat and Glow? Local installer wants $5,850 installed. Is that a reasonable price?
Thanks for this set of reviews, Trevor! This was very informative. Our local dealer offers Regency and is suggesting the E33. Any sense of when the updated Regency line will be coming and if it is worth waiting for?
I want to place a direct vent natural gas fireplace ( no existing insert).The physical space I have is 50 inches wide. What's the max fireplace width I should buy? Tks
@@embersliving I don't have a problem with the height. My issue is that I have a 60 inch space and I'd like to know what size in length I should get for a linear natural gas fireplace. Ty
Thank you for this video! We will be in the market soon to replace our 15 year old gas fireplace where I have to manually light and such. Can't wait for that to happen.
I’m still confused…if we currently have a gas enclosed unit with outside vent (not a chimney) and need to replace this unit I would not be searching for an insert in searching for a gas fireplace even though they would be taking it oht like an insert and putting a new one in like an insert? 😂 I’d really like to have one that the doors open is that an option? Thanks
@@embersliving ha. What’s the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert? What we have now that doesn’t work is gas (vented no chimney) but I don’t know what to shop for to replace it.
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos My installation cost a tad over $7000 summer 2018 and by the 3rd year only one fan worked and end of 4th year no fan at all. $1500-$1800 repair cost.....and my light doesn't work. Burned out I guess, which I hardly used. I am not a happy camper with my Mendota.
Hello. I really enjoyed your video! Should I be a little surprised Lopi didn't make it on your list? Our local dealers have us choosing between Regency or Lopi. Thanks!
The only Heat & Glo model that has the same features as the Quadrafire reviewed here is the Escape. Real firebrick, anti reflective glass. All of the other models lack these options.
I was thinking about converting my old Heatilator wood fireplace to a direct vent gas insert. Then I realized than the inserts aren’t anchored. They just sit in the opening and rely on weight and friction to stay in place. Being in California, I want all the gas appliances firmly mounted. Not sure what direction to go now.
So Kozy heat is very nice. They never let us get our hands on any though lol. They aren’t as nice as mendota, but I would put them in the same category as the Napoleon inserts
Ive been a fireplace tech for 8 yrs and kozy heat have been one of the most reliable fireplaces ive ever worked on and its great value for the money blower and lights included. I cant say the same for napoleon
I have an existing Regency Woodstove insert. I'd like to remove that, as wood is becoming an issue for me, and install a direct vent natural gas see through insert ( right now the wood stove insert is only one way and the back side is blocked off) Id like to take advantage of my see through fireplace chimney. What brand do you recommend to provide the most heat?
@@embersliving when I bought the house it has a see through fireplace. I converted that into a wood stove insert since my house did not have gas running to it. Now that it does I want to put a gas direct vented fireplace that will produce the most heat and be a see through model if possible. Do you have any recommendations?
*Very easy to set up and use, attractive but be sure you understand the height--it's not tall. The heat is not overwhelming, but steady and pleasant fireplace fireplace.homes . It's quiet, too. I like the possibility of easily moving it from room to room i
This ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxATHBlMJwipGgVWseuAFKvDQ_5R4_lywo unit was an easy install and turned out amazing. The dimensions were exact! I took a chance and built the wall prior to receiving the unit which arrived sooner than expected and it fit right in the space I constructed. The heat output is perfect for the space we needed and made the room exactly how we envisioned it to turn out. I am happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability. Thank you for the awesome product just in time for the holidays.
We love this guy. He’s very honest.
We appreciate the comment!
I love your video reviews! You are a total natural on camera...I wish I were as passionate about ANYTHING as you are about fireplaces!
Thank you so much!
We had a Valor fireplace at our previous house and loved it. We wanted to put one in at our current house but they didn't have a model we liked that would fit. We ended up going with a Mendota FV44i. We liked the Valor unit better. It heated as well as the Mendota without the need of a fan. Also, the Valor unit worked when the power went out. To use the Mendota unit, you need a special battery pack to plug in on the side of the fireplace that will let you ignite the logs but won't work the fan or the light. We learned this recently when our power went out during an ice storm and our fireplace turned off. We hope to get the battery unit from the company that sold us the Mendota unit. (Note: We purchased from a company in Virginia, not the company that did this video). Both brands make nice fireplaces. In our case, the Valor fireplace was better at radiant heating than the Mendota which is important during power outages.
thanks for the feedback
This was very helpful. I really appreciate your honest take on each product.
Thanks!!
I have a real fire place that is viewable from two sides (two Rooms, What would you recommend as a replacement insert?
wood or gas?
Great videos, I watched 4-5 in the las 24th. Looking for a solution in my old Victorian house that has 2 chimneys and they are just white elephants right now, I am leaning towards gas insert if there is one that fits a coal burning opening. Any suggestions?
You should call the store a salesman will be baleto help you.
The non-reflective glass on the Quadra Fire Fire Brick Gas Insert would be enough to rank it number 1 for me, for an otherwise very good product. I picked a TV for the same reason. Reflection in glass can be a distraction. Eliminating it in a fire place would also be great.
My two questions would be: Does it distort the view of the fire? (from my picture framing days, non-reflective glass was great unless there was a distance between the glass and the picture) and How does the Non-reflective glass hold up? (Is it harder to clean?)
it seems to hold up like regular glass. Also it doesn't distort it at all.
*Can any ceramic glass cover be cleaned (inside or out)... if after time the glass isn't as clear as when it's first installed years later?*
Yes as long as you use ceramic cleaner
a question I do not understand the difference between a gas fireplace insert and the gas fireplace? Both videos say they heat amazing? Is there a unit that is also a cooling system in the summer? It would seem for the expense of havac units these fireplace inserts and all the bells and whistles would include air conditioning as well?
A insert fits into an old existing wood burning fireplace. A Gas fireplace can be installed anywhere so long there is space and venting. None of our fireplaces have an A/C feature, but there is a fan option which is used to push heat out.
Thanks for this video. It really helps. My local dealer (I’m not in CO) offers Heat & Glo which seems similar to Quadra. They even use the same terms and diagrams. Like intellafire touch ignition, firebrick tech, anti-reflective glass, etc. Are these companies related?
yeah they come out of the same factory
Thanks, Trevor! Is the Regency LRI6E still recommended, or would you wait for the Proflame II updates? Regency seems to have only updated the medium gas insert line (new Gi29) thus far this year, with no ETA on updates to the large gas inserts.
the new Gi29 we gotta set up still, but the video is coming
Thanks for the installation tip on the horizontal termination on the Valor.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much, very informative. I am trying to decide between the Mendota full view FV33i and the Decor. I was planning to go with a plain back frame and black reflective interior. It's hard to tell the difference in how they would look with the white oak logs. Do you recommend one over the other? Appreciate your thoughts.
That is a very popular combo, the white oak is the best seller and you can’t go wrong with it
That video helped me so much. I was going crazy trying to choose the best insert.
Oh good glad we could help you!! It's no easy tasks choosing the right one for you!
Removed an old Regency wood fireplace and ran a gas line for a new gas insert or logs. Just wonder your opinion on mounting a 65" TV on the wall above the fireplace? I don't need so much heat for my room and worry about the inserts creating too much heat for the TV?
depends how far and what is on the wall
This video is great! Very informative when solid info has been hard to come by. We have had an estimate from a local dealer in NC to replace an existing 30 y/o Marco fireplace, which is labeled for wood but has a gas log set installed in it.(It was here when we bought the house). They want to sell us on a KozyHeat direct vent unit for around $5100 installed. Our box/chimney is wood/vinyl siding construction, and they want to vent out the back of chimney, bypassing the existing pipe. Would like to know if this is normal, recommended, or just plain kooky. What would be your professional opinion?
kozy is solid, its in the middle, not the best not the worst
Re: The Quadrifier:
1. Does that anti-reflective glass still need a protective screen (for fingers) in front of it?
2. Is the Quadrifier the only brand/company...that has that antireflective glass then?
Yes it does. Only other one is the new Ortal
Will these still heat during a power outage? I understand the blower may not unless there is some type of battery backup, but would it provide any radiant heat?
yes they will they heat great without power actually
Just now viewing your video. Is the Quadro-fire still available? I don't see it listed.
yes, they do not allow us to publish online
Also, if I have TV above the gas fireplace insert, what do you recommend to keep the heat from ruing the TV?
depends on the model and how high the TV will be above but you could do a Mantel but could also run into the same issues
Great video. Went to your website and I don’t see gas inserts. What are they listed under?
hmm they should be there
I have had a Kozy Heat direct vent system for years. It recently was hit by lightening and I am in the market for a new system. Where doe Kozy Heat sit in your ratings and why didn't they make your list?
kozy is ok, they are cheap builder boxes with ceramic glass, they are solid for the money but better ones out there
You mentioned a normal service of 15 years for these units. What are the main services/repairs you have to do?? How good or in depth are the warranties? I'm interested primarily with the Mendota FV44i.
its tough because in my experience the warranty is as good as the place you buy it from. Especially when it comes to labor being warrantied
By far the best videos on what to consider, goods and bads. Unable to find similar takes on two models I'm considering. Any thoughts/feedback on fireplace xtrordinair 616 and marquis capri insert? Appreciate the hard work you put into doing these videos. Thanks!
those are actually 2 models we dont carry
This is fantastic information. If I was in Denver I’d be at your showroom today. Since I’m in NJ... any thoughts on Heat and Glow? Local installer wants $5,850 installed. Is that a reasonable price?
depends on the exact model you are looking at
Hi from CA. Wish I was in CO so I could stop by. Thanks for all the great info in all your videos.
Thanks for watching!
WOW! Thanks for the information on the fireplace inserts!
You bet!
What a great video. I so appreciate your candid approach and the detail you shared. I learned a lot. 5-star Review!
thanks for watching!
Thanks for this set of reviews, Trevor! This was very informative. Our local dealer offers Regency and is suggesting the E33. Any sense of when the updated Regency line will be coming and if it is worth waiting for?
I would the E33 is a dated model
I'm a Regency Dealer. The E33 is old technology and garbage by todays standards. Look at the LRI6E by Regency. BUT HEATNGLO IS BETTER!
I want to place a direct vent natural gas fireplace ( no existing insert).The physical space I have is 50 inches wide. What's the max fireplace width I should buy? Tks
what is your height issues?
@@embersliving I don't have a problem with the height. My issue is that I have a 60 inch space and I'd like to know what size in length I should get for a linear natural gas fireplace. Ty
Is it worth it to install a blower for an insert?
on an existing one that you have already?
I do not, but I am currently searching for one to install. I currently have an old wood-burning fireplace.
Any thoughts on Majestic gas inserts? I see you have an earlier video on them but they did not make the top 5...
they are the same as the Quadra fire, same manufacture but the majestic doesnt have as many features
Thank you for this video! We will be in the market soon to replace our 15 year old gas fireplace where I have to manually light and such. Can't wait for that to happen.
Glad it was helpful!
Anti reflective glass for the win
Oh yeah for sure!
Do you have any experience with enviro gas inserts? Looking at an ex 35
yes but its been a few years. A few reliability problems with the line, but overall not a bad unit
I’m still confused…if we currently have a gas enclosed unit with outside vent (not a chimney) and need to replace this unit I would not be searching for an insert in searching for a gas fireplace even though they would be taking it oht like an insert and putting a new one in like an insert? 😂
I’d really like to have one that the doors open is that an option? Thanks
you lost me haha
@@embersliving ha. What’s the difference between a gas fireplace and a gas insert? What we have now that doesn’t work is gas (vented no chimney) but I don’t know what to shop for to replace it.
Got my quote for a Mendota and even with me running my own gas and electric it was $7600. Holy cow.
yeah they are a bit pricey
A year later and pulled the trigger, getting installed tomm🔥
@@Burritosarebetterthantacos My installation cost a tad over $7000 summer 2018 and by the 3rd year only one fan worked and end of 4th year no fan at all. $1500-$1800 repair cost.....and my light doesn't work. Burned out I guess, which I hardly used. I am not a happy camper with my Mendota.
For the old coal fireplaces, is Valor the only insert with those dimensions?
yes
i have a gas insert and it barely heats. I would hate to spend a thousand dollars on a new one that barely heats. Any suggestions?
All of the ones in this video heat really well!
My new Excursion ll is shutting down after about an hour of run time. Does that unit have a way to read the Error code?
I dont think so, you will probably want it serviced
Hello. I really enjoyed your video! Should I be a little surprised Lopi didn't make it on your list? Our local dealers have us choosing between Regency or Lopi. Thanks!
also a good brand
What do you think about Heat and Glo's Supreme?
its not bad
The only Heat & Glo model that has the same features as the Quadrafire reviewed here is the Escape. Real firebrick, anti reflective glass. All of the other models lack these options.
I was thinking about converting my old Heatilator wood fireplace to a direct vent gas insert. Then I realized than the inserts aren’t anchored. They just sit in the opening and rely on weight and friction to stay in place. Being in California, I want all the gas appliances firmly mounted. Not sure what direction to go now.
thanks for letting us know. Yeah the weight of the fireplace holds it in
@@embersliving “the link below” please😎where is it?
Great informative video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Any opinion on Kozy Heat?
So Kozy heat is very nice. They never let us get our hands on any though lol. They aren’t as nice as mendota, but I would put them in the same category as the Napoleon inserts
Ive been a fireplace tech for 8 yrs and kozy heat have been one of the most reliable fireplaces ive ever worked on and its great value for the money blower and lights included. I cant say the same for napoleon
I have an existing Regency Woodstove insert. I'd like to remove that, as wood is becoming an issue for me, and install a direct vent natural gas see through insert ( right now the wood stove insert is only one way and the back side is blocked off) Id like to take advantage of my see through fireplace chimney. What brand do you recommend to provide the most heat?
you want to put it into a see thru ?
@@embersliving when I bought the house it has a see through fireplace. I converted that into a wood stove insert since my house did not have gas running to it. Now that it does I want to put a gas direct vented fireplace that will produce the most heat and be a see through model if possible. Do you have any recommendations?
Good job and great info.
Thanks for watching
Did I just miss the name of the last one, the number one? Or was it not mentioned?
Quadra fire
Any opinion on White Mountain Hearth Innsbrook inserts by Empire? Thanks!
they are just ok
@@embersliving Thank you for your reply. We went with Kozy Heat Chaska line instead.
Great video!! You seem like such a trustworthy guy!! Keep it up!!! =)
Thanks, will do!
*Very easy to set up and use, attractive but be sure you understand the height--it's not tall. The heat is not overwhelming, but steady and pleasant fireplace fireplace.homes . It's quiet, too. I like the possibility of easily moving it from room to room i
thanks
What professional I need for insert electric fireplace into bookshelf.
oh electric? You could consult a local electrictian
Just checked your site and couldn't find your #1 pick on the website.
Hi sorry! We actually only sell Quadra Fires locally, that is why they aren't on our website.
Good review!!
Nice common sense!
Thanks!
Wish you would have given price ranges for each of these. You mention some being good value, or expensive, but you don’t talk dollars.
Price is always changing. You can check the current price on our website blazingembers.com
This ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxATHBlMJwipGgVWseuAFKvDQ_5R4_lywo unit was an easy install and turned out amazing. The dimensions were exact! I took a chance and built the wall prior to receiving the unit which arrived sooner than expected and it fit right in the space I constructed. The heat output is perfect for the space we needed and made the room exactly how we envisioned it to turn out. I am happy to answer any questions to the best of my ability. Thank you for the awesome product just in time for the holidays.
Great topic, Thanks for posting.
I can make a fire colorful like a rainbow. Are you interested?
o
propane gas or natural gas???
either
There is no such thing as visible infrared glow.
ok
You never said the name of the # one gas insert. You said the name of other fire places serval times.
quadra fire Firebrick QFB