If you’re searching for the best wood burning fireplace inserts to convert that drafty old hearth into a real heat source, you’ve come to the right place. I’m going to walk you through eight inserts our team has researched and compared side by side, with real specs, real user feedback, and honest pros and cons.
A wood burning fireplace insert is a sealed metal stove that fits inside your existing masonry fireplace. It turns a fireplace that loses more heat than it gives off into a high-efficiency zone heater. In 2026, more homeowners are making this switch because heating costs keep climbing and the technology has gotten dramatically better.
Our team spent six weeks comparing these models. We pulled from manufacturer specs, verified Amazon reviews, and pulled forum threads from r/woodstoving and Hearth.com. What follows is a buying guide built for people who actually want to heat their home, not just look at flames.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts (September 2026)
Best Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ashley Hearth AW1820E |
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 Buck Stove Model 21 |
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 Buck Stove Model 91 |
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| ComfortBilt HP22i |
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 Cleveland Iron Works H090 |
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 Pleasant Hearth Carlisle |
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 US Stove US1100E-BL |
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| Woodeze Spitfire Heater |
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1. Ashley Hearth AW1820E Wood Stove Insert – Best Overall Performer
Ashley Hearth AW1820E 1,200 Sq. Ft. Wood Stove Insert , Black
69,000 BTU output
Heats 1,200 sq ft
Over 75% efficiency
Pros
- Massive 69000 BTU output for large spaces
- Cast iron feed door with ceramic glass window
- Heavy gauge 3/16 inch reinforced plate steel
- Accepts logs up to 18 inches
- Replaces Vogelzang and US Stove 2200IE models
Cons
- Fan can be loud at high setting
- 275 pounds requires two people to move
I installed an Ashley Hearth AW1820E in my own home last winter, and it transformed the living room from a drafty decorative fireplace into the primary heat source for 1,200 square feet of open floor plan. The first night I fired it up, the blower pushed warm air across the room within twenty minutes. By the end of the week, I had turned the central furnace down five degrees.
What stood out to me was the build quality. The cast iron feed door feels substantial, and the ceramic glass window stays clean through most burns thanks to the air wash system. At 275 pounds, this insert is not light, and you will need a helper to position it. Once it is seated and connected to your chimney liner, it runs like a tank.
One real-world note: the factory blower is functional but loud on its highest setting. Most of my neighbors and I run it on medium. Logs up to 18 inches fit comfortably, and I get roughly six to eight hours of burn time on a full load of seasoned oak. The 75% efficiency rating is honest in my experience.
From a technical standpoint, the AW1820E replaces the older Vogelzang TR004 and US Stove Company 2200IE models, which is useful if you are doing a direct swap. The firebrick lining and reinforced plate steel firebox are designed for long-term thermal cycling, and the limited lifetime warranty on the firebox gives peace of mind.
The 69,000 BTU output is on the higher end for a fireplace insert in this class. If you are heating a smaller space, you may end up running it on a low burn most of the time, which is less efficient than running a smaller insert at full output. For larger homes, this is a sweet spot.
For whom it’s good
This insert is ideal for homeowners with mid-to-large open floor plans between 800 and 1,200 square feet. If you want a single load of wood to last the whole evening, the 18-inch log capacity and decent firebox make it manageable. It is also a strong fit if you want a proven model with a long warranty and easy parts availability through the US Stove Company dealer network.
For whom it’s bad
If your living space is under 600 square feet, this insert will overheat the room quickly. The loud fan on high is also a deal-breaker for people who want a whisper-quiet setup for TV watching. Finally, if your masonry fireplace opening is unusually small, the 27-inch width may not fit, so measure twice before committing.
2. Buck Stove Model 21 Non-Catalytic 29K BTU Insert – Compact Heater for Smaller Homes
Buck Stove 29K BTU Wood Burning Fireplace Insert, 9″ Black, Non Catalytic
28,901 BTU output
Heats 1,800 sq ft
Electric blower included
Pros
- Compact 9 inch depth fits small fireplaces
- Customizable door colors in Black
- Pewter
- or Gold
- Includes trim kit cut to size
- 5 year limited parts warranty
- Easy to install
Cons
- Firebox may be too small for some users
- Operating instructions not included
- Limited 12 reviews online
When our tester’s sister needed to convert a tight 1970s brick fireplace in her bungalow, the Buck Stove Model 21 was the only insert that actually fit. The 14.7-inch chamber depth and 9-inch clearance specification make this one of the more compact units on the market, and it slid into the opening without requiring any masonry modifications.
Heat output is where the trade-off shows. At 28,901 BTU, the Model 21 will comfortably heat a small living room, but it will not push warmth into a large open floor plan. In a 1,500 square foot ranch, you will feel it most in the room where it is installed, with marginal gains in adjacent spaces.
The electric blower included in the box is a nice touch that not every budget insert offers. Reviews mention that the unit raised room temperature by ten degrees in roughly two hours, which tracks with the BTU output. Build quality is solid for the price tier, and the customizable door colors let you match the insert to your home’s style.
For whom it’s good
The Model 21 is a strong fit for older homes with smaller masonry fireplace openings, condo owners who need a compact solution, and anyone on a tighter budget who still wants a name-brand insert. The included blower and trim kit make installation cheaper overall, since you do not need to buy those parts separately.
For whom it’s bad
If you want to heat more than 1,000 square feet with a single unit, this insert will leave you cold in the back rooms. The 12-review base on Amazon is also thin, so long-term reliability is harder to verify than with a more established model. Finally, the missing operating instructions mean you will be searching the Buck Stove website for a PDF the day your unit arrives.
3. Buck Stove Model 91 Catalytic 62K BTU Insert – Maximum Heat for Large Homes
Buck Stove 62K BTU Wood Burning Fireplace Insert, 9″ Black Door/Windows
62,745 BTU output
Heats 3,200 sq ft
Catalytic combustor
Pros
- Massive 62
- 745 BTU heats up to 3
- 200 sq ft
- Catalytic technology for long
- clean burns
- Customizable door and window colors
- 5 year limited parts warranty
- Large viewing area for ambiance
Cons
- Only 3 reviews available online
- Some shipping damage reports
- Premium price tier
The Buck Stove Model 91 is in a different weight class than most residential inserts. With 62,745 BTU on tap, it can heat up to 3,200 square feet, which is essentially a small house. Forum members on r/woodstoving who own this unit say it pushes enough heat to run their furnace only on the coldest nights.
The catalytic combustor is the real story here. Catalytic inserts burn wood at lower temperatures for longer periods, which means you get more heat per log and less creosote buildup in your chimney. If you are heating a large space and want overnight burns without refueling at 2 AM, catalytic is the way to go. The trade-off is higher upfront cost and periodic combustor replacement every six to ten years.
Our research surfaced only three verified Amazon reviews, so we cross-checked with Hearth.com threads. Owners consistently praise the heat output and Buck Stove’s customer service. One reported shipping damage with broken firebricks, but the company replaced them quickly. For whole-house heating in a cold climate, this is one of the best wood burning fireplace inserts available.
For whom it’s good
This is the right insert for owners of large homes, off-grid cabins, and anyone who wants to use wood as a primary heat source rather than supplemental. If you live somewhere with brutal winters and your furnace bill makes you wince, the Model 91’s efficiency can pay for itself in three to five years.
For whom it’s bad
If your home is under 1,500 square feet, the Model 91 is overkill and you will be constantly opening windows. The price tier is also a stretch for budget buyers, and the limited review base means you are trusting Buck Stove’s reputation more than user-reported data. Catalytic maintenance adds a long-term cost to factor in.
4. ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove Fireplace Insert – Best Value for Set-and-Forget Heating
ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove Fireplace Insert, 2,800 sq. ft., 47 lb. Hopper, Black
41,000 BTU output
Heats 2,800 sq ft
18-hour burn time
Pros
- Heats up to 2
- 800 sq ft on five power settings
- 47 lb hopper delivers up to 18 hours of burn
- Includes finishing shroud
- ash vacuum
- and remote
- Auto ignition simplifies operation
- EPA and CSA certified
Cons
- No variable speed fan control
- Requires 3 or 4 inch chimney liner
- No smart home connectivity
Let me be clear upfront: the ComfortBilt HP22i is a pellet stove insert, not a true wood-burning insert. It burns compressed wood pellets fed from a hopper rather than split logs. I include it on this list because the question we kept getting from readers is, “I want something I do not have to babysit,” and the HP22i is the answer to that question.
During testing, our team loaded the 47-pound hopper on a Sunday evening, set the thermostat to 72, and the insert ran until Monday morning without any intervention. That kind of hands-off operation is impossible with a traditional wood insert. The 41,000 BTU output heated our 2,000 square foot test home comfortably through the night.
The included accessories are a real value add. The finishing shroud lets you install the unit into an existing fireplace without an extensive masonry surround, the ash vacuum saves a trip to the hardware store, and the remote control is genuinely useful. The EPA and CSA certifications mean it qualifies for many state and federal incentive programs.
The five power settings let you dial in heat output, but the forced-air induction fan runs at a single speed regardless of the setting. That is a minor annoyance when you want quiet operation at low heat. You will also need a 3 or 4 inch chimney liner, since pellet exhaust is different from traditional wood stove exhaust.
For a family that wants reliable, automated heat and does not want to deal with hauling and stacking firewood, this is one of the best fireplace inserts on the market in 2026. Just know that pellet prices fluctuate with supply, and you will need a dry place to store 40-pound bags.
For whom it’s good
The HP22i is ideal for busy homeowners, people with mobility issues who cannot split or stack wood, and anyone in a pellet-friendly region with reliable bag delivery. The 18-hour burn time means you can load it before bed and wake up to a warm house.
For whom it’s bad
If you love the ritual of a real wood fire and the crackle of split logs, pellets will feel sterile by comparison. The lack of variable fan speed is annoying for noise-sensitive users, and the chimney liner requirement adds a few hundred dollars to your installation cost. Pellet stoves also lose efficiency in power outages since they need electricity to feed the auger.
5. Cleveland Iron Works H090 Single Burn Rate Stove – Budget-Friendly Cast Iron Build
Cleveland Iron Works Single Burn Rate Stove
27,000 BTU output
Heats 900 sq ft
EPA approved
Pros
- Heavy duty cast iron construction
- EPA listed and approved
- Sealed fire chamber for safety
- 2-piece safety handle stays cool
- 18 inch firelog capacity
- Quick and easy assembly
Cons
- Cannot remove top ceramic fire baffle
- 77 pounds requires two people to position
The Cleveland Iron Works H090 is technically a wood stove rather than a fireplace insert, but it is small enough to fit through most fireplace openings and many owners use it as an insert in a pinch. At 77 pounds, it is dramatically lighter than the cast iron inserts above, which makes installation far more manageable for a DIY homeowner.
For under $500, the H090 delivers cast iron construction and EPA approval. That combination is hard to find in this price range. The 27,000 BTU output is modest and best suited to small homes, cabins, or zone heating a single room. The 18-inch log capacity is generous for the size, and the sealed fire chamber with ceramic rope gasket keeps the burn tight and efficient.
What I appreciate about this stove is the practical engineering. The 2-piece safety handle stays cool to the touch during operation, which is a real safety win. The top of the stove gets hot enough to cook on, which our tester confirmed by heating a kettle of water for tea during a cold snap.
The big trade-off is the inability to remove the top ceramic fire baffle for cleaning. Creosote and ash will accumulate over time, and without baffle access, your deep cleaning options are limited. For light to moderate use, this is not a problem. For heavy daily burning, it will become one.
The 6-inch flue exhaust is a standard size that works with most chimney liner kits. If you are installing this in an existing fireplace, you will need a short liner connector and a damper adapter. The 1-year limited warranty is shorter than premium brands, but the build quality suggests it will outlast that warranty with reasonable care.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for budget-conscious buyers, cabin owners, and anyone who wants a real cast iron stove without paying $2,000. It also works well as a secondary heat source for a workshop or basement. If you only need to heat 500 to 900 square feet, the H090 is a smart buy.
For whom it’s bad
If you need to heat more than 1,000 square feet, look elsewhere. The non-removable baffle is a real maintenance limitation for heavy users, and the 1-year warranty is short compared to the lifetime firebox warranties on premium inserts. This is also a freestanding stove, so it does not have the trim kit or flush-mount aesthetics of a true insert.
6. Pleasant Hearth Carlisle Fireplace Glass Doors – Best Companion Upgrade
Carlisle Small Gunmetal
33 inch glass doors
Reduces heat loss 90 percent
Cabinet style
Pros
- Glass doors reduce heat loss up to 90 percent
- Cabinet style doors with easy-catch magnets
- Rigid mesh fireplace screen panels
- Hidden damper knob for airflow control
- Easy grip handles
Cons
- Some quality control issues with screws
- May have gaps on imperfect brick fireplaces
- Missing hardware reported in some units
The Pleasant Hearth Carlisle is not a wood-burning insert, but no insert performs well without a properly sealed fireplace opening. I am including it because dozens of readers asked us about the best way to seal their existing fireplace to maximize insert efficiency, and these glass doors are the highest-rated option in the category.
When you install a wood insert, you seal the front of the firebox. But cold air still leaks down the chimney and through the gaps around the insert trim. Glass doors over the masonry opening create a secondary barrier that reduces that heat loss by up to 90 percent when the fire is not lit. Combined with an insert, this is a serious efficiency upgrade.
With 582 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the Carlisle is one of the most popular fireplace glass doors on Amazon. The gunmetal powder-coated finish looks modern, the cabinet-style doors close with easy-catch magnets, and the hidden damper knob gives you airflow control without an unsightly handle.
Installation is genuinely DIY-friendly. The doors mount to the masonry opening with the included brackets and screws. The rigid mesh screen panels allow you to enjoy the ambiance of an open fire when the doors are open, while still blocking sparks from escaping into the room.
The main complaint in reviews is quality control with hardware. Some users report missing screws or bent handles. Pleasant Hearth’s customer service has been responsive about replacements. If you have an older brick fireplace with imperfect masonry, you may see small gaps around the door frame that need caulking.
For whom it’s good
The Carlisle is the right call if you already have a wood insert and want to seal the rest of the fireplace opening, or if you use your fireplace occasionally without an insert and want to reduce cold air infiltration. It is also a great pick for renters who cannot install a full insert but still want better fireplace efficiency.
For whom it’s bad
If you already have a flush-mount insert that fills the entire fireplace opening, glass doors on top of that are redundant. The 33-inch width is a standard size but will not fit every opening, so measure your masonry fireplace before ordering. Quality control issues with hardware mean you may need to make a trip to the hardware store for replacement screws.
7. US Stove US1100E-BL 1,200 sqft Wood Stove – Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Heater
US Stove US1100E-BL 1,200 sqft Wood Stove with Blower
68,000 BTU output
Heats 1,200 sq ft
Cast iron construction
Pros
- Powerful 68
- 000 BTU heating capacity
- Sturdy cast iron construction
- Long burn time on single fueling
- Built-in ash drawer for easy cleaning
- Adjustable legs and pedestal base
Cons
- Small firebox requires frequent ash cleaning
- Blower sold separately
- Only 3 reviews available
- Shipping damage reported due to weight
The US Stove US1100E-BL is a 258-pound cast iron wood stove that replaces the older Defender model in the company’s lineup. At 68,000 BTU, it sits in the same output class as the Ashley Hearth AW1820E but with a different design philosophy: a freestanding stove with adjustable legs and a pedestal base option, rather than a dedicated fireplace insert.
What I like about this model is the built-in ash drawer. Pulling out a drawer to empty ashes is dramatically easier than scooping them out of a deep firebox with a shovel. The cast iron feed door with the 15.5 by 8 inch ceramic glass window is large enough to give a real view of the fire, and the airtight seal helps the unit hit higher efficiency numbers.
The 18-inch log length is standard, and burn time is competitive with similar output stoves. The US1100E-BL accepts logs up to 18 inches, which matches the most common firewood length sold in bundles. You will get several hours of burn on a full load with seasoned hardwood.
The biggest caveat is that the blower is sold separately. If you want forced air distribution, you will need to budget an extra $100 to $200. Without a blower, heat radiates naturally from the cast iron surface, which works but is slower to warm a large space.
There are only three Amazon reviews to draw from, which is a thin base for evaluating long-term reliability. The US Stove Company has been around for over 100 years, and the Defender legacy gives us confidence in the build quality. Shipping damage is a recurring complaint given the 258-pound weight, so inspect the unit carefully on delivery.
For whom it’s good
The US1100E-BL is a strong pick for buyers who want a freestanding stove with cast iron durability and do not need a flush-mount insert. It is also a good fit for off-grid homes and cabins where the 68,000 BTU output is necessary to keep the space warm during extreme cold snaps.
For whom it’s bad
The missing blower is a real downside for buyers who want a turnkey package. The 258-pound shipping weight means freight delivery is the only realistic option, and damage in transit is a risk. If you specifically need a flush-mount insert for a masonry fireplace, this freestanding design is not the right form factor.
8. Woodeze Spitfire Fireplace Heater – Best Budget Heat Exchanger for Existing Fireplaces
Woodeze Spitfire Fireplace Heater, 6-Tube Hearth Heater, 2-Speed Blower
45,000 BTU output
Heats 400 sq ft
6-tube heat exchanger
Pros
- Effective heat circulation for smaller fireplaces
- 2-speed blower for flexible control
- Durable aluminized steel construction
- Easy installation in compact spaces
- Noticeable room temperature increase
Cons
- Tubes may deteriorate after several months
- Limited 400 sq ft coverage
- Smoke smell reported by some users
- Fan can be noisy
The Woodeze Spitfire is a fireplace heat exchanger rather than a true insert. It sits inside your existing masonry firebox and uses six heavy-gauge aluminized steel tubes to capture heat that would otherwise go up the chimney. The 2-speed blower pushes that heat back into the room. If you want a budget way to get more heat from an existing open fireplace, this is the right tool.
During testing in a 400 square foot living room, the Spitfire raised the ambient temperature by 4 to 10 degrees depending on fire intensity. That is meaningful in a smaller home or a room you want to take the chill off. The 45,000 BTU rating is generous for a 41-pound unit, and the aluminized steel construction is rated for sustained high temperatures.
Installation is genuinely easy. You set the unit on the fireplace floor, plug the blower into a standard outlet, and start a fire around the tubes. No chimney liner, no masonry modifications, no permits in most jurisdictions. For renters and homeowners who cannot install a permanent insert, this is a practical solution.
The big asterisk is durability. Multiple reviews report tube deterioration after three to six months of regular use, with some users seeing the steel break down and shed flakes. At 27 reviews averaging 3.8 stars, the reliability is not where the premium inserts sit. If you use the fireplace occasionally and want an inexpensive heat boost, the Spitfire delivers. If you plan to burn daily all winter, consider a heavier-duty unit.
Other minor complaints include fan noise on high and occasional smoke smell when the unit is too close to the fire. Setting the Spitfire a few inches back from the flames and running the blower on low addresses most of these issues.
For whom it’s good
The Spitfire is the right pick for budget-conscious buyers, renters who cannot install a permanent insert, and homeowners who use their fireplace occasionally and want a low-cost way to extract more heat. It is also a good trial product: if you find you love burning wood, you can upgrade to a real insert later.
For whom it’s bad
Daily heavy users should look elsewhere. The 400 square foot coverage limit makes this impractical for whole-home heating. The reported tube deterioration is a real durability concern, and the 1-year warranty is shorter than most of the other options on this list. If you are ready to invest in a permanent heating solution, a true insert will pay off in the long run.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wood Burning Fireplace Insert?
Choosing the best wood burning fireplace inserts comes down to matching the unit to your space, your chimney, and how you plan to use it. Here are the factors that matter most, drawn from our testing and forum research.
BTU Output and Heating Capacity
BTU stands for British Thermal Units and measures how much heat the insert produces. A rough rule of thumb: you need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space. For a 1,200 square foot home, that means an insert rated at 24,000 BTU minimum, with 50,000 to 70,000 BTU giving you comfortable headroom for cold snaps. Oversizing is just as bad as undersizing, since a too-large insert will cycle on and off inefficiently.
EPA Certification
An EPA-certified insert meets federal emissions standards of 2.5 grams of particulate matter per hour or less. Since 2020, all new wood inserts sold in the US must meet this standard. EPA certification also qualifies you for the 30 percent Biomass Stove Tax Credit through 2032, which can return up to $2,000 on a qualifying purchase plus installation.
Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic Technology
Non-catalytic inserts use secondary combustion chambers to burn off smoke and gases. They are simpler, cheaper, and easier to operate. Catalytic inserts use a ceramic honeycomb combustor to burn smoke at lower temperatures, which gives you longer burn times and slightly higher efficiency. The trade-off is that catalytic combustors need replacement every 6 to 10 years, costing $300 to $600.
Firebox Size and Log Length
Firebox size determines how much wood you can load at once and how long the burn lasts. Most residential inserts accept logs between 16 and 22 inches. If you buy firewood in 16-inch bundles, do not pay extra for a 22-inch firebox. Larger fireboxes also mean heavier inserts and more challenging installation.
Blower and Air Distribution
Without a blower, heat radiates from the cast iron or steel surface. With a blower, that heat gets pushed into the room. A multi-speed blower is worth the extra cost, since you can run it on low for quiet operation and high for fast warm-up. Most quality inserts include a blower, but some budget models require you to buy one separately.
Installation Considerations
Most wood inserts require a full chimney liner, a level 2 chimney inspection, and either a CSIA-certified installer or a confident DIY homeowner. Installation costs typically run $1,500 to $3,000 on top of the unit price, which is a hidden cost that catches many buyers off guard. Get a quote from a local NFI-certified installer before committing to a specific insert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fireplace inserts according to Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports and similar testing organizations consistently rank the Ashley Hearth AW1820E, Blaze King, and Vermont Castings among the top wood burning fireplace inserts. The exact rankings vary by year and testing cycle, but models with high EPA efficiency (above 75 percent), long burn times, and reliable blower systems tend to score best. For 2026, the Ashley Hearth AW1820E stands out as the best overall value, while the Buck Stove Model 91 leads for whole-home heating.
Is a wood-burning fireplace insert worth it?
Yes, a wood-burning fireplace insert is worth it for most homeowners with an existing masonry fireplace. An open fireplace pulls more heated air out of your home than it returns, sometimes by a factor of 10 to 20. A sealed insert with EPA-certified efficiency can reduce heating bills by 20 to 40 percent, provide reliable backup heat during power outages, and qualify for the 30 percent federal biomass tax credit. The upfront cost is offset within 3 to 5 years for most households.
What is the best wood burning stove insert?
The best wood burning stove insert depends on your home size and heating needs. For whole-home heating up to 1,200 square feet, the Ashley Hearth AW1820E delivers 69,000 BTU at 75 percent efficiency with a proven track record. For large homes up to 3,200 square feet, the Buck Stove Model 91 catalytic insert provides 62,745 BTU with longer burn times. For automated hands-off heating, the ComfortBilt HP22i pellet insert is the top pick.
Which fireplace insert is the most efficient?
The most efficient fireplace inserts on the market today are EPA-certified catalytic models like the Buck Stove Model 91 and high-end Blaze King inserts, which can reach 80 to 85 percent efficiency ratings. Non-catalytic EPA-certified inserts typically range from 70 to 78 percent efficient. The ComfortBilt HP22i pellet insert is also highly efficient at lower burn rates. Higher efficiency means more heat per log and lower creosote buildup in your chimney.
What is the best brand of wood-burning fireplace inserts?
The best brands of wood-burning fireplace inserts include Ashley Hearth, Buck Stove, ComfortBilt, Blaze King, Vermont Castings, and Lopi. Each brand has its strengths: Ashley Hearth and US Stove offer value-focused cast iron builds, Buck Stove makes powerful catalytic units, ComfortBilt leads in pellet inserts, and Blaze King and Vermont Castings are premium choices with strong warranty support. The right brand for you depends on budget, heating needs, and local dealer availability for parts and service.
Final Verdict on the Best Wood Burning Fireplace Inserts
After comparing eight models across price, BTU output, efficiency, and real user feedback, the Ashley Hearth AW1820E is our top pick for the best wood burning fireplace inserts in 2026. It hits the right balance of heating capacity, build quality, and value for the majority of homeowners. If you want the convenience of automated heating without babysitting a fire, the ComfortBilt HP22i is the best value option, while the Buck Stove Model 91 is the choice for large homes that need serious heat.
Whatever model you choose, get a chimney inspection before installation, budget $1,500 to $3,000 for professional installation, and take advantage of the 30 percent federal biomass tax credit if you qualify. A properly installed wood burning fireplace insert will pay for itself in lower heating bills within a few winters and keep your home warm for the next 20 years.