3 Different Types of Fireplaces (with Pictures)
Last Updated on December 11, 2021
A fireplace can add value to your home and help you cut back on the costs of your central heating. More importantly, however, fireplaces are a great way to snuggle up with a book or a film and create some fond memories.
When it comes to buying a fireplace, there are several different styles to choose from. In this guide, we aim to help make your buying decision easier.
Wood Burning
Wood Firepalce Image Credit By: Creative Commons, maxpixel
An oldie but a goodie. Wood-burning fireplaces are exactly what the name suggests. Powered by wood, these units go for as long as you have the kindling material necessary to make them operate.
Wood-burning fireplaces give you lots of control over the size of the fire. However, they do require constant attention, and due to the nature of the medium, they rarely produce a consistent burn.
Even with all that said, there is something deeply nostalgic about the crackling sound of a burning log, right?
- Nostalgic
- Gives user control on the type of fire
- High maintenance
- Inconsistent burning
See: The best ways to heat up your garage in the winter
Gas Burning
Gas Fireplace Image credit: Duluth Forge, Amazon
Like the previous option, the name pretty much says it all when it comes to the gas-burning fireplace. These units hook up directly to the gas line in your house. They are easy to light, and they will burn steadily until you decide that it is time to turn them off.
This low maintenance option is a great way to enjoy some stress-free relaxation, but there are some built-in cons.
For one thing, gas fireplaces lack the authenticity that many people look for in a fireplace. While some units use fiberglass logs to create a realistic effect, gas units just aren’t the same as the wood-burning alternative.
They also might not be doable for people on a restrictive budget. In addition to costing more upfront than most wood-burning fireplaces, they also tend to cost more to operate.
Still, if you are looking for a quick and easy fire, the gas-burning fireplace will be right for you.
- Very easy to use
- Consistent burn
- Pricey
- Lacks the authenticity of a wood-burning fireplace
Electric
Electric Fireplace Image Credit: Masarflame Jenrick, Amazon
Finally, consider the electric fireplace. These units look quite a lot like a typical fireplace, but they are actually more like a decorated space heater than anything else. At their core, they feature a heating element and a fan to disperse the hot air. They don’t get as hot as a real fire, but the effect can heat a room.
They will also feature all the dressings of a standard fireplace. They may feature screens that bear the appearance of flames and even sound effects that produce the noise of a burning log. Higher-end units will even feature mantels for pictures or knick-knacks.
These units are fairly affordable and very easy to operate, but they won’t fool anyone that is looking for a real fireplace.
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Not very realistic
- Limited in the amount of heat they produce
See: The top electric fireplace heaters
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to fireplaces. Which is right for you? It depends on what you are looking for. Do you find it kind of relaxing to spend your evening tending to a kindling log fire?
If so, the traditional wood-burning option will be right for you. But, if you are looking for something a little bit easier to work with, the electric or gas burning fireplace can still address your needs nicely.