Choosing a Fireplace Fuel: What’s Right for You?

Hearth products come in many styles and sizes within the categories of fireplaces, stoves and fireplace inserts. Before choosing one that’s right for your home, take a few minutes to consider the various fuels for hearth products.

Often, the crackling sound of wood burning comes to mind when thinking about the ultimate fireplace experience. That’s because wood-burning fires have been a cross-cultural mainstay for, well, ever! But other fuels have distinct benefits and are also worth consideration when choosing a fireplace, stove or fireplace insert. Two of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fuel are its availability and the amount of interaction you want to have with your fireplace, stove or fireplace insert.

Think about where you live. If your home isn’t connected to natural gas or propane, a gas fireplace is not in the cards. If wood is abundant in your area, a wood-burning fireplace may be a good option! Electricity is also a readily available fuel if you are looking for an inexpensive and easy alternative.

How much time do you want to spend with your fireplace or stove? Wood fireplaces require the most interaction and maintenance. On the other hand, gas and electric models require little to no hands-on interaction, unless you consider operating a remote or using voice control a chore.

Below is a quick list of pros, cons and characteristics of the most commonly available fuel types.

Benefits: Natural and available. Wood can supplement furnace usage and reduce heating costs up to 30%.

Fire Characteristics: Expect robust, steady fires. Our wood products deliver powerful heating performance and efficiency.

Fire Starting: Paper, kindling and a fire-starting log are effective.

Type of Heat: Customize your comfort. Adding more fuel will immediately increase convective heat. Radiant heat will remain strong and steady.

Fuel Storage & Handling: Dry storage is important. A cord of wood is stacked 4'x4'x8'. On average, a 1,500 sq. ft. home will require 2-4 cords per season.

Benefits: Convenience. Quickly turn the fire on or off, adjust flame height and fire intensity.

Fire Characteristics: Gas fires are consistent and controllable by design. You choose the fire's intensity.

Fire Starting: Flip a switch, grab your remote, phone or use voice control. It's that easy.

Type of Heat: Enjoy a steady mix of radiant and convective heat.

Fuel Storage & Handling: Fed through a pipeline or delivered to your home and stored in an outside tank.

Benefits: Extremely reliable heat. No gas or wood to purchase. No venting required. Install almost anywhere.

Fire Characteristics: A unique, hypnotic glow with no actual flames.

Fire Starting: Use an outlet or have the unit hardwired. Then, simply flip a switch or grab your remote.

Type of Heat: Electric fireplaces produce radiant heat—and you completely control the heat output.

Fuel Storage & Handling: Electric fireplaces are extremely hassle-free and don't require any fuel storage.

Whether you still have questions on which fuel is right for you or are feeling ready to move on to selecting a fireplace, our network of local authorized dealers is standing by to help. Request a consultation today to get started!