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Many commercial ventures use a fireplace as well, something to add a touch of class to a lobby or waiting area. It is rare to see a ski resort chalet without one, and they can be found in hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants as well, always giving off that same cozy air.
A fireplace of any kind will be a centerpiece both useful and decorative but brings with it any number of important considerations before it can be installed. Some people will hold out for an actual wood fireplace, preferring the colonial air it gives and the experience of getting to actually feed and stroke such ablaze in the comfort of their own home.
A wood fire brings with it more problems than most homeowners are really willing to handle, though. Fuel needs to be secured and the hearth needs to be emptied on a regular basis, and the ashes and smoke can ruin even the most basic of paint jobs after only one or two uses.
Apart from that, a wood fire can be hard to set up and start. The wood tends to be stored outside and becomes useless after minimal rain. Stored wood creates an attractive nuisance for insects and rodents, and getting the right kind of wood can be a serious investment that goes beyond what most homeowners are willing to pay in the days of central heating.
Although there are some hearths that still use coal for heating, they are exceptionally uncommon in private homes or businesses. Fossil coal produces infamous black soot that rapidly becomes ingrained in nearly anything, coupled with a distasteful smell and copious amounts of smoke that make it an unwise choice in such settings. Charcoal gives cleaner burning but can leave smudges on walls, carpets, clothing, and people that makes most homeowners steer clear.
The most attractive solution to this problem for many is the gas fireplace, comprising a simple gas burner, a heat mirror, and often a decorative fixture of resin or metallic logs that give the hearth that same homely appearance. The advantages of gas over other fuels are readily apparent and enough to make many switch: cleaner, more evenly burning, effortless to regulate, and easy to refuel.
Installing a gas burner is not without its downsides, of course; the fuel can be expensive, especially in the long run, and the delicate piping that is needed to use it safely can be tedious or even dangerous to install and maintain. The pilot light going out on a gas burner can cause a deadly buildup of vapor that can erupt with even a spark.
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These risks are few and far between though. Gas technology has advanced to the point where any disadvantages are only minor considerations in the face of the added convenience. Those buying a quality burner will rarely if ever, have to pay them any serious mind.
Buying a quality gas hearth, though, is its own challenge, and not half as easy as using one. Many customers enter the market uninformed on the subject, making it hard to choose what brand or model will be best for their home.
Competing fireplaces vie for attention no less than any other product, but there are some that really do stand out from the crowd. We’ve narrowed the field to the top ten gas fires that you can use to add that finishing touch to your home.
Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. Flavel Gas Fire  |
| Check Price |
2. Empire Comfort Systems Premium  |
| Check Price |
3. Peterson Real Fyre  |
| Check Price |
4. Pleasant Hearth COSTWAY  |
| Check Price |
5. Duluth Forge Dual  |
| Check Price |
6. Low Cost Fireplaces UK Marble Surround  |
| Check Price |
7. B2C Bio Burner  |
| Check Price |
8. Bond BON63172  |
| Check Price |
9. Napoleon Gvf36  |
| Check Price |
10. Nu Flame  |
| Check Price |
Our Best Gas Fires Reviews and Comparisons
1. Flavel Gas Fire
Product Highlights
This outset model aims to be a hit all around with a combination of traditional design and high energy output.
Features
- Outset model
- 4.3 kW output
- 78% net efficiency
- Balanced flue
What We Like About Flavel Gas Fire
With a balanced flue design and good efficiency rating, this fireplace is suitable even for those without a chimney.
What We Don’t Like About Flavel Gas Fire
The outset design can complicate set up and takes up more space than one might want to use on it.
PROS
- No need for a chimney
- Good energy rating/li>
- High heat output
- Decorative ironwork front
- Side windows for all-around enjoyment
CONS
- Outset model takes up space
- Imprecise damper system
2. Empire Comfort Systems Premium
Product Highlights
This model includes a number of effects that enhance the realistic experience of a log fire and circulate the warmed air quickly throughout the house.
Features
- Multiple graphic additions such as brick backing, log stack, flame color control, and coal or pebble beds
- Multiple vents for better air circulation
- Useable with integrated controls or remote controller
- Inset/outset model
What We Like About Empire Comfort Systems Premium
The vent-within-vent system makes sure that this fireplace never builds up vapor or heated air, keeping your house safe and warmed at once.
What We Don’t Like About Empire Comfort Systems Premium
Although the hearth is inset into the wall, the mantlepiece cants outwards, taking up double space.
PROS
- Realistic looking fire
- Discreet controls
- Remote control compatible
- Top and bottom venting
- Tempered glass viewing port
CONS
- Original purchase only covers the hearth, aesthetic items included at extra cost
- Fireplace requires both inset and outset installation
3. Peterson Real Fyre
Product Highlights
This fireplace gives a sedate flame that manages to be warm and cheerful while staying fully compliant with the most stringent of safety standards.
Features
- ANSI compliant gas burner
- Ceramic components for longer lifespan
- Variable number of logs
- Hand detailed decals
What We Like About Peterson Real Fyre
Each log and decal in this model is executed by hand, making your purchase a truly unique addition to your home.
What We Don’t Like About Peterson Real Fyre
This fireplace has a lower heat output than other models and does not come with its own hearth.
PROS
- Hand detailed logs
- ANSI tested and certified
- Easy to move and store
- Double pilot safety
- Dual pipe burner for realistic heat and color
CONS
- Complicated to install
- Relatively low heat output
4. Pleasant Hearth COSTWAY
Product Highlights
This is a standalone model optimized for both indoor or outdoor use, making it the prime choice of anyone hoping to host an event on a chilly evening.
Features
- Modernized stainless steel casing
- CSA tested
- Wheeled stand
- 13 kW heat output
What We Like About Pleasant Hearth COSTWAY
This trendy new fireplace design allows for omnidirectional heat distribution, warming guests or customers in every direction up to 175 square feet.
What We Don’t Like About Pleasant Hearth COSTWAY
This model cannot be connected to a feeder pipe, and so will need to be refueled regularly to keep working.
PROS
- Easy to transport
- No pipe installation needed
- Heats a large area
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Push-button controls
CONS
- Will need to be refueled
- Does not provide the rustic look that many people seek in a gas fireplace
5. Duluth Forge Dual
Product Highlights
Duluth’s gas fireplaces feature an electric igniter that gives a noticeable improvement in safety and efficiency over older pilot lights.
Features
- Electric Piezo igniter
- 99% efficient dual port burner
- 26,000 BTU output
- Fully heats up to 1,350 square feet
What We Like About Duluth Forge Dual
This model uses digital controls and an electric ignition to achieve incredible energy efficiency and high safety standards.
What We Don’t Like About Duluth Forge Dual
Customer service for this model leaves much to be desired, even within the warranty periods.
PROS
- Digital remote control
- Electric ignition
- Large area effect
- Integrated oxygen depletion sensor
- Dual port burner for increased gas spread and reduced fuel consumption
CONS
- Poor customer service
- Feeder pipes are poorly manufactured and may break easily
6. Low Cost Fireplaces UK Marble Surround
Product Highlights
This fireplace takes the imitation out of things with a real, full-size inset hearth of solid marble.
Features
- Heavyweight inset marble hearth included
- Multiple sizes fit any home
- 3.1 kW heat output
- 1117mm wide 950 mm high, 381 mm front to back
What We Like About Low-Cost Fireplaces UK Marble Surround
This supplier has extensive experience making their genuine marble hearths fit any size home, using real solid marble for an elegant quality no cheap imitation can provide.
What We Don’t Like About Low-Cost Fireplaces UK Marble Surround
This fireplace is somewhat harder to hook up than others, needing a chimney for safe operation and not suitable for LPG fuel.
PROS
- Genuine marble
- No prior fireplace needed
- Trusted retailer
- Full customer service during and after installation
- Adjustable to any size or shape of home
CONS
- Will need a chimney
- Does not take LPG fuel
7. B2C Bio Burner
Product Highlights
This burner is so small it can be conveniently placed even on a tabletop or mantlepiece, but still lets off a healthy amount of light and heat for your enjoyment.
Features
- 20.7 cm square base
- 29.5 cm high
- Mounting set included
- Built of cold-rolled steel and natural lava stone
What We Like About B2C Bio Burner
The main appeal of this burner lies in its minuscule size and low cost, allowing you to easily and quickly embellish any space you please
What We Don’t Like About B2C Bio Burner
The gas fixture in this burner is exclusive to B2C fuel canisters and will not accept other brands.
PROS
- Durable steel frame
- Convenient size
- Cheaper than larger models
- Decorative appearance
- Burner maintenance tools included
CONS
- Only takes proprietary fuel canisters
- Not as powerful as larger models
8. Bond BON63172
Product Highlights
Use this fire to add a touch of the mystical to any space with a standalone design centered around an antiquated stone basin.
Features
- 40,000 BTU output for outdoor usage
- Natural rock covering and fixture
- Quick and easy electric igniter
- Weather resistant materials
What We Like About Bond BON63172
This design is covered in all-natural stone for a weather-resistant shell that can last through any season.
What We Don’t Like About Bond BON63172
There is no protective hearth window or safety grate in this model, making it significantly more dangerous to leave unattended.
PROS
- Unusual aesthetic
- Weather resistant
- Natural lava stone lasts longer than synthetic replacements
- Impressive 40,000 BTU output
- Minimalistic controls
CONS
- Cannot be hooked to a feeder pipe – requires fuel tank
- No precautionary threshold to prevent accidents
9. Napoleon Gvf36
Product Highlights
This hearth features a fully automated interface that lets you have full control over how much gas is being used, even when you’re not at home.
Features
- Switch ignition
- Up to 50 percent flame adjustment for maximum comfort and efficiency
- Integrated oxygen depletion sensor
What We Like About Napoleon Gvf36
Use of fully digital controls allows you to set precise gas levels, immediately on and off, and a timer to close the gas feed when you are not in the house, saving gas and making your fire safer.
What We Don’t Like About Napoleon Gvf36
Many retailers list the fireplace with more accessories than it actually includes, leading to deceptive advertising and unsatisfied customers.
PROS
- Safety timer shuts gas feed automatically
- Simple toggle switch ignition
- Phazer logs glow and change colors realistically
- Integrated sensor alerts you to low oxygen
- Highly adjustable for maximum efficiency and comfort
CONS
- Not always advertised properly
- Digital controls are not as precise as direct use of the valve
10. Nu Flame
Product Highlights
This is a two in one model, allowing you to either heat your home or form a suitable gas range for the grill outside.
Features
- Direct control valve
- Multiple heat settings
- Useable on Class 1 and 2 flues indoors
- Standalone for cooking or fit into a standard 16” hearth for light
What We Like About Nu Flame
This gas burner offers two important uses around the home with only minor modifications needed to take it from the fireplace to barbecue.
What We Don’t Like About Nu Flame
Unlike most other fires, this one is only nominally decorative and will need some extra work to make presentable as part of the decor.
PROS
- Easy to hook up
- Takes tank or feeder line
- Precise control knob
- Grill or fireplace- the choice is yours
- Coals supplied
CONS
- Unimpressive exterior
- No external cowling or warning sensors
Final Verdict
These gas fires can offer a ready substitute for coal or wood in nearly any situation, making them the natural choice of homeowners or shopkeepers looking for something more elegant than simply electric power. Pick one that will fit your needs and budget and get ready to spruce up your home with the satisfying glow of a genuine burning hearth.
It is worth mentioning that gas can come in several different forms and that not every one of these burners will be suitable for each variety of gas. Make sure that you check with the manual and with your gas supplier before installing to prevent dangerous discrepancies.
Gas line installation, if needed, should never be done by anyone other than a trusted and experienced professional. Although there are more safety features today than ever, they are not foolproof, and few of them will catch a leak in the body of the line itself.
Although they are easier to control than a log fire, it should be noted that gas burners are fires as well, with all the accompanying implications. Children should never be allowed to play with the burners or be left near them unattended. The gas should be turned off and the flame fully extinguished before leaving the room for any length of time.
If you smell gas in your house, immediately shut off the lines or tank to your fire, as well as any other places that use electricity. Do not attempt to use them again until you have thoroughly ensured that any leakage has been fixed. Latent gas vapor in the air can ignite from even the smallest of catalysts, producing a potentially lethal and frequently destructive explosion.
Before getting a fireplace installed, it is crucial to take the measure of your home and decide exactly where the hearth will be and how the feeder lines will reach it. As a permanent and significant fixture to your house, a fireplace will require no small amount of work to install, and even a few minutes spent measuring can prevent a lot of inconveniences should the hearth be the wrong size.
Additionally, one should arrange to have their fireplace inspected at least once a year to make sure that the piping and burners are still in working order. The recommended time for such a check-up in the fall, just before you start using your gas fire more heavily for long, cold winter nights.
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