We had an insert put into our house when we built it 27 years ago. When the firebox is hot and the fan is running we can make it so hot in our house that we end up opening the doors and windows to cool the place off. The secret to an insert is to keep a small to moderate amount of wood burning once the firebox is hot.
But without that fan that runs the air around the firebox, the insulation from the insert prevents much of the heat from radiating into the room.
I agree with the many others on this thread that are suggesting the woodstove since you using it for cooking as well as heating.
If you really are going for the insert, and you are really worried about power outages then, invest in a nice high quality generator. We purchased one several years ago. My husband has it set up so that we go offgrid and run off the generator with a flip of a switch.
We can run just about everything at once including the big freezer, fridge, the A/C and the computers. The neighbors know that in the event of an emergency we are available to keep their medications, baby formula or anything else important cool, cold or frozen. If we had to go long term, we could supply ice for those running out of ice chests, or feed large groups of people.
I’m on a budget, so I will do one or the other, so maybe the generator is the best way to go.
Thanx.
“The neighbors know that in the event of an emergency we are available to keep their medications, baby formula or anything else important cool, cold or frozen. If we had to go long term, we could supply ice for those running out of ice chests, or feed large groups of people.”
I love that you are looking out for your neighbors.