Century CW2900 vs Drolet Escape 1800-I: Large Wood Inserts Compared (2026)
No Sales Tax in any state. The Century CW2900 and the Drolet Escape 1800-I are large wood inserts from the same company, Stove Builder International (SBI) in Quebec, built on the same 2.4 ft³ platform. We carry the Escape 1800-I, plus the smaller Century CW2100 insert. We don't carry the CW2900.
Side by side
| Spec | Century CW2900 | Drolet Escape 1800-I |
|---|---|---|
| Firebox | 2.4 ft³ | 2.4 ft³ |
| Max heat output | 75,000 BTU/h | 75,000 BTU/h |
| Heating area | 500–2,100 ft² | 500–2,100 ft² |
| Efficiency (HHV / LHV) | 72% / 77% | 72% / 77% |
| Emissions | 2.3 g/h | 2.3 g/h |
| Max burn time | 8 h | 8 h |
| Blower | Included (144 CFM) | Included (variable speed) |
| Liner size | 6" | 6" |
| Warranty | Limited 5 years | Drolet limited lifetime |
| Availability at StoveSource | Not carried | Ships in 2–4 weeks |
Our recommendation: the Escape 1800-I
On performance the two are the same insert. The case for the Drolet is the warranty: limited lifetime against Century's 5 years, on an appliance sitting inside a masonry fireplace where any replacement means pulling the whole install apart. We also sell it as a bundle with the faceplate and a 25 ft or 35 ft liner kit.
Need heat sooner? The Escape 1800-I's current lead time is Ships in 2–4 weeks. For a smaller masonry fireplace, the Century CW2100 (Ships in 1–2 days) heats 250–1,200 sq ft with a built-in blower, and also comes with a faceplate and 25 ft or 35 ft liner kit. If you're open to pellets, the ComfortBilt HP22i pellet insert ships now too.
Shop the Drolet Escape 1800-I →
Completing the install
Both inserts vent through a 6" stainless liner. We stock faceplates and liner kits sized for insert installs. Faceplate dimensions differ between models, so measure your fireplace opening against the faceplate of the insert you buy.
More Century and Drolet comparisons
- Century Heating vs Drolet: the full range compared
- Every Century model and its Drolet equivalent
- Wood stove inserts guide
Specifications from SBI's published data for each model (Century CW2900 manual 46200A and the Drolet Escape 1800-I manual). Century Heating and Drolet are trademarks of Stove Builder International Inc. StoveSource is an authorized online dealer for Drolet and Century Heating.