You want to curl up around a huge fire in the cold winter evenings and enjoy the warmth. The pleasure derived from watching the beautiful dancing flame and the warmth of the raging fire is incomparable. Most people shy away due to work involved in having, setting up, and maintaining a wood-burning fireplace. A gas fireplace is an absolute solution for you. It allows you to enjoy the warmth, ambiance, and pleasure similar to open fire without strenuous work, pollution, and filth. There are many options in the market for a gas fireplace, and selecting the best one can be a challenge. To guide you in the selection process, we have prepared the best gas fireplace reviews below. We have also highlighted features and concerns raised about gas fireplaces.
Gas Fireplace Reviews [Comparison]
1. Napoleon Grandville GVF36-2N Vent Free Natural Gas Fireplace
This fireplace from the Napoleon brand is our winner for the best natural gas fireplace. It is vent-free. Therefore, you should expect the heat to be directed to the room. The fireplace has a huge heat output of up to 30,000 BTU. It is fitted with a Millivolt ignition system, which allows you to turn the fireplace on/off via a simple switch. The system also allows you to adjust the heat and flame by 50% to the most comfortable level. This makes the fireplace something you will use all year round.
The Napoleon Grandville gas fireplace comes as a complete unit with all the accessories needed. You just have to assemble and plug it into the fuel line before you are good to go.
The package comes with:
The fireplace, Firescreen, Double flame burner, Millivolt control system with remote control, Piezo igniter, Oxygen depletion sensor, and a Set of Phazer glowing gas logs.
Which fuel system is used?
This fireplace is a vent-free insert and works nicely with your existing natural gas supply in your house. As a safety measure, an oxygen depletion sensor is added to detect oxygen levels and switches off the system if the levels fall below the safe zone.
2. Empire Comfort Systems Outdoor Manual Ignition Linear Fireplace
The Empire linear outdoor fireplace gives you something to look forward to when hosting friends and family. This magnificent fireplace will turn your backyard to your favorite part of the house. It features stainless steel construction and is designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The fireplace is elegant, and with 60-inches in length, you get sufficient heat of up to 65,000 BTU in your backyard. A glass weather deflector is included to shield your fire against wind and other weather elements. Crushed glass pieces should be spread around the burner and are purchased separately. A pre-programmed LED is fitted under the burner and reflects nicely on the crushed glass pieces, giving a nice view.
The package comes with: weather deflectors and an ignition system with AA batteries.
Which fuel system is used?
This fireplace works with natural gas and uses the vent-free insert, thereby ensuring high heat output. The system is easy to operate and is switched on by a manual control switch. The system offers flame adjustment with three height options.
3. Empire Comfort Systems Boulevard Multi-Function Fireplace
Empire Boulevard fireplace is an elegant option and easily fits in any décor. It is a great work of beauty, and apart from warming your house, it adds class and elegance. The fireplace gives you the freedom to choose the liner, trim kit, and decorative fire glass. This allows you to customize it to the look that resonates with style. Translucent crushed glass pieces are added to the fireplace to illumine the LED light and add beauty to the unit.
The fireplace uses the direct vent system and gives out a heat output of up to 46,000 BTU. It burns on natural gas. You just have to plug it into the supply line in your house. To help you light it up, it is equipped with an electronic pilot ignition system with standby AA batteries. A thermostatic control system is included in the package and allows you to remotely control the flame and the temperature at your seat's comfort. The thermostat is pre-programmed with the desired room temperature and automatically regulates the flame to the appropriate heat output.
4. Empire Tahoe Deluxe 36׳׳ Direct-Vent NG Millivolt Fireplace
This insert is a good option for a direct vent fireplace. It is 16 inches deep and fits perfectly in places where the space is limited. The fireplace has an elegant design and easily blends in with your interior décor. The unit gives you options for the decorative front to pick the one that matches your style. An optional blower can be added to the unit to increase the heat output. This unit has an accuracy rate of 83% and gives outheat of up to 20,000 BTUs.
The unit runs on natural gas and works perfectly with the gas supply in your house. It is equipped with a millivolt control system. This allows it to be turned ON/OFF by flick of a switch. The package comes as a complete unit with all the required accessories and fire logs; you just have to plug in the gas, and you are good to go.
5. American Hearth Boulevard Vent Free Natural Gas Fireplace
American Hearth Linear fireplace is the real deal when it comes to premium quality and gigantic size. This fireplace is the biggest and grandest linear fireplace available. It features an elegant design and makes a huge statement with its enormous size. A glass screen is fitted in the front to give this fireplace a beautiful modern look even when switched off. You can choose between the 72 inches and 60-inch options depending on the space available. It applies the vent-free system and works with natural gas. The burner and programmable LED are hidden by the decorative crushed glass spread around the fireplace. The crushed glass pieces are sold separately. The same applies to the media logs, outer trim, and the liner.
The unit gives out a heat output of up to 40,000 BTU with the flame being adjusted by a multi-functional remote control. This allows you to control the flame at the comfort of your seat. The system is equipped with a thermostat unit, which automatically adjusts the heat output to a comfortable temperature.
6. Duluth Forge FDF300R Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace Insert
Duluth dual fuel gas insert is specially designed to use both natural gas and liquid propane as fuel. This feature makes it stand out, unlike other fireplaces that can only burn one of the two. It is configured with a vent-free system and can produce heat up to 26,000 BTU on either fuel source.
The fireplace is beautifully crafted and adds class to your home when recessed on the wall. This fireplace uses 5 high quality hand-crafted ceramic gas logs to give out a realistic dancing flame. A variable thermostat is equipped in the system to give you control of heat settings. The system is operated via remote control with functions for ON/OFF and temperature control.
To ensure safety, a piezo-ignition system is applied and works alongside an oxygen depletion sensor. The sensor monitors the oxygen level and automatically switches off whenever carbon monoxide is detected or low. This fireplace comes at an affordable price despite all these features guarantying you value for money.
7. Pleasant Hearth VFS2-PH30DT Vent Free Gas Stove
This is one of the best gas stoves available in the market. The stove is vent free and can work with either natural gas or liquid propane. It has a heat output of up to 30,000 BTU capable of warming up a 1,000 square feet room. The stove has a compact yet elegant design with 32 inches, which allows it to fit in limited spaces.
The stove features an in-built thermostat and an overheat sensor. The sensor detects the temperature and alerts every time it gets too high beyond the comfort level. The thermostat automatically regulates and maintains the heat at a comfortable level. This stove comes with a dual burner, which gives out a huge realistic flame.
8. Pleasant Hearth VFS2-PH20DT Compact Gas Stove
This vent free gas stove is a good option for adding warmth and elegance to your home. The stove can work with both natural gas and liquid propane as fuel. With up to 20,000 BTU heat output, the stove can comfortably supply heat to a 700 square feet room. The stove comes with a double row burner, which produces flame from both ends, resulting in a huge authentic fire.
The fireplace is available in a rustic black design that blends with and matches any décor. It features a compact design with a minimum clearance that allows it to fit in limited spaces.
After switching on the fireplace, the system is automatically controlled by a thermostat unit. The thermostat regulates the heat output to meet the demand for ideal room temperature. To promote heat distribution, a blower can be purchased separately and fitted.
9. Comfort Glow GSD2846 Dual Fuel Gas Stove
Comfort Glow Fireplace is a functional heavy-duty gas stove. This vent-free unit has a dynamic design that allows it to merge and fit in any style, putting in class touch. The fireplace is designed with a large front opening to give you a wide view of the dancing flame. The fireplace comes with charred gas logs that give out an authentic flame similar to a wood-burning fireplace. A dual flame burner is used to produce the flame that gives up to 30,000 BTU heat. This heat is enough to heat up to 1,250 square feet of room comfortably. The stove is energy efficient and works on both natural gas and liquid propane.
The fireplace bears an in-built thermostat programmed to maintain and keep the room temperature at an ideal level. The unit is easy to install. You can have it running without having to hire professional assistance.
10. Duluth Forge Vent Free Dual Fuel Fireplace
Duluth's brand never disappoints when it comes to class and elegance. The design is simple yet beautiful, with a high-quality furniture finish. This insert type fireplace is vent free and runs on dual fuel, i.e., liquid propane and natural gas. It has a heat output of up to 32,000 BTU, which spreads out to warm up to a 1,500 square feet room. The fireplace comes with a set of six ceramic gas logs. These logs resemble natural burning wood with a realistic and authentic flame. The unit uses a piezo ignition system controlled by a multi-function remote control to light up the fire. Like all vent-free systems, the system is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor to guarantee safety.
11. Pleasant Hearth Natural Gas Vent Free Fireplace
This product from the pleasant hearth is vent free and runs precisely on natural gas. It has a heat output of up to 32,000 BTU and can warm up 1,100 feet squared of room. The unit comes with a dual burner that produces a flame on both ends, resulting in a realistic flame. A programmable thermostat is equipped in the unit and is controlled by handheld remote control. The remote contains anON / OFF function and temperature control function.
This fireplace has a rich cherry finish that brings in a combination of warmth and elegance. It also has a compact design allowing it to be installed anywhere with a fuel supply.
12. ProCom QNSD25OT Thermostatic Ventless Dual Fuel Stove
The ProCom gas stove is ventless and uses double fuel technology to run on both liquid propane and natural gas. It has an overall heat output of 25,000 BTU, transferring the heat up to 1,100 square feet. The unit is beautifully furnished, leaving a large viewing area of the dancing flame. The unit has an inbuilt thermostat to control the heat output and maintain constant ideal room temperature.
Advantages and disadvantages of gas fireplace
Everything that has merits also has its demerits. In this case, the good of gas fireplaces outshines the criticism they face.
Advantages
- They are easy to operate and maintain. They are a way of avoiding the work that accompanies a wood-burning fireplace and getting the same warmth.
- They are environment friendly since no cutting down of trees is involved. There are also no emissions of smoke produced.
- Gas fireplaces are safer compared to wood stoves. This is because there are no actual sparks and open flame, which may lead to fire accidents.
- Gas fireplaces tend to give out more heat. Burning gas in a controlled environment yields more energy output than wood.
- A gas fireplace is cheaper to maintain and fuel. Using these heaters reduces the energy cost and cost of fuel by up to 25%.
Disadvantages
- Initial installing requires a lot of capital. The fireplace requires a complex setup for the fuel line and the unit.
- Gas fireplaces lack the feel of work involved in lighting a wood fire.
Types of Gas Fireplace Heaters
Gas fireplaces come in different models and types. These are:
Fireplace inserts
This kind of fireplace works on an existing wood-burning fireplace. These appliances are added to an open fireplace and connected to the fuel line. Measurements of an existing open fireplace are taken and compared to those of the insert. The insert is supposed to be a perfect fit in the pit.
Fireplace log sets
These are gas logs that are inserted in an existing fireplace. The gas logs are a replica of real wooden logs. They can either be made of cement or ceramic material. The logs are connected to a gas burner and thereby seem to be burning.
Freestanding stoves
Freestanding stoves, as the name suggests, tend to stand independently. They are designed to resemble wood burning stoves in both design and functionality. A set of logs is placed over the burner giving it the authentic look of an ordinary wood stove.
Wall-mounted
These units are designed to flush with the wall. Most of their body parts are embedded in the wall. They seem to be integral to the wall.
How do gas fireplaces work?
Gas fireplaces burn either natural gas or liquid propane gas as fuel. They are designed to burn clean without releasing emissions. Waste is channeled away through a vent, ensuring minimal pollutions. Incombustible logs, which can be made of ceramic or cement, are in the burner line. Gas from the fuel line is guided into the burner and ignited. The burning releases heat while an LED light reflects a yellowish color in the logs. These visual effects replicate the look of a real flame.
Best Gas fireplace brands
Empire comfort systems brand has a wide range of high-end products. They are in high competition with Napoleon Grandville in terms of features and performance.
Guide to choosing the best gas fireplace
When looking to buy a gas fireplace, a few considerations should be taken. These are:
Heat output- The output is rated with BTU, to mean British Thermal Units. The higher the rating, the larger the room it can warm.
Ventilation option available- you can either go for a vented or a vent free system. A vented system uses two lines, one for the fuel and the other for exhaust. A vent-free one, on the other hand, burns the gas directly without getting rid of emissions.
AvailableSpace- your choice of a fireplace should be guided by the space available. If the space is limited, go for compact fireplaces that do not take up much space.
Beauty and style- The fireplace should add ambiance and elegance to your house. Settle for a gas stove that resonates with your style and décor.
How to install a gas fireplace
After locating the perfect spot for the fireplace, the next thing is purchasing the unit. Once you have the unit, make sure you have the fuel source ready. The source can be natural gas or liquid propane gas. Set up the platform for the fireplace and place it in. Connect the exhaust line and the fuel line to the fireplace. Test the fireplace, and you are good to go. You can also make a platform around the fireplace as a piece of décor.
Safety tips for your home fireplace
To be safe when using gas fireplaces, one should always:
- Ensure that oxygen depletion sensors are working properly
- Never touch the fire screen as it tends to be very hot
- Keep the controls away from reach of children
- Flammable items should be kept away from the fireplace
- Do not turn on the fireplace if you detect any problem with the unit
Gas-powered heaters- are they environmentally friendly?
Yes! Gas-powered heaters are low on emissions and reduce the cutting down of trees.
Concluding remarks
Having a good gas fireplace in your house will ensure that you experience the warmth in cold evenings without the toil of a wood stove. Buy one and enjoy warmth even in the coldest weather, and you are catered for all the year-round.
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