Indoor fireplaces are no longer just “nice-to-have” décor pieces. Today, they’re functional heating systems, mood-setting design features, and home-value boosters.
But with so many types (electric, gas, wood, ethanol, pellet), plus endless styling possibilities (linear, traditional, frameless, inserts, built-ins), choosing the right fireplace can feel overwhelming.
For a broad overview, you can check out this fireplace buying guide.
This guide breaks down, in simple terms:
By the end, you’ll know exactly which indoor fireplace fits your home and wallet.
An indoor fireplace is a heating appliance designed to provide flame ambiance, supplemental warmth, or both.
Unlike outdoor fireplaces, indoor units must follow:
Indoor fireplaces come in five main categories:
Each has unique costs, installation conditions, and advantages.
See resources from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) for more industry standards.
Best for: apartments, condos, rentals, media walls, low-budget remodels
Typical cost: $300–$2,500
Installation: plug-in or recessed
Heat: low–medium (space heating)
Operating cost: low
Electric fireplaces use LED flames and a built-in heater (fan-forced or infrared) to give you realistic flame visuals without combusting fuel.
No chimney.
No venting.
No gas lines.
Learn more in our Electric Fireplace Buying Guide (2025 Edition).
Homeowners prioritizing design, low cost, and zero-maintenance heating.
Great for media walls, small spaces, and homes without chimneys.
For a seamless, modern look, the SimpliFire 30-In Electric Fireplace Insert is an excellent choice for updating existing spaces.
Best for: whole-room heating, new builds, remodels
Typical cost: $2,500–$7,500+ (unit + installation)
Installation: direct vent, natural gas or propane
Heat: medium–high
Operating cost: medium–low
Gas fireplaces burn natural gas or propane and use sealed combustion (direct vent) to pull air from outside, burn cleanly, and exhaust outdoors.
You can compare their efficiency at Energy.gov.
Those wanting a real flame look with minimal effort. Excellent for primary heating zones.
The Empire Rushmore 50" Truflame Clean Face Natural Gas Direct Vent Fireplace offers impressive heat output and a grand view of the fire.
Best for: homeowners who love real fire ambiance, rural areas
Typical cost: $4,000–$10,000+
Installation: chimney required
Heat: varies; open hearth = low, inserts = high
Operating cost: low if you have access to wood
Burning natural logs produces radiant heat and the classic crackling flame. Two types exist:
Always burn wisely; check the EPA Burn Wise program for best practices.
Homeowners who value authenticity over convenience or those wanting high heat from a modern EPA-certified insert.
For high-efficiency wood burning, the Valcourt Frontenac Wood Fireplace - FP11 is a top-tier choice that combines tradition with modern performance.
Best for: serious heaters, colder climates
Typical cost: $3,500–$8,000
Installation: vent pipe, electrical outlet
Heat: very high
Operating cost: low
Compressed pellets feed automatically into a burn pot, giving predictable, powerful heat with less smoke than wood.
People who want wood-like heat but with more automation and less fuel handling.
The Enviro M55 Cast Iron Wood Pellet Fireplace Insert delivers powerful heat with the classic look of cast iron.
Best for: design lovers, small spaces, condos
Typical cost: $600–$4,000
Installation: none (tabletop/freestanding) or built-in niche
Heat: low
Operating cost: high per hour
Burn bioethanol fuel to produce a clean, vent-free real flame.
Buyers prioritizing ambiance and contemporary design rather than heat efficiency.
Compare these with other types in our Ethanol vs Electric Fireplaces comparison.
Gas lines + venting increase cost. Check our Electric vs Gas Fireplace Cost Comparison for details.
Most efficient → Least efficient
If efficiency matters most: → Choose gas, pellet, or a wood insert
If simplicity matters: → Choose electric
If style matters: → Choose ethanol or frameless gas
If you want low cost, easy installation → Electric
If you want strong heat + convenience → Gas
If you want the real wood experience → Wood or pellet
If you want modern aesthetic flames → Ethanol
If you want to increase home value → Gas or wood insert
If you live in an apartment/condo → Electric or ethanol
Indoor fireplaces are no longer one-size-fits-all. With the right match, you can add warmth, style, value, and personality to your home.
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment