So you’ve decided to go with a gas fireplace - great choice. But which of the many different types of gas fireplaces is right for you? You’ve come to the right place! We’re going to break down all the many fireplace types to help you bring the right one into your home or business.
The Great Fire Company is your one-stop shop for a gas fireplace online. Whether you’re looking for a vented or ventless model, natural gas or propane, modern linear or more traditional, you’ll find the perfect pick here in our catalog.
Just want to skip to the good part and find the right fireplace? Connect with our customer service team today for one-on-one support. We’ll help you narrow it down so you can start enjoying the new ambiance in your space!
Key Takeaways
- The three main types of gas fireplaces are direct vent, B-vent, and ventless.
- You can also categorize gas fireplaces based on whether they run on propane or natural gas.
- Installation method (built-in, insert, or freestanding) is another important distinction.
- Styles range from modern to linear, multi-sided, and traditional.
- All these categories overlap, so a fireplace can fall under multiple types at once.
- The Great Fire Company stocks all the different types of gas fireplaces from the best brands.
The 13 Different Types of Gas Fireplaces
You’ll get different answers depending on who you ask to define the distinct fireplace types, because they can actually be categorized in quite a few ways:
- Venting method (or vent-free)
- Fuel source
- Installation method
- Design
We’re going to cover every little nuanced detail to leave you feeling confident picking the right fireplace for your home or business.
1. Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces
This is by far the most popular style out there. A direct-vent fireplace pulls outside air through a sealed chamber for combustion, and then exhausts fumes through a coaxial pipe out the wall or roof. There is no chimney necessary, and it doesn’t consume any of the air in the room. These fireplaces tend to be around 70-85% efficient.
2. B-Vent Gas Fireplaces
A B-vent fireplace, AKA a natural vent fireplace, uses a vertical chimney pipe and draws combustion air from within the room it lives in. It’s capable of achieving taller flames than a direct vent fireplace, but you get lower efficiency since heated room air leaves through the flue.
3. Ventless Gas Fireplaces
A ventless gas fireplace is the easiest style to install, because as the name suggests, it requires zero venting whatsoever! The fire burns so cleanly that it doesn’t have to send fumes outside, because there are no fumes to begin with.
They operate at around 99% efficiency and have a built-in oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) to automatically shut the unit down if oxygen in the room drops below safe levels. You can learn more about the vented vs ventless gas fireplace differences in our blog.
4. Built-In Gas Fireplaces
A built-in gas fireplace is actually framed into the wall during the original construction or during a remodel. This is what most direct-vent and ventless models qualify as. It’s the standard for new homes and major renovations.
5. Gas Fireplace Inserts
Maybe you have an old open hearth that you’re looking to convert into a gas fireplace. Well, that’s what a gas fireplace insert is made for! These units slide right into the existing masonry opening. They have a stainless steel liner that connects to your existing chimney.
6. Freestanding Gas Fireplaces
These types of gas fireplaces sit on a pedestal or legs and can be positioned away from the wall to kind of mimic the look of a classic wood stove. They vent through a rear or top connection. As you can imagine, they work best in larger rooms with plenty of space available.
7. Natural Gas Fireplaces
There are two gas fireplace types as far as fuel goes. Most are natural gas fireplaces. They connect to your home’s utility gas line and run at a much lower per-BTU rate in most parts of the country.
8. Propane Fireplaces
A propane fireplace runs on LP gas from an external tank. The appeal is that propane burns a lot hotter, so you get better heat output. However, propane also costs more. That’s the trade-off. You have to make sure to keep your propane tank topped off as well, which can be a hassle.
For what it’s worth, most types of gas fireplaces we sell come equipped with conversion capabilities so you can easily choose between a natural gas vs propane fireplace.
9. Multi-Sided Gas Fireplaces
These fireplace types give you see-through, peninsula, or bay window configurations so you can enjoy the fire from more than one angle. They’re the perfect way to divide a space - say, a living room and a dining room. They’re a much more modern style.
10. Linear Gas Fireplaces
A linear gas fireplace is one of our personal favorite styles. They have a wide, horizontal profile with a low flame bed. They can range from 36” to well over 72”. They’re the style you’ll see most often in contemporary homes and businesses. They’re usually paired with glass media or crushed stone instead of a traditional log set.
11. Traditional Gas Fireplaces
As the name suggests, these fireplace types take you back to a simpler time. They’re made to look just like a wood-burning fireplace, and they usually have realistic ceramic or fiber log sets with brick-patterned interiors.
12. Modern Gas Fireplaces
These units strip away the logs, bricks, and arches. They’re obviously the most popular type you’ll see on the market these days. Super minimalist, but they still pack plenty of heat into the firebox.
13. Outdoor Gas Fireplaces
Last but not least, we have the outdoor fireplace style for elevating a patio. They’re crafted from weather-rated stainless steel so they can handle rain, wind, and temperature swings that would otherwise damage an indoor unit.
Don’t Forget to Think About Sizing and Heat Output
The next step after narrowing it down to one of the fireplace types is figuring out which size makes the most sense for your home or business. Measure your room’s square footage to get a sense of how many BTUs you need for supplemental warmth. For example, a 1,000 square foot space would need around 20,000 BTU.
Need Help Choosing the Right Gas Fireplace Style?
There are clearly many different types of gas fireplaces, and it can get really overwhelming trying to narrow it all down on your own. We encourage you to connect with our customer service team today for one-on-one support. Let our team point you in the right direction so you can feel more confident placing your order. You’ll get low pricing and free shipping, too!
Frequently asked questions
Which is safer, vented or ventless gas fireplace?
Both are safe with proper installation, but a lot of people prefer vented units just for peace of mind.
How do I tell what type of gas fireplace I have?
Check the firebox’s rating plate, which usually lives behind the lower louver. It lists the model number, fuel type, and venting classification. You’ll know it’s direct vent if it has a sealed glass front with a coaxial vent pipe. On the other hand, a vertical flue and open front indicate you have a B-vent fireplace. It’s ventless if you don’t see any pipes at all.
What is the most popular gas fireplace style?
Linear direct-vent models are our best-selling style here at The Great Fire Company. You get a stunning, wide ribbon of flames with tons of installation flexibility.