What used to be a theater prop once is now one of the most sophisticated heating appliances available. We are referring to the best electric fireplaces on the market and our crew will take you on a very fun and productive journey today.

We take it you are on your way to buy more realistic electric fireplace but are still unsure whether to go with something that requires fuel (gas fireplace, typical wood burning fireplace) or to stick with the modernistic approach and buy something with a remote control and interchangeable flame colors.

Our guess is that you are leaning to the latter and that’s why we will educate you on how to pick the finest electric fireplace out there. See our top picks and read the tips we have prepared for you below. Quick decisions are never a good idea. So let’s get cracking!

 

Best Electric Fireplaces (The Top List)

1. MagikFlame Electric Fireplace (Realistic Model)

If you are prepared to unleash the power of your wallet, then you will get perhaps the most realistic and overall best electric fireplace out there. The MagikFlame Electric Fireplace is constructed in the Victorian style and will actually give you real logs. Alright, not real but they are holographic and this is a feature which is completely unmatched by other brands. You not only get 3D burning wood but you also get Bluetooth connectivity allowing you to control your electric fireplace from a distance. There are 21 samples of flames for you to choose from. Wait, there’s more realism to it. The crackling sounds that the unit makes are actually recorded from real burning logs. In terms of heat, you will be able to enjoy 4 600 BTU in ambient mode. You get to control the fireplace from the touch screen panel. You will also be happy to find out that the mantel is actually made of birch.

2. 3GPlus Wall Recessed Electric Fireplace

This next electric fireplace gives you not only luxury but also plenty of versatility. For instance, you get to decide between a shorter and a longer model (42 and 60-inch). There is a substantial price difference between the two. Next, once you buy the unit, you can have it wall-mounted or wall recessed. Since the heater is completely electric, there will be no fuel or oil needed of any type. The flames which you see can have any of these 3 colors – Blue, Amber, or both. The maximum power output of the 3GPlus Electric Fireplace is 1500W although you can have it also at a lower setting. What’s really convenient is that you can have just the flames on without any heat. Among the key functions on the remote control you will find:

• Timer
• Color
• On/Off
• Heater
• Temperature control

If you feel like walking to the unit, you can also use the LCD touch screen for control. The maximum temperature is 88 degrees.

3. Touchstone Onyx Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace

The unit we are about to review can actually only wall-mounted. You got 4 options when it comes to the color and material of the body. They are Ivory, Mirror, Onyx, and Stainless Steel. This is also the order from cheapest to priciest. The cosmetics of this 50-inch unit are truly impressive as you get 5 levels of flame brightness. In addition to the visual realism, you get nice warmth coming from the top of the heater. So if you want to have a TV over the fireplace, you will need to have at least 24 inches of clearance. A slight drawback is the absence of a thermostat but since there are only a high and a low heat settings, this isn’t so bad. Besides, you can set the timer from anywhere between 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. It must be hardwired to a 120V circuit, comes with a remote and you can turn on just the visuals without any heat as well.

4. Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert

Most fireplace inserts can be quite deep but this isn’t the case with the Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert. It is only about 10.5 inches thick and will fit nicely. The fact that the unit does not have a glass and the decorative logs just stay there in 3D give you just a very pleasant, realistic feeling. The built-in forced heater is your main source of heat distribution in the room. The maximum power output of the heater is 1500W on high and 935W on low. It can only be hardwired or plugged into a 120V circuit. You will require an adapter in case you want to use a 220V circuit. Choose between 3 options – low heat, full heat, and flames only. You shouldn’t get your hopes up for this unit to heat your whole house. Use it for comfort, aesthetics and just a secondary heating option. No thermostat is featured in this unit as well.

5. Napoleon NEFL Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

Any size of a room is great for the Napoleon NEFL Electric Fireplace. That’s because you get to select between not 2, not 3 but between 6 different lengths. They range from 32 inches to 100 inches. The price difference between the shortest and the longest model, however, is fivefold. This electric fireplace is best wall-mounted and not wall-recessed because of the ultra slim design which it features. Well, you can still drill a hole in the wall and recess it but that’s pointless. Don’t worry about the power cord being visible as it can be painted over. At 1500W of power output, you get 5 000 BTU. The remote control simply looks smooth and it might be by far the most beautiful remote you will see today. The LED lights are high-intensity ones and you can have either blue or orange flames inside that fireplace. The mounting bracket is included.

 

6. Touchstone Sideline Recessed Electric Fireplace

This is another product which allows you to select a size. Choose between 7 great lengths but think about the money as well. There are also vents on the front to aid the two heat settings which you have at your disposal. The Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace is designed to be recessed. You will see that there are little inlets on the back for a wall-mount. It’s just that the wall mount does not come with the heater – you need to purchase it separately. A big advantage, however, is the presence of a blower. The remote controls this functions along with the timer, power on/off, and flame height. This last feature is a convenient one as it can really add to the atmosphere. Flames can also be orange, blue, or blue-orange. Another option is to have the fireplace hardwired. The timer can be set to anywhere between 30 minutes and 7 hours. 400 square feet is the maximum space you will able to heat.

7. ClassicFlame Felicity Wall Mounted Infrared Fireplace

You got not 1, not 2, but 3 possible ways of mounting this electric fireplace. The ClassicFlame Felicity Infrared Fireplace can be wall-mounted, recessed or freestanding. IT comes in two sizes – 36-inch and a 47-inch variety. The flame effect can still be visible even without heat. But if you want heat, you can get 5 200 BTU which should be good for about 1000 square feet of space. This is because you get a combination of infrared heating + a fan. You will be somewhat limited by the length of the power cord though. It is just 3 feet long. But what will make your life easier is the fact that all mounting supplies come with the unit. TVs can easily be installed about the fireplace because the fan is located in the front. Choose between the 5 flame color options and combine them with the uplights and the sidelights for maximum effect. There’s also a thermostat, a timer, and a remote.

8. Real Flame Crawford Electric Fireplace

In case you want for a Victorian looking electric fireplace, this will be an excellent choice. The mantel of the fireplace resembles clean column capitals which are made of veneered MDF construction and solid wood. This body will never get too hot so that it can be freely touched even when operational. Additionally, a TV can also sit right on the mantel without any dangers. The fan will not make a lot of noise but will provide you with some decent amount of heat. The 1400W or power output are enough to warm an area of about 400 square feet. No hardwiring is needed- just a regular socket. The remote is a nice addition although the control panel of the fireplace is not hard to operate. It is also barely visible – just 4 buttons in the top right corner. As a minus, we can mention the fact that you will need to assemble the unit from scratch upon purchasing it.

9. Real Flame Calie Electric Fireplace

Interestingly enough, the manufacturer actually labels this product as an “entertainment unit”. This isn’t because it will play with your children but because this is basically a TV stand and a cabinet. At a medium to high price, you get a nice piece of furniture and not just a heater. The whole veneered MDF construction weighs at about 144 lb. but it also has 3 flat surfaces for you to put things on. There is also a cabinet on each side – both with glass doors. The electric fireplace must be hardwired as it doesn’t have a plug. The firebox also has a screen which sort of adds to the feeling. The craftsmanship is really nice as even though the unit will emit heat, it will not endanger your TV. The maximum output is 1400W giving you about 4 700 BTU. Be sure to note that you will need to assemble the whole construction yourself.

10. GMHome Electric Fireplace

What this electric fireplace lacks in perks and functionality, it completely makes up by having 9 changeable flame colors. This gives you full customization and control on how your fireplace looks. It can be wall-mounted or…well, it can also just stand there. Yep, the GMHome Electric Fireplace can also be a freestanding one and this is a big reason why it made our list today. It comes with both a wall-mounting bracket as well as feet. Having to assemble the whole thing yourself is pretty much the only drawback. You got two ways of controlling the unit. Do it manually through the LED display or use the remote. If you keep the heater at the lower setting, the output would be 750W. The higher setting works at 1500W. Temperature generally isn’t an issue as you will be able to get 82 degrees at maximum. The timer can be set to anything between 1 and 8 hours.

Becoming Familiar With All Types Fireplaces

In case you have already checked our work on *the most popular heating and cooling systems on the market* (anchor to the home page), you probably already know what makes a good electric heater. In that sense, we will perhaps only waste time if we go on talking about the best features an electric fireplace should have. Also, taking a look only at electric fireplace reviews consumer reports might not be enough.

In order to help you make the right decision, we think that coming up with an outline regarding most, if not all, fireplace types is the most appropriate thing. In this section below you will see important information on a number of fireplaces regardless of what powers and what fuels them.

There’s a wide range of choices and they are all unique in a way. In the end, we will see exactly why we think that electric fireplaces are the way to go. We might even give you a bonus section about the sub-types that electric fireplaces have. We’ll see how it goes – so let’s move on.

The Good Old Wood Burning Fireplace

So if we have a traditional fireplace, burning real wood, chimney going up through the roof, the whole nine yards, we need to keep these things in mind.

• Little efficiency – unfortunately, in this case, we will get about 15% of efficiency tops. And this is exceptionally low compared to utilizing electricity or a boiler or anything like that.
• The biggest downside is perhaps the fact that this big investment will result in heating only one room. There’s no heating of the house and it is all about ambiance.

So basically your regular fireplace might be more of a burden than anything else. In order to have one, you will need to conduct a serious restructuring of your house or maybe plan a fireplace prior to building your home.

Next, you have all the maintenance and safety considerations. You will need to properly clean the chimney, clean the firebox and take out the ash pan. There are also a number of supplies which you will need to purchase and have lying around. The fuel is… well, wood. While getting logs is not very expensive, you need to know that constantly supplying your fireplace with the appropriate amount can be quite tiring and at some point, you might get sick of it.

All of this is fine and it might be worth it had you been able to heat up your whole home. At the end of the day, the 15% efficiency might not be a good enough reason to have a full-scale fireplace. There is a way to use your real chimney and everything needed by a regular fireplace but without the actual fireplace. We’ll have that next.

Gas Log System and Gas Insert

The gas log system will allow you to have a real fire but not a real log. The piece of wood lying in there is actually ceramic. The gas burner is right below it. This an artificial fireplace which uses propane for fuel. On the upside, the ceramic log will get heated and will remain warm after the fire has been turned off.

Another advantage is that you basically get a realistically looking fireplace but without the need to clean it, take care of the ash, or scrape the chimney. It will still be woefully inefficient, though. The whole heating mechanics do not change – they stay the same. You got flame in a box in your wall and that’s it. The 15% efficiency rating stays. Who cares that you won’t need to clean a lot after it?

The gas insert is way more sophisticated and efficient on the other hand. If you are lucky, you might actually stumble upon the **best gas fireplace insert of 2019**. It is basically a hotbox or a firebox which slides in your existing opening in the wall. It doesn’t use pipes or chimneys – only two liners which will go up the chimney. Don’t worry, no soot will be generated through the use of such a device. It is basically *a good propane heater and as such it does have a number of benefits* (anchor to the propane heaters page).

The best part is how this type of fireplace works. Its glass door is sealed meaning that no oxygen from the room is taken. The first line of the two takes fresh air from outside and runs it inside the firebox. The second line is the vent line and it goes outside of the house. Thanks to the ceramic glass you also get radiant heat. The efficiency here is through the room – 70%-80%.

Gas Zero-Clearance Fire Place

Now in case you do not have an opening in the wall, you can still have a gas fireplace. That’s the zero-clearance gas fireplace. It can be built-into the room. The presence of masonry or a chimney is not a prerequisite in order to have such a unit.

The best products of that type come with a beautiful mantel and molding. The thing is that such a construction is, in fact, flat so you only need to make sure you do not select anything which looks cheap or doesn’t blend in.

The zero-clearance gas fireplace features a sophisticated vent system and this is crucial. You do not want any fumes inside your room – you want only warmth. So on the outside wall of your house, you will see typical vent pile similar to the ones you see at the back sides of restaurants. It is horizontal and doesn’t go up to the roof. All in all, such a purchase will be:

• Easier to set up
• Averagely priced
• Simpler to maintain
• Not as convenient as the finest infrared electric fireplace

Opting for a Wood Burning Stove

These freestanding units are *your typical wood burning stoves with piping, cast iron doors, ash pans* (anchor to the wood burning stoves text) etc. They are like any regular fireplace with the exception that they aren’t built-in anywhere. These units require a hard floor such as tiles although it can also be hardwood. The only requirement is that it isn’t anything combustible.

Freestanding wood burning stoves aren’t a bad option because you do not need to build anything to have them. You run some type of a flue system and you are good to go. On the downside, they got all the cleaning needs that a regular fireplace has but there are also a ton of safety precautions to be kept in mind here.

Since the stove isn’t built-in, people need to be exceptionally careful when moving around it or when playing with their children and pets. You also want to have a lot of clear space of at least 3 feet around them with no pillows, toys, electronics, and so on. They are pretty efficient, though – again 70% to 80%.

There is one more freestanding fireplace unit which is worth mentioning real quickly. The pellet stove is a good alternative to people looking to replace their **wood burning stoves**. The fuel is basically compressed sawdust. The unit also uses electricity so that the combustion blower can work. This appliance is an interesting heating option because it is a stove using hard fuel but it is a convection heating appliance.

The power vent system gets rid of the harmful fumes while thanks to the convection, all the heat remains in the room. On the negative, you need to constantly feed the heater some sawdust but you can control the temperature with your feed rate.

Electric Fireplaces

Ah, here we are. Finally, we get to talk about the characteristics of the most realistic electric fireplace. No venting is needed here and that is just a huge benefit. You simply plug your unit to an existing outlet or have it hardwired and voila! You get heat and visual pleasure.

Any of these products regardless whether we talk about a freestanding fireplace, can become a piece of furniture to your home. You don’t get that with other fireplaces. These are perfect for your office, small apartment or condo. Heck, even if you are a renter, you can just unplug it and take it away with you. The convenience factors are off the charts and you don’t even need to see the best 2019 electric fireplace reviews to know it.

You don’t need to change anything on the exterior and the interior of your home in order to have such a heater. No chimney is required, no piping, maintenance is easy – what’s not to love about it. With the exception of the best recessed electric fireplaces, you really do not need to remodel anything inside your room. All of these have some sort of a heating element so it’s not just looks. The three main types would be:

• Metal heat resistor
• Ceramic heating element
• Quartz heating mechanism

The latter is becoming more and more popular because they don’t warm up the air but the objects instead. Don’t miss out on checking some of the infrared electric fireplace reviews if you have the chance.

The shortest way to conclude this section would be to say that an electric fireplace is way closer to the *most elegant space heaters out there* (anchor to the space heaters text) instead to a regular fireplace. Well, it is a space heater but with great looks. And that’s what really counts. Do you want blue flames on your wall? You got it!

Questions & Answers

It is clear that the winners of the research above are the electric and gas fireplaces. In order to draw a line between them, we aren’t just going to compare them but we will do so in the form of a Q & A section. This way it will be way easier to grasp all the pros and cons of electric fireplaces.

Q: Are electric fireplaces purely for aesthetics?

A: No, they generate heat which is enough to heat up an area of about 400 square feet. They are an excellent secondary heating option. Ambient heat is their main upside.

Q: Since it emits heat, can I put or hang a TV above such an electric fireplace?

A: Yes, simply make sure that the unit you select radiates heater from the bottom or the front side. You don’t want any warmth going up. Gas fireplaces require some clear area around them for safety measures.

Q: Will the unit or the glass in the front become too hot for people to touch it?

A: No, there is nothing burning and the glass never gets hot. Children can touch it and they won’t get burned. When it comes to propane fireplaces, you don’t want anyone touching the surface.

Q: But isn’t electricity the more expensive option in this case?

A: It isn’t. It will cost you about 17-18 cents per hour to use the heating from an electric fireplace. Annually that’s about 80$. Gas heaters will set you back at least 300$ each year. Are you still asking yourself whether electric fireplaces are efficient or not?

Installation Methods Of Electric Fireplaces

1. The simplest units among these are the freestanding electric fireplaces. There’s nothing to consider in terms of the installation here. There’s no method – it’s just a piece of furniture for your room. Put it wherever you see fit. Hint: make sure there’s an outlet nearby.

 

2. The next simplest unit to install is the wall mounted electric fireplace. The best part is that these typically come with a bracket included in the set. You only need to pick a spot on the wall and drill a few holes. Now, had had you have to buy the bracket separately, that would have generated a problem.

 

3. Typical fireplaces can be converted to electric ones. You just need to get the right unit and that’s called an electric fireplace insert. It will fit right in the opening of your old fireplace if you know how exactly to install it. There’s typically some casing and a mantel with it. The only thing left to do is the wiring part.

 

3. Speaking of wiring, the most challenging electric fireplace to install is the wall recessed unit. It will require a cutout in the wall. You need to be careful not to hit any power cords as you cut. Additionally, these units are typically hardwired and it’s best if you get a certified electrician to do it for you.

Best Electric Fireplaces Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	DIMENSIONS	WEIGHT	BTU	CAN HEAT	WATTAGE
MagikFlame Electric Fireplace (Realistic Model)	$$$$$	18 x 43 x 55"	150 pounds	4,600	1200 sq/ft room	N / A
3GPlus Wall Recessed Electric Fireplace	$$$	60 x 19.2 x 4.6"	60 pounds	5,100	400 square feet	750 / 1500 W
Touchstone Onyx Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace	$$	50.4 x 5.5 x 21.6"	46 pounds	5,118	400 square feet	1500 W
Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert	$	25.5 x 21 x 13"	33 pounds	4,700	Less Than 400 square feet	1500 W
Napoleon NEFL Wall Mount Electric Fireplace	$$$$	100 x 5 x 21.5"	119 pounds	5,000	More Than 500 square feet	1500 W
Touchstone Sideline Recessed Electric Fireplace	$$$$	5.5 x 100 x 21.5"	150 pounds	5,118	400 square feet	1500 W
ClassicFlame Felicity Wall Mounted Infrared Fireplace	$$	46.6 x 10.2 x 23.4"	52.4 pounds	5,200	about 1000 square feet	1500 W
Real Flame Crawford Electric Fireplace	$$$	47.4 x 9.5 x 41.9"	87 pounds	4,700	400 square feet	1400 W
Real Flame Calie Electric Fireplace	$$$	67 x 18 x 30.5"	143 pounds	4,700	300 - 400 square feet	1400 W
GMHome Electric Fireplace	$$$	60 x 12.8 x 4.9"	55 pounds	5,100	up to 400 square feet	750 / 1500 W

Wrapping Up

This is the final section of our guide to getting the best electric fireplace available. Our sincere hope is that we have definitely helped you understand all the differences between the various types of fireplaces. Learning about the full spectrum of these units will surely aid you in your decision-making process.

If you liked what you read, please comment the article and share it with friends or complete strangers if you see fit. Send us a message if you think we can improve something in the piece above. Don’t forget to ask us any questions and as always – stay put!

Having a fireplace without a chimney used to be impossible but not anymore. The best gas fireplace inserts require only a place to be built-in and you are all set. Even vented units can have their piping going out through other areas and not the chimney if you don’t have one.

These options also include gas log sets which are the simplest but very effective forms of gas fireplaces. Make sure you become familiar with all this by reading our guide below. Our crew has taken the time to review the finest products available to purchase right now. We will help you weigh in all the pros and cons of every unit and will also draw some comparisons.

See our reviews, handpicked items and don’t ever forget to pay attention to safety. Using gas for heating at home has a number of details but we have laid it all out for you! Enjoy!

 

Best Gas Fireplace Inserts (New List)

1. Emberside Sure Heat Mountain Oak Dual Burner

The most convenient gas fireplace insert doesn’t even need an actual fireplace. This one will simulate actual logs while giving you perfectly clean vent free heat. The U-shaped burner will distribute flames equally and it will also make them move realistically.  Since there is no firebox or anything like it, you will enjoy an incredible 99% efficiency. The whole length of the set is 24 inches. This makes the product quite universal for any fireplace. You also have complete control over the valve system. The ignition is exceptionally simple and happens with the push of a button. The maximum BTUs that you will get is between 34 000 and 40 000. This is a good number as you will able to heat about 1300 square feet with the unit. It can also be connected to an external propane tank but you have to make sure this is done according to all standards and regulations.

2. Napoleon Grandville VF Series Vent Free Natural Gas Fireplace

There is a very good chance that this is the best value for money natural gas fireplace insert that you will encounter. It is a pricey product but definitely brings you everything you want from a cozy fireplace without extra hassle. The Napoleon Grandville Natural Gas Fireplace comes with a millivolt remote control, has a fireplace screen, a hood, and even adjustable heat control. Among other options, you can select to have a fan but it is purchased separately. It is also a completely vent free installation which requires no exhaust vent. Oxygen depletion is a problem in that case, but the unit is equipped with its own safety detector. The fireplace will automatically shut off in case oxygen levels drop too much. In the actual firebox, you will find a steel frame and Phazer logs. The area you can hope to cover with this unit is about 1200 square feet.

3. Duluth Forge Dual Fuel Vent Free Fireplace

This is a very classical looking fireplace and it will definitely bring you a typical feel of a fireplace. It comes with a beautiful mantel with an autumn spice finish. While the looks of the unit are fantastic, the functionality is also quite impressive. You can run the fireplace on two types of fuels. Choose between propane and natural gas. The decorative fiber logs in the fireplace are hand painted. There is also temperature control for your own peace of mind. On the downside, no hose and other connectivity mechanisms are included in the set. A blower fan will also need to be purchased separately. However, there is a built-in fire guard and it is in the form of two little doors. You can expect to get 32 000 BTU and to heat up an area of about 1500 square feet. You also have complete control over the level of the flame.

4. Emberside Sure Heat Vented Gas Log Set

This set of logs is of the highest quality as the product is not ceramic, or plastic, or anything like that. The decorative logs are actually made of cement and they are very durable. It is a vented product meaning that you shouldn’t trap the logs inside an area with a small chimney. Make sure the fireplace you are using is well vented. The flue has to be open and fully functional. Don’t expect to have a remote control too. You can custom add it to the set but it has to be done by a third party supplier and will cost too much to bother. The amount of BTU you will be able to get is 50 000. The efficiency ratings here are not out of this world because it is just 12%. You do not need a full-blown house installation in order to fuel the unit. Any type of hose with a regulator and a tank will do just fine.

5. Peterson Real Fyre Live Oak Log Set

This is a 100% natural gas unit and it should be used as such. Your fireplace needs to be properly vented. The Peterson Real Fyre Log Set comes with a metal frame and that’s also the tube for the gas. The logs are painted professionally by hand and you will also notice dark shades on them in order to enhance realism. The material of the logs is ceramic meaning they will be able to last a very long time. Additionally, the 6-log set will give you residual heat after you turn the burner off. At maximum power, the unit will produce about 75 000 BTU. Installation is not hard as you can simply insert this 24-inch unit inside your existing fireplace. The gas connection can be tricky so you should get a professional to do it. The best part is that connecting the burner is optional but why would you need just the logs?

6. Empire Tahoe Deluxe Millivolt Fireplace

This next fireplace insert is a top quality model. It is a completely closed system with only one flue vent hole on top. The unit will not give you a huge trouble when you connect it as long as the flue and the chimney are on top. You can also have a rear end venting although it might not be worth the hassle. The fireplace insert works on propane and will give you 20 000 BTU at maximum. The size of the unit is also impressive and you will need a fireplace which has at least 16.5 inches of depth. The opening of the firebox has to stand at 37 x 35.5 inches. No remote control is included but this is rather usual for such propane fireplace inserts. There is also fan to assist in blowing the heat around but this purchase can easily be made separately.

The Technology behind Direct Vent Gas Fireplace Inserts

Giving up the idea of a wood burning fireplace isn’t common to some people. But when you look up the numbers concerning efficiency, you will quickly fold and come to terms that a gas fireplace insert is likely the way to go. If you are still unsure, then you need to understand exactly how gas fireplace inserts work.

These appliances are fireplaces, typically made out of some sort of metal, that slide into the existing opening in the wall. They also have their own flue system along with an exhaust. The infrastructure of the house is used in that case. The flue will usually go up the chimney and will lead out.

This is the moment where it is important to check out some gas fireplace consumer reports so that you can become familiar with a certain detail. The vent might be placed on top of the unit but it can also go through the back. This is pretty important because if you only have a chimney going up, you might not be able to lead the flue there.

On the other hand, if your fireplace opening is deep enough to accommodate both the unit and the flue, the pipe might actually be able to go behind the back of the fireplace and then all the way up the chimney. Some units come with the option to decide whether you want an on-top or a rear end venting but they might be hard to come by.

In any way, the flue system will be a lot smaller. All the direct vent gas fireplace reviews will show you that these systems are way more efficient than classic fireplaces. You don’t have a huge gulf of smoke going up the chimney. So the flue goes up the existing chimney and is then sealed and capped off at the top of the roof. That’s where the damper is located.

Running gas to the fireplace is a must but electricity should be run as well. This is needed because the most efficient direct vent gas fireplaces might also have fans.

The best part is that the mechanism allows your unit to preserve all the hot air and sort of bring it to you. The fireplace will “control” the air by bringing in just as much oxygen needed for combustion. The unit is completely sealed and there’s also usually a glass panel on the front. This will prevent cold air from coming in when the fireplace is not in use. There are typically 3 sizes:

• Small
• Medium
• Large

Depending on the size of the room, getting a certain type of fireplace is in order. Measuring is also important so that all the gas and electric connections can be figured out. In general, you are looking at about 78% to 85% efficiency when you get one of the nicest gas fireplace inserts brands. Having a remote control is a luxury but it will really make a difference when it comes to the price.

Comparison to a Classic Fireplace

So you already have a fireplace at home. Why would you spend a 4-digit sum on an appliance which gets built-in the hole that you already have? Well, since we all have our particular needs it is better to find out for ourselves what exactly fireplace vs fireplace inserts mean. There’s no point in providing any more context as to why a gas stove insert for a fireplace is the way to go. Here are the main focal points of our comparison:

1. No tending is required

Keeping the fire going steadily when using wood is something that requires some experience. With gas stove inserts even a child can control the intensity of the flames. The gas will flow steadily and regularly all the time until the tank is empty. The level of oxygen, cold drafts, and other similar things will not affect your fire. Also, logs will not burn away thus requiring even more attention.

2. Hard fuel is not on your list

Speaking of logs, that’s something you don’t have to care about at all. You won’t have to cut, chop and sort and pieces of wood when you opt for a gas fireplace insert. Hauling, arranging and seasoning the logs is also a very unpleasant activity. Keep in mind that logs need to be very dry and this typically requires them to stay somewhere for at least 6 months. All you will have to do is replace one propane tank with another.

3. Starting and putting off a fire is easy

No need to pile up pieces of paper, think about timber or any other necessities which come into play when you start an old-fashioned fire. In our case, everything happens at the push of a button. Gas fireplace inserts usually have a Piezo ignition which means you are starting the fire without any hassle.

4. It’s clean

This might be one of the biggest blessings of gas fireplace inserts. With the exception of the annual inspection of the system, you have no other cleaning duties. Not only fireplaces but even the finest wood burning stoves will give you plenty to clean. You will have obligations related to taking the tray out after every use. Additionally, you will need to think about soot in the chimney. Fireplaces require impeccable flue and piping system so you need to clean messy areas often.

5. Specific temperature isn’t an issue

When looking to maintain a certain value on the thermometer you simply need to adjust the thermostat. When you use real gas logs, you need to manually control the burning. It is also known that raging hot fires are not very efficient. Unfortunately, people often have little control over the strength of the fire when using logs.

6. Efficiency is off the charts

Because the chimney is pretty wide and completely open, cold air will constantly make its way in when the fireplace isn’t working. On the other hand, this very chimney will also allow much of the “good” heat to escape through it. Gas fire inserts for existing fireplaces will trap the hot air in the room and will not be able to escape through the narrow flue system. Ventless inserts are even more productive giving you more than 70% efficiency. The good old fireplace which makes you feel cozy and makes reading a book in front of it a delight will provide you with only 15%-18% of efficiency.

7. Place it in other rooms if you wish

Yes, an opening is required but you can still have a gas fireplace insert with a blower in any room you wish. This includes the bathroom as well. Since there is no smoke, no fumes, and no pollution, you can have this appliance in the most delicate premises. Even a basement is an option.

8. Presence of a fire guard or glass doors

You will need to buy a fireplace cast iron screen separately when using a classic fireplace. In the instance where you get a gas insert, there will for sure be some sort of a built-in screen. It typically comes in the form of sealed glass doors. They aren’t only stylish but are exceptionally useful and functional. The doors will never get too hot to touch. This way children and pets will not be in danger of being burned. The doors will also prevent hot air from escaping the room and will stop any cool draft from entering through the venting system. We already cleared that up above.

Comparison to Electric Fireplaces

In all fairness, the most distinguished electric fireplaces on the market today have a ton of advantages. What do they have?

• Space-saving – they aren’t bulky and you have 3 main ways of installing them. An electric fireplace can be freestanding, wall-mounted, and recessed.
• They are safer – you got no hoses and no combustible fuel here. Electric fireplaces are basically space heaters.
• There are plenty of perks – an electric fireplace typically comes with a LED display, remote control, timer function and many other cool features.
• The presence of decorative animation – you can have your flames in a number of available colors. Many units also allow you to control the visual intensity of the flames

But we can’t dismiss all the great qualities of a gas fireplace insert, can we? With them, we get outstanding efficiency as the warmth is really abundant. No electric heating appliance can beat one that uses propane or liquid gas when it comes to BTU. Furthermore, electricity will end up costing more in the long term.

The room will also get heated quickly when using something on fuel. Most of the available electric heating and cooling devices will require some more time in order for their effect to be felt. Convection heaters, as well as forced-air heaters, cannot give you robust and instant heat. This is definitely a great trait of all gas stoves.

Drawing the Line Between Vented and Vent-free Gas Logs

We simply need to address the most important difference between gas logs because they are an essential part of our guide. You already know that these products are a popular solution which substitutes a full-sized gas fireplace insert. In this case, you insert only a set of logs.

So how do we tell the vented from the vent-free log set? Let’s begin by talking about the 1^st group and then we will draw out conclusions.

Vented Logs

There is one almost a 100% sure sign that you are looking at a vented gas log set even without knowing the actual connections and constructions. Look at the flames. If they look exceptionally realistic meaning that they wiggle around the logs and dance between them and burn through them, then this is a vented set.

This means that the unit requires a constantly opened damper and a very good flue system. There is barely any difference between this product and a usual vented gas fireplace insert. You will still require an exhaust pipe as well as an intake one.

A downside here is that these log sets rarely come with any type of glass doors. You will need a pair of these, however, if you want to prevent any cool air from invading your premises. You also want to stop the hot one from escaping through the flue.

These beautiful logs will give you exceptional flames – big blue ones, orange ones, you name it. The main reason to purchase one of these sets is aesthetics. Even though they are gas fueled, they will not give you very much efficiency. They produce radiant heat meaning that you will feel warmth only if you sit tightly in front of them, reading a book or sipping on something delicious.

Vent-Free Logs

These products people get in order to heat a room entirely. They do not depend on power outages and will give you efficiency ratings through the roof. So let’s start by looking at the flames again. Here the gas-fueled fire cannot interact with the artificial logs. This leads to the fire looking a little bit unnatural and not especially realistic.

Vent-free sets usually launch the flames through posts also known as cutouts. They are right between the logs. You will encounter 2-post sets and 3-post sets. The former might give you just a bit more realism. These products will usually include a variable remote which will let you adjust the height of the flames. This will also play a role in how much heat you get in the room – larger flames, hotter room. Isn’t that nice little trick about how to get more heat from a gas fireplace?

Now let’s talk about effectiveness and functionality of vent-free logs. They are significantly easier to install as there is no vent system. All the heat will remain in the room meaning that the unit will give you something close to 90% efficiency. There are two important points here, though.

First of all, this type of heating runs the risk of oxygen depletion. If the unit doesn’t come with a detector, you should definitely get one. What’s good is that those ventless gas logs usually have a pilot light. In case it goes out, the whole unit will automatically shut down. This type of safety system has been used for more than 50 years and with great success.

Next, since we aren’t talking about the radiant heat here, all the warm air will automatically ascend towards the ceiling. The way the heating process here works is very similar to convection units. It is best if you combine your vent-free log set with a top quality stove fan. It will distribute the heat evenly around the room and will prevent the warm air from evaporating through the ceiling. In fact, an overhead ceiling fan is also an option here.

In short, here’s what we get from each model:

Vented:

• Beautiful, realistic flames
• Require a vent system
• Should have doors
• Radiant heat – can be felt in front
• Hard to warm a whole room

Vent-Free:

• Logs do not “burn” – unrealistic flames
• No need for a chimney or any vent system
• Will heat up a whole room easily
• More dangerous – may deplete oxygen in the room
• Work better with a fan

Installing Your Vented Gas Fireplace

We aren’t going to waste any more time talking about direct vent gas fireplace ratings or how they work. So we will cut to the chase. You need to have two lines inside your fireplace prior to putting the insert in there – a gas one and an electric one.

Running the vent lines is the next step and this means that you will have to venture to the rooftop. Once you are in the chimney, see how many flues you have. If there’s an uncovered one, then this is for the heating boiler. The one with the damper is for your fireplace. Well, now you will need to get rid of the damper for safety reasons.

Take the exhaust liner along with the intake liner down through the chimney and inside the fireplace. While still on the roof, use some high-temperature silicone and seal the pipes onto the chimney with a metal top plate. Now use a termination fitting in order to merge the ends of the pipes on the roof.

Running the gas line should be done by a certified professional. This job needs to be done impeccably and according to all standards. It requires the use of t-fittings, shut-off valves, and other specialized supplies in order to make the whole project not only functional but also safe.

In the actual fireplace, pros usually use flexible connections. You don’t want to impair the gas insert as you drive it in. Don’t forget to plug the unit into the electric socket before actually inserting it into the fireplace. The final connection is the gas connection. Before you turn on the gas, make sure the intake and the exhaust connections are also properly made. It is best if this is done again by using the high-temperature silicone.

Finally, attach the glass doors and you should be ready to go!

Best Gas Fireplace Inserts Comparison Chart

PRODUCT	PRICE	DIMENSIONS	WEIGHT	BTU	HEATING AREA
Emberside Sure Heat Mountain Oak Dual Burner	$$	26.5 x 15.5 x 17"	47 pounds	34,000/40,000	1200-1500 square feet
Napoleon Grandville VF Series Vent Free Natural Gas Fireplace	$$$$	39 x 15 x 35"	91 pounds	30,000	1200 square feet
Duluth Forge Dual Fuel Vent Free Fireplace	$$$	45 x 45 x 15"	45 pounds	32,000	1500 square feet
Emberside Sure Heat Vented Gas Log Set	$	12 x 18 x 16"	47 pounds	50,000	up to 1250 square feet
Peterson Real Fyre Live Oak Log Set	$$	20 x 2 x 2"	1.2 pounds	75,000	up to 1500 square feet
Empire Tahoe Deluxe Millivolt Fireplace	$$$$$	16.4 x 37 x 32.7"	102 pounds	20,000	Less Than 1000 square feet

Wrapping Up

Heating a home doesn’t need to be challenging and it also doesn’t need to be very expensive. Incredible amounts of heat for pennies can be a reality when you get the best gas fireplace insert on the market. Our hope is that we have provided you with sufficient information in order to decide which model is best for you.

The variety of products is a useful occurrence and every taste can be satisfied when we talk about heating with gas. Our main goal is to cover all your bases so let us know if you are happy with our selection as well as the tips that we shared. Speaking of sharing, show our guide to other people and don’t forget to check some more heating options available on our site.

Leave us a comment and give us some feedback. Thanks for reading and as always – stay put!