I recently (about 3 weeks ago) had a Harman Accentra installed and couldn't be happier with a pellet insert. After cutting wood most of my life, it's certainly a nice alternative. As for cleaning and reliability, I doubt if there is an easier stove to maintain - a little sweeping and scraping seems to do the trick. Temperature control is nothing short of amazing - like having a super thermostat in my family room. No - I don't sell them (I sound lke a salesman) - but, I did plenty of homework before buying the stove and am very satisfied. Your dealer needs to pay you a visit and determine what is possible in your situation. My dealer made 3 stops here before accepting any $$ - stove was installed with no problems (2 story home).

Thanks Tedalan.

Mind telling me about your firebox and what the total cost was for your accentra? Was the liner installed single story or two story like mine? The only dealer around me seems to be very high and I highly doubt they would come out to home before purchase

My fireplace is 45" wide and about 32" high (not quite sure the height is accurate). The depth is also well within their guidelines. Liner extends the full 2 stories - took a little under 25'. I also use outside air for combustion - the cold air pipe extends to just above the flu. If your dealer thinks you're serious, he'd be nuts not to at least pay you a visit. Some charge $50 to cover their costs which will be deducted from a purchase. You might let him know you'd pay for the trip if it would be a credit toward a Harmon or similar. My complete installation was right around $5000 - maybe a little more. I also purchsed the log kit and the extension rails since I plan to do my own service. Also needed a surround kit due to the size of my opening. We sure love the insert - it performs exactly as advertised. Btw, a free ton of pellets was also included in the deal.

I called one of the only dealers around me and they quoted me about 4700? More than I was hoping for. I think I can get into the Country Stove PI-40 insert for around 4K. One dealer carries both and speaks highly about both the Accentra and the Winslow.

Anybody else out there have any experience with the Country PI-40 insert?

I just had a Harman Accentra installed about a month ago. It was one of the best things I ever bought. I paid about $3200 for the stove, $260 for piping(8-10ft tubing, several elbows, clean-out tee, ceiling fixture, wall thimble, and cap), $200 for zero-clearance box, and $460 for installation.

Works great, and I use it heat up about over 2500sf of living space.

Shaun;

That beats the quote I received for an ACCENTRA. What's the 200 for zero-clearance box for? Is yours in a fireplace box like mine or a stand alone? I have a Majestic fireplace insert (BR42I) but I've never heard of the zero clearance accessory/option?

Anybody out there own the Country PI-40? Love to get some feedback on that one!

Shaun;

That beats the quote I received for an ACCENTRA. What's the 200 for zero-clearance box for? Is yours in a fireplace box like mine or a stand alone? I have a Majestic fireplace insert (BR42I) but I've never heard of the zero clearance accessory/option?

Anybody out there own the Country PI-40? Love to get some feedback on that one!

The "Zero-clearance" box is what pellet insert goes into for fireplaces, that are not wood burning . Harman has their own box that fits perfectly for the Accentra. It is basically a sheetmetal box that confines the heat from the insert. If you have a existing brick fireplace you may or maynot need one. You would need to consult you fireplace installer if one is needed.

In my case it was not an option, it was a must have, according to local building code.

Check out the Harman website to see what the "zero-clearance" box looks like.

It looks like the Country Winslow Insert will fit my Majestic insert. The Harman (even custome 20") will be about 1 inch too high.

Does anybody have any experience/feedback with the Country Winslow insert and whether it will be big enough for my house?

I found another local dealer that sells Lopi, and St. Croix (the York I think). Doesn anybody know if these units are as good as the Harman..or Country for that matter?

Saw an article in This Old House magazine, current edition. Did not read it myself, but may be worth reading.

Paul