Understanding fireplace inserts with Maison Fireplaces

When discovering the realm of fireplaces, however, there's more on the market than the classic and more traditional styles.

Fireplace inserts were invented back in 1986 by coal miner Joab R. Donaldson whilst working at Oliphant Furnace, a coal-mining town at the time, located in Pennsylvania, US. Now, rising in demand, fireplace inserts are used in homes to successfully trap the fireplace's heat by using an insulated glass door insert in a traditional wood fire, bringing a more efficient way of heating your home by significantly reducing the heat lost. 

Maison Fireplaces in Australia are European fireplace specialists, importing and selling premium fireplace inserts from the other side of the world, bringing the ultimate efficiency, design, and function. We spoke to Ivan Pacak of Maison Fireplaces, discussing fireplace inserts, what they are and why they may be something you want in your home. 

Fireplace inserts come in many sizes, from 670mm to 1570mm, and there are many configurations, from single-sided to double-sided, panoramic or vertical, indoor-outdoor. These options allow for an unlimited scope of enclosure designs and final finishes such as paint, render, stone, concrete, corten steel and many more. The finished product becomes the focus point of any house, and what’s great is our inserts allow the combustion air to be ducted directly from outside to the firebox, meeting seven-star home design principles and increasing interior air quality.

The Alberg 780 is a single- and double-sided series with a more traditional style with a lateral (swing) door opening system. These are price-point alternatives for medium-sized interiors that still offer excellent heat output and visual impact.

The Mt Blanc 970 in single, double-sided and alfresco models are the most popular sizes in the Mt Blanc 970 range. Vertical lift door technology, excellent performance and a combination of size, style and performance make the 970 series a very popular choice.

The flagship of our range, the Mt Blanc 1170, comes in single, double-side and alfresco models with vertical doors suited to large interiors requiring visual impact. With high-heating performance and a large glass area, the 1170 series is fast-growing in popularity.

The Mt Blanc 1370-1570 is another great option, designed with a vertical door. The grand series of fireplaces, this insert adds incredible visual impact to any architecturally designed interior.

The Mt Blanc 970 Aquatec is a popular choice for the central heating system and is a hydronic heating insert, meaning it uses water as a heat transfer medium. The high level of technology in these units provides an optimal mix of space and water heating sufficient for 300-plus square meter homes and an excellent choice for customers who want to future-proof their new homes while achieving the best warmth and comfort throughout the house.

Our Alfresco models (double-sided with indoor outdoor treatment) have established themselves as the premier choice for customers who want the benefit of a regular indoor fireplace that can provide warmth and ambience for outdoor settings simultaneously. The optimal heat distribution of 70% indoor and 30% outdoor offers the best of both worlds for regular indoor/outdoor use.

Lastly, our newly released REBELLION series is an elegant and technologically superior addition to a popular trend of free-standing inserts providing the perfect blend of industrial looks with our famous clean burn, clean glass and high thermal output.

Wood-fired fireplaces have a long tradition in Australia, and Maison Fireplaces - the Kobok range of fireplaces is the pinnacle of technology, design, economy and environmental sensitivity expected by today's customers building modern, seven-star houses. Responsible operation of our fireplaces (dry fuel, optimal loads, regular maintenance) will ensure long life, optimal heating performance, and the cosiness and comfort people feel being around a living, burning fire.

Now that the installation of gas fireplace inserts is limited in several states in Australia, Maison Fireplaces is planning to introduce pellet-fired fireplace inserts. Pellet technology is massive in other parts of the world, and our Italian suppliers are leaders in the industry. 

The correct fireplace insert installation is critical to achieving a safe and optimal operation and the desired visually appealing finished product. We at Maison Fireplaces work with leading suppliers of materials for enclosure installation, such as Skamol Enclosure Products, Hebel Power Panels and suppliers of refractory bricks and blocks from Australia and overseas. We also use new, RSF-insulated flue systems for faster installation, reduced flue noise and compatibility with seven-star and high Bal ratings. We only use and recommend enclosure materials tested and certified in Australia and overseas.

It's also essential that the builder/installer is familiar with these materials and construction systems to achieve the final result. We routinely run installation courses for builders and fireplace specialist installers, with fully trained installers available in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Maison Fireplaces has the expertise and experience to work with builders to ensure the best possible end result.

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