Whats the difference between a freestanding and a fireplace insert stove?
Freestanding stoves can be connected to chimneys built especially for them. The chimneys may be of masonry construction or be a factory-built metal system that’s been designed, tested and listed for use with wood burning appliances. Freestanding stoves can also connect to an existing fireplace chimney, if the height and position of the stove’s flue collar permits it. When this type of installation is done, the stoves may be called hearth stoves. Fireplace inserts are a special type of wood stove and are specifically designed to fit into the firebox (where logs normally go) of an existing fireplace and to use the fireplace flue to vent smoke and other by-products of combustion. Since the insert must be smaller than the fireplace opening, there is usually a surround panel attached to the stove which extends out around the fireplace opening to seal the firebox from room air.
