Fireplaces & Stoves

The Best Electric and Gas Fireplaces for Your Home

Why You Need a Fireplace

Whether built-in or manufactured, fireplaces can add a sense of comfort and natural warmth in your home. They can create a relaxing ambience and bring everyone together on chilly nights. Depending on your local climate, a fireplace can also add significant value to your home. We have a wide selection of gas and electric fireplaces and wood stoves for sale.

Types of Fireplaces

Gas fireplaces use propane or natural gas. They create a very natural feeling of warmth that can emanate throughout the space. As far as room placement goes, a freestanding gas fireplace can sit flush against a flat wall, or you can use it as a corner fireplace. They’re typically ventless fireplaces. The color of the faux wood inside gas fireplaces varies, and some gas fireplaces even come with a remote control that allows you to change the temperature from across the room.

Electric fireplaces are available as freestanding models and models you can mount on a wall. Placement varies for an electric fireplace. You can mount it on the wall for a modern aesthetic or put it flush against a flat wall or in a corner. Electric fireplaces emit infrared heat, which distributes evenly throughout the room and gives the fire a glow. Unlike gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces come in various materials, ranging from metal to paper laminate. There’s an option to operate the fire without the heat, and most come with remote controls. Electric fireplaces are also incorporated into room furniture, such as fireplace TV stands for your living room or bedroom.

Fireplace Inserts

If you have an existing fireplace structure, you can use fireplace inserts to add modern flair and controlled heat to your living space. The inserts generally have gas or electric options, and they’re typically made from metal and glass. Fireplace inserts are easier to maintain than a traditional fireplace and come with various automation features, such as thermostats and remote controls.

Freestanding Stoves

There’s almost no limit to where you can place freestanding stove fireplaces because they don’t need the support of a wall. They just need a platform to stand on. They heat on all sides and have a charming, rustic look. They operate by burning wood or wood pellets, or they can run on electricity or gas.

Accessories

Regardless of the type of fireplace you choose, you’ll likely need accessories. Electric and gas fireplaces require fewer accessories. Maintenance can be as simple as battery replacement for the remote controls.

Brick-and-mortar fireplaces and freestanding stoves may need more accessories. Unlike gas fireplaces or electric fireplaces that you can place against a flat wall, freestanding fireplaces may require additional ventilation, wood pellets and fireplace logs. To manipulate the fire, you may need iron tools or fireplace tools. And you may want screens and doors, which can ensure safety from sparks and falling logs — as well as add a decorative touch to the room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a wood stove heat an entire house?

A: Normally, wood stoves are designed to only heat a single room or area. There are three keys to warming a home with a wood stove. First, since heat rises, a central location on the first floor is optimal. Second, an open floor plan will help the heat reach all areas of the home. Lastly, a method of circulating the warm air, such as ceiling fans, stove blowers or floor ventilation, will allow air to spread to outer rooms and help make your home comfortable.

Q: What are the pros and cons of a wood-burning stove?

A: Modern wood stoves are much more energy efficient than earlier models. Higher heat production means you’ll be able to use less firewood. Wood stoves don’t require electricity to run. Wood stoves require the initial cost of the stove and installation. You’ll also need to learn how to properly run your stove. Plan to have a supply of wood and a place for storage.

Q: What are advantages and disadvantages of an electric fireplace?

A: There are many benefits to an electric fireplace. They’re simple to operate and easy to set up. They look realistic and don’t create a mess, like ashes. You can place an electric fireplace almost anywhere. You can use one in a small place, like a condo or apartment, and it won’t get hot like a wood stove. They require proximity to an electrical outlet. Electric fireplaces aren’t designed to be the source for whole-home heat and usually aren’t serviceable if something goes wrong with the unit.