The Englander Blue Ridge 500-I rates 3.6 among inserts stoves; the Woodstock Ideal Steel Hybrid rates 3.1 among wood stoves ones. The Englander Blue Ridge 500-I costs $1,371 less ($2,219 vs $3,590).
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 $2,219For heating a large home on wood with long, clean overnight burns. A catalytic hybrid with a big firebox, sold direct with a money back trial.
Woodstock Soapstone $3,590Prices 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.
These two sit in different type classes (inserts and wood stoves), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Englander Blue Ridge 500-I | Woodstock Ideal Steel Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Efficiency 30% | 55 71% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) | 80 76% EPA tested efficiency (HHV) |
| Value 30% | 67 $38.39 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($2,219, 57,800 BTU) | 0 $64.50 per 1,000 BTU of EPA tested output ($3,590, 55,662 BTU) |
| Emissions 15% | 35 1.6 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) | 81 0.7 g/h of smoke particles (EPA) |
| Warranty 10% | 44 5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| Convenience 15% | 100 takes 22 in logs, blower included | 60 takes 22 in logs, no blower offered |
| Englander Blue Ridge 500-I | Woodstock Ideal Steel Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA certification | ||
| EPA certified | Yes (2020 standard) | Yes (2020 standard) |
| Efficiency (HHV) | 71% | 76% |
| Emissions | 1.6 g/h | 0.7 g/h |
| Tested heat output | 17,200 to 57,800 BTU | 10,409 to 55,662 BTU |
| Heating | ||
| Fuel | Cord wood | Cord wood |
| Type | Fireplace insert | Freestanding |
| Advertised output | 110,000 BTU | - |
| Heats up to | 2,700 sq ft | 2,200 sq ft |
| Catalytic | No | Yes |
| Blower | Included | None offered |
| Thermostat | No | No |
| App control | No | No |
| Fuel | ||
| Firebox | 3.5 cu ft | 3.2 cu ft |
| Longest log | 22 in | 22 in |
| Power needed | None | None |
| Installation | ||
| Flue size | 6 in | 6 in |
| Mobile home approved | No | Yes |
| Safety listing | - | PFS (UL 1482-2022) |
| Dimensions | 50 x 28.875 x 32 in (W x D x H, with surround) | 29.5 x 27.5 x 35.5 in (W x D x H) |
| Weight | - | 620 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
