Fireplace inserts of any sort are going to be less efficient/effective than free-standing stoves because you've got less radiant surface. We didn't want to lose the floor space required for free-standing so inserts were the best choice for us. The propane insert we purchased has a full ceramic-type firebox enclosure which helps to radiate heat outward, improving efficiency, and it puts out plenty of heat for our purposes.
While propane is certainly a more expensive way to go, for us the convenience is well worth it. Through our last delivery (late February) we've used about $375 worth of propane in total since the insert was installed, covering one full season and a good chunk of a second. At that level of cost I don't really look at it as a much of a concern.
__________________
NHskier
|