Picking out a new fireplace for your home is always exciting, but with so many options, it can be a little daunting. We’re here to help guide you through the process of selecting the right fireplace so you can find what you really want.
In this guide, we’ll explore the three different types of fireplaces, Wood-Burning Fireplaces, Gas Fireplaces, and Electric Fireplaces, discuss their individual advantages, and help you find the best match for your home.
- Wood-Burning Fireplaces: For Traditional Warmth and Ambiance
Why Choose a Wood-Burning Fireplace?
Wood-burning fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces offer the most authentic fire experience. The crackle of burning wood, the scent of natural firewood, and the warmth that fills the room all contribute to a cozy and inviting atmosphere that can’t be replicated by other types of fireplaces. If you’re drawn to a traditional aesthetic or enjoy the process of building and tending to a fire, a wood-burning fireplace may be the ideal choice.
Types:
- Inserts: Wood-burning inserts are a great option for those looking to convert an existing open-hearth fireplace into a more efficient, safe and powerful heat source. They are designed to fit into your current fireplace, offering better heat retention and reduced heat loss through the chimney. (Alternatively they can be inserted into a cut out section of your wall)
- Stoves: Wood stoves provide excellent heating performance and can be a primary heat source for your home. Since stoves are free-standing units, they act as a firebox, heating your room from all directions for maximum efficiency. They are also ideal for homes that don’t have a traditional fireplace to insert into or a wall deep enough to cut into.
Good Wood-Burning Options at Wood Fire Home:
- Inserts: Ventis HEI350 for an extra large double door. Or check out the HE250R for a large single door.
- Stoves: Ventis VB00022 Pellet Stove, or the Ventis VB00020 Wood Stove
Things To Consider:
- Fuel Supply: You’ll need a steady supply of firewood, which can be an advantage if you have access to affordable or free wood sources.
- Maintenance: Wood-burning fireplaces require regular maintenance, including cleaning ash and scheduling yearly chimney inspections.
- Efficiency: While beautiful and atmospheric, if you opt for a traditional style wood-burning fireplace, you’ll likely lose heat through the chimney. This isn’t a problem for us though, fireplaces on this website are hand selected by hearth experts. All wood fireplaces on Wood Fire Home are modern wood inserts and stoves that are designed for improved heat efficiency, so you’re living room can absorb all that heat.
- Gas Fireplaces: Instant Ambiance and Easy Operation
Why Choose a Gas Fireplace?
Gas fireplaces offer the perfect blend of convenience and ambiance. With the press of a button or flick of a switch, you can enjoy an instant fire without the hassle of chopping wood, building a fire, or cleaning up afterward. Gas fireplaces are also highly efficient, providing consistent heat while maintaining excellent control over temperature.
At Wood Fire Home, we offer gas fireplace inserts that run on either liquid propane (LP) or natural gas, giving you flexibility based on your home’s fuel supply.
Your Best Options For Gas Fireplaces:
The Meridian Series and The Quartz series are by far our most popular options
This is probably because they tick every box that a high quality gas fireplace has. No stone gets left unturned. We would say they are probably the best on the market, and very customizable. Check out both of these lines here.
Things To Consider:
- Fuel Source: You’ll need access to either natural gas or propane. If your home isn’t already set up for one of these fuels, installing a gas line may require additional planning and costs.
- Efficiency: Gas fireplaces are extremely efficient and can be used as zone heaters to warm specific rooms, potentially lowering your overall heating bill.
- Low Maintenance: Gas fireplaces require less maintenance than wood-burning options. There’s no ash or soot to clean up, and annual inspections are generally easier to manage.
Who Should Choose a Gas Fireplace?
People who are seeking a low-maintenance, highly efficient heat source that provides warmth and atmosphere with the click of a button, are the people who would get the best possible experience out of a gas fireplace. They’re perfect for busy households or for anyone who prefers a no-fuss, instant fire.
- Electric Fireplaces: Versatile, Stylish, and Easy to Install
Why Choose an Electric Fireplace?
Electric fireplaces offer unmatched versatility and ease of installation. Since they don’t require a vent or chimney, electric inserts can be installed virtually anywhere—perfect for apartments, condos, or homes where installing a gas or wood-burning fireplace might not be practical. Electric fireplaces are also highly energy-efficient and can function with or without heat, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance of a fire year-round.
Electric Fireplace Options at Wood Fire Home:
- Inserts: Electric fireplace inserts come in a wide variety of designs, from realistic-looking logs to contemporary glass and stone settings. They are designed to fit into an existing space, transforming a traditional fireplace, or a wall cut out socket into a modern focal point without the need for ventilation or gas lines. The Modern Flames Orion series is a great choice with a variety of customization options.
Things To Consider:
- Installation: Since electric fireplaces don’t require venting or chimneys, installation is often as simple as plugging them into a standard outlet.
- Low Heat Output: While electric fireplaces can provide supplemental heat, they are not designed to be primary heat sources in larger spaces.
- Ambiance: Electric fireplaces are perfect for homeowners who prioritize ambiance over heating capacity, although newer models do offer decent warmth for smaller rooms.
Who Should Choose an Electric Fireplace?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-install, low-maintenance fireplace that can be used in virtually any room, an electric fireplace is a great option. It’s also perfect for spaces where traditional fireplaces aren’t practical, such as apartments or bedrooms, or if you want a fireplace purely for aesthetic reasons.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home:
Choosing the perfect fireplace depends on your lifestyle, heating needs, and aesthetic preferences. Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decision:
Type Best For Key Benefits
Wood-Burning Traditionalists and hands-on homeowners Authentic fire experience, high heat output
Gas Convenience seekers Instant fire, high efficiency, low maintenance
Electric Renters or those without venting Easy installation, versatile placement
At Wood Fire Home, our team is here to help you find the perfect fireplace for your home. Whether you’re drawn to the authenticity of wood, the convenience of gas, or the versatility of electric, we offer a wide selection of inserts, stoves, and furnaces to suit any need.
Visit us today or contact us for personalized guidance in selecting the best fireplace for your home. With our range of options, you’re sure to find a hearth appliance that will bring warmth, comfort, and style to your living space for years to come.
