Gas vs Electric Fireplace: What’s the Difference Between Gas and Electric Fireplaces?

One of the first steps in bringing a new fireplace into your home or office is choosing between a gas vs electric fireplace. So what’s the difference between gas and electric fireplace inserts, and which is right for your space? Let’s find out! Here’s a quick electric vs gas fireplace breakdown:

• Electric fireplace: Runs on standard household electricity. No venting/gas line required. Simple installation, minimal maintenance, and adjustable flames with optional supplemental heat or flame-only operation year-round.
• Gas fireplace: Fueled by natural gas or propane and connected to a dedicated gas line. Real flames produce more heat output, but these require venting, professional installation, and ongoing inspection/maintenance.

The Great Fire Company is your trusted choice for both types of fireplaces from the most trusted brands in the industry. You’ll get the lowest pricing on the most popular models, hassle-free financing, free shipping, and world-class customer service.

Learn more about the difference between gas and electric fireplace inserts below. Or, get in touch with our experts today for a personalized recommendation for YOUR space!

Gas vs Electric Fireplace at a Glance

Benefits of an Electric Fireplace

As the name suggests, these fireplaces plug directly into a standard outlet and create flame visuals using LED lighting or water-vapor technology. They’re paired with an internal heater for supplemental warmth, but don’t expect them to heat your entire home.

There’s no combustion, venting, or fuel storage. Electric fireplaces are simple to install and use on a daily basis. Here are all the benefits of this style:

• Easy installation: Many models plug into a standard outlet or hardwire directly, so YOU can install one yourself. No chimney, flue, or gas line required.
• Flexible placement: Works in apartments, condos, offices, bedrooms, basements, and spaces where gas or venting isn’t possible (or allowed).
• Low maintenance: No ash, soot, pilot lights, or annual inspections. Basic cleaning is usually all that’s needed.
• Year-round use: Most units run flames with or without heat, so you can enjoy the vibe even in warmer months.
• Consistent operation: Flame appearance doesn’t change with drafts, altitude, or fuel quality.
• Upfront cost control: Electric models are cheaper to buy and install compared to gas fireplaces.

There are quite a few different types of electric fireplaces you’ll encounter, though. A built-in or linear electric fireplace is the most common choice for media walls and modern layouts. Then there are simpler electric inserts, which replace unused wood or gas fireplaces. We also carry wall-mount fireplace styles for even simpler installation.

There’s few better ways to elevate the ambiance in your home than an electric fireplace. The main drawback is on the practical side of things. These produce supplemental heat only. So if you want something to warm a larger space, you’ll probably be drawn to the gas fireplace.

Benefits of a Gas Fireplace

A gas fireplace burns natural gas or propane to produce real flames and consistent heat through a sealed firebox or open-front design, depending on the model. After installation and gas line connection, you’ll operate it via switch, remote, or wall control. Benefits of these fireplaces are:

• Strong heat output: Gas fireplaces generate substantially more usable heat than electric models and can warm larger rooms with ease.
• Real flame experience: The flames, glow, and heat are made by actual combustion, which even the best electric styles will fall short of visually and physically.
• Reliable performance: Gas fireplaces work consistently in cold climates and are less affected by room size or ceiling height.
• Convenient operation: Modern units ignite instantly and often include thermostats, remotes, or smart-home integration.
• Long-term heating value: Gas is typically cheaper per BTU than electricity for frequent use.

The biggest consideration for homeowners is whether to go with a vented vs ventless gas fireplace. A direct-vent fireplace uses a sealed system that pulls in outside air and vents exhaust outdoors. On the other hand, a ventless gas fireplace doesn’t need a chimney but comes with stricter regulations in some areas.

There are also gas inserts, which can more easily convert an existing wood-burning fireplace, and linear gas fireplaces that can produce wide flame presentation and high heat output.

But, some homeowners find that it’s just not worth the work and cost to install one of these units, especially if they prefer to heat their home through other means and just want the aesthetic a fireplace has to offer. These are rarely “DIY friendly.”

Gas vs Electric Fireplace: Which is Right For You?

Really, choosing between a gas vs electric fireplace comes down to two things:

1. How much heat you want 
2. What your space can realistically support

Electric is usually the simplest and most affordable path with the least installation work, but gas can be worth it if you want more than just ambiance - you want practical warmth for your home at the same time. Here are some things to weigh between an electric vs gas fireplace.

Your Home’s Existing Setup and Fuel Access

Start with what you already have. Do you have an accessible natural gas line, or are you comfortable using propane? Gas is an option. If adding a gas line would mean trenching, opening finished walls, or rerouting utilities, then it’s more than likely that electric is a better fit.

All you need for an electric fireplace is a reliable power source. Most of the models we carry here at The Great Fire Company plug into a standard outlet. Some, however, would benefit from a dedicated circuit or hardwiring for a cleaner finish.

Installation Complexity and Upfront Work

As you know by now, electric is way easier to install with zero venting or combustion air requirements. Most of our customers install their own electric units without hassle - especially wall-mount units. Built-in models may need framing/electrical planning.

But even the most complex electric units pale in comparison to the installation complexity of gas fireplaces. These take way more planning, and they usually involve multiple trade professionals. You may need:

• A gas line
• Direct-venting to the exterior
• Termination caps
• Careful consideration of clearance requirements

Even gas inserts require compatibility with the existing fireplace opening and venting pathway.

Heating Needs and How You’ll Use the Fireplace

If you were considering a new fireplace for your home because you want a full-fledged heating source, gas is the way to go. It gives way higher heat output and holds up better in large rooms, high ceilings, and cold climates.

On the other hand, electric fireplaces just add a little extra heat to an existing heat source. They can take the chill off a bedroom, office, den, or finished basement. But for the most part, these are about ambiance - not warmth. You’ll still need to run your home’s heater in larger spaces.

Day-to-Day Convenience and Ease of Use

It doesn’t get any simpler than using an electric fireplace - press a button, set the flame look, choose heat or flame-only, and you’re done. There’s no pilot light, no combustion, and no venting to monitor. You can often control these from your phone via an app, too! 

We’re not saying gas fireplaces are rocket science, but there is a little more involved in using them. They rely on a steady fuel supply and safe venting. Some modern gas fireplaces can be controlled with remotes or thermostats these days. You might find that you want a “real fire” enough to go through the extra work. 

Design Goals and Fireplace Style Preferences

Electric fireplaces bring you way more design flexibility. Linear built-ins, media-wall installs, ultra-slim wall units, and modern flame visuals are widely available. Electric is the only option in situations where venting is difficult or impossible.

In contrast, gas is going to make more sense if you want maximum flame realism - because the flames ARE real. You get traditional logs and a fireplace that looks and behaves like a classic hearth. Gas also supports premium linear designs, including wide, dramatic burner setups.

Ongoing Maintenance and Long-Term Upkeep

You don’t have to deal with any maintenance, aside from some seasonal cleaning, with an electric fireplace. They’re quite literally a set it and forget it investment in your home’s ambiance.

Gas fireplaces aren’t nearly as complicated as wood-burning fireplaces. But they do require periodic inspection and cleaning. Burners, glass, vents, and gaskets need attention over time. You might schedule a professional service every so often to keep everything operating safely and efficiently.

Upfront Cost vs Long-Term Operating Costs

Finally, consider what’s in your budget when comparing the gas vs electric fireplace options we have in store for you here at The Great Fire Company. 

Electric models are almost always more affordable, not just on the initial purchase price but in terms of the installation. No gas line or venting work needed. Gas costs more upfront, but can bring down your heating bill in some cases. 

Operating cost depends on use. You’re not going to pay much for flame-only ambiance with an electric fireplace. But gas fireplaces actually tend to be more economical in terms of heating since they’re more efficient. 

So is a Gas or Electric Fireplace Better For You?

The choice between an electric vs gas fireplace should be clear by now. 

• Choose gas for real flame and stronger heat for a primary living space. You just need access to natural gas or propane. Plan for professional installation and venting.
• Choose electric for the simplest install with no venting or gas line work. This is the smarter option if you mainly want ambiance with optional supplemental heat.

Still on the fence about choosing a gas vs electric fireplace? Connect with our experts at The Great Fire Company. We’re the #1 choice for both styles online. We’ll talk about your space, your preferences, and your budget to offer a tailored suggestion.

Then, we’ll help you pinpoint the perfect unit for your goals. We only carry the best brand and their best-selling models, always priced as low as possible (guaranteed). With free shipping, hassle-free financing, and after-sales service, what more could you ask for?

You can learn more about the wood vs gas fireplace in our blog if you want to explore other options. But whether you’re looking for the best gas fireplace insert or you decide to go with an electric fireplace, your search ends here at The Great Fire Company!

Bringing Our Electric vs Gas Fireplace Comparison to a Close

That does it for our gas vs electric fireplace comparison. Hopefully you feel confident in which best suits your space at this point. Both have their benefits and trade-offs, so just think about what matters most to you and consider the space you have to work with. 

Whether you’re looking for an electric, natural gas, or propane fireplace, we’ll help you weigh your options and offer a personalized recommendation based on your budget. Get in touch today and take the next step towards elevating the vibe in your home or office!