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Fireplace vs. Fireplace Insert vs. Stove: What’s the Difference?

Sometimes the hardest part about investing in a new fireplace or hearth appliance is deciding what to get. There’s electric models, efficient gas inserts, classic wood stoves, and plenty of options for your outdoor space, too, so where should you even start? If you’re new to the world of home heating, don’t worry – we’re here to break it down for you.

What is a fireplace?

It seems like a silly question, but not everything that looks like a fireplace can technically be considered your standard, classic fireplace setup. Traditionally speaking, a fireplace is a built-in structure, typically made of brick or stone, that’s part of a home’s construction. These are common in older homes and often feature an open hearth.

Fireplaces can burn wood or gas, and today’s options include some great electric fireplace options, as well. All fireplaces (with the exception of electric, of course), require a chimney or venting system to ensure smoke and fumes can safely escape outdoors.

The downside of open fireplaces? They don’t win out in terms of efficiency. While they’ll obviously provide extra warmth for your living space, there are other heating options that will do the job much more efficiently. That said, you can’t beat their classic ambiance. If you want something traditional and homey, an open fireplace is the way to go.

What is a fireplace insert?

A fireplace insert is a fully enclosed unit that’s designed to slide into an existing fireplace opening. You know how we mentioned that traditional, open fireplaces are drafty and inefficient? An insert is the best way to turn your old fireplace into something far more effective and eco-friendly.

Fireplace inserts are fully sealed, helping you retain more heat in your living space, and they’re available in a variety of fuel types – from wood to gas to electric. Basically, if you already have a fireplace, but want better heat output and lower energy bills, an insert will give you just that…just without having to do an expensive overhaul or renovation in the process. Think of it like a fireplace makeover: same charm, way better performance.

Oh – and if you’ve been wanting to convert fuel types, this is one of the best ways to do it! Many people have turned their old and inefficient wood fireplace into a better-heating and lower-maintenance gas one with a gas fireplace insert – easy peasy. Ask us about your options!

What is a home heating stove?

A stove is a freestanding heating appliance that radiates warmth from all sides. It’s not built into the wall, and it doesn’t need a traditional fireplace to function, meaning your placement options are quite flexible. Stoves burn wood, gas, or pellets, and they’re known for being super efficient, heating larger spaces with ease.

All stoves require proper venting to remove smoke and combustion gases from your home. Wood and pellet stoves typically vent through a stovepipe that runs through an exterior wall or ceiling, while gas stoves often use a direct vent system, usually routed through a wall or the roof.

If you don’t already have a fireplace in place, but want something that offers heat and ambiance, a stove is a great option.

Picking a Fireplace: Which Fuel Type Is Best for Me?

Choosing the right fuel type for your fireplace is kind of like picking your favorite ice cream flavor – everyone has a preference, and there’s no wrong answer. That said, picking a fuel type isn’t quite as easy as ordering ice cream… You can’t exactly sample a fireplace fuel until you find the right option for your home. Fortunately, that’s why we’re to lay it all out for you.

• Wood: If you love the sound of popping logs, the scent of a real wood fire, and the satisfaction of building a fire from scratch, then wood is your best match. It brings cozy vibes, rustic charm, and serious ambiance. Just keep in mind, it’s definitely the highest maintenance option (think stacking logs, storing wood piles, tending the fire, etc.).
• Gas: Gas fireplaces are all about that push-button life. Turn it on, turn it off, adjust the flame…all without lifting a single log. They’re clean-burning, super efficient, and require far less maintenance than wood. Plus, with options for traditional-looking logs or sleek modern glass, they fit just about any aesthetic.
• Electric: Don’t want to deal with flames, fuel, or venting at all? Electric fireplaces are the plug-and-play heroes of the hearth world. They’re known for being a safer option, easy to install, and many come with cool features, like color-changing flames. While they don’t give off those classic fireplace vibes quite as much, they’re a solid choice that will definitely boost your home’s ambiance.
• Pellet: Pellet fireplaces and stoves burn tiny compressed wood pellets that offer the charm of wood, just with a lot less mess. They’re eco-friendly, high-efficiency, and can run for hours with minimal tending thanks to automatic hoppers. You’ll still need to store pellets and clean things up occasionally, but you get consistent heat with a smaller carbon footprint – and less overall maintenance on your end.

Still not sure what’s right for your home? Don’t worry – we’re not just fireplace matchmakers, we’re full-on flame therapists. Whether you want to channel your inner lumberjack or you’re all about that remote-control lifestyle, we’ll help you find a fireplace that fits your home, your routine, and your vibe.

Let’s Fire Things Up – The Right Way

Whatever your fireplace vision includes, we’ve got the know-how and the products to bring it to life. Our team is here to make the whole process smoother, safer, and personalized to you. Get in touch today, so we can set you up right.