Osburn is a North American manufacturer of quality wood and pellet heating
appliances, that was founded in 1979. The company mainly specializes in wood stoves, pellet stoves, wood fireplaces, wood inserts, and their related accessories.
Osburn is widely known for the high-efficiency and performance of its products, for those looking to replace their traditional fireplaces with more sophisticated wood and pellet heating systems for their homes. The company also stocks up on Osburn gas fireplace parts and maintenance products.
All their products are independently tested by an accredited laboratory under EPA – New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and/or CSA B415.1-10, and are manufactured in Canada (Quebec).
The main advantage of the Osburn fireplaces inserts is that they are sure to meet your heating needs. With a high output of between 40,000 BTU/h to 100,000 BTU/h, their products will provide all the heating you need for your home. They also provide a great ambiance to your home, with real fire and beautiful natural logs.
However, as with all wood fireplaces and inserts, you will need to either buy or chop and dry firewood to use in your fireplace, which might be quite hectic. Additionally, there are associated risks of health and safety with leaving a fire unattended, and with carbon monoxide emissions. They also require periodic inspections and maintenance.
Generally, Osburn fireplace inserts are non-catalytic and have received great
recommendations and reviews from their owners, especially in terms of durability and performance. They meet their heating requirements, with hardly any need for repairs or replacements. This makes it one of the best in the industry.
Below are reviews of some of the best models of the Osburn fireplace inserts:
- Max BTUs: 75,000
- Heat Capacity: 500-2,000-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 8-hours
The Osburn Matrix is a beautifully designed, big, sleek wood insert for every contemporary home. With high efficiency of up to 77%, this model is a major upgrade from a traditional fireplace.
You can accessorize with the classy faceplates for a stunning flush look. Osburn also provides an optional sheet metal backing plate for easy installation into larger openings. It also employs a non-catalytic combustion technology that ensures more heat is generated with a clean and clear burn.
Osburn Matrix Attributes
- BTUs (Max): 75,000 BTU/h (22.0 kW)
- Minimum Fireplace Dimensions: 28 7/8"W x 23 5/16"H x 19 5/8"D
- Heat Capacity: 500-2100 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: 5 “Ø fresh air intake kit oval, 5 “Ø fresh air intake register with airtight damper, Offset liner adaptor
- Efficiency: 77 %
- Certification: UL 1482, UL 737, ULC S628, EPA/ASTM WK47329, CSA B415.1-10,
- Firebox Volume: 2.4 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.54
- Maximum Burn Time: 8 hours
- Flue: 6” Top
- Standard design features: Bottom faceplate backing plate panels, Faceplate backing plate, Projection kit for insert 2” or 4”, Rigid fire screen,
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Max BTUs: 65,000
- Heat Capacity: 500 - 1,800-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 6-Hours
As with all other Osburn fireplace inserts, the Osburn 1700 comes in a metallic black color that blends perfectly into any home décor. This look is customizable with a variety of design options for the faceplate trims and door overlays.
It provides a perfect ambiance of a real fireplace and will make a great focal point of your living spaces. The most outstanding feature of the Osburn 1700 is its low emissions rate of 1.26g/h, making it safer and more eco-friendly for your home.
It is specially designed for durability, with its metallic frame, cast iron doors, quality bricks, and a very quiet blower.
Osburn 1700 Attributes
- BTUs (Max): : 65,000 BTU/h
- Minimum Fireplace Dimensions: 27 1/2"W x 21 1/2"H x 12 7/8"D
- Heat Capacity: 500 - 1,800 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: Offset liner adaptor, 5 “Ø fresh air intake kit, Rigid fire screen
- Efficiency: 78 %
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Certification: EPA, UL 1482, UL 737, ULC S628, CSA B415.1-10
- Firebox Volume: 1.9 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.26
- Maximum Burn Time: 6 hours
- Flue: 6” Top
- Standard design features: Black or brushed nickel cast iron door overlay, Faceplate kit Regular or Large, Black or brushed nickel faceplate trims
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion, Low emissions
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Max BTUs: 75,000
- Heat Capacity: 500 - 2,100-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 8-Hours
The Osburn 2000 is a strong, durable fireplace insert made from high-quality materials. It is incredibly stylish and minimalistic, with optional faceplates, faceplate trims, and steel door overlays in different finishes, for a more personal touch.
This 2.4 cubic foot legend offers nothing less than maximum performance, with high efficiency of 77% and up to 75,000 BTU/hr. With all its amazing features and an attractive display of real fire, the Osburn 2000 is a priceless addition to every home.
Osburn 2000 Attributes
- BTUs (Max): : 75,000 BTU/h
- Minimum Fireplace Dimensions: 28 7/8"W x 23 3/8"H x 15 3/4"D
- Heat Capacity: 500 – 2,100 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: Cuttable faceplate, Rigid fire screen, Heat shield for surround/shelf, 5 “Ø fresh air intake kit oval, 5 “Ø fresh air intake register with airtight damper, Offset liner adaptor
- Efficiency: 77%
- Certification: EPA, UL 1482, UL 737, ULC S628, CSA B415.1-10
- Firebox Volume: 2.4 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.54
- Maximum Burn Time: 8 hours
- Flue: 6” Top
- Standard design features: Black or brushed nickel steel door overlay, Faceplate kit Regular or Large, Black or brushed nickel faceplate trims
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion, 144-CFM ultra-quiet variable speed fan
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Max BTUs: 75,000
- Heat Capacity: 500 - 2,100-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 8-Hours
The elegant aesthetics of the Osburn Inspire make it stand out as a great alternative among other Osburn fireplace inserts of equal capacity.
It guarantees the same high quality and performance while adding a great modern touch to your home décor. It comes with a 24 13/16” X 18 1/2” ceramic glass door that gives you a scenic view into the fireplace throughout the cold season.
Osburn Inspire Attributes
- BTUs (Max): : 75,000 BTU/h
- Minimum Fireplace Dimensions: 29"W x 24 5/8"H x 20 3/4"D
- Heat Capacity: 500 – 2,100 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Standard design features: Narrow, narrow U shape or cuttable faceplate
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion
- Efficiency: 77%
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Firebox Volume: 2.4 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.54
- Maximum Burn Time: 8 hours
- Flue: 6” Top
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: Refractory panel kit for insert, 5 “Ø fresh air intake kit oval, 5 “Ø fresh air intake register with airtight damper, Offset liner adaptor
- Certification: EPA, UL 1482, UL 737, CSA B415.1-10, ULC S628
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Max BTUs: 80,000
- Heat Capacity: 750 - 2,200-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 8-Hours
The Osburn Stratford II is an eco-friendly and non-catalytic fireplace that offers an astonishingly low particle emission rate of 1.14 g/hr. This model has a classic look that lets you select between a traditional or prairie style faceplate to match the design of your living space. You can also choose between a black door or a brushed nickel door overlay.
An impressive feature of the Osburn Stratford II is that it includes the option of an air-distribution system that you can use to heat the adjoining rooms. This fireplace is definitely a model to watch out for.
Osburn Stratford II Attributes
- BTUs (Max): : 80,000 BTU/h
- Firebox dimensions (W x D x H): 20 1/2" x 12 3/4" x 12 1/8"
- Heat Capacity: 750 – 2,200 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Standard design features: Black or brushed nickel cast iron door overlay, Traditional or Prairie style faceplate
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion
- Efficiency: 74%
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Firebox Volume: 2.5 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.14
- Maximum Burn Time: 8 hours
- Flue: 6” Top (Class A Chimney Required)
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: 4 “Ø fresh air intake register with airtight damper, Firescreen door, forced air kit, hot air gravity kit
- Certification: EPA, CSA B415.1-10, UL 127, ULC-S610
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
- Max BTUs: 95,000
- Heat Capacity: 1,000 - 2,800-sq/ft
- Max Burn Time: 11-Hours
The Osburn Horizon is the epitome of magnificence and quality. With a large heating capacity of up to 2,800 square feet, this sure is the go-to model for all vast space-heating needs. The fireplace itself is a whole 4.28 cubic feet in volume, and it guarantees up to 95,000 BTU/h. The design of the Osburn Horizon is a simple contemporary style fit for every modern home.
The Osburn also offers high convenience with a capacity to hold up to 60 lbs of wood, and a maximum burn time of 11 hours. This will ensure you have a whole night of warmth in your home that will last till the morning.
Osburn Horizon Attributes
- BTUs (Max): : 95,000 BTU/h
- Firebox dimensions (W x D x H): 25 3/8" x 17 7/8" x 17"
- Heat Capacity: 1000 – 2,800 Ft2
- Fuel Type: Dry cordwood
- Standard design features: Prairie-style faceplate, Classic moulded refractory brick panels
- Unique Features: Non-catalytic combustion, high heating capacity, and BTUs
- Efficiency: 69.7%
- EPA Approved: Yes
- Firebox Volume: 4.28 Ft3
- Emissions Grams/Hour: 1.6
- Maximum Burn Time: 11 hours
- Flue: Top, 8” Diameter Class A Chimney Pipe
- Add-ons, Options, and Accessories: Warm air circulation grille, Modern style, Forced air kit, Air diffuser kit 6” or 8”
- Certification: EPA/ASTM WK47329, CSA B415.1-10, UL 127, ULC-S610
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Wood-Burning Fireplaces Work?
Wood-burning fireplace inserts are made of a metallic firebox with a glass door or screen to the front through which the wood or fuel is loaded. They have vents below the doors or on the sides through which the required oxygen is supplied, and controlled.
This, in turn, adjusts the fire and heat intensity. Some inserts come with blowers and double-walling to maximize energy efficiency and provide space for the heating vents.
How Long Do Fireplace Inserts Last?
Fireplaces last 20 to 30 years with normal use and standard maintenance procedures. Some parts and accessories, however, have shorter lifespans and will, therefore, need repairs and replacements within the first ten years of use.
Osburn provides warranty only for normal residential use and to the original retail purchaser. The lifetime warranty covers replacement of the combustion chamber (welds only), the cast iron door frame, the ceramic glass, manufacturing defects on plating, and the convector air-mate.
Other parts, options and accessories are also classified and covered under different warranties for parts and labor, ranging between 1 to 7 years. All parts are replaced under a 90-day warranty.
How to Light Osburn Fireplace Inserts?
In contrast with the Osburn gas fireplaces, when heating with wood, the main goal is to start a fire fast, therefore resulting in less smoke. There are various ways you can light an Osburn fireplace insert.
For conventional fire starting, bunch up 5 to 10 sheets of plain newspaper and place them in the firebox. After that, place about ten pieces of thin fine kindling (less than 1”) on the newspaper. Place larger kindling on top, fully open the air control, and light the newspaper. Once the fire ignites, close the door and leave the air control fully open. You can occasionally add the standard wood pieces whenever the kindling fire has mostly burnt.
Another way of lighting a wood fire is the top-down fire method that provides up to two or more hours of heating and doesn’t require you to build up the fire gradually. It involves putting the full-sized wood at the bottom, followed by finely-split pieces of firewood, and finally the kindling, at right angles. The newspaper comes at the top, and are bunched together and stuffed between the kindling and the baffle underside. The fire will burn from top to bottom.
You can also opt to use the two parallel logs method where two logs are placed in the firebox with newspapers in between, followed by two layers of kindling, across each other. Lastly, light the newspaper. You can also use commercial sawdust and wax fire starters instead of newspapers according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Flammable liquids should not be used in the appliances.
The first time you light an Osburn fireplace, there will a little smoke as the paint cures. After two or three uses, this will stop. Once the curing is complete, you can use your fireplace for heavy heating and bigger fires.
Why Does the Fireplace Gas Get Sooty?
The fireplace glass can get sooty for various reasons. This could be as a result of the high moisture content of the wood used, that is above 25%. To solve this, simply use good, seasoned cordwood that has been properly dried for approximately one year, and stored in a dry and airy location.
Another reason could be that the logs are positioned too close to the glass and therefore obstruct the airflow required to keep the glass clean. A 2-inch gap should be maintained between the logs and the glass.
The final reason could be the weakness of the chimney draft. This could be because of insufficient heat in the exhaust system, which could be solved by building up the temperature inside the flue to approximately 700 °F during the start-up. The other reason for this weakness could be the lack of oxygen in the heater for a sufficient draft, hence ensure there is proper ventilation in the room.
If the chimney is below the minimum height, usually twelve feet, then it might be too short for a sufficient draft. Also, check if your exhaust system is tortuous or lacks a sufficiently steep slope.
Lastly, ensure that your exhaust system is not oversized, therefore making it harder to reach the right temperatures for a sufficient draft, as a result of the increased volume of air. If your exhaust is over 6” in diameter, insert a 6” diameter stainless liner inside the system.
Why is there Smoke When I Use My Fireplace?
For a new Osburn fireplace insert, it is normal for a thin smoke to come out of the unit’s surface since the paint is being ‘cured’. This might occur the first two or three times you use your appliance.
Smoke can also be caused by negative pressure in the chimney, as a result of it being too cold. To solve this, light a few papers in the appliance, closer to the flue outlet, to heat up the chimney. The negative pressure could be caused by moving air around the device.
Therefore, switch off any range hoods, bathroom fans, or air exchangers when using your heater. If the moving air is from the wind, as a result of interference from a neighboring structure, make the extremity of your chimney at least two feet higher than any structure within a radius of ten feet.