Drolet Escape 1800-I Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert (DB03125)

A Large EPA-Certified Wood Insert for Existing Masonry Fireplaces

The Drolet Escape 1800-I heats 500–2,100 ft² with up to 75,000 BTU/h from a 2.4 ft³ firebox and includes a 144 CFM blower, ceramic glass, ash lip, and air damper.

Key Features

• Recommended heating area of 500–2,100 ft² with up to 75,000 BTU/h maximum heat output
• EPA 2020 certified non-catalytic combustion at 2.3 g/h particulate emissions
• 2.4 ft³ firebox loading over width, accepting logs up to 20" with up to 8 hours of burn time
• 144 CFM premium quality blower included
• 3/16" steel body and 5/16" steel top reinforced with a stainless steel heat shield
• Glass airwash system for a cleaner view of the flames
• Faceplate must be purchased separately; liner not included
• Suitable for masonry fireplaces only; proudly made in Canada and the USA

Product Features

Masonry Fireplace Installation Only

This wood-burning insert is designed only for installation inside an existing masonry fireplace with a minimum opening of 28 7/8" wide x 23 3/8" high x 15 3/4" deep, and must never be installed in a wooden or combustible structure. It is not a zero-clearance fireplace. Installation must follow the current manual, the certification label on the appliance, the liner instructions, and applicable local requirements; a faceplate, liner, hearth protection, repairs, electrical work, or other site-specific materials may be required separately.

Faceplate and Liner Sold Separately

DB03125 includes the insert and its standard blower but does not include a faceplate or chimney liner. A compatible faceplate, listed liner system, and any site-specific installation materials must be selected separately according to the current manual and the masonry-fireplace installation.

Heating Performance for 500–2,100 Square Feet

Rated to heat 500 to 2,100 ft², the Escape 1800-I provides up to 75,000 BTU/h of maximum heat output from its 2.4 ft³ firebox, subject to installation and operating conditions.

EPA 2020 Certified Clean Combustion

This large non-catalytic insert is EPA 2020 approved with an average particulate emission rate of 2.3 g/h and uses a stainless steel secondary-air system to support more complete combustion.

Included 144 CFM Blower

The Escape 1800-I includes a 144 CFM premium quality blower as standard equipment to increase warm-air circulation from the appliance.

Firebox with Width Loading

The 21" wide firebox loads logs over its width, accepts logs up to 20", and provides up to 8 hours of burn time under applicable operating conditions.

Cast Iron Door with Airwash System

The single cast iron framed door carries a 16" x 9 1/4" 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

General Features

Dimensions and Weight

Minimum Masonry Fireplace Opening

Venting and Liner Requirements

A listed liner system meeting the standards above is required for installation but is not included with DB03125.

Certifications and Installation

Minimum Clearances to Combustibles*

*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

The current Escape 1800-I manual contains additional floor-protection requirements based on hearth elevation. When the protection is level with or no more than 5" below the hearth extension, an R-value of at least 1.00 and a 23" front extension may be required. Follow the complete manual diagrams and calculations 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.
• The current manual recommends additional fireplace-opening width when a fresh-air intake is required; the published minimum opening dimensions above are unchanged.
• 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.