Table of Contents
Overview: Three Paths to a New Fireplace
Most projects land in one of three installation buckets:
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Built-In (recessed) — A new, framed opening where the unit sits flush in the wall for a seamless, modern look. Great for linear electric or direct-vent gas feature walls.
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Insert (retrofit) — A self-contained heating unit that slides into an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace to boost efficiency and heat. Available in gas, wood, pellet, and electric.
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Freestanding stove — A stand-alone heater (wood, pellet, or gas) that sits on a hearth pad with a flue/vent. Top choice for serious heat with flexible placement.
Quick Comparison: Cost, Install, Heat & Aesthetics
| Option |
Typical Uses |
Install Complexity |
Est. Total Cost* |
Heat Output |
Aesthetic |
Best Links |
| Built-In (Recessed) |
New walls, media walls, remodels |
Medium–High (framing, power / vent) |
$1.5k–$8k+ |
Electric: ~5k BTU; Gas: 15–35k BTU |
Frameless, linear, custom |
Built-In, Recessed, Vented Gas
|
| Insert (Retrofit) |
Upgrading open masonry prefab |
Medium (liner/vent, surround kit) |
$1.5k–$6k+ |
Wood/Pellet/Gas: 20–60k BTU |
Keeps existing hearth, cleaner fire |
Wood Stoves & Inserts, Electric
|
| Freestanding Stove |
High heat, flexible placement |
Low–Medium (hearth + vent) |
$1.5k–$5k+ |
Wood/Pellet/Gas: 25–70k BTU |
Appliance-as-feature, classic/modern |
Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves
|
*Estimated totals vary by size, venting length, finish work, and regional labor.
Built-In Fireplaces (Recessed / New Construction)
What it is: The unit is recessed into a framed cavity and finished flush with drywall, stone, or paneling. This is the “designer” route for a minimalist, frameless focal wall.
Best for
- New builds and remodels (TV+fireplace feature walls)
- Clean, linear look with hidden framing and service access
- Tight condos (electric) and high-end living spaces (gas linear)
Fuel choices
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Electric (recessed) — No chimney, 120V plug or hardwire; 100% site-efficient.
Shop: Recessed, Built-In
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Direct-vent gas — Sealed combustion; strong BTU; requires coaxial vent out wall/roof.
Shop: Vented Gas Fireplaces
Pros
- Sleekest look; frameless or thin-trim designs
- Flexible widths (36″–100″+) for proportion control
- Pairs perfectly with cabinetry/media walls
Considerations
- Requires framing depth, power, and (for gas) vent routing
- Plan TV clearances above to protect electronics
- Inspection/permit likely for gas installs
Good to know
- Electric: top/bottom heat discharge affects mantle/TV layout.
- Gas: add a heat deflector or mantel shelf per manual to protect finishes.
Fireplace Inserts (Retrofit Into Existing Firebox)
What it is: A self-contained unit that slides into your existing masonry or factory-built fireplace and vents through the old flue (or uses liner/power vent, model-dependent). The fastest way to turn an inefficient open hearth into a real heater.
Best for
- Homeowners with a drafty open fireplace
- Preservation of existing hearth/mantel aesthetics
- Big efficiency jump (often 60–85% vs 10–15% open hearth)
Fuel choices
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Gas inserts — Push-button heat, thermostat control; excellent convenience.
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Wood inserts — EPA-certified secondary burn; serious heat + classic flame.
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Pellet inserts — Thermostatic, automated feeding; excellent efficiency.
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Electric inserts — Plug-in realism and zone heat without venting.
Pros
-
Least invasive way to upgrade performance
- Dramatic fuel savings vs. open fireplaces
- Surround panels hide original fireplace gaps
Considerations
- Measure the existing firebox precisely (H × W × D + flue size)
- You’ll likely need a stainless liner kit (gas/wood/pellet)
- Professional install recommended for venting/seals
Shop inserts & upgrades
Freestanding Stoves (Wood, Pellet, Gas)
What it is: A stand-alone heating appliance that sits on a non-combustible hearth pad and vents via vertical chimney or direct-vent pipe. Highest real-world heating for the footprint.
Best for
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Primary or supplemental heat with low operating cost
- Cabins, great rooms, or small homes that value independence
- Simple installs when adding a new hearth where none existed
Fuel choices
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Wood — Off-grid capable; low fuel cost; classic radiant feel
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Pellet — Automated, very clean; consistent thermostat operation
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Gas — Fast response, no wood storage, high efficiency
Pros
- Strong BTU across fuels; zoned heating powerhouse
- Flexible placement (corner, alcove, nook) with proper clearances
- Access for service is straightforward
Considerations
- Visible venting (stainless/black) affects aesthetics—design accordingly
- Requires hearth pad, wall shields (if specified), and clearances
- Pellet needs electricity; wood requires dry storage
Shop stoves
How to Choose: A Simple Decision Framework
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Do you have an existing fireplace?
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Yes → Start with an Insert (fastest upgrade, biggest efficiency jump).
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No → Go Built-In for a linear feature wall or Freestanding for top heating value.
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What’s your priority—design or heat?
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Design-first → Built-In electric/gas, frameless, linear.
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Heat-first → Freestanding wood or pellet; or gas with high BTU.
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Venting available?
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None/condo → Electric (recessed/wall-mount) or ethanol.
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Yes → Direct-vent gas, wood, or pellet for higher output.
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Room size & layout
- Small rooms/TV walls → Recessed electric or compact gas linear
- Open plans/cabins → Freestanding wood/pellet or wide gas linear
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Indoor vs Outdoor
Clearances, Venting & Codes (Read Before You Build)
- Follow manufacturer clearances to combustibles (sides, top, floor).
- Gas/wood/pellet require listed venting and terminations per manual.
- Check local permits and inspections—especially gas/wet-fuel installs.
- TV placement: verify minimum inches above opening and consider heat deflectors.
- Learn more: Fireplace Codes & Clearances and Fireplace Venting Basics.
Budgeting & Timeline
| Item |
Built-In |
Insert |
Freestanding |
| Unit |
$500–$5,000+ |
$800–$4,000+ |
$1,000–$4,000+ |
| Venting/Power |
$0–$2,000 |
$300–$1,500 |
$300–$1,500 |
| Framing/Finish |
$300–$3,000+ |
$150–$800 |
$150–$800 |
| Labor |
$300–$2,000 |
$300–$1,500 |
$300–$1,200 |
| Typical Total |
$1.5k–$8k+ |
$1.5k–$6k+ |
$1.5k–$5k+ |
| Timeline |
1–3+ days |
½–2 days |
½–1½ days |
Tip: If your project includes a feature wall (tile/stone/millwork), budget that as a separate line item. For outdoor zones, compare Patio Heaters vs Fire Pits for comfort and wind conditions.
FAQ
Can I convert an open fireplace without major construction?
Yes — a gas, wood, pellet, or electric insert drops into the existing firebox and seals to a liner or vent system. It’s the fastest way to improve heat.
Is a built-in electric fireplace safe under a TV?
Commonly yes, if you respect clearances and heat discharge directions. Many recessed electrics are designed for media walls.
Do freestanding stoves require a chimney?
Wood/pellet typically need vertical venting; direct-vent gas stoves can route out a side wall. Always follow listed venting systems.
Which option heats the most for the cost?
For fuel economy, EPA wood or pellet stoves are standouts. For convenience, direct-vent gas balances high BTU with low maintenance.
Shop the Right Category
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