Choosing an indoor fireplace today means choosing between four completely different experiences: electric, gas, wood, and ethanol.
Each one offers its own mix of heat, ambiance, cost, maintenance needs, and installation requirements.
Some people want strong, thermostat-controlled heat. Others want real logs and ritual. Some care about modern design and zero venting. Others want clean-burning flames in an apartment.
This guide breaks down all four fireplace types clearly so you can understand how they work, what they cost, and which one fits your home and lifestyle best.
For a broader look at buying considerations, check out this fireplace buying guide.
Electric fireplaces create flame effects with LEDs or projection systems and provide heat with a 750–1500W heater.
They require no venting or combustion. See our Electric Fireplace Buying Guide for more details.
Most provide 4,000–5,100 BTU/h, enough for smaller rooms. Perfect for year-round flame-only mode.
No chimney or gas line. Wall-mounted, recessed, and built-in options. Many installs are DIY.
Predictable and often low. Flame effects cost very little; heat operates like a space heater.
Only dusting and glass cleaning. Zero soot, ash, or chimney care.
No combustion, smoke, or fumes. Very safe for kids and pets.
Renters, condos, media walls, and people who want mood lighting with gentle heat.
The SimpliFire Wall Mount Electric Fireplace SF-ALLS50 is a perfect example of modern electric convenience, offering supplemental heat and customizable lighting.
Burn natural gas or propane. Options: direct-vent, B-vent, or vent-free (where legal).
Provide real flame with high efficiency. Learn more about gas efficiency at Energy.gov.
Typical gas: 20,000–40,000+ BTU/h. Direct-vent units offer excellent efficiency and room-warming power.
Requires a gas line and proper venting. Professional installation strongly recommended.
Often cheaper per BTU than electricity depending on local prices.
Annual inspection of burner, glass, venting, and ignition.
Direct-vent is sealed from the room — excellent indoor air quality.
Vent-free requires strict compliance with code.
Heavy use, cold climates, homeowners wanting real flame + strong heating.
For high-efficiency gas heating, consider the Empire Rushmore 36" Truflame Clean Face Natural Gas Direct Vent Fireplace.
Burn logs in an open hearth, insert, or stove. Require a chimney or class-A flue.
Check the EPA Burn Wise program for best burning practices.
Modern wood inserts and stoves can reach 40,000–80,000+ BTU/h.
Open fireplaces are less efficient but offer a classic experience.
Needs proper chimney/flue, hearth pad, and clearances. Best installed by certified pros.
Understanding how chimneys work is vital.
Very low if you source your own wood. Buying seasoned wood can still be cost-effective.
Ash removal, chimney sweeping, gasket checks, seasonal servicing.
Requires good draft and chimney maintenance to avoid smoke spillage or creosote buildup.
Traditional homes, rural areas, people who enjoy tending a real fire, off-grid heating.
The Valcourt Manoir Wood Fireplace - FP1LM brings the authentic wood-burning experience into the home with modern engineering.
Burn bioethanol fuel in a stainless burner tray. Real flame, no venting required.
Generally 7,000–13,500 BTU/h. Primarily ambiance heat.
Vent-free. Suitable for wall-mount, tabletop, recessed, or built-in applications.
Fuel is more expensive per hour than gas or electric. Best for occasional use.
No soot or ash. Clean burner regularly and follow careful refueling procedures.
Real flame; must cool fully before refueling.
Produces CO₂ and water vapor, moderate ventilation recommended.
Apartments (where allowed), design projects, spaces with no venting capability. See our Ethanol vs Electric comparison for more detail.
For a sleek, vent-free ambiance (similar to ethanol aesthetics but electric), consider the Dimplex Optimyst 46-in Linear Electric Fireplace - OLF46-AM which uses water vapor technology.
You want no venting, no mess, modern visuals, gentle heat, or you rent.
You want real flame + strong heat with thermostat control.
You want the traditional fire experience and high heat, and don’t mind maintenance.
You want real flames in a space where no venting is possible.
There isn’t one “best” indoor fireplace, only the one that matches how you live.
Consult resources from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association for industry-standard advice.
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