Classic wood-burning fireplaces offer warmth, a homey atmosphere, and nostalgia. These traditional fireplaces use wood to provide the unrivaled multi-sensory experience of a crackling fire with that distinct, smokey aroma. House fires are always a possibility with wood-burning fireplace inserts, so install smoke alarms and keep an extinguisher on hand.
Gas fireplaces are less expensive and more energy-efficient than wood-burning fireplaces. Many ventless gas fireplace solutions, like wood-burning fireplaces, employ a firebox and chimney to burn and ventilate natural gas. Gas fireplace inserts are less harmful to the environment than wood-burning fireplaces and may heat a home more efficiently while delivering the atmosphere of a true flame.
Flameless electric fireplaces are a cost-effective option that you can plug into the wall. Electric fireplace insert uses coils and a fan to distribute heat and usually includes a flickering fake flame to replicate the look of a traditional fireplace. Since electric fireplace heaters are ventless, this fireplace option can be affordable to install—and some models are even portable.
This environmentally friendly solution produces a genuine flame by burning ethanol in a container. Because ethanol combustion creates no smoke, ventilation is not required. This fuel source is unusual in that it is the only one that accepts ethanol fuel directly. Because of this capability, this fuel source is ideal for innovative designs or modern fireplaces, such as tabletop fires. Ethanol fireplaces, on the other hand, do not provide much heat.