Wood Insert

After having my sights set on a OWB, some pros have convinced me to go the route of an insert. Napoleons were highly recommended but with a number of expenses in my new house, I'm wondering if it makes sense to go a cheaper route. If it makes sense to spend the money, I'll do it. I just don't want to throw money away when there's comparable cheaper options. Also trying to decide between cats or non-cats. I'm leaning towards non-cats because the last thing I need is more maintenance and it sounded like that was one of the primary differences. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Billy Helmer : While a cat can increase your stoves efficiency, its normal location is just before the stoves exhaust pipe, so most of the potential increased heat

production goes up the chimney ! Also a Cat may actually make thinks worse if you are stuck using green or wet wood, or by trying to ''hold a fire'' all day and let

the fire smolder they can actually plug up.

If you pay attention to maintenance intervals faithfully, and burn good dry wood, the cat should last a long time and may save you from ever having a chimney

fire ! Big AL