Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert

Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert: Complete Review, Specs & Buying Guide

Looking for a compact, stylish, and efficient wood stove insert to upgrade your existing masonry fireplace? The Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert (model OB01900) delivers powerful performance in a smaller footprint — perfect for homes or rooms up to 1,200 sq ft.

This EPA 2020-certified non-catalytic insert from Osburn (Stove Builder International) features a large viewing glass, included blower, and modern European design. It transforms inefficient fireplaces into reliable heaters with low emissions and easy operation. In this complete guide, we cover every detail — exact specs, real-world performance, pros/cons, and buying tips — to help you decide if the Osburn Matrix 1900 is the right wood stove insert for your home.

What Is the Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert?

The Osburn Matrix 1900 is a steel-plate fireplace insert designed to fit into standard masonry fireplaces. It includes a cast-iron door with oversized ceramic glass, air-wash system, refractory brick lining, and a flush-mount 90 CFM blower.

Fully EPA 2020 compliant with ultra-low 1.5 g/h emissions, this non-catalytic insert provides clean, efficient heat without a catalytic converter. Its tapered design and cuttable faceplate make installation straightforward in smaller hearths.

Key highlights:

• Heats 250–1,200 sq ft
• Up to 45,000 BTU/h output
• Up to 7-hour burn time
• Accepts logs up to 17 inches
• Premium 90 CFM blower included

Key Features and Specifications

The Matrix 1900 packs efficient heating and modern style into a compact package.

Technical Specifications

Additional features:

• Non-catalytic combustion with stainless-steel secondary air tubes
• C-Cast baffle for heat retention
• Deep ash chamber for less frequent cleaning
• Tapered sides for easy fit in smaller fireplaces
• Optional black or brushed nickel door overlays and cuttable faceplate (32″ x 44″)
• Not approved for mobile homes or alcoves

Heating Performance and Efficiency

The Matrix 1900 quickly warms mid-sized spaces with its 45,000 BTU peak output and included blower for even heat distribution. Optimum efficiency reaches 82%, and low 1.5 g/h emissions make it one of the cleanest inserts in its class.

Burn dry, seasoned hardwood (16–17″ logs) for best results. Owners report comfortable overnight burns and significant savings on heating bills compared to open fireplaces. The 7-hour burn time suits most evening and morning routines.

Design, Build Quality, and Ease of Use

The Matrix 1900 features a sleek, modern look with a large panoramic glass window that stays clean thanks to the air-wash system. The removable air-control handle and cool-touch wooden handle make daily operation simple.

Built tough with 3/16″ steel and full refractory lining, it radiates heat evenly. The deep combustion chamber reduces ash cleanup, and the included blower runs quietly yet effectively.

Installation and Safety Tips

The insert fits masonry fireplaces with minimum opening: 25″ W x 19″ H x 15½” D. Requires a 6″ stainless steel liner (minimum 12 ft chimney height) and proper clearances.

Not approved for factory-built or mobile home fireplaces. Optional fresh air intake kit available for tighter homes.

Download the full manual here: Osburn Matrix 1900 Installation & Operation Manual (PDF)

Always hire a certified installer (NFI or WETT) and install smoke/CO detectors.

Pros and Cons of the Osburn Matrix 1900

Pros

• Compact size fits smaller fireplaces perfectly
• EPA 2020 certified with ultra-low 1.5 g/h emissions
• Included high-quality 90 CFM blower
• Large glass viewing area with air-wash
• Excellent efficiency (up to 82%) and lifetime warranty
• Tapered design and cuttable faceplate for easy install
• Stylish modern look with door overlay options

Cons

• Smaller firebox (1.1 cu ft) and 7-hour burn time vs larger inserts
• Max 1,200 sq ft heating (best for medium rooms)
• Not mobile-home approved
• Faceplate sold separately in most packages
• Requires masonry fireplace only

What Real Users Are Saying

Reviewers on retailer sites rate it 4.6–5.0 stars, praising the “beautiful fire view” and how the blower makes the room feel evenly warm. Many call it a “great upgrade for older fireplaces” with clean, efficient burns and easy maintenance.

Users note it performs best with well-seasoned wood and strong draft — standard advice for non-catalytic inserts.

How Does It Compare to Other Inserts?

Compared to the larger Osburn Matrix-I insert (2,100 sq ft), the Matrix 1900 is more compact and affordable for smaller spaces. It offers better value than many budget inserts while matching premium brands in emissions and efficiency.

Is the Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert Right for You?

If you have a smaller masonry fireplace and need an EPA-certified insert with included blower for efficient heating up to 1,200 sq ft, the Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Stove Insert is an excellent choice. Its stylish design, low emissions, and proven Canadian quality make it ideal for cozy living rooms or cabins.

Ready to buy? Check current stock and pricing at trusted retailers: Discount Stoves – Osburn Matrix 1900 OB01900

For full details and options, visit the official Osburn page: Osburn Matrix 1900 Wood Insert Official Product Page

Pro Tip: Always burn dry, seasoned hardwood and schedule annual chimney cleaning for safest, most efficient operation.

Have questions about the Osburn Matrix 1900 or need help choosing the right insert size? Drop a comment below — we’re happy to help!