Gas Logs vs Gas Insert vs Gas Fireplace

Three ways you can convert your existing fireplace - gas logs vs gas insert vs gas fireplace. All have their place, and we can help you move forward no matter how you plan on proceeding. But which approach is right for your specific situation?

• Gas Log Set: Ceramic logs + burner inside your existing firebox. Cheapest, easiest option.
• Gas Fireplace Insert: Sealed unit that slides into your existing fireplace opening. Middle ground in price/installation complexity.
• Built-In Gas Fireplace: Complete new fireplace installed into a framed wall opening. Most expensive and complex installation, but you get total customization.

You can learn more about the gas fireplace vs insert vs logs below, or, simply connect with our customer service team here at The Great Fire Company for a personalized recommendation! 

Gas Logs vs Gas Insert vs Gas Fireplace at a Glance

Pros and Cons of a Gas Fireplace

We’ll start with what’s most popular for custom builds and new installations - a built-in gas fireplace. These standalone units get installed into a framed opening in your wall. You don’t need an existing fireplace or chimney. Just pick the wall and size. The installer does the rest.

Pros

• Total design freedom. Any wall or room, sizes from 26” to 84”
• Highest heat output with sealed direct vent combustion
• You don’t need an existing fireplace or chimney
• Nearly 200 models to choose from in our collection 

Cons

• Most expensive option ($1,489 to over $18,000)
• Requires construction (framing and venting) plus gas line work
• Longest installation timeline of the three

Pros and Cons of a Gas Fireplace Insert

A gas fireplace insert goes right into your existing fireplace opening, transforming your wood-burning firebox into a gas-powered heater.

Like the built-in gas fireplace, it's a sealed unit with its own combustion chamber. Direct vent models exhaust through a liner running up your existing chimney, but there are ventless models as well. 

This is the best option between a gas fireplace vs gas insert if you have a fireplace you never use because you don’t want to deal with wood anymore. You can find the best gas fireplace insert right here at The Great Fire Company.

Pros

• Fits inside your existing firebox with no major construction
• Sealed combustion delivers real heat into the room
• Converts a wood-burning fireplace to gas in about a day
• Direct vent and vent-free options. Vent-free skips the chimney liner entirely

Cons

• You need an existing fireplace opening
• Direct vent models need a chimney liner ($400-$1,200)
• Fewer size and style options than built-in fireplaces
• You’re boxed in to whatever size your existing firebox is

Pros and Cons of Gas Log Sets

Most of our customers are mostly interested in choosing between a gas insert vs gas fireplace - but we always tell them it’s worth considering gas log sets as well. This is the simplest and cheapest option.

A gas log set is exactly what it sounds like: a set of ceramic or refractory logs and a gas burner. It plops right into your existing firebox without the need for a sealed combustion chamber. The flame burns in the open, so you get the most natural-looking fire of any gas option.

There are technically two types of gas log sets, though - vented and ventless. We prefer ventless gas log sets as they send more heat into the room with zero leakage through a chimney. They burn really efficiently, too.

Pros

• Cheapest way to convert a wood fireplace to gas (units start at $482)
• Most realistic flame appearance of the three options
• Fastest installation of the three if you already have a gas line 
• 150 models available at The Great Fire Company
• Ventless gas log sets have the highest heat efficiency since nothing goes up a chimney.

Cons

• Vented gas log sets have the lowest heat efficiency since a lot of warmth escapes up the chimney
• You need an existing masonry or factory-built firebox
• No thermostat or zone heating on most models

Making the Right Choice For Your Home

Hopefully you feel more confident in choosing between gas logs vs gas insert vs gas fireplace now - but if not, just ask yourself a few more questions to narrow it down.

Do You Have an Existing Fireplace?

All three are on the table if so. Otherwise, a built-in gas fireplace is your only option. 

What's Your Budget?

Gas logs cost less than $2,000 all in. Inserts range from $1,899 to $3,889. Built-in gas fireplaces start at $1,489, but the large linear and see-through models push well past $10,000. Don't forget installation labor on top of the unit price. That adds $500 to $5,000+.

How Important Is Heat?

Gas logs look the part but aren’t going to warm a room. The gas insert vs gas fireplace gap is pretty much non-existent on heat output, since both use sealed combustion, and most of the heat stays in the room instead of going up the chimney.

What Fuel Do You Have?

Most models are made to pair with natural gas out of the box, but you can technically choose any of these whether you want a natural gas fireplace or propane fireplace. Most units convert between the two with a kit.

Want a Personalized Recommendation?

Don’t play the guessing game and risk making the wrong choice. Our customer service team helps people choose between gas logs vs gas insert vs gas fireplace on a daily basis, and we’re a click or call away ready to do the same for you.

Not only will we point you in the right direction, but we can give you a more specific product recommendation. You’ll also get the lowest price online, guaranteed, with free shipping to boot. Take the next step today!

Wrapping Up Our Gas Fireplace vs Gas Insert vs Gas Logs Comparison

There’s a case to be made for each option in the gas fireplace vs gas insert vs gas logs comparison. Gas logs are the quickest upgrade at the lowest price. An insert gives you real heat from an existing fireplace at a relatively affordable price. A built-in gas fireplace is a lot, but you kind of have to go with it if you want something custom or are building from scratch.

Our blog has more resources if you’re still not sure whether you should go with a wood vs gas fireplace, a vented vs vent-free gas fireplace, or even a propane vs natural gas fireplace. Otherwise, all that’s left to do now is connect with our experts for one-on-one support!