Englander Blue Ridge 300-I Wood Insert (ESW0009)

The Englander Blue Ridge 300-I wood insert (model ESW0009) is the mid-size insert in the Blue Ridge line, built to make an existing masonry fireplace the main heat source for most of a home. It is rated for 500 to 2,100 sq ft, with a maximum heat output of 75,000 BTU/h, a 2.4 cu ft firebox that takes logs up to 20" and burn times up to 8 hours. EPA 2020 certified at 2.3 g/h, with 72% average overall efficiency (HHV) and 79% optimum efficiency. Non-catalytic, with a vermiculite baffle, cast iron door frame and ceramic glass. A 144 CFM blower with thermodisc and a 34" x 50" faceplate are included. 6" flue outlet for a stainless chimney liner.

Who the Blue Ridge 300-I is for

The 300-I fits:

• Homes of roughly 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft with a masonry fireplace in the main living area.
• Fireplaces at least 28 7/8" wide, 23 3/8" high and 15 3/4" deep at the front opening.
• Owners who want overnight burns from a fireplace that currently sends most of its heat up the chimney.

Englander's heating area is the space the insert can hold at a minimum comfortable temperature in a power outage; insulation, layout and climate all change the real figure. If your opening is smaller or you are heating one room, the Blue Ridge 150-I fits tighter fireplaces.

Will it fit your fireplace?

The 300-I is for masonry fireplaces only, not prefab or zero-clearance units. Measure the front opening: you need at least 28 7/8" of width, 23 3/8" of height and 15 3/4" of depth, plus at least 4" of extra width if you plan to add the 5" fresh air intake kit for inserts (AC01298). Leveling bolts on each side set the height so the 34" x 50" faceplate sits on the hearth, and springs hold the faceplate against the fireplace front. Send us your width, height and depth and we'll confirm fit before you order.

Firebox and loading

The firebox has an overall volume of 2.4 cu ft (1.95 cu ft EPA loading volume), about 21" wide and 16 1/2" deep, lined with refractory brick. Logs load east-west, side to side, up to 20" long; Englander recommends 16" splits, the length used in EPA testing. The door opening is 17 1/2" x 9". The air control sits under the ash shelf: pull it out for a hot fire, push it in toward the insert for the lowest, longest burn.

Burn time and heat output

With a dense load of dry cordwood the 300-I peaks at 75,000 BTU/h. Under EPA test conditions its overall heat output runs from 14,200 BTU/h on low to 44,500 BTU/h on high, so it can idle on a mild day and still carry the house on a cold night. The 8-hour maximum burn time is a best case; dry hardwood, a full east-west load and a well-drafting liner get you closest.

Blue Ridge 300-I vs. Escape 1800-I vs. Blue Ridge 150-I and 500-I

The Drolet Escape 1800-I, from sister brand Drolet, lists the same heating area, output, log length, burn time, emissions and minimum fireplace opening, with different styling; compare ship dates in the table below. The Blue Ridge 150-I is the size down for small fireplaces, and the Blue Ridge 500-I is the step up for larger homes and larger openings.

↔ Swipe the table to see more →

Ship dates update daily, so compare them before you order.

Blower

The 300-I comes with a 144 CFM double-cage blower that clips onto the ash lip, plus a thermodisc that runs it only when the insert is hot. An insert sits inside the masonry, so the blower is what moves most of its heat into the room.

Venting and installation

The 300-I vents through a 6" stainless steel liner (UL 1777) from the flue collar to the top of the masonry chimney, at least 12 ft tall. Our 25 ft insert liner kit (VOLKI-625) and 35 ft kit (VOLKI-635) include the liner, top plate, insert connector and cap; measure from the insert's flue outlet to the top of the chimney. The Hook Up Liner System (AC02006) simplifies the connection, and the offset liner adaptor (AC01214) is only for flues that don't line up. See our chimney liner guide and chimney pipe guide. In the USA, keep 16" to a combustible side wall, 9" to combustible side trim, 27" to combustible top trim, 27" from the top of the unit to a combustible mantel up to 12" deep, and 84" from the base of the unit to the ceiling. Not approved for mobile homes.

Floor protection

In the USA, non-combustible floor protection must extend 16" in front of the door opening and 8" to each side, and your existing hearth extension counts toward it. If the hearth is raised 5" or less above the floor, the added protection in front needs an R-value of at least 1.00 and must extend 23" in front of the unit. Our hearth pads can extend a short hearth.

Why buy the Englander Blue Ridge 300-I from StoveSource

• No Sales Tax in any state.
• Free shipping to the lower 48.
• Authorized Englander dealer, with the full manufacturer's limited lifetime warranty.
• Price match guarantee.
• Real help with fit, liners and installation: email info@stovesource.com or text 1-888-866-8206.