The Englander Blue Ridge 500-I is the better stove overall, rated 3.6 to 3.3. The Englander Blue Ridge 500-I leads on convenience, value and warranty. The Comfort Glow CGWI1800 Insert wins on efficiency. The Comfort Glow CGWI1800 Insert costs $920 less ($1,299 vs $2,219).
A large wood insert for heating a bigger home from a big fireplace, with up to 10 hours on a load and the blower included. Check that your fireplace opening is large enough before buying.
Englander $2,219A good value way to turn an open fireplace into a working heater for up to about 1,200 sq ft, with the blower and faceplate included. Have it installed to the manual and local code.
Amazon $1,299Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every inserts stove; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Englander Blue Ridge 500-I | Comfort Glow CGWI1800 Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 55 71% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 65 73% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 67 $38.39 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($2,219, 57,800 BTU) | 53 $45.67 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($1,299, 28,445 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 35 1.6 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 29 1.8 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) |
| Warranty 10% | 44 5-year warranty | 11 2-year warranty |
| Convenience 15% | 100 takes 22 in logs, blower included | 70 takes 18 in logs, blower included |
| Englander Blue Ridge 500-I | Comfort Glow CGWI1800 Insert | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 71% | 73% |
| Emissions | 1.6 g/h | 1.8 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 17,200 to 57,800 BTU | 10,689 to 28,445 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Fireplace insert | Fireplace insert |
| Advertised output | 110,000 BTU | - |
| Heats up to | 2,700 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
| Catalytic | No | No |
| Blower | Included | Included |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 3.5 cu ft | 1.2 cu ft |
| Longest log | 22 in | 18 in |
| Power needed | None | 120 V outlet |
| Installation | ||
| Flue size | 6 in | - |
| Mobile home approved | No | No |
| Safety listing | - | UL |
| Dimensions | 50 x 28.875 x 32 in (W x D x H, with surround) | 44 x 20 x 31 in (W x D x H, with faceplate) |
| Warranty | 5 years | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2024-09 |
