Empire Stove Archway 1700 Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert (WB17IN)
An EPA 2020 Certified Wood Insert with Included Blower for Masonry Fireplaces in Smaller Homes
The Empire Stove Archway 1700 turns an existing masonry fireplace into an EPA 2020 certified wood heater for smaller homes or rooms, heating 500–1,800 ft² with up to 65,000 BTU/h from a 1.9 ft³ firebox, with the blower, one-lever air control, and air wash system included.
Key Features
- Recommended heating area of 500–1,800 ft² with up to 65,000 BTU/h maximum heat output
- Meets the EPA 2020 standard with non-catalytic secondary combustion at 1.26 g/h particulate emissions
- 1.9 ft³ firebox accepting logs up to 18" with up to 6 hours of burn time
- Blower included to circulate heated air back into the room
- Simple one-lever air control adjusts the burn rate
- Air wash system and high temperature ceramic glass window
- 5/16" thick steel top, firebrick-lined firebox, and high heat ceramic baffle
- Fits masonry fireplace openings of at least 27 1/2" W x 21 1/2" H x 12 7/8" D
- Door overlay (black or nickel) and surround required to complete the insert, sold separately
Product Features
Masonry Fireplace Installation
The Archway 1700 is designed for installation inside an existing masonry fireplace with a continuous 6" stainless steel chimney liner running from the insert to the top of the chimney. It is not approved for mobile home installation, and alcove installation does not apply. A liner system, block-off plate, floor protection, and other site-specific components are not included.
Heating Performance for 500–1,800 Square Feet
Rated to heat 500 to 1,800 ft², the Archway 1700 provides up to 65,000 BTU/h of maximum heat output from its 1.9 ft³ firebox and burns for up to 6 hours on a load of 18" logs, subject to installation and operating conditions.
Included Blower
The included 144 CFM double cage blower mounts beneath the ash lip at the front of the insert and pushes room air through the heat exchanger, with a three-position rheostat (High, Low, and Off). Per the installation manual, regular blower use can add up to 2% efficiency.
EPA 2020 Certified Non-Catalytic Combustion
This non-catalytic insert meets the EPA 2020 standard with an average particulate emission rate of 1.26 g/h and includes secondary combustion as a standard feature.
Simple One-Lever Control and Air Wash System
A single easy-to-use lever adjusts the burn rate, while hot air circulating across the 15 5/8" x 9 3/8" ceramic glass keeps the view of the fire clear through the single cast iron framed door.
Durable Steel Construction with Firebrick Lining
The 5/16" thick steel top is designed for extended heat radiation and lasting durability. High-density firebricks line the firebox for insulation, and a high heat ceramic baffle is built to perform at high temperatures.
Style Options
The Archway 1700 is finished in metallic black and completed with your choice of a black or nickel door overlay and a black steel surround in 29" x 44" or 32" x 50". An optional fire screen and a 5" fresh air intake kit are also available.
Configuration and Accessories
Per the Empire Stove 2026 price sheet, the Archway 1700 includes the blower and requires a door overlay and a surround, which are sold separately. One door overlay and one surround must be selected to complete the insert.
Included Equipment
| Component |
Details |
| Blower |
Included; 144 CFM double cage blower with three-position rheostat (High / Low / Off) |
Required Components (Sold Separately)
| Component |
Part Number |
Description |
| Door overlay (choose one) |
WD1BL |
Door Overlay, Black |
| Door overlay (choose one) |
WD1NB |
Door Overlay, Nickel |
| Surround (choose one) |
WS1744BL |
Surround, Black (29 x 44) |
| Surround (choose one) |
WS1750BL |
Surround, Black (32 x 50) |
Optional Accessories (Sold Separately)
| Category |
Part Number |
Description |
| Accessory |
WBS1BL |
Barrier, Black (Fire Screen) |
| Fresh air kit |
WA5IN |
Fresh Air Kit for Insert, 5-in |
Product Specifications
Appliance Performance
| Specification |
Value |
| Fuel Type |
Dry cordwood |
| Recommended Heating Area |
500 – 1,800 ft² |
| Nominal Firebox Volume |
1.9 ft³ |
| Maximum Burn Time |
6 h |
| Maximum Heat Output – Dry Cordwood |
65,000 BTU/h (19 kW) |
| Overall Heat Output Rate (Min. to Max.) |
15,650 BTU/h to 23,300 BTU/h (4.6 kW to 6.83 kW) |
| Average Overall Efficiency – Dry Cordwood (HHV) |
70% |
| Average Overall Efficiency – Dry Cordwood (LHV) |
75% |
| Optimum Overall Efficiency (LHV) |
78% |
| Average Particulate Emission Rate |
1.26 g/h |
| Average CO Output |
58 g/h |
General Features
| Feature |
Specification |
| Combustion Technology |
Non-catalytic |
| Emissions Standard |
Meets EPA 2020 standard |
| Air Control |
Single lever |
| Blower |
Included (144 CFM) |
| Door Type |
Single, glass with cast iron frame |
| Glass Type |
Ceramic glass |
| Glass Viewing Area (W x H) |
15 5/8" x 9 3/8" |
| Steel Thickness – Top |
5/16" |
| Steel Thickness – Body |
3/16" |
| Log Positioning |
East-west loading |
| Maximum Log Length |
18" |
| Firebox Lined with Firebricks |
Yes, high-density |
| Baffle Type |
C-Cast high heat ceramic |
| Air Wash System |
Yes |
| Finish |
Metallic black |
| Warranty |
Empire Limited Lifetime Warranty (see schedule) |
Insert Dimensions
| Measurement |
Size |
| Overall Width (Top View, Including Side Brackets) |
26 7/8" |
| Body Width |
25 1/2" |
| Front Face Width |
24 1/8" |
| Overall Height |
21 1/4" |
| Front Height (Ash Lip to Top of Face) |
19 1/2" |
| Body Depth (Behind the Front Face) |
16 7/8" |
| Overall Depth (Including Front and Blower Housing) |
22 7/8" |
| Projection into the Room (Minimum to Maximum) |
2 3/4" to 4" |
| Depth Inside the Fireplace (Minimum to Maximum) |
12 7/8" to 14 1/4" |
| Door Opening (Width) |
17 1/4" |
| Door Opening (Height) |
8 3/4" |
| Firebox Size (Width) |
19 5/8" |
| Firebox Size (Height) |
12" |
| Firebox Size (Depth) |
13 3/4" |
Dimensions are taken from the Empire Stove Archway 1700 spec sheet and installation manual drawings. Shipping weight is not published by Empire Stove.
Minimum Masonry Fireplace Opening
| Measurement |
Minimum |
| Opening Height |
21 1/2" |
| Opening Width (Front) |
27 1/2" |
| Opening Depth |
12 7/8" |
| Opening Width (Rear) |
27 1/2" |
| Masonry Chimney Flue Diameter |
8" |
If a fresh air intake is required, the manufacturer recommends adding at least 4" to the width of the minimum opening of the hearth.
Venting and Liner Requirements
| Specification |
Requirement |
| Flue Outlet Diameter |
6" |
| Recommended Connector / Liner Diameter |
6" |
| Distance – Center of Flue Outlet to Back of Insert |
5 3/4" |
| Distance – Center of Flue Outlet to Side of Insert |
12 3/4" |
| Liner Type |
Continuous stainless steel liner to the top of the chimney: ULC S635, CAN/ULC-S640, UL 1777 |
Certifications and Installation
| Category |
Standard |
| Emissions Standard |
EPA / CSA B415.1-10 |
| USA Standard (Safety) |
UL 1482, UL 737 |
| Canadian Standard (Safety) |
ULC S628 |
| Mobile Home Approved |
No |
| Alcove Installation |
Not applicable |
Minimum Clearances to Combustibles*
| Location |
Minimum Clearance |
| Insert to Adjacent Combustible Side Wall |
16" |
| Insert to Combustible Side Surround or Facing |
9" |
| Insert to Combustible Top Surround or Facing |
27" |
| Insert to Combustible Mantel Shelf (12" Maximum Depth) |
27" |
| Floor to Ceiling |
84" |
| Maximum Thickness – Combustible Side Facing |
5" |
| Maximum Thickness – Combustible Mantel Shelf |
12" |
Floor Protection
| Location |
Canada |
USA |
| In Front of the Door Opening |
18" |
16" |
| Each Side of the Door Opening |
8" |
8" |
*The certification label on the appliance and the current installation manual supersede published dimensions and clearances. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and applicable local codes. Hearth height, R-value, and raised-installation calculations are specified in the installation manual.
Manufacturer Notes
- Recommended heating area and maximum burn time may vary with location in the home, chimney draft, heat loss factors, climate, fuel type, and other variables.
- Efficiency and emission figures are measured under the applicable certification test methods; see the installation and operation manual for details.
- A door overlay and a surround are required to complete the insert and are sold separately.
- Empire is committed to continuous product improvement; specifications may change without notice.
- Any installation must be done according to the data and drawings detailed in the installation and operation manual.
About the Manufacturer
Who Is Empire Stove?
Empire Stove is the wood-burning stove, insert, and fireplace line of Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. of Belleville, Illinois. Its Gateway wood stoves, Archway wood inserts, and St. Clair wood fireplaces are made in North America and share a one-lever air control, a no-mess ash pan, and an air wash system designed for simple everyday operation.
Built to Last
Empire Stove appliances are constructed with thick 5/16" steel, lined with high-density firebricks, and fitted with a high heat ceramic baffle and high temperature ceramic glass, and they are backed by the Empire Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Certification and Support
Current Empire Stove wood-burning models meet the EPA 2020 emissions standard. Empire publishes installation and operation manuals, spec sheets, brochures, and test reports for each model, and supports owners through online product registration and its authorized dealer network.
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