Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood Insert (DB03125)

Name: Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood Insert (DB03125)
Brand: Drolet
SKU: DB03125
Price: 1799.00 USD
Availability: BackOrder

4.5 · 340 manufacturer reviews from drolet.ca

$1,799.00 USD

Ships in 8–13 weeks Manufacturer’s estimate. Free cancellation until it ships.

Need it sooner?

In stock: the Carolina Model 21 NC as a fireplace insert ($2,248 with its trim kit; pick the Fireplace Insert option). A smaller firebox: 800–1,800 sq ft, 18″ logs, made in the USA. Needs a fireplace opening at least 23¼″ W × 21″ H × 15″ D; blower optional. Ships in 1–2 days and fits the same fireplace. Thermostat-controlled heat for up to 2,800 sq ft, with no wood to split or stack.

Model: DB03125

2,100^* sq ft (max)

75,000 BTU/h

8 hr burn time

Questions about this stove? Email info@stovesource.com Or text 1-888-866-8206 call Mon–Sun 7am–11pm ET

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Add your venting

25' Stainless Flex Liner Kit for Inserts 6" Flue

Everything needed to line the chimney and connect your insert — 25 ft 304L stainless flex liner, ...

+ $449.00 Pre-order — ships Dec 1

35' Stainless Flex Liner Kit for Inserts 6" Flue

Same insert liner kit with a 35 ft liner for taller chimneys. Measure from the insert's flue outl...

+ $559.00 Pre-order — ships Nov 13

Don't want to wait? Carolina Model 21 NC (FP21) — Buck Stove Model 21, Made in the USA and ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove Insert ship in 1–3 business days.

Complete the install

Insert + Faceplate + 25 ft Liner Kit $2,199 Save $238 vs buying separately View kit
Insert + Faceplate + 35 ft Liner Kit $2,269 Save $278 vs buying separately View kit

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Overview

🎁 INCLUDED FREE: Magnetic Stove Thermometer and 50 Fire Starters — everything you need for your first fire.

The Drolet Escape 1800-I wood insert (model DB03125) is the larger of Drolet's two Escape inserts, built to turn a masonry fireplace into the main heat source for the house. It heats 500 to 2,100 sq ft with a maximum heat output of 75,000 BTU/h, takes logs up to 20" and is rated for burn times up to 8 hours. It is EPA 2020 certified at 2.3 g/h emissions, with an average overall efficiency of 72% (HHV) and an optimum overall efficiency of 79%. A 144 CFM variable-speed blower with an automatic thermodisc is included; the faceplate is sold separately.

Will it fit your fireplace?

Drolet's minimum masonry opening for the Escape 1800-I is 28 7/8" wide, 23 3/8" high and 15 3/4" deep; if you plan to add the fresh air kit, add at least 4" to the width. The insert measures about 28 3/8" wide, 26 3/8" deep and 23 1/8" high overall, with the 6" flue collar on top, and part of it projects onto the hearth. It is for masonry fireplaces only, and it is not approved for mobile homes, alcoves or factory-built (zero-clearance) fireplaces. If your opening is shallower than 15 3/4", look at the Escape 1500-I, which needs 12 3/4".

Choose a faceplate

The faceplate covers the gap between the insert and the fireplace opening. Pick the size that covers your opening with some overlap:

Regular 29" x 44" faceplate with brushed nickel trim (AC03370) for standard openings.
Large 32" x 50" faceplate with brushed nickel trim (AC03375) for wider or taller openings.
32" x 50" cuttable 18-gauge faceplate (AC01357) for irregular fieldstone openings; trim it to shape.

Firebox, burn time and heat output

The firebox holds 2.4 cu ft overall (1.95 cu ft EPA loading volume) and measures about 21" wide, 11 7/8" high and 16 1/2" deep, lined with refractory brick under a vermiculite baffle. Logs load east-west, side to side, up to 20" long; Drolet recommends 16" splits. The door opening is 17 1/2" x 9". Under EPA test conditions the overall heat output runs from 14,200 to 44,500 BTU/h, and Drolet rates the maximum at 75,000 BTU/h with a dense load of dry cordwood. The 8-hour maximum burn time is a best case; seasoned hardwood and a full east-west load get you closest. The blower switches on automatically once the insert is hot and has a variable-speed control.

Escape 1800-I vs. Escape 1500-I vs. Blue Ridge 300-I

↔ Swipe the table to see more →

	Drolet Escape 1800-I	Drolet Escape 1500-I	Englander Blue Ridge 300-I
Heating area	500–2,100 sq ft	500–1,800 sq ft	500–2,100 sq ft
Max heat output	75,000 BTU/h	65,000 BTU/h	75,000 BTU/h
Firebox (overall)	2.4 cu ft	1.86 cu ft	2.4 cu ft
Max burn time	8 hours	7 hours	8 hours
Blower	144 CFM, included	144 CFM, included	144 CFM, included
Faceplate	Sold separately	29" x 44" included	34" x 50" included

The Blue Ridge 300-I is built by SBI on the same platform class and comes with a larger adjustable faceplate. Check each insert's minimum opening against your fireplace, and compare the ship dates shown on each product page.

Liner and venting: the bundle is the easy route

An insert vents through a continuous 6" stainless liner from the insert's collar to the top of the masonry chimney, listed to UL 1777, at least 12 ft tall. Our bundles include the insert, a faceplate and a liner kit in one order: Escape 1800-I + faceplate + 25 ft liner kit or Escape 1800-I + faceplate + 35 ft liner kit. Buying separately? Add the 25 ft or 35 ft insert liner kit, and measure from the hearth to the top of the chimney first. If the flue is offset from the collar, the offset liner adaptor (AC01214) lines it up; for air-tight homes, add the 5" fresh air intake kit for inserts (AC01298). See our chimney liner guide and chimney and stovepipe guide.

Hearth, floor protection and clearances

In the USA, non-combustible floor protection must extend 16" in front of the door opening and 8" to each side; the depth of your existing hearth extension counts toward it. If the hearth is less than 5" above the floor in front of it, the protection in front needs an R-value of at least 1.00 and must extend 23". Combustibles need 16" to a side wall, 9" to a side mantel or trim, 27" to top trim and 27" to a mantel shelf up to 12" deep, with 84" from the insert base to the ceiling. See the clearance table below and our hearth pads.

Why buy the Drolet Escape 1800-I from StoveSource

No Sales Tax in any state.
Free shipping to the lower 48.
Authorized Drolet dealer, with the full manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.
Price match guarantee.
Real help measuring your fireplace and choosing the faceplate and liner: email info@stovesource.com or text 1-888-866-8206.

Heats 500 to 2,100 sq ft with 75,000 BTU/h maximum output
EPA 2020 certified at 2.3 g/h average particulate emissions
79% optimum overall efficiency (72% HHV / 77% LHV average)
Up to 8 hours burn time — 2.4 ft³ firebox (1.95 ft³ EPA load)
Accepts logs up to 20" — robust 5/16" steel construction
Refractory brick-lined firebox for superior heat retention
Includes 144 CFM variable-speed blower for improved heat distribution
Glass airwash system for a clear view of the flames
Proudly made in Canada and the USA — Limited Lifetime Warranty

What's Included: Blower, ceramic glass, ash lip, air damper.
Note: Faceplate must be purchased separately.

Installation

Clearance to Combustibles (USA)

	Minimum clearance
Combustible side wall to insert	16"
Combustible side mantel / side trim to insert	9"
Combustible top trim to insert	27"
Top of insert to 12" combustible mantel shelf	27"
Base of insert to ceiling	84"

Specifications Show details Hide details

Specifications

Fuel Type	Dry cordwood (recommended 16")
Heating Area	500–2,100 sq ft
Max Heat Output	75,000 BTU/h (21.98 kW)
Overall Heat Output Range	14,200–44,500 BTU/h (4.16–13.04 kW)
Average Emissions	2.3 g/h
Average CO Emissions	69 g/h
Overall Efficiency	72% (HHV) / 77% (LHV)
Optimum Overall Efficiency	79%
Firebox Volume (overall)	2.4 ft³
Firebox Volume (EPA loading)	1.95 ft³
Firebox Interior (W × H × D)	21" × 11 7/8" × 16 1/2"
Max Log Length	20"
Recommended Log Length	16" (east-west)
Door Opening (W × H)	17 1/2" × 9"
Max Burn Time	8 hours
Dimensions (W × D × H)	28 3/8" × 26 3/8" × 23 1/8"
Min. Fireplace Opening Width	28 7/8"

Min. Fireplace Opening Height	23 3/8"
Min. Fireplace Depth	15 3/4"
Steel Thickness	5/16"
Baffle Material	Vermiculite
Flue Outlet Diameter	6"
Chimney Liner	6" stainless, UL 1777 (ULC-S635 / S640), min. 12 ft
Combustion Technology	Non-catalytic
Glass Type	Ceramic glass with airwash system
Blower	Included — 144 CFM, variable speed with thermodisc
Faceplate	Sold separately: 29" × 44" or 32" × 50" (nickel trim), or 32" × 50" cuttable
Installation Type	Masonry fireplace insert only
Mobile Home / Alcove Installation	Not approved
Certification (emissions)	EPA 2020, CSA B415.1-10
Certification (safety)	UL 1482, UL 737 (USA); ULC S628 (Canada)
Shipping Weight	405 lb
Warranty	Limited Lifetime
Made In	Canada and USA

Shipping & Returns

Free freight shipping · Expected January 2027 · curbside delivery.

Free shipping to the continental US.

Ships via LTL (Less Than Truckload) freight – carriers include XPO Logistics, Estes Express, ABF Freight, Old Dominion, and FedEx Freight. Transit time is typically 3–10 business days from ship date. The carrier will call to schedule a delivery appointment.

Remote addresses. Some rural or hard-to-access addresses carry a carrier freight surcharge. If yours does, we'll email you the exact amount for approval before your order is processed — or you can cancel for a full refund.

Curbside delivery only. The driver will lower your order to the curb or end of your driveway via liftgate. This does not include bringing the item inside, carrying up stairs, or crossing uneven terrain.

Have an appliance dolly and an extra person available on delivery day. Need inside or threshold delivery? Contact us before ordering.

Inspect before signing. Before signing the Bill of Lading (BOL), check for any visible packaging damage. Write "DAMAGED" or "Subject to inspection" on the BOL if anything looks off.

Returns. Unused, uninstalled units in original packaging can be returned within 30 days. Appliance returns are subject to a $300 return freight charge plus a 15% restocking fee. Units that have been fired or installed cannot be returned. Accessories and parts carry a 15% restocking fee.

View full shipping policy · View return policy

Sold by StoveSource (authorized dealer). Ships directly from the brand's authorized distributor warehouse — see our Authorized Dealer page.

Frequently asked questions

What size space will the Escape 1800-I insert heat, and how do I size it?

The Escape 1800-I is one of the larger wood inserts available, rated to heat up to roughly 2,100 sq ft, with real-world coverage depending on insulation, ceiling height, climate, and how open your floor plan is. As an insert, it's an excellent way to convert an existing, inefficient masonry fireplace into a genuine heat source for the surrounding living area.

Not sure what size you need? Use our quick sizing calculator to get a recommendation for your space: Stove Sizing Calculator

Where can I find the insert dimensions?

You can view the exact dimensions in the official Drolet Escape 1800-I dimension drawing here:
https://www.drolet.ca/file/DB03125_Escape%201800%20Insert.pdf
The dimension drawing is also the last image in the product photo gallery on this page (click to zoom in for a closer look at the measurements), and the key dimensions are listed in the Specifications section below. Be sure to compare these against your existing fireplace opening before ordering.

What size fireplace opening does this insert require?

Required fireplace minimum width: 28 7/8". Required fireplace minimum height: 23 3/8". Required fireplace minimum depth: 15 3/4".

Can the Escape 1800-I with surround be installed in a prefab fireplace?

No. The Drolet Escape 1800-I is not approved for installation inside a prefabricated fireplace.

Can this insert be installed in a wood-framed fireplace with a chimney?

No. This insert must be installed inside a masonry or brick fireplace with a functional, working chimney.

Can this insert be installed in an alcove?

No. This is an insert and must be installed inside an existing brick or masonry fireplace with a functional chimney.

Is this unit approved for Mobile Home installation?

No. The Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood Insert is not approved for use in a mobile home. Please give us a call if we can help further. Thanks!

Do I have to use Drolet's 6" Vortex stainless flex liner, or will another liner work?

You will need a 6" diameter stainless steel liner to install this insert inside an existing masonry fireplace with a functional chimney. The Vortex liner kit is one such option.

Can a 6-inch liner be installed through an existing 8-inch chimney?

Yes, that can be possible when installing this insert into a masonry fireplace with a masonry 8" flue system.

Do I need spacers or brackets to keep the liner centered in a masonry chimney?

No. Nothing is typically used to keep the liner centered in a masonry chimney, and it is not necessary.

Is the 6-inch flue collar on the top or the side of the unit?

The 6" flue collar is located on the top of the appliance.

Does the insert come with venting or flue pipe?

No. Venting for the Drolet insert is sold separately.

Do you carry the 6" offset that mounts on top of the insert?

Yes. The Drolet Offset Liner Adaptor (AC01214) mounts on top of the insert for installations where the chimney flue is offset from the insert's flue collar: Drolet offset liner adaptor ac01214

Will the insert work without a fresh air intake?

Yes. A fresh air intake is not required for the insert to operate, though it can help improve efficiency.

How do I find a qualified installer for the Escape 1800-I?

A wood insert should be installed by a qualified professional — it involves running a stainless liner through your existing chimney and sealing the fireplace opening. We recommend an NFI-certified professional (search the National Fireplace Institute directory at nficertified.org) or a CSIA-certified chimney sweep. Many HVAC contractors are certified as well. Professional installation protects your warranty, ensures code compliance, and is required by most insurance companies. If you'd like a hand, contact us and we can help point you in the right direction.

Does the insert come with a faceplate (surround), or is it sold separately?

The faceplate (surround) is sold separately for the Escape 1800-I (DB03125). It covers the gap between the insert and your fireplace opening. Drolet offers three: the regular 29" x 44" faceplate with brushed nickel trim (AC03370), the large 32" x 50" faceplate with brushed nickel trim (AC03375), and a 32" x 50" cuttable 18-gauge steel faceplate (AC01357) for irregular stone openings. Add one from the accessories on this page, or buy the insert as a bundle with a faceplate and a 25 ft or 35 ft liner kit: Drolet escape 1800 i wood insert faceplate 25 ft liner kit bundle

Is the blower required, or can I run the insert without it?

The blower is not required. Wood inserts use natural draft and operate fine without the fan running — the blower simply helps circulate warm air into the room more quickly and evenly. You can choose not to run it at any time with no harm to the insert.

Does the blower need electricity, and how is it powered?

Yes. The insert's blower requires 120V power and plugs into a standard household outlet. The outlet must be located outside the fireplace cavity (not inside the space where the insert sits). Plan for an accessible outlet nearby when setting up your installation.

How is the blower controlled, and when does it turn on?

The blower is heat-activated and has a rheostat for manual speed control (high / medium / off). A heat-sensing disk powers the fan on automatically once the insert reaches roughly 110°F at the sensor — typically 10–20 minutes into a medium-to-large fire, depending on your wood. For best results, let the insert reach its operating temperature before running the blower on high, so it's circulating already-warmed air rather than cooling the firebox.

Does this insert have an ash pan?

Yes, this unit has an ash pan.

Can you cook on the top of the insert?

Depending on the quality of the firewood and how much heat the body of the insert is putting off, yes, that may be possible.

What size splits seem to work best in the Escape 1800-I?

The recommended log length is 16". As for larger splits versus smaller ones, either can work well — larger pieces will generally produce more heat. With a little burn time, you'll find the sweet spot that works best for your setup.

Is the Escape 1800-I a catalytic stove?

No. This appliance does not use a catalytic combustor. Instead, it uses secondary re-burn tubes.

Is this model available with the door opening the other way?

No. This model is not available with the door reversed.

How deep is the firebox?

The firebox depth is 16 1/2".

What are the firebox dimensions?

The firebox in this insert measures 21 inches wide, 11 7/8 inches high, and 16 1/2 inches deep.

What is the total height of the insert, not just the firebox?

Drolet lists the Escape 1800-I (DB03125) at about 28 3/8" wide, 26 3/8" deep and 23 1/8" high overall, with the 6" flue collar on top. It needs a masonry opening of at least 28 7/8" wide, 23 3/8" high and 15 3/4" deep. For the complete dimensioned drawing (minimum and maximum hearth projection and flue position), see the official Drolet Escape 1800-I dimension sheet here:
https://www.drolet.ca/file/DB03125_Escape%201800%20Insert.pdf

How much does the unit weigh?

This unit weighs 392 lbs (178 kg). You can remove the firebrick and the stove door to lighten it when moving it into position.

What is the shipping weight of this insert?

This model has a shipping weight of 405 pounds.

Where is the Escape 1800-I made?

These inserts are made in Canada.

Is this wood insert eligible for the 30% federal tax credit?

The 30% federal biomass stove tax credit (Section 25C), which offered up to $2,000 for qualifying EPA-certified units rated at least 75% efficient, was ended early by the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' signed into law in July 2025, and expired on December 31, 2025. There is no federal biomass stove tax credit for purchases in 2026 and onwards. Tax laws change often, so please confirm current credits with a tax professional or the IRS website before purchasing. Some state and local utility programs still offer rebates for efficient heating appliances — check your state energy office as a starting point.

How does the Drolet Escape 1800-I compare to the Century CW2900 insert?

They're corporate siblings from SBI in the same 2.4 ft³ / 75,000 BTU/h insert class, both rated for an 8-hour burn with an included blower. The Escape 1800-I is EPA certified at 2.3 g/h with 72% (HHV) average and 79% optimum efficiency, and carries Drolet's limited lifetime warranty. The practical differences are styling, warranty terms and the ship date shown on each product page. See the full comparison

Warranty Show details Hide details

Limited Lifetime Warranty — Drolet warrants this appliance against defects in materials and workmanship. Warranty is non-transferable and requires proof of purchase. Register your appliance at drolet.ca to activate coverage.

Combustion chamber welds & cast iron door frame — Lifetime (parts); 3 years (labour)
Surrounds, heat shields, ash drawer, steel legs, pedestal, trims & convector — 5 years (parts); 3 years (labour)
Stainless steel combustion chamber components, secondary air tubes, deflectors & supports — 5 years (parts)
Glass retainers, handle assembly & air control mechanism — 3 years (parts)
Carbon steel combustion chamber components & vermiculite/C-Cast baffle — 2 years (parts)
Standard blower, heat sensors, switches, rheostat, wiring & controls — 1 year (parts & labour)
Optional blower, paint (peeling), ceramic glass (thermal breakage only), ceramic fibre blankets, gaskets & insulation — 1 year (parts)
Firebricks — not covered
All parts replaced under warranty — 90 days

Warranty does not cover damage caused by improper installation, use of unseasoned wood, overfiring, unauthorized modifications, or normal wear and tear on consumable parts. See full warranty terms at drolet.ca/us/en/warranty.

Product reviews

340 customer reviews from manufacturer — drolet.ca

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

No reviews at this rating in the current batch.

Matthew

May 14, 2026

Hussein

April 30, 2026

Matt

April 20, 2026

Michael

March 21, 2026

justin

March 21, 2026

Paul

March 8, 2026

Takes a little time to learn how to best use this new stove. Top down fires are the best way to achieve maximum draft when starting a fresh load. I did have to bypass the thermostat to get the fan to come on, without overheating the stove.

Randall

March 5, 2026

We had to wait almost 3 months to get the wood stove insert delivered, but we love it so far. Weather is unfortunately very warm right now, so we're going to have to wait to put it through its paces, but it looks to be a great unit, and a terrific price.

Jason

February 16, 2026

Jonathan

February 10, 2026

Ian

February 7, 2026

I've owned the Drolet for one winter in a 1,400 sqft log cabin. The Drolet can heat the home to nearly 70F down to 0-5F outside. Log cabins are not very well insulated but the build quality on the stove is great. The fan operates quietly and efficiently. The stove itself is silent and vault-like, and we get 6-8 hours on a reload. The huge front window lights up the room and transfers tons of heat.

William

January 31, 2026

Always impressed with the quality and service associated with Drolet. Pleasure doing business with. This is my second purchase from the company.

Derek

January 19, 2026

Colette

January 14, 2026

Cecilia

January 3, 2026

It worked well when it was originally installed. Now a year later there is a whining/rattling sound when the fan is on. If it wasn't for it making mechanical noises after only a year I would give it a higher rating.

Justin

December 31, 2025

Steve

December 8, 2025

Seems good so far

John

December 7, 2025

This is my 3rd season burning with the 1800i. I was looking for an affordable stove that threw out some heat. Well I found one. I also saved about $600 from the government on my taxes because this stove qualified for a rebate. It's sleek and has a nice size window and throws off some heat. The downside is it's a little smaller inside in my opinion. I can fit 4 to 6 decent size logs. My biggest downer is burn time — 5 hours tops. I just don't see how people say 8 hrs. All in all I really like the stove.

Felipe

December 3, 2025

I like it so far. Good unit

Linda

November 26, 2025

Carrie

November 20, 2025

Eric

November 19, 2025

Patrice

October 19, 2025

Very satisfied (translated from French)

Sergio

April 8, 2025

Having a problem with the fan working not happy about the heat sensor, if it's not working properly I get no air circulation.

Alexander

March 9, 2025

Vincent

January 30, 2025

ashley

January 27, 2025

Jared

January 12, 2025

Gary

December 30, 2024

Allison

December 14, 2024

Instructions unclear. Steep learning curve — can't get more than 4 hours. Can only load 16-inch pieces east-west.

Hermann

October 16, 2024

Michael

October 13, 2024

Mark

September 24, 2024

Daniel

April 30, 2024

Michael

February 17, 2024

Door handle doesn't lock tight.

Michael

January 6, 2024

We love the model that fits into our old fireplace. The heat that this new stove puts out is a clear improvement over what we had. (translated from French)

Noah

January 1, 2024

Mark

December 2, 2023

Love the stove. However the blower did not come on during first burn.

Mark

October 8, 2023

Alton

December 9, 2022

My blower got sent to me damaged and am trying to get a replacement.

Samuel

November 30, 2022

While I am quite happy with the stove, the bricks are crumbling after only a few fires. Please replace them. Once replaced, I will write a very positive review.

Bethany

November 18, 2022

Joe

November 12, 2022

Jason

August 18, 2022

Too soon to tell.

Kristie Lugo

December 22, 2021

It's a decent unit for the price. I would not say the fire burns 8 hours, it's only a few hours for me. The rope that seals the door and the stove is starting to come apart and tears a little bit more every time I open it.

Reviews from drolet.ca, displayed with permission from Drolet (manufactured by Stove Builder International). StoveSource is an authorized Drolet dealer. More details →