Buck Stove Fireplace Insert Model 91 | Catalytic, 62,745 BTUs (Covers 3,200 Square Feet) | Wood Burning with Heat Activated Blower | Black Door/Windows with 9" Faceplate Trim Kit

Why I chose the Model 91 insert

I installed the Model 91 insert to convert an underperforming masonry fireplace into a primary heater for our living area. I wanted long, steady heat without constantly tending the fire, and I preferred a traditional look that didn’t read “industrial stove” in the middle of the room. The Model 91’s catalytic design, substantial BTU rating (up to 62,745 BTUs), and the option to tailor the trim to my opening checked those boxes.

Installation and trim fit

This is a serious piece of heating equipment, and a proper, code-compliant installation is not optional—both for safety and to keep the warranty intact. I ran a full, insulated stainless liner, sealed the damper area, and used the included 9-inch faceplate trim kit to clean up the surround. The trim frames can be cut to size, which spared me from fabricating filler panels to hide the irregularities in my brick. It’s a straightforward way to get a tight, finished look even if your fireplace isn’t perfectly square.

The insert I chose has the black door and window trim, which suits a traditional room. If you want a little more sparkle, there are pewter and gold finishes available. The large viewing area is also worth calling out; it keeps the room feeling like it still has a fireplace rather than a black box.

Getting it lit and dialed in

Lighting is easy with dry wood and a modest bed of kindling. The routine that worked best for me was to light with the bypass open, let the flue and firebox come up to temperature, then engage the catalyst and reduce the air to settle into a steady burn. Catalytic stoves reward patience and proper technique—use seasoned wood, avoid smothering loads, and wait until the firebox is truly hot before expecting the catalyst to do its best work. Once engaged, the burn character shifts from lively flames to a more controlled, even heat. It’s less dramatic to watch but much more comfortable to live with.

If you’re new to catalytic appliances, expect a short learning curve. The payoff is longer, steadier heat and less frequent reloading. With well-seasoned hardwood, I consistently stretched a load far longer than an open fireplace or non-catalytic box I’ve used in the past.

Heating performance

The published output (up to 62,745 BTUs) and coverage (up to 3,200 square feet) set high expectations. In my home, the Model 91 easily keeps the main floor warm during freezing nights and sends usable warmth into adjacent rooms and up the stairwell. The caveat, as always, is your house: insulation, layout, and airflow make a big difference. In an open plan or with some strategic fan use, the insert can shoulder the majority of the heating in moderate climates. In closed-off, compartmentalized layouts, you’ll still enjoy a very warm core zone and reduced reliance on central heat.

The heat feels “deep”—not just hot air rushing past your face, but a sustained, even output that soaks into the space. That’s the hallmark of a good catalytic burn.

Blower behavior and noise

The heat-activated blower kicks on automatically as the unit comes up to temperature and does a lot of the heavy lifting in moving warmth off the firebox and into the room. The sound profile is a low, steady hum. In my living room, it fades into the background in normal conversation or with the TV on. If you’re sensitive to fan noise, placement matters: avoid hard, reflective surfaces right in front of the insert, and keep the intake area clear. During a power outage, you still get radiant and convective heat—just not the same room-to-room push—so plan accordingly if you live where the lights go out often.

Day-to-day usability

• Loading is straightforward, and the door seals confidently without needing to wrench on the handle.
• Ash management is simple. I left a modest ash bed for easier relights and scooped out the box as needed.
• The glass stayed acceptably clear with dry wood and hot initial burns. On slower, low-air burns, a light haze built up but wiped away with a damp cloth and ash when the unit was cool.
• The controls offer precise, incremental adjustments, which makes it easy to find the sweet spot between flame activity and long-burn cruising.

Maintenance and longevity

All wood-burning inserts require routine care, and the Model 91 is no exception:

• Burn only well-seasoned wood. High moisture content wastes heat and dirties everything faster.
• Inspect door and window gaskets each season; a tight seal is crucial for controlled burns.
• Keep the catalytic combustor clean and within spec. It’s a consumable part over the long haul; periodic inspection and eventual replacement are part of ownership.
• Sweep the liner on an appropriate schedule for your burn habits.

The upside to that attention is a cleaner chimney, better efficiency, and a longer life for the insert. Buck backs the unit with a 1-year replacement and a 5-year limited parts warranty (registration and code-compliant installation required), which provides some peace of mind. Keep your paperwork and installation documentation.

Build quality and design

The overall build feels robust. The castings align well, the door closes with an even pressure, and the paint finish has held up to repeated hot cycles without flaking. The traditional styling works in older homes but doesn’t feel out of place in a more transitional room. If you care about the fireplace still feeling like a focal point, the large viewing window delivers that without compromising heat performance.

What could be better

• There’s a small learning curve to get the most from the catalyst. Beginners can expect a couple of awkward burns before it clicks.
• Like all inserts with blowers, you’re partially dependent on electricity for maximum heat distribution. If outages are common where you live, consider a backup plan to power the fan or set expectations for radiant-only operation.
• This is a substantial unit; measure carefully and plan the logistics. Professional installation is wise for both safety and sanity.

None of these are dealbreakers. They’re inherent trade-offs in exchange for the heating capability and efficiency the Model 91 offers.

Support experience

I contacted Buck once for a minor hardware request and was answered promptly with a no-fuss solution. That kind of responsiveness matters with heating appliances, especially in the middle of the burn season when downtime is painful.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners looking to turn a drafty masonry fireplace into a legitimate heat source
• Those who value long, even burns and are willing to learn the rhythm of a catalytic insert
• Anyone who needs flexible trim to accommodate a less-than-perfect fireplace opening

If you want pure ambiance with minimal heat, or you don’t want any maintenance beyond striking a match, a small non-catalytic unit or gas insert might suit you better. For serious, efficient wood heat, the Model 91 is squarely in its element.

Recommendation

I recommend the Model 91 insert. It delivers real, whole-home-capable heat, especially when supported by the heat-activated blower, and the catalytic system turns cordwood into long, even warmth rather than short bursts of flame. The cut-to-size trim simplifies installation in imperfect openings, the traditional design looks at home in a living space, and the warranty and responsive support provide confidence. If you’re ready to invest in proper installation and basic maintenance, this insert is a reliable, high-output centerpiece that can meaningfully reduce your reliance on other heat sources.