Fire place fire back

[nbpt100]

I was recently at a friends home who had a cast iron fire back in his fireplace and it was throwing good heat. I can't say what it was like before he got it. He claims it improving the heat into the room. I am thinking of getting one. What should I be looking for in buying one? Anybody with experience using them care to chime in?

 

[Copymutt]

I’m guessing you mean he installed a wood stove in his fireplace?
If so get a signed statement that it will be replaced or money refunded should whatever model you decide on does not sustain a fire. Many stoves in an effort to comply w/ Obama era requirements wont support combustion, in fact some went out of business.

 

[nbpt100]

I’m guessing you mean he installed a wood stove in his fireplace?
If so get a signed statement that it will be replaced or money refunded should whatever model you decide on does not sustain a fire. Many stoves in an effort to comply w/ Obama era requirements wont support combustion, in fact some went out of business.

No. No need to guess. This is Installed in the back of a fireplace. It is essentially a steel or cast iron plate that protects the brick and helps radiate heat.

 

[mrb1]

I looked at them last year, but didn't. Most say a 5% increase in room "warmth"? Can get a one inch thick slab of cast iron (Camp Chef grill insert) for a lot less....(not in this image)

Amazon.com

 

[Copymutt]

Theres also tubular grates that circulate the air. They were heavily promoted here about 10 years ago.

https://grateheater.net/

 

[nbpt100]

Now everyone just gave me more to think about. It is good! I have seen the tubular style with out the blower. I never could understand how it would be very effective with out the forced air from the room into the tubes.
It seems like the fire back is a good idea if nothing more than to protect your fireplace and maybe add to the aesthetics. I currently have glass doors and it seems i would have to hook up the intake hose from the blower to the manifold every time I use it and then disconnect to close the doors. Seems like a lot of money if you do not use it all of the time.