Choosing a pellet stove fireplace insert starts with a fit question: do you need a true insert built for a fireplace opening, or a freestanding pellet stove that offers a fire-viewing experience? My lead pick for an existing fireplace is the ComfortBilt HP22i, which is specifically described as an insert and pairs substantial heating capacity with a programmable thermostat. The Canyon Lodge Bayfront is my choice for buyers who want Wi-Fi controls, a larger hopper, and a freestanding lodge-style stove rather than an insert.
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These two options are not interchangeable. The HP22i offers a stated 41,000 BTU output and a 47-pound hopper, while the Bayfront holds 66 pounds of pellets and adds app control, but its listed description identifies it as a pellet stove, not a fireplace insert. I’d weigh fireplace compatibility and installation requirements against longer intervals between refills, smart controls, and viewing-window design before choosing.
Key Takeaways
- The ComfortBilt HP22i is the direct match for buyers seeking a fireplace insert; confirm its dimensions and venting requirements against your existing fireplace.
- The Canyon Lodge Bayfront is a freestanding pellet stove, so its larger hopper and Wi-Fi features do not make it a drop-in fireplace insert.
- The Bayfront’s 66-pound hopper is larger than the HP22i’s 47-pound hopper, which may mean fewer refills, though actual burn time depends on settings and conditions.
- The HP22i lists 41,000 BTU per hour, five power settings, and a programmable thermostat for adjustable heating.
- Both options require installation and ongoing ash care; I would plan for venting, electrical access, service clearance, and routine cleaning before buying either.
| ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove Fireplace Insert |  | Best Overall for an Existing Fireplace | Heating area: Up to 2,800 sq. ft. | Heat output: Up to 41,000 BTU per hour | Hopper capacity: 47 lb. | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Canyon Lodge Bayfront Pellet Stove |  | Best for Wi-Fi and a Larger Hopper | Heating capacity: 1,800–2,500 sq. ft. | Hopper capacity: 66 lb. | Construction: Cast iron and steel | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| pellet stove fireplace insert | Hopper capacity | Heating area | Heat output | Listed burn time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove | 47 lb. | Up to 2,800 sq. ft. | Up to 41,000 BTU per hour | Up to 18 hours |
| Canyon Lodge Bayfront Pellet S | 66 lb. | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
ComfortBilt HP22i Pellet Stove Fireplace Insert
The ComfortBilt HP22i is my first choice for this roundup because it is the only product here described as a fireplace insert. Its listed heating area reaches 2,800 square feet, and the stated output is up to 41,000 BTU per hour. Those figures make it a candidate for a large open area or connected rooms, though I would not size a heater by square footage alone: home layout, insulation, local weather, and the fireplace opening all affect the result.
Its everyday controls are more conventional than the Bayfront’s app-centered feature set. The HP22i has five power settings, a programmable thermostat, auto ignition, and a remote control. Together, these features let a household adjust heat without relying on Wi-Fi or managing a phone app. The bay-view window also gives the fire a broader visual presence than a small, plain viewing panel, while the included finishing shroud and ash vacuum speak to the practicalities of an insert installation and cleanup.
The tradeoff is a smaller 47-pound hopper than the Bayfront’s 66-pound capacity. The product description lists up to 18 hours of burn time, but I’d treat that as a stated maximum rather than a promise for every setting or fuel condition. The HP22i also needs proper venting and professional attention to fit: an insert must suit the fireplace opening and installation plan. Compared with the Bayfront, it is the clearer fireplace-opening choice, but it lacks the listed Wi-Fi connectivity and larger pellet reservoir. Buyers who want an uncomplicated freestanding stove should look at the Bayfront instead.
I’d put this model first for a homeowner who wants pellet heat in an existing fireplace and values adjustable controls over app access. Before ordering, I would confirm the unit’s physical dimensions, required clearances, venting arrangement, and electrical needs with the installer. The available description does not provide those details, and they can determine whether a seemingly suitable insert actually fits.
Pros:- Explicitly designed and described as a fireplace insert
- Lists up to 2,800 sq. ft. of heating area and 41,000 BTU per hour
- Five power settings, programmable thermostat, auto ignition, and remote control
- Includes a finishing shroud and ash vacuum
Cons:- Its 47-pound hopper is smaller than the Bayfront’s 66-pound hopper
- Installation and venting are required, and fireplace fit must be verified
- Ash removal and regular maintenance remain part of ownership
Best for: Homeowners with a compatible existing fireplace who want an insert with a programmable thermostat, remote, and multiple heat settings.
Not ideal for: Buyers seeking a freestanding stove, a Wi-Fi-connected heater, or a unit selected without first checking fireplace dimensions and venting.
- Heating area:Up to 2,800 sq. ft.
- Heat output:Up to 41,000 BTU per hour
- Hopper capacity:47 lb.
- Listed burn time:Up to 18 hours
- Power settings:5
- Controls:Programmable thermostat, auto ignition, remote control
- Window and airflow:Bay-view window and room blower
- Included accessories:Finishing shroud, ash vacuum, remote control
Our verdict“I’d choose the HP22i for an appropriately sized existing fireplace because it is the lineup’s direct insert option with flexible everyday controls.”
Canyon Lodge Bayfront Pellet Stove
The Canyon Lodge Bayfront suits a different buyer: someone who wants a freestanding pellet stove with a substantial fire display and smartphone control. Its 66-pound hopper exceeds the HP22i’s 47-pound capacity, so it can hold more pellets between refills. That advantage may reduce refill frequency, but it does not establish a specific burn time; heat setting, pellet quality, and operating conditions determine how quickly fuel is used.
The Bayfront is listed for areas from 1,800 to 2,500 square feet, which is a lower stated coverage range than the HP22i’s maximum of 2,800 square feet. It adds Wi-Fi connectivity for remote app control, three large viewing windows, and a quiet blower system. For someone who wants to adjust a freestanding heater from a phone and values a broad view of the flame, those features are more persuasive than the HP22i’s thermostat-focused control package. Cast iron and steel construction, a fresh-air kit, and included stove feet reinforce that this is presented as a stove rather than an insert.
That distinction is the main reason I rank it second for a search specifically about fireplace inserts. The product description does not call the Bayfront an insert; its feet and freestanding design point to a different installation format. I would not assume it can be installed inside an existing fireplace opening. Buyers should confirm the manufacturer’s approved placement, clearances, venting, and fresh-air requirements before planning a room layout. Compared with the HP22i, it offers the larger hopper and Wi-Fi, but not the same explicitly identified insert form or the HP22i’s listed BTU output and thermostat features.
The Bayfront is also a less appealing match for small rooms, where its stated heating range may be more than needed. App setup adds another step, and smart controls are not a substitute for proper sizing or safe installation. I’d choose it for a larger area where a freestanding lodge-style stove is acceptable and remote operation matters. If the goal is to put a heater into an existing fireplace, I’d start with the ComfortBilt and verify fit rather than treating the Bayfront as an insert alternative.
Pros:- 66-pound hopper holds more pellets than the HP22i’s 47-pound hopper
- Wi-Fi connectivity supports remote control through a smartphone app
- Three large viewing windows and a quiet blower system
- Includes a fresh-air kit, stove feet, power cord, and screen
Cons:- Described as a freestanding pellet stove, not a fireplace insert
- Its listed 1,800–2,500 sq. ft. range is below the HP22i’s maximum coverage figure
- Smart features require setup, and installation and venting still need planning
Best for: Buyers who can install a freestanding pellet stove and prioritize Wi-Fi control, a large viewing display, and a larger hopper.
Not ideal for: Shoppers who need a true fireplace insert, have a small room, or prefer not to configure app-based controls.
- Heating capacity:1,800–2,500 sq. ft.
- Hopper capacity:66 lb.
- Construction:Cast iron and steel
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi smartphone app control
- Viewing area:Three large windows
- Blower:Quiet blower system
- Certification:EPA certified
- Included components:Fresh-air kit, stove feet, power cord, screen, literature
Our verdict“I’d pick the Bayfront when Wi-Fi and a larger hopper matter more than fitting a true insert into an existing fireplace.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options around the phrase pellet stove fireplace insert, not around a general search for pellet heat. That distinction changes the order: the ComfortBilt HP22i is explicitly identified as an insert, while the Canyon Lodge Bayfront is described as a stove with feet and a fresh-air kit. I place the HP22i first because its form factor more closely matches a buyer replacing or adding a unit in an existing fireplace opening. The Bayfront earns a distinct second role for shoppers who can accommodate a freestanding stove and value app controls and a larger pellet supply.
I also compared the details that affect daily ownership: stated heating area and output, hopper size, control options, included components, viewing design, and maintenance implications. A larger coverage figure does not prove that a stove will heat every home equally; insulation, ceiling height, layout, climate, and installation all matter. Product descriptions do not provide dimensions, venting diagrams, installation labor, or measured burn performance under specific conditions, so I do not treat those as verified. I’d confirm those facts with the manufacturer and a qualified installer before committing.
Finally, I gave each product a clear use case rather than treating every feature as a universal advantage. A larger hopper is useful when refill frequency matters, while an insert’s fit and finishing details matter more to someone using a masonry fireplace. Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it adds setup and depends on a compatible home connection. My ranking reflects those buyer priorities and the difference between a true insert and a freestanding stove.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Pellet Stove Fireplace Insert
Before choosing between these products, I’d separate insert compatibility from heating features. The HP22i is presented as an insert; the Bayfront is presented as a freestanding stove. Then I’d compare the installation plan, the amount of heat the home needs, and which controls and maintenance routines fit daily life.
Confirm that the appliance is actually an insert
A fireplace insert is meant to fit into an existing fireplace as part of an approved installation. A freestanding stove sits in the room with its own placement and clearance requirements. In this comparison, the ComfortBilt HP22i is the insert, while the Bayfront description includes stove feet and does not identify the unit as an insert. I would not infer fireplace compatibility from a large viewing window or a product title alone. Check manufacturer documentation for dimensions, approved installation type, clearances, hearth requirements, and venting before buying.
Match heat output to the home, not only the headline area
The HP22i lists coverage up to 2,800 square feet and up to 41,000 BTU per hour; the Bayfront lists 1,800–2,500 square feet. These are useful comparison points, but they are not guarantees for every floor plan. An open layout may distribute warmth differently from a set of closed rooms, and insulation, outdoor temperatures, ceiling height, and air leakage all affect heating needs. I’d ask an installer to help size the appliance rather than choosing the largest coverage number by default. Oversizing a heater for a compact space may make control and comfort harder.
Compare hopper capacity with the controls you will use
The Bayfront’s 66-pound hopper is larger than the HP22i’s 47-pound hopper, a meaningful difference for buyers who want to store more pellets in the appliance between refills. It does not, by itself, tell me how long either unit will run at a chosen setting. The HP22i supplies a programmable thermostat, five power settings, auto ignition, and a remote. The Bayfront offers Wi-Fi app control. I’d favor the HP22i for familiar, thermostat-led adjustments and the Bayfront when remote phone control is a priority.
Plan for venting, electricity, and installation
Neither option should be treated as a simple plug-in room heater. Both require installation and venting, and the Bayfront’s included fresh-air kit does not remove the need to follow the approved installation instructions. Confirm where exhaust components can run, whether the installation needs outside air, access to electrical power, and how the appliance will be serviced. For an insert, fireplace dimensions and surrounding construction are central fit checks. For the freestanding Bayfront, placement and clearance from nearby materials need equal attention. I would have a qualified installer review the site before ordering.
Account for cleaning and ongoing care
Pellet appliances require regular attention to ash and other maintenance needs. The HP22i includes an ash vacuum, which may make cleanup more convenient, but it does not mean cleaning is eliminated. The Bayfront lists a screen and fresh-air kit among its included components; those parts do not replace routine care either. I’d review the owner’s manual for cleaning intervals, service access, approved fuel, and any maintenance tasks that affect warranty coverage. If frequent upkeep is a poor fit for your household, factor that into the choice before focusing on app features or viewing windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which product is the actual pellet stove fireplace insert?
The ComfortBilt HP22i is explicitly described as a pellet stove fireplace insert. The Canyon Lodge Bayfront is described as a pellet stove and includes stove feet, so I would treat it as a freestanding option unless the manufacturer confirms an approved insert installation. Check model documentation and site fit before purchase.
Can I put the Canyon Lodge Bayfront inside my existing fireplace?
I would not assume that it can be installed inside a fireplace opening. Its supplied description identifies it as a stove, not an insert, and lists stove feet. Ask the manufacturer or an authorized installer to confirm approved installation methods, clearances, and venting. If you specifically need an insert, the HP22i is the clearer match in this pair.
Does the Bayfront’s larger hopper mean it runs longer?
The Bayfront holds 66 pounds of pellets, compared with the HP22i’s 47 pounds, so it has greater fuel capacity. Hopper size alone does not establish runtime: the selected heat level, pellet characteristics, and operating conditions affect fuel use. The HP22i description lists up to 18 hours of burn time, but actual operation can differ from that stated maximum.
Which model is easier to control?
That depends on how you prefer to operate a heater. The HP22i has a programmable thermostat, five power settings, auto ignition, and a remote, while the Bayfront adds Wi-Fi app control. I’d choose the HP22i for its listed thermostat and remote features; I’d choose the Bayfront if changing settings through a smartphone is a priority and app setup is acceptable.
What should I check before installing either pellet appliance?
Confirm the appliance’s dimensions, installation type, clearances, venting route, fresh-air requirements, electrical access, and service space with the manufacturer’s instructions and a qualified installer. For the HP22i, fireplace opening and hearth compatibility are especially important. For the Bayfront, confirm its approved freestanding placement. Also review ash-cleaning and other maintenance requirements so the routine fits your household.
Conclusion
For a buyer who wants a true fireplace insert, I recommend starting with the ComfortBilt HP22i. Its insert designation, thermostat, remote, and five heat settings make it the more direct fit for an existing fireplace, subject to a professional fit and venting check. For someone with room for a freestanding stove who values smartphone control, a large fire view, and a 66-pound hopper, the Canyon Lodge Bayfront is the more relevant choice. I would skip the Bayfront if insert compatibility is non-negotiable, and I would skip either model until installation requirements and heating needs have been checked for the home.
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