Pellet Stove Inserts: What They Do That Wood Inserts Don't
Same idea as a wood insert — an efficient firebox dropped into an existing fireplace — but a completely different appliance to live with. A pellet insert runs on a thermostat, feeds itself, and holds a set temperature for a day at a time. It also needs an electrical outlet, and it stops working in a power cut.
Pellet insert vs wood insert
| Pellet insert | Wood insert | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Bagged pellets | Cordwood |
| Control | Thermostat, scheduling, remote | Manual air control |
| Tending | Fill hopper, empty ash weekly | Load every few hours |
| Power outage | Stops | Keeps burning |
| Venting | 3" flexible liner | 6" full-height liner |
| Fuel storage | Stacked bags, kept dry | Wood pile, seasoned a year |
Pick pellet if you want set-and-forget heat and would rather not handle firewood. Pick wood if you want heat that works when the grid doesn't, or you have access to cheap wood. Our pellet vs wood guide goes deeper on the trade-off.
The ComfortBilt HP22i
The HP22i ($2,799) is the pellet insert we carry — the HP22's engine in insert form:
- Up to 40,689 BTU/h, heats up to 2,800 sq ft
- 1.01 g/h emissions — the cleanest-burning appliance in the ComfortBilt line
- 80.5% EPA-certified HHV efficiency
- 47 lb hopper
- Included 43" × 32" surround panel, with the room sensor routed discreetly through the shroud
- Five heat levels, Temp mode with ECO, 7-day scheduling, thermostat support, remote included
What the install needs
A flexible 3" liner, not rigid pipe. The HP22i liner kit ($489) includes the clean-out tee that connects at the rear of the insert. The manual specifically calls for flexible so the insert can be pulled out for annual cleaning — with rigid pipe it can't be, and you'll end up paying a sweep to solve a problem created at install.
Hearth protection extending 6" in front of the door. A raised masonry hearth usually satisfies this — verify yours against the manual before install.
Outside air is required for enclosure installs and mobile homes, and recommended in tightly sealed houses.
An outlet. Pellet appliances need power for the auger and blower. If outages are common where you live, budget for battery backup — or buy wood instead.
Our pellet stove installation guide and pellet venting guide cover the full job.
Bottom line
One pellet insert in our lineup, and it's a strong one: the cleanest burn ComfortBilt makes, full thermostatic control, and up to 2,800 sq ft from a fireplace that's currently costing you heat. $2,799 with No Sales Tax in any state and free shipping.
Cross-shopping wood? The wood stove insert guide covers all five wood inserts and how to size one to your opening. Not sure the fireplace is even the right spot? Call 1-888-914-0022 and we'll talk through it.
Shop wood and pellet stove inserts at StoveSource — authorized dealer, No Sales Tax in any state, free shipping on qualifying orders.