4 Types of Fireplaces and the Pros and Cons of Each

There’s nothing like a fireplace to set the scene for a cozy winter’s night spent at home. There are four main types of fireplaces: wood-burning, gas, electric, and ethanol. Which one is right for you? While it largely depends on the warmth and ambiance you desire, there are other things to consider when choosing the best fireplace type for your home.

1. Wood-Burning

Wood-burning fireplaces likely come to mind first when you think of fireplaces. They burn wood for fuel, which is relatively easy to come by, and they can serve as an excellent source of heat. The flickering glow and crackle of the burning logs only add to the cozy scene.

However, that ambiance comes with a frequent maintenance schedule and the need for proper ventilation—there must be a chimney—so homeowners and their homes need to be ready for safe usage and upkeep of the various parts of the fireplace.

A wood-burning fireplace’s longevity depends greatly on the firebox material. If it’s made from brick, it can last from 20 to 25 years, while a metal firebox will last between 10 and 20 years.

Best for: Homes with existing chimneys and homeowners who don’t mind regular upkeep

2. Gas

If gathering wood for fuel isn’t your cup of tea, consider a natural gas fireplace. With natural gas, you can warm up any room with the glow of realistic-looking flames. A gas fireplace not only ignites at the flip of a switch, but it also has settings that allow you to adjust the levels of both the flames and the heat. You could even add faux logs that resemble wood for a more traditional-looking aesthetic.

Best for: Those who love the look of real flames without the upkeep

3. Electric

You’re not out of luck if your home is without a chimney or other type of ventilation system. Electric fireplaces are an affordable alternative that are also easy to use: just plug them in and flip a switch.

You won’t get the same warmth or realistic-looking flames as a gas or wood-burning fireplace, but their flexibility and very low maintenance make electric fireplaces a popular choice for both homeowners and renters.

Best for: Those who want a flexible installation without much (or any) upkeep

4. Ethanol

If you crave a fireplace with a more modern design that’s also better for the environment, choose an ethanol-fueled model. These ventless models, also known as bioethanol or bio fireplaces, use an alcohol-based fuel that produces flames without emissions.

You can choose a freestanding fireplace or one that’s built into the wall behind recessed glass. It’s not the same as a stone hearth, but it offers a sleeker look that suits those who like a modern aesthetic. An ethanol fireplace has the potential to last a lifetime when you maintain it properly.

Best for: Modern-looking homes that don’t have the ventilation necessary for gas or wood-burning

Things to Consider When Installing a Fireplace

There’s something to like about all four fireplace types. However, it’s not as easy as going with the one you like best. Here are some other important factors to consider.

Installation and Safety

While electric and ethanol are by far the easiest to install because they don’t need ventilation, gas fireplaces require vents, and wood-burning fireplaces need a chimney. If your home is already vented appropriately, then installing gas or wood-burning should be easier. 

However, if you don’t have ventilation, you’ll have to pay extra money to have it done right, or you can call it a day and get an electric or ethanol fireplace instead. Keep in mind, too, that any fireplace installation must be safe and up to code, so check in with a fireplace installer to ensure your fireplace setup won’t put yourself or your property at risk.

Fuel

Fuel prices can fluctuate depending on the location and market demand. When choosing a fireplace type, don’t forget to consider how easy (or hard) it will be to get fuel over time and how much it will cost depending on usage over time.

Maintenance

Wood-burning fireplaces require regular ash removal and chimney sweeping, and gas fireplaces require at least an annual service visit. Chimney sweeping costs $130 to $380 on average. If you want a fireplace that’s low maintenance, electric or ethanol is the way to go. 

Heating Efficiency

It’s OK if you just want an ambient glow from your fireplace. But if you want to use it as a heat source, choose gas or wood-burning rather than electric or ethanol.

Aesthetic

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so choose a fireplace that suits your home design preferences. For example, wood-burning fireplaces are great for homes with a traditional aesthetic, while ethanol or electric options suit modern or industrial styles. 

Impact on the Environment

Electric and ethanol fireplaces burn cleaner and leave a smaller carbon footprint than wood-burning and gas fireplaces.

Home Resale Value

Gas and wood-burning fireplaces are known to increase property value, but it ultimately depends on the home’s location and the region’s climate. Homes in colder regions see stronger returns on investment than those in warmer climates.

There’s a fireplace for nearly every budget, lifestyle, and design preference. If you’re still unsure of which one works for you, reach out to a professional fireplace installer near you and ask questions about installation, safety, and maintenance schedules.