While its predecessor is no longer in vogue, the pellet insert is becoming the best alternative for many households. With a wall-mounted installation, this new version takes up less space in the home. With multiple provisions including the model Hydro, flue, ventilated and others, the power used by this device is 5 times greater than a conventional fireplace.
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Our selection
"This compact pellet insert has a regulated output of 4.9 kW to 8 kW. This allows it to offer an efficiency of 88 to 90%.…"
"For a heating volume exceeding 300 m3 this model has a power of 13.5 kW and an efficiency of 73.5%. Being designed to offer a…"
"For homes with average insulation, the La Nordica Exraflame Comfort Idro L80 is a must. This hydro pellet insert can provide up to 19 kW…"
"For a change from a classic model, the FM IT-172IK offers a corner installation for better aesthetics. With a heating volume of 313 m3, it…"
"It is the smallest of the brand's range with an exceptional performance adapted to a 160 m3 room. The programmable function and the presence of…"
This compact pellet insert has a regulated output of 4.9 kW to 8 kW. This allows it to offer an efficiency of 88 to 90%. It has a heating volume of up to 195 m3. The device is equipped with a timer and a remote control that allows you to adjust it remotely.
1 619 £ on Darty
For a heating volume exceeding 300 m3 this model has a power of 13.5 kW and an efficiency of 73.5%. Being designed to offer a better use, it has a ductable air outlet as well as a double combustion. It also has an ash drawer for cleaning.
664 £ on ManomanoThe FM Fireplace Insert IT-180 13.5 kW is a built-in model equipped with a ventilated turbo to exploit its power. Made of cast iron, steel and vermiculite, its double wall structure is 4 mm thick. It can accommodate logs between 65 and 75 cm in length and has a Co emission rate of 0.30%. In addition to the refractory lined firebox and the cast iron ash pan, the glass-ceramic front panel can withstand temperatures of 750°C.
A double air regulator and a dual combustion system with 2 hot air outlets are available for maximum efficiency. In the absence of a remote control, a 3-position switch allows you to adjust the unit, knowing that position 0 is the automatic regulation. The inner baffle can also be removed and adjusted. This model respects the CE and EN 13229 standards, which attests to its reliability.
For homes with average insulation, the La Nordica Exraflame Comfort Idro L80 is a must. This hydro pellet insert can provide up to 19 kW to heat the room air and water that feeds the radiators.
3 403 £ on ManomanoPerfect up to 545 m³ of space, the La Nordica Exraflame Comfort Idro L80 is a hydro pellet insert. Note the useful power from 5.7 to 19 kW. The device connects to the central heating of the house, distributes part of the heat produced in the air and returns the rest to the water radiators. The thermal power returned to the water amounts to 14.9 kW.
Among the appreciable features, there is the programming by Wifi, the removable ash compartment, the ceramic candle ignition of last generation, the thermostat, the total stop of the forced ventilation or the sensor of level pellet. On the other hand, the consumption of pellets is rather high, up to 4.1 kg/h.
For a change from a classic model, the FM IT-172IK offers a corner installation for better aesthetics. With a heating volume of 313 m3, it makes full use of its 12.5 kW power. Its double-sided layout and clean glass system also make it easier to handle.
887 £ on ManomanoThe FM pellet insert IT-172IK 12.5 kW offers a powerful system and a special design that appeals to everyone. With an efficiency of 71%, the maximum heating volume should not exceed 313 m3. It can accommodate logs between 55 and 62 cm in length and consumes an average of 4.20 kg/h of fuel.
Regarding air pollution, the rate of CO released is 0.36%. Overall, it is 71.7 cm long, 49 cm deep and 54.5 cm high. Thanks to 2 axial fans and 2 hot air outlets that can be channeled in a 120 mm duct, the pellet insert offers optimal operation. There is a glass-ceramic window that supports a temperature of 750 ° C to observe the fuel consumption. The paint of the structure supports a heat of 800 °C. A protective glove is supplied with the device.
It is the smallest of the brand's range with an exceptional performance adapted to a 160 m3 room. The programmable function and the presence of a remote control confer more comfort of use while fully exploiting a power of 7,5 kW. The hourly consumption is within the norm.
927 £ on ManomanoThe Punto Fuoco Prezzemelo 7.5 kW pellet insert has all the features of a good, high-performance device. Constructed from heavy metal, this cube-shaped device offers greater durability in use. With a heating efficiency between 88.5% and 90.5%, the hourly consumption is perfectly adjusted for an average room. The presence of the remote control allows for remote control and access to all features.
The system also offers weekly and daily programming according to preference and season. Equipped with a removable tank of 8 kg, the Punto Fuoco Prezzemelo 7.5 kW can be recharged while in operation. The housing cavity is 60.7 cm long and 55.90 cm high, which is perfectly suited to the small size of this device. Its black color and shape give it a certain versatility to blend in with any interior decoration.
Given its price, the Interstoves Benito is THE bargain of this comparison. This ventilated pellet insert provides a good heating power for a maximum efficiency of 93.73%. The loading is frontal.
See priceThe Benito from Interstoves has a maximum autonomy of 26 hours and a power of 3.11 to 10.36 kW. This vented pellet insert is suitable for both a fireplace renovation and a new build. As with most front-loading models, the rail slides to reload fuel, with a consumption of 0.69 to 2.39 kg/h.
At this price, the 93.73% efficiency is a pleasant surprise. Interstoves provides a remote control to set the thermostat and program the operating hours. There is even a Wifi programmable version. Too bad for the poor quality documentation and the noisy factory settings. Fortunately, the after-sales service is efficient.
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The best entry-level pellet insert
The best high-end pellet insert
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| TOP OF THE TOP | LOW COST | TOP OF THE RANGE | Excellent | ECONOMICAL | ALTERNATIVE | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Escalor Hermès 8 kW
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Fireplace insert IT 180 13.5kW
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The Nordica Exraflame Comfort Idro L80
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Insert IT-172IK 12.5 kW
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Punto Fuoco Prezzemelo 7.5 kW
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Insert à granulés ventilé Interstoves Benito
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This compact pellet insert has a regulated output of 4.9 kW to 8 kW. This allows it to offer an efficiency of 88 to 90%. It has a heating volume of up to 195 m3. The device is equipped with a timer and a remote control that allows you to adjust it remotely.
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For a heating volume exceeding 300 m3 this model has a power of 13.5 kW and an efficiency of 73.5%. Being designed to offer a better use, it has a ductable air outlet as well as a double combustion. It also has an ash drawer for cleaning.
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For homes with average insulation, the La Nordica Exraflame Comfort Idro L80 is a must. This hydro pellet insert can provide up to 19 kW to heat the room air and water that feeds the radiators.
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For a change from a classic model, the FM IT-172IK offers a corner installation for better aesthetics. With a heating volume of 313 m3, it makes full use of its 12.5 kW power. Its double-sided layout and clean glass system also make it easier to handle.
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It is the smallest of the brand's range with an exceptional performance adapted to a 160 m3 room. The programmable function and the presence of a remote control confer more comfort of use while fully exploiting a power of 7,5 kW. The hourly consumption is within the norm.
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Given its price, the Interstoves Benito is THE bargain of this comparison. This ventilated pellet insert provides a good heating power for a maximum efficiency of 93.73%. The loading is frontal.
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Excellent safety system
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Low pollution
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Lower emissions
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Efficient
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Economical
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Honorable performancs for the price
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Excellent performance
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Medium consumption
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Economical
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Ecological
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Programmable
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Very good heating power
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Programmable
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Robust
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Efficient
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Elegant
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Powerful
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26 hr continuous runtime
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Installing a pellet insert increases the energy efficiency of your home while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the flames. However, pay attention to the following criteria to choose the best pellet insert for you.
The size of your fireplace is an important criterion. To avoid heavy work, choose a pellet insert that is smaller than your fireplace
. In this way, you can embed the device without any problem. Of course, some minor masonry work is still required to fill the empty space.
Be aware that the pellet insert requires an electrical connection. Make sure you have enough room to prevent the electrical cable from overheating. The location you choose should also be close to an electrical outlet for easy connection.
The
higher the output of the pellet insert, the more rooms you can heat without using a heat spreader. In 10 m² with 2.5 m ceiling height, count 1 kW for an average insulation, 800 W for a well insulated home or RT 2005 and 600 W for a very well insulated home or RT 2012.
To heat an area of 100 m², that is to say the whole house or at least most rooms, count 10 kW for an average insulation, 8 kW for a well insulated home or RT 2005 and 6 kW for a very well insulated home or RT 2012. For houses with poor insulation, review the insulation before installing a pellet insert. 30 cm of insulation should cost you 20 euros / m² installed.
It is
the ratio between the amount of heat returned and the amount of heat produced during combustion. Expressed as a percentage, the efficiency of a pellet insert varies from 70 to 95%
on recent models. This means that 70 to 95% of the energy contained in the wood is returned as heat.
This
criterion refers to the length of time you will not have to refill with pellets. On average, a 15 kg bag of pellets should be enough for one day in the middle of winter. Note that the autonomy can reach 24 h in continuous mode, even more with some modifications on the insert.
It is indeed possible to increase the capacity of the hopper of your pellet insert during installation. Specifically, this involves installing a drawer system
to create a small additional reserve above the device. In this configuration, the pellet reloading will be frontal.
The slide system
is the most recommended. It consists of a hatch placed on the side of the chimney and a slide acting as an auxiliary tank. With this system, the capacity of your pellet insert can easily reach 45 kg, the equivalent of 3 days of continuous autonomy.
Prefer
inserts made of cast iron. Despite its high weight, cast iron offers great robustness and high thermal inertia
. Indeed, this material resists better to temperature changes while offering a uniform diffusion of heat. Steel, which is lighter, rises quickly in temperature but suffers from a lower inertia.
It's not just the material of the pellet insert that counts. You should also consider the material of the fireplace bricks
. Although fragile, vermiculite retains heat well. The chamotte is robust but suffers from a lesser inertia. As for cast iron, its resistance and thermal inertia quickly make you forget its weight.
Finally, don't forget to choose the insert's covering
. The right material will have a non-direct impact on the installation costs, the life span, the aesthetics and the ease of installation. Depending on your taste and budget, you will have the choice between stone, wood, marble, ceramic, aerated concrete, brick or metal.
In contrast to
wood inserts, pellet inserts are fully automatic
. The programming and the timer allow to light the pellets at the desired time. But be aware that the automatic ignition varies in quality depending on the inserts. In addition, a thermostat is often available to regulate the heat in the room.
The best devices offer 3 time slots, with a different temperature for each. Average quality pellet inserts only offer 2 programs each day. You should also consider the simplicity of the control panel. And the Wifi option allows for remote settings.
It is not enough to consider the selection criteria for pellet inserts. The energy efficiency, compliance with current standards and possible financial aid are also important.
The pellet insert is a built-in version of the pellet stove, which is also called pellet stove. You can install the insert in an existing fireplace or enhance it with a custom-made surround. The addition of fuel is done by pulling the surface on which the insert is mounted towards you.
Good to know, the addition of pellets should only be done when the fire is out. Otherwise, the high temperatures expose you to severe burns. However, you can add a specific drawer during the installation of the insert. This system will allow you to refill the fire with fuel from time to time.
Pellet inserts make a noise that can be annoying. In the case of a ventilated pellet insert, a fan diffuses the heat frontally, which causes a noise of uncomfortable blowing at high speed. Note that the speed of ventilation of this type of insert varies from 1 to 5, the maximum speed should be used only in case of force majeure.
The ducted inserts have 1 or 2 additional fans, which allows a better distribution of heat to other rooms. On the other hand, more fans means more noise, even if the noise level is lower than with the main fan. Ducting is still an option on some conventional vented inserts.
The ultimate is the hydro pellet inserts. They are connected to the central heating so that they diffuse a small part of the heat directly into the rooms where they are located. This heat diffusion is done by ventilation or by natural air convection. Most of the heat is supplied to the water radiators of the house.
Pellet inserts are governed by the standard NF EN 13 229 of the AFNOR. It defines the requirements for pellet inserts in terms of safety and energy production. Therefore, this standard allows to compare the efficiency of different devices and their degree of pollution.
To complement the standard, the ADEME launched the Green Flame label with the help of manufacturers of inserts. This label aims to reward the best appliances in terms of energy and environment via star ratings. If there are labels Flamme verte 5 or 7 stars, an insert of 4 stars is enough to receive financial aid.
About wood pellets, certifications exist. They allow you to choose quality fuels and to save money. In this regard, we strongly recommendusing pellets certified DIN Plus, NF biofuel pellets or EN Plus.
Pellet inserts reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a house. That's why the state provides loans for the purchase and installation. The ANAH (National Agency for Housing) via its program Habiter Mieux Agilité, can finance 35% or 50% of the total amount excluding VAT of the work according to your income. This aid is limited to 7 000 € and 10 000 €.
There is also the tax credit for energy transition, at a rate of 30%, with eligible expenses capped at between €8,000 and €16,000 depending on the case. Not to mention the eco PTZ, a loan whose interest is fully supported by the state!
Each has its advantages and disadvantages. The wood logs cost less than the pellets and produce very beautiful flames. But the maintenance of a wood insert is demanding, not to mention the limited autonomy. Automatic device, the pellet insert has a greater autonomy and can operate 3 days in a row without refueling.
Apart from lighting, refueling and extinguishing, a pellet stove requires regular maintenance to keep it running. Use an ash vacuum to clean the combustion chamber. This should be done 2 or 3 times a week. And take 5 minutes to clean the glass with a damp cloth.
For longer maintenance, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Over time, soot and debris build up in the flue pipes. To reduce the risk of fire, sweep the flue pipe and chimney at least twice a year, once during the heating season.
The log insert is still a very popular solution because of the efficiency and safety it provides. From the safety point of view, it will avoid any projection of sparks or twigs, thus minimizing the risks of fire.
As for its efficiency, a log-burning fireplace can reach 80% compared to 15% for open fireplaces. The most important thing is that thanks to this innovation, you will be able to optimize the heat in your interior without using too much wood.
However, it is necessary to remain realistic, because a log fireplace requires a daily cleaning of its windows. With the wire of time, it is very likely that its output decreases up to 60 %. Finally it is necessary to envisage a rather important place as for its installation.
Many households make the choice to turn to a pellet insert because of the comfort it provides. On the one hand, it is easy to switch on and is programmable. Once the desired temperature is reached, this device stops distributing the pellet, thus minimizing the risk of fire. On the other hand, if the temperature drops, its thermostat will automatically restart the fire.
The only thing you can reproach it with is that it must operate with electricity.
Choosing between a log burner and a pellet burner is never easy. So if you want to enjoy natural women then the log insert remains the best alternative. On the other hand, if you want to regulate the intensity of the temperature according to your desires, then the pellet insert is best for you.
The pellet insert is the ideal solution to replace a traditional fireplace. The device offers a better autonomy, automatic operation, adjustable temperatures, easier maintenance and a successful aesthetic. Here are the reasons why you need a pellet insert.
Optimal heat distribution
Despite its aesthetic and authenticity, the old fireplace with an open wood fire does not allow for optimal distribution of the heat produced. The opposite of a pellet insert. Built into a corner fireplace or a central fireplace, the device distributes the heat automatically. You can even adjust the temperature!
Aesthetics that can be customized to your liking
The insert is a built-in appliance. This means that you can arrange the casing as you wish. Whether it's a contemporary style fireplace, a traditional fireplace or a modern, designer fireplace, you are free to choose the material of the fireplace bricks or the materials used for the cladding according to your taste and budget.
High energy efficiency
Know that a pellet insert can multiply by 5 the output of your fireplace. In addition, pellets are the cheapest fuel after wood logs. Not to mention that the energy efficiency of the best pellet inserts exceeds 85%, which is higher than the efficiency of a log insert.
A profitable investment in the long term
The wood pellet costs 6 cents of euro the kilowatt-hour, against 15 cents of euro for electricity. As an example, a house of 100 m² averagely insulated consumes each year 1 ton of pellets or 65 bags of 15 kg. In total, this will amount to 300 euros TTC over 1 year. In addition, the inserts rated 4 stars or more can benefit from financial aid for purchase and installation.
Practical device in use
The pellet insert retains the soot and ash, unlike a fireplace. So you won't have to sweep up in front of it! In addition, the closed design of inserts limits the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. And some pellet inserts have a double combustion system to burn the gases from the first combustion, which reduces pollution and waste.
In our opinion, the best brands of pellet inserts in 2022 are :
Nordica Extraflamme - Reliable, technological, environmentally friendly and wallet-friendly, that's how you could describe this Italian brand. Whether wood or pellet burning, these stoves, inserts and cookers will amaze you with their performance and manufacturing quality.
MCZ - It is difficult to find a pellet stove from the Italian manufacturer. Indeed, its models are quickly exhausted, hence its absence from our comparison. Its Boxterm 60 and Boxterm 70 are among the very best models on the market.
Interstoves - Another brand specializing in the manufacture and marketing of pellet stoves and inserts, Interstoves is present throughout France. Its positioning in the middle of the range allows it to offer interesting prices.
Ravelli - The Italians certainly know their way around a heating system! Ravelli is one of the leading manufacturers of boilers, wood stoves, pellet stoves, wood stoves and inserts. A brand to buy with your eyes closed.
Azura Home Design - Azura Home Design is a specialist in designer furniture, kitchens, heating appliances and bathroom sanitaryware. The brand's inserts have nothing to envy to the competition.Back to the comparison table
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Don't forget to take into account the costs of installation and pellets.
If you take the plunge and decide to buy a pellet fireplace, don't just consider the price of the appliance. Installation work will be required as well as the hiring of professionals to carry it out. The operating cost and the maintenance cost are also to be taken into account.
Clean regularly with an ash vacuum cleaner.
Think about
purchasing an ash vacuum to thoroughly clean debris and ash in your insert. Don't forget to vacuum critical parts like the tray and fan. Clean as often as the operating instructions require.
Remove the ash briquettes formed in the firebox.
For some
reason, some ash clumps may harden. This can interrupt the air flow and cause inefficient combustion in the firebox. As a result, you must remove these ash briquettes during maintenance.
Install a pellet drawer or slide for greater autonomy.
The
drawer system provides a small additional supply above the insert. The refill is then done from the front. The slide-in system offers more capacity. The pellets go from the extra tank to the insert through a hatch on the side. Thanks to this system, your insert can work 3 days continuously.
Keep the noise to a minimum.
The
insert's built-in design requires a fan to cool the unit. It is this fan that makes noise. You cannot uninstall this system, but it is still possible to adjust the fan speed independently of the power. Avoid speeds 4 and 5, unless really necessary.
The best pellet stove depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
The size of your fireplace determines the size of the insert you need. The appliance should be a little smaller than the fireplace to facilitate the installation. Also take into account the power of the pellet insert, its autonomy, the materials used and the programs available.
Clean the firebox every 2 or 3 days with an ash vacuum cleaner. Do not forget to clean the glass with a damp cloth. In addition, sweep the flue and chimney twice a year, once during the heating period.
The device costs 800 to 5,000 euros. But never buy below 1,000 euros. Add to this the price of the pellets and the cost of installation.
Interstoves, Azura Home design, MCZ, La Nordica Extraflame and Ravelli are the most recommended brands according to user reviews.
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