Too-long logs

Alt title:
These Ikea tree instructions suck .

Alt-alt title:
My Firewood is too long for my woodstove.

I got a load of firewood for only the 2nd time. We moved in in January, used up wood that was left behind and got a half cord to make it through the coldest days. I just had 2 cords delivered and they are just a bit too long for the fireplace.

Is chainsawing them the only option?
Is it common for fireplace inserts to be too small?  

I don't know how we lucked out and got short wood last time!  I do eventually want to redo the fireplace but it seems like all inserts have about the same specs?  

I'd use a drop saw. A lot less lost to shavings and a fair bit safer than using a chainsaw on short pieces. I feel your pain, too...I had a little potbelly stove for many years that could not take "normal" lengths.

I find a chop/mitre saw to be safer than a chainsaw for cutting such short (but still too long) logs down to size. It also occurs to me the insulator bricks in the wood stove could be modified. A brick or two could be cut or replaced with a thinner one, if that would get enough clearance.

Absolutely seconding (thirding?) the advice to use a circular drop saw. A chainsaw on short sections will send those pieces flying, and be really sketchy to hold the logs in place while you cut.

Go with the chop saw, and make sure you have a suitable jig for holding your logs securely while you cut. Doesn't need to be fancy - a couple of piece of wood screwed to a piece of board would do it; just enough to hold the log in place while you chop. Spending half an hour to come up with and good way of log holding will likely save you hours on the overall task - and reduce risk of injury.

According to this website, fireplace inserts can be as small as 12"

https://www.efireplacestore.com/fireplace-inserts-by-size.html

The length of a wood log for a cord of wood is 16".

Most wood-burning stoves accept 16" to 18" wood.

I suggest that next time you order wood ask the person what length the wood is.

Maybe that person would custom-cut the size you need.