Thinking about buying a gas fireplace? As one of the most in-demand features of dens or family rooms, gas fireplaces offer the warmth and soft lighting of a natural fire without the challenges of storing wood and cleaning soot.
Beyond their convenience, the key differentiators of gas fireplaces are their physical structure and the way they vent combustion gasses. In particular, their physical structures define what type or style they are, as well as whether they will fit in the space you’ve allotted.
Before making your decision, let’s break down the main types of gas fireplaces that are available through Mantels Direct and their individual characteristics. This way, you’ll be able to choose the best model for your home based on size, style, and vent.
1. Gas Fireplace Inserts
Gas fireplace inserts are self-contained units that can be installed or added to an existing fireplace structure. They are essentially a large metal firebox that is pre-constructed and are usually powered by natural or propane gas.
Some of the main benefits of gas fireplace inserts include improved fuel efficiency, with around 70% of the heat generated by direct vent models remaining in the home. They also provide zone heating, meaning their warmth is more focused, which can help to save on energy bills in the long run.
At Mantels Direct, we offer two different venting options when it comes to gas fireplace inserts: direct vent and ventless. We also offer inserts that burn three different types of fuels, including ethanol gel, natural gas, and propane gas models. Each insert can be easily added to an existing fireplace or added to a new structure, so your choice really depends on the type of vent you need and the type of gas you want to burn.
2. Gas Log Sets and Burners
A second popular type of fireplace model for homes is gas log sets and burners.
Gas log sets are decorative gas appliances that mimic a wood-burning fire. Generally speaking, most homeowners opt for gas log sets to update or renovate an outdated fireplace, especially since most log sets come with modern features like automatic ignition and remote control. The choice comes down to the overall look of the log set and whether you want a direct vent or ventless model.
Gas burners are a component of every log set, as without the burner, the log set can’t light! Burners are the main functional part of a gas fireplace where the flames are generated. Oftentimes, gas burners are generally sold separately for repair purposes or as an update to an existing gas fireplace. They typically sit at the base of the fireplace and often appear as a tray with holes inside (where the flames will come through). Again, gas burners can be used with either direct vent or ventless fireplace models.
3. Fireballs
The final type of gas fireplace available at Mantels Direct is fireballs.
Fireballs are an alternative to gas logs, offering a contemporary and sculptural ambiance that instantly transforms a gas fireplace into a work of art. Whether shaped as balls or stones, this type of gas fireplace utilizes ceramic technology to create a durable and clean-burning fire feature. The flames will pop through the voids in the balls, which can be quite mesmerizing to look at.
Ideal for either indoor or outdoor fireplaces, fireballs and stones are available in many sizes and colors to match any style of decor. Typically, you can place fireballs on top of either decorative sand (in the case of an outdoor pit) or upon a burner pan.
Ready to update your existing fireplace and choose a modern gas version that will keep you warm and cozy for years to come? Shop all of our gas fireplace models now.