Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
The best gas fireplace inserts deliver warmth with ease of operation. Choose among the top options to find the ideal solution for you.
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Got a fireplace? Homeowners who want minimal fuss should consider a modern gas insert, as it comes with multiple easy-to-use features, such as remote controls, quick ignition and thermostats. The best gas fireplace inserts slip into a pre-existing fireplace or properly framed wall opening. Generally speaking, any insert designed for an in-wall installation can go into an existing fireplace.
Russ Dimmitt, director of education at the Chimney Safety Institute of America, says it may be appropriate to use a gas fireplace insert if you’re retrofitting an older home that has an old chimney, as long as you take precautions. “It does have to have an inspection done to make sure the chimney and the fireplace are suitable,” he says.
Plus, gas fireplace inserts have several advantages over traditional wood-burning fireplaces, none bigger than convenience, Dimmitt adds. Gas fireplace advantages include:
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With the convenience of remote control for temperature settings and turning the fire on and off, Duluth Forge’s dual-fuel needs no electrical hookup. It produces 26,000 British thermal units (BTUs) an hour, and the oxygen depletion sensor will shut the unit off automatically. It holds five ceramic logs and provides a realistic look, complete with a faux liner pattern that looks like fire bricks, for a much lower cost than other remote-controlled inserts.
A dual-fuel insert gives you the flexibility to choose the one that’s the least expensive for your budget. Duluth Forge’s popular version includes a five-setting thermostat and push-button ignition. Most dual-fuel inserts use a selector valve and require adjustments, depending on the fuel source.
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ProCom is well known for its budget gas fireplace inserts, but even the brand has outdone itself with this ventless firebox. While the exact size you need depends on your home’s existing features, this model is less expensive than smaller models, in part because you can opt out of add-ons, like a brick liner or high-quality logs. If what you want is a simple, no-frills gas insert, this is a phenomenal vent-free value.
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If you have 1,000 square feet or less to heat, a customizable solution is a smart alternative to a full-size insert that may put out more heat than your space can handle. At only 18 inches wide and 28 inches tall, ProCom’s ventless insert has a retro look that fits in a narrow space while providing enough heat to warm a 500-square-foot room. It runs off natural gas or liquid propane, and doesn’t require a chimney or outside duct. It comes with four ceramic logs and a mesh screen to complete the look.
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Suitable for in-wall installation, the Empire deluxe direct-vent fireplace insert has clean, modern lines and a broad opening to put out enough heat to cover 782 square feet. At 37 inches wide, this model ships with seven ceramic logs, a burner, a barrier screen and a blower. Plus, it’s remote-ready, so you can add on a remote to sit back, relax and watch that big, beautiful flame. To sweeten the deal, this Empire insert comes in at a lower overall price than many smaller units.
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One drawback to gas fireplace inserts: They don’t all look like real logs. Even when the fireplace is turned off in the warmer months, logs that look too fake will spoil anyone’s view. Choosing your logs, whether you’re updating an existing fireplace insert or upgrading a new insert, is important. Peterson Real Fyre offers several options, from birch to red oak. These logs are hand-painted and include glowing ember beds that look so real, you expect to smell smoke.
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