Drolet Escape 1500-I Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert with Faceplate (DB03137)
A Medium EPA-Certified Wood Insert for Existing Masonry Fireplaces
The Drolet Escape 1500-I heats 500–1,800 ft² with up to 65,000 BTU/h from a 1.86 ft³ firebox and includes a 29" x 44" faceplate and 144 CFM blower.
Key Features
- Recommended heating area of 500–1,800 ft² with up to 65,000 BTU/h maximum heat output
- EPA 2020 certified non-catalytic combustion at 2.4 g/h particulate emissions
- 1.86 ft³ firebox loading over width, accepting logs up to 18" with up to 7 hours of burn time
- 144 CFM premium quality blower included
- 5/16" steel top reinforced with a stainless steel heat shield
- Glass airwash system for a cleaner view of the flames
- Included 29" x 44" faceplate, blower, ceramic glass, ash lip, and air damper
- Suitable for masonry fireplaces only; proudly made in Canada and the USA
Product Features
Masonry Fireplace Installation Only
This wood-burning insert is designed for installation inside an existing masonry fireplace with a minimum opening of 27 1/2" wide x 21 1/2" high x 12 3/4" deep, and must never be installed in a wooden or combustible structure. Installation must follow the exact current manual, the certification label on the appliance, and applicable local requirements; a site-specific installation may require components or work beyond the items included with the appliance.
Heating Performance for 500–1,800 Square Feet
Rated to heat 500 to 1,800 ft², the Escape 1500-I provides up to 65,000 BTU/h of maximum heat output from its 1.86 ft³ firebox, subject to installation and operating conditions.
EPA 2020 Certified Clean Combustion
This medium non-catalytic insert is EPA 2020 approved with an average particulate emission rate of 2.4 g/h and uses a stainless steel secondary-air system to support more complete combustion.
Included 144 CFM Blower
The Escape 1500-I includes a 144 CFM premium quality blower as standard equipment to increase warm-air circulation from the appliance.
Firebox with Width Loading
The 19 5/8" wide firebox loads logs over its width, accepts logs up to 18", and provides up to 7 hours of burn time under applicable operating conditions.
Cast Iron Door with Airwash System
The single cast iron framed door carries a 15 3/4" x 9 3/4" ceramic glass surface, kept clearer by the integrated glass airwash system.
Robust Steel Construction
The insert combines a 3/16" steel body with a 5/16" steel top reinforced with a stainless steel heat shield.
Product Specifications
Appliance Performance
| Specification |
Value |
| Fuel Type |
Dry cordwood (16" recommended) |
| Heating Area |
500 – 1,800 ft² |
| Overall Firebox Volume |
1.86 ft³ |
| EPA Loading Volume |
1.44 ft³ |
| Maximum Burn Time |
7 h |
| Maximum Heat Output – Dry Cordwood |
65,000 BTU/h (19 kW) |
| Minimum Overall Heat Output Rate |
9,800 BTU/h (2.87 kW) |
| Maximum Overall Heat Output Rate |
52,200 BTU/h (15.3 kW) |
| Average Overall Efficiency – Dry Cordwood (HHV) |
68% |
| Average Overall Efficiency – Dry Cordwood (LHV) |
73% |
| Optimum Efficiency |
76% |
| Optimum Heat Transfer Efficiency |
75% |
| Average Particulate Emission Rate |
2.4 g/h |
| Average CO Output |
103 g/h |
General Features
| Feature |
Specification |
| Size Category |
Medium |
| Premium Quality Blower (CFM) |
144 CFM included |
| Combustion Technology |
Non-catalytic |
| Stainless Steel Secondary-Air System |
Yes |
| Door Type |
Single, glass with cast iron frame |
| Glass Type |
Ceramic glass |
| Glass Surface (W x H) |
15 3/4" x 9 3/4" |
| Steel Thickness – Body |
3/16" |
| Steel Thickness – Top |
5/16" |
| Log Positioning |
Loading over width |
| Maximum Log Length |
18" |
| Firebox Lined with Refractory Bricks |
Yes |
| Baffle Type |
High quality vermiculite |
| Warranty |
Limited lifetime |
Dimensions and Weight
| Measurement |
Size |
| Overall Width |
27 1/4" |
| Overall Height |
21 1/4" |
| Overall Depth |
22 3/8" |
| Door Opening (Width) |
17 1/4" |
| Door Opening (Height) |
8 3/4" |
| Firebox Size (Width) |
19 5/8" |
| Firebox Size (Height) |
11 7/8" |
| Firebox Size (Depth) |
13 1/2" |
| Shipping Weight |
360 lb (163 kg) |
Minimum Masonry Fireplace Opening
| Measurement |
Minimum Size |
| Minimum Fireplace Opening (Width) |
27 1/2" |
| Minimum Fireplace Opening (Height) |
21 1/2" |
| Minimum Fireplace Opening (Depth) |
12 3/4" |
Venting and Liner Requirements
| Specification |
Requirement |
| Flue Outlet Diameter |
6" |
| Distance – Center of Flue Outlet to Back of Unit |
5 3/4" |
| Distance – Center of Flue Outlet to Side of Unit |
12 3/4" |
| Recommended Chimney Diameter |
6" |
| Type of Chimney |
Liner – ULC-S635, CAN/ULC-S640, UL1777 |
| Minimum Chimney Height |
12' |
Certifications and Installation
| Category |
Standard |
| Certified According to Applicable Standards |
By an accredited laboratory (CAN/USA) |
| High-Efficiency Certified Appliance |
Yes, EPA 2020 approved |
| Canadian Standard (Emissions) |
CSA B415.1-10 |
| USA Standard (Emissions) |
EPA |
| Canadian Standard (Safety) |
ULC S628 |
| USA Standard (Safety) |
UL 1482, UL 737 |
Minimum Clearances to Combustibles*
| Location |
Canada |
USA |
| Base of the Unit to Ceiling** |
84" |
84" |
| Combustible Side Mantle to Unit |
9" |
9" |
| Combustible Top Mantle to Unit |
27" |
27" |
| Combustible Side Wall to Unit |
16" |
16" |
| Top of the Unit to a 12" Combustible Mantle Shelf |
27" |
27" |
*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 requirements.
**Some appliances have been tested with a low ceiling; refer to the installation manual before setting up the unit.
Floor Protection Requirements
| Manual Reference |
Canada |
USA |
| In Front of the Door Opening (B) |
18" |
16" |
| Side Extension M — See Manual Diagram |
8" |
N/A |
| Side Extension N — See Manual Diagram |
N/A |
8" |
The current installation manual contains additional floor-protection R-value and extension requirements based on hearth elevation and installation geometry. Follow the current floor-protection section and its diagrams rather than relying on this summary alone.
Manufacturer Notes
- Wood-burning inserts must only be installed inside an existing masonry fireplace and never in a wooden or combustible structure.
- 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.
- Maximum heat output (dry cordwood) is based on a loading density of 15–20 lb/ft³; other performance figures are based on the standard test fuel load of 7–12 lb/ft³ at 19–25% moisture content, measured per the CSA B415.1-10 stack loss method.
- Any installation must be done according to the data and drawings detailed in the owner’s manual.
About the Manufacturer
Who Is Drolet?
Drolet is a Canadian hearth manufacturer whose history dates back to 1875, when François-Xavier Drolet opened his first workshop in Quebec. Today the brand produces wood stoves, fireplace inserts, pellet stoves, furnaces, and cookstoves recognized for durability and practical heating performance.
Performance and Certification Focus
Drolet appliances are designed to meet demanding environmental and industry standards, with current wood-burning models certified to EPA 2020 emissions requirements and tested by accredited laboratories for use in both the United States and Canada.
Manufacturing and Support
Drolet appliances are proudly made in Canada and the USA. The manufacturer supports owners through online warranty registration, replacement-parts resources, and dedicated technical support.
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