Find a Gas Fireplace For Your Home

Having a fireplace can be a great thing for those who have to deal with the bitter winter cold. With that said, not everyone wants to deal with chopping (or buying) wood just to keep the fireplace going. If you’re looking for a more convenient experience, you may want to think about purchasing a gas fireplace. Be warned, though, that not just any gas fireplace will do.

If you’re in the market for the best gas fireplace for your home, you’re in luck. We’ve not only done the research to find which fireplaces are the best and where you can buy them, but we’ve also taken the time to break down why each of these fireplaces stands out from the crowd. If you’re ready to start thinking about getting a more reliable fireplace for your home, you’ll definitely want to take some time to look at the fireplaces that we’ve researched.

Top Gas Fireplace In 2021

There’s no single fireplace that is going to be the right fit for every consumer. No matter how well-reviewed a specific unit might be, there are always going to be those that find that it just doesn’t have the features they need. That’s why we’ve created this list to help consumers see a cross-section of the features that are available so that they can quickly choose the best gas fireplace for their homes. 

ProCom Ventless Dual Fuel Stove

It’s important to remember that not every gas fireplace has to be exactly the same as a traditional fireplace. While there is certainly something to say for having the traditional, built-in sort of unit, there’s also a lot to say for having something that stands on its own. There are many who enjoy the stove-style heating units, which are both easier to move and easier to maintain. If you’re in the market for a stove-style gas fireplace, you’ll definitely want to take a few minutes to look at this excellent ventless dual fuel stove from ProCom. 

So, what makes this unit a standout? The first thing definitely has to be the overall construction of the fireplace. It doesn’t just feel solid - it really is well-built and can stand up to use without worry. Able to use either natural gas or propane, it’s also fairly versatile and can fit the needs of many different users. The unit also has a great battery-assisted ignition system, which makes it easier to light than any traditional fireplace. This is a rare unit that manages to hit the trifecta of looking good, working well, and being easy to use all at the same time. 

The other great selling point of this unit is the fact that it was built with customer safety in mind. It keeps track of oxygen and carbon monoxide levels in the area around the unit, automatically shutting off the heat if levels get past a safe level. Though it’s unlikely that these sensors will ever get tripped if the unit is installed in an appropriate area, it is nice to know that there’s one less thing to worry about when using a gas fireplace. If your goal is to find a great gas heating stove, this is definitely the first unit at which you should look. 

Pleasant Hearth VFS2-PH30DT

When you’re looking at a standalone gas fireplace, it’s good to put a premium on the sturdiness of the unit’s construction. After all, this is a device that you’ll hopefully be using for years to come and one that’s going to play a huge role in keeping your home comfortable. If you’re in the market for one of these units, you should definitely think about getting a stand-alone stove-style fireplace that’s built with long-term use in mind. One such unit that’s worth a look is this one from Pleasant Hearth. 

Pleasant Hearth’s vent-free gas fireplace is a great gas-stove style stand-alone unit that can be placed in any room that’s large and well-ventilated. Designed to heat up these areas with ease, it’s also designed to stand the test of time. As the unit is made of cold-rolled steel, you’ll never feel like it’s on the verge of collapse or that the heat from the gas fire is causing any kind of damage. Instead, you’ll get the feeling of relief that often comes from knowing that you’ll be able to get years of use out of a great gas fireplace.

With that said, there is more to this unit than the excellent materials used in its construction. Designed with two different rows of flames, it’s capable of putting out more heat more quickly than many of the other similar units on the market. The built-in thermometer also makes it easier to ensure that the temperature will stay exactly where it needs to be, saving you from having to get up to turn the heat up and down over the course of an evening. Combined with an easy lighting system and a great safety sensor, these features make for an excellent gas fireplace that is very easy to use. 

Duluth Forge Vent Free Dual Fuel Ventless Gas Fireplace Insert

What kind of fuel do you want to use with your gas fireplace? While most are definitely going to go into the process of looking for something that uses natural gas, you might want to think again if you don’t have gas hookups available in your home. Instead, it might be wise to start thinking about propane as an alternative. If you want to have more choice in terms of what kind of fuel is used in heating your home, you’ll definitely want to take some time to take a look at this gas fireplace from Duluth Forge. 

Duluth Forge has a dual-fuel set-up, which is perfect for those who just want an extra option for how they will run their fireplace. This not only means that users have an obvious choice between which types of fuel to use primarily, but that they can switch to the other source if there is any kind of problem with their primary fuel source. This might not be the kind of issue that weighs heavily on the average fireplace owner, but it is absolutely something that matters to those who have a real need for dual fuel sources should pay attention to it when looking for a new fireplace. 

So, what does this unit have to offer besides the dual fuel sources? Fortunately, it has quite a bit to please even those who aren’t going to have to think about whether they’ll use propane or gas. The hand-painted ceramic logs give to make the fireplace feel like much more a traditional unit, while the built-in thermostat makes it much easier to control the temperature in the room. This is a great all-around choice for those who want a few more options in their heating choice. 

Peterson Real Fyre 24-inch Live Oak Log Set

One of the more interesting trends in modern home building is replacing traditional wood-burning fireplaces with gas fireplaces that are still built into the home. These units do much more heavy lifting than their traditional cousins but they steel feel an awful lot like the other types of fireplaces. IF you’re looking for something similar, it makes sense to look for something that’s both going to give you the benefits of gas while giving you something closer to the aesthetics of wood. An excellent example of one such fireplace is this unit from Peterson. 

One of the great things about this fireplace is that it looks so much like a wood-burning fireplace. The unit features ceramic logs that look like the real thing, but which won’t burn up while the gas is on. When your fireplace is turned off, though, you’ll get the benefit of having something that works well with your decor. This is a feature that might not mean much to everyone, but it can be a great selling point for others.

Luckily, this unit does more than just look good. The ceramic logs are all steel-reinforced, so they’ll last for many years to come. The unit is also very easy to set up, so even those who have never had a gas fireplace before can feel comfortable installing it on their own. If you’re looking for a great built-in fireplace, this unit is a great example of the features for which you should search. 

Barton Premium 18-inch Vent-Free Natural Gas Log Set

While most of the units described above are meant to stand alone or to be installed as a primary unit, there’s something to be said for getting a gas fireplace that can fit right into an existing traditional fireplace. Such a unit would have the benefit of being able to use the existing ducts and chimney, which really allows you to make more use of a feature that’s already in place in your home. If you’re looking for something that’s going to work with what you have, you’ll want to take a look at this vent-free natural gas log set from Barton.

The biggest draw of this particular gas fireplace is probably the ceramic logs. Similar to the logs seen in some of the other gas fireplaces that have already been discussed, they help to give your fireplace a more natural look while still giving you all of the benefits that come with using gas. They definitely go a long way towards keeping the area looking nice even when your fireplace isn’t turn on, which is a nice side benefit for many would-be owners.

Of course, there’s more than just aesthetics to this unit. Capable of heating up to 1300 square feet without a problem, it’s an ideal choice for larger rooms. This is a great supplementary heat source in the winter, especially when you’re trying to enjoy the ambiance of the long winter nights. Since it’s also capable of fitting into most traditionally-sized fireplaces, it’s a great addition to any home that already has an installed wood-burning unit. Definitely give this one a try if you’re looking to get all of the benefits of a gas fireplace without giving up the aesthetics of your traditional fireplace. 

Skyflame 18-inch Fireplace Log Grate

Sometimes it makes sense to look for a simple option when you need a new gas fireplace. If you already have an existing traditional unit in place and you simply want the ability to add a gas element, you may not care quite as much about the aesthetics of the change. If your main concern is heat rather than looks, you might be better off looking for a log grate. This will not only give you more options, but it will give you the benefit of having a fairly simple installation process at the same time. One of the better options in this category is this unit from Skyflame.

This particular unit has a fairly industrial look, with nothing but exposed stainless steel bars visible. While that’s not quite as lovely as what you’d get from some of the other units described above, it’s a perfect fit for something that you’re going to put into a traditional fireplace. Instead of paying more for the aesthetics, you’re going to get a product that’s actually got all of its focus in the realm of utility. Easily able to fit into most standard fireplaces, this is a great tool for making a quick conversion of something that you already own. 

The great thing about this gas fireplace is that it really does allow you to do a lot with a relatively minimal set-up. Once you have it in place, you can hook it up to your gas line via flexible tubing and get access to reliable heat. Though it doesn’t have an included ignition system, it is still very easy to light and will allow you to get your room up to a comfortable temperature without having to deal with all of the issues that come with trying to light and maintain a wood fire. If you’re looking for a simple solution, this might be the right fit for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What brand of a gas fireplace is the best?

There are quite a few really solid brands of gas fireplaces. Though the leading names that you’ll see in most reviews do a great job, there are also some smaller brands that will appeal to niche buyers. Try to follow features, not brand names, when you’re making this kind of purchase. 

What is the most realistic looking gas fireplace?

There are a number of really realistic-looking gas fireplaces out there. The best bet for those who are concerned about aesthetics is to look for a unit that can be installed in a wall and that features faux-wood logs. These logs really help to hide the fact that you’re using gas instead of wood and they also look great even when you’re not using the fireplace. 

Do gas fireplaces use a lot of gas?

The amount of gas that your fireplace uses is going to be directly related to the size of the fireplace and how long it runs. Based on current prices, you’re probably going to look at spending one cent per thousand BTUs per hour. If you have a forty-thousand BTU fireplace, then, it’s going to cost you about forty cents per hour to run the unit. Whether or not that’s a reasonable price is definitely up to the individual user. 

How good are gas fireplaces?

Gas fireplaces can be great, especially if you are in an area that gets very cold. Gas prices are much more reliable than wood fireplaces and are much easier to keep lit, so they can be used continuously with much less effort. With that said, your gas fireplaces are definitely only as reliable as your gas supply. 

Gas Fireplace Buyer’s Guide

It’s hard to know if you’re getting the right fireplace if you’re not sure exactly what’s out there. Though you can read some excellent reviews about why a specific fireplace is so beloved by some buyers, that doesn’t mean that you’re going to like the same model (or maybe something different altogether like electric models or ethanol or those with realistic water vapor). Instead, it’s vital that you stop and think about why you need a gas fireplace and what kind of features matter to you. Below is a brief guide that will highlight the features that will make or break even the best gas fireplaces for most consumers. 

Free Standing vs. Installed vs. Inserts

The first thing you’re going to look for in a gas fireplace is the style of the unit. There are generally three choices that buyers can make - a freestanding “stove”, a unit that is installed in the wall, and one that can be put into a traditional fireplace. All three have their pros and cons, and each works better for different kinds of buyers.

Freestanding stoves are great for those who don’t want to deal with the installation. You’ll just connect the unit to your gas line and be set to go. These units can provide a fair bit of heat, but it should be noted that they take up much more room than their counterparts. If space is a major consideration, these stoves can be a problem.

Wall-installed units look more like traditional fireplaces, as they are installed directly into your walls. They usually have faux-wood logs and definitely make a room feel a little more rustic. The downside here is that they have to be installed, and those who can’t really do much in terms of changing their homes can’t get much out of one of these units.

Finally, there are the basic units that get installed into a fireplace. The good news is that these units let buyers get more out of their existing architecture. The bad news is that they don’t look quite as stylish as their neighbors. If you already have a fireplace, though, one of these units can be a great choice. 

Fuel Source

What kind of fuel are you going to use to heat your home? The vast majority of homeowners are going to use gas, especially if they choose a unit that’s built into the wall. Most of the fireplace owners who use natural gas are those who have gas lines available in their homes, and the gas fireplace can be connected to these lines through an easy-to-use flexible connector. The other option that’s more popular among those with free-standing units is propane, which can be connected with a similar connector but that can make use of traditional propane tanks.

If you’re not sure what you want to use, take a look at what you have available in your home. If you know that you’re going to have to set up an entirely new system, you may also want to look at a fireplace that will allow you to use both types of fuel. It’s true that not everyone is going to need a dual fuel source fireplace, but it’s not a bad idea to consider one if you know that you are going to have access to both propane and natural gas. 

Heating Capacity

How large of space are you looking to heat with your gas fireplace? This is one of those questions that’s obviously going to vary by the user, so make sure that you measure the room in which your heating space will sit before you make a purchase. It’s generally a good idea to look for something that’s going to be able to cover at least the area of your room, though going a few dozen (or even a hundred) square feet over is usually the best way to make sure that you’re getting the kind of heating capacity that you need. 

Note that it is still a good idea to make sure that you’re not getting too big of a unit for space. Don’t try to heat an area that’s only a few hundred square feet with a stove that’s meant for thousands of square feet, as doing so might actually be unsafe. You need to make sure that you are able to stay in the middle ground between a unit that’s too small to effectively heat and one that’s too big to safely use in the area that you need heated. 

Ease of Use

Finally, you’ll want to think about how easy the gas fireplace is going to be to use. For most, this is going to come down to the manner of ignition. If you’re comfortable using a match or a lighter, you can find a basic ignition system and save some money at the same time. If you’re looking for something that’s a little bit more modern, though, you will want to look for a unit that has a built-in ignition. One button press will allow you to get a good fire roaring in your new fireplace if you have this kind of system.

Ease of use also means ensuring that the unit is easy to use safely. If you’re going to use a gas fireplace that isn’t connected to your ducts or your traditional fireplace, you’ll definitely want to find something that has built-in safety sensors. The best tend to be a combination of oxygen and carbon monoxide sensors, which work in tandem to monitor the air quality in your home. If the oxygen levels drop too low or the carbon monoxide levels get too high, your fireplace will automatically shut off to reduce the risk of illness or death due to its operation.