Forge & Flame Santa Fe Insert

In most homes, expect the Santa Fe Insert to heat 750–1,550 sq ft, depending on climate and layout, which suits a cottage, a smaller ranch, or a main floor. Input runs from 9,300 to 30,600 BTU per hour, efficiency is 66% on the higher heating value, and it's EPA certified at 1.1 g/hr.

It's approved for masonry fireplaces and for listed factory-built fireplaces. The opening must be at least 23-1/4 inches high, 29-3/8 inches wide at the front, 24-1/8 inches wide at the rear, and 13 inches deep. Older or non-HT factory-built chimneys need a full-height listed liner.

A digital wall thermostat is included and required. When it calls for heat, the insert lights automatically, starts on high for about 4 minutes, then settles to the low, medium, or high setting you picked on its heat output switch, shutting off once the room is warm. A remote is optional.

It holds 45 lb of pellets, the smallest hopper in this lineup. If you'd rather fill less often, the Classic Bay 1200 Insert carries more. Premium wood pellets give the highest heat output, and the insert won't feed with the hopper lid open.

The insert runs on 115-volt household power through a standard plug. After an electrical disruption, it goes through a normal shutdown sequence and then restarts on its own without priming, as long as the thermostat is still calling for heat.

A surround is required and sold separately: a small 40 by 30 inch or large 50 by 33 inch metal surround in black nickel or satin nickel. A two-piece ceramic log set, outside air kit, remote, and an adjustable hearth support that sets from 2 to 10 inches high are optional.

Yes, it's approved for mobile homes when it isn't in a sleeping room. An outside air kit must be installed for combustion air, the insert must be grounded to the home's frame, and it vents through listed 3-inch or 4-inch Type L or PL pellet vent.

Clean the fire pot about every 3 bags of hardwood pellets or 5 bags of softwood, and empty the ash drawer under the fire pot weekly or every 5 bags. The manual recommends annual service by a qualified technician and keeping 3 feet clear in front of the insert.