A gas fireplace gives you a real flame with none of the work of wood: no chopping, no ash, no chimney sweeping, and instant on/off control. But "gas fireplace" covers a wide range of technology and styles. This gas fireplace buying guide walks through the decisions that matter most: vent type, style, fuel, size, cost and installation. Ready to browse now? Shop our gas fireplaces.
Direct Vent or Ventless Gas Fireplace?
This is the biggest technical decision, and it depends on where the fireplace is going.
Direct vent gas fireplaces draw combustion air from outside and send exhaust back outside through a sealed vent pipe, completely separate from your indoor air. This is the standard for indoor installations, and every indoor gas fireplace we carry is direct vent. Direct vent units run efficiently, are safe for continuous use, and don't affect indoor air quality. Examples include the Vienna linear, Toscana 3-sided, Lyon 4-sided and Boston 36 compact linear.
Ventless (vent-free) gas fireplaces need no vent pipe or chimney, which makes installation simpler. Rules on indoor vent-free units vary by state and city, so check local code before you consider one. Ventless designs are most common outdoors, where fresh air is not a concern, such as the Tahoe 45 outdoor gas fireplace. See our outdoor fireplace buying guide and our outdoor gas fireplaces for those.
Choose Your Gas Fireplace Style
How many sides you see the flame from, and how the unit is built into the wall, changes both the look and the installation.
- Linear gas fireplaces have a wide, low flame and a clean modern look that suits a feature wall. A linear gas fireplace is a popular choice for new construction and for a modern gas fireplace look in a living room or primary suite. Sizes in our lineup run from 36" to 65": the Boston 36, Thompson 36 and Newcomb 36, the Bennett 45, the Stanford 55, the Austin 65, and the Vienna in 40", 50" and 60".
- See-through gas fireplaces show the flame from two opposite sides, which makes them a good divider between a living room and a dining room, kitchen or hallway. Choose the Emerson 48 slim see-through or the Palisade 36 see-through. The Lyon goes further with a 4-sided, 360° view.
- 3-sided (peninsula) gas fireplaces show the flame from the front and both sides, ideal for a wall end or room divider. The Toscana is our 3-sided model.
- Built-in (zero clearance) gas fireplaces are framed into a wall and finished with a surround, tile or stone. They are a common pick for builders and remodels that want a traditional fireplace look. See the Lamego 45, Jasper 2824 and Jasper 3624.
- Gas fireplace inserts slide into an existing masonry wood-burning fireplace to turn it into a gas fireplace. The Abbot 30 natural gas fireplace insert is designed for masonry fireplaces and runs on natural gas only. Check that any insert you choose is approved for your fireplace and fuel type.
Natural Gas vs. Propane Gas Fireplace
Natural gas connects to an existing gas line for unlimited run time with no tank to refill, which makes it the simplest option if a line is already near the installation spot.
Propane gives you the same flame without a utility line, fed from a tank instead. Most of our gas fireplaces are offered in both fuels, so choose your fuel on the product page. A few models are limited to one fuel, such as the natural gas only Abbot 30 insert, so confirm the fuel options before you order.
How to Size a Gas Fireplace
- Match the room and the wall. Pick a width that looks proportional to the wall and the seating area. A very small unit on a big wall can look lost, and a very wide unit can overwhelm a small room.
- Check heat output. Compare the BTU rating on the product page. A higher BTU rating means more heat output, not just a bigger flame.
- Confirm the framing dimensions. Use the framing width, height and depth in the specifications table, not just the viewing width, when you plan the wall.
- Plan the vent run. The vent termination location, and how far the vent travels, can limit where a direct vent fireplace can go.
Gas Fireplace Cost
The price of a gas fireplace depends mainly on size, the number of viewing sides, and the feature set. Builder-grade units sit at the lower end, while large, multi-sided and deluxe models cost the most. Our gas fireplaces range from about $2,700 for compact linear models to over $14,000 for the largest multi-sided units. Browse the gas fireplace collection to compare current prices by size.
Remember to budget beyond the unit itself. Gas line work, venting, framing, a surround or finishing materials, and a licensed installer all add to the total, and costs differ by home and region.
Gas Fireplace Installation
Gas line connections and venting should be handled by a licensed installer, following the manufacturer's instructions and your local and national codes. Professional installation is also typically required to keep the warranty valid. Many modern direct vent gas fireplaces need only wood framing and drywall around the unit, but clearances and finishing rules differ by model, so check the manual for the exact unit before you build the wall.
Gas Fireplace vs. Electric Fireplace
A gas fireplace produces a real flame and strong heat, and it needs a gas supply and a vent. An electric fireplace needs only an outlet and no vent, so it is easier to install and often more affordable, but its flame is an effect and its heat output is lower. If you need real flame and real heat, go gas. If you want the easiest install, see our electric fireplace buying guide.
Gas Fireplace vs. Wood-Burning Fireplace
A wood-burning fireplace offers the crackle and smell of a real wood fire, but it needs a chimney, regular cleaning, and a supply of firewood. A gas fireplace starts at the push of a button, has no ash or smoke, and gives you control of flame height and heat. Gas is the better fit if you value convenience and a clean home. Wood-burning is better if you want the traditional experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between direct vent and ventless gas fireplaces?
Direct vent units draw combustion air from outside and exhaust it back outside through a sealed pipe, keeping combustion separate from your indoor air. Ventless units need no venting, which simplifies installation but is restricted for indoor use in some areas.
How much does a gas fireplace cost?
Our gas fireplaces range from about $2,700 to over $14,000 depending on size, viewing sides and features. Installation, venting and finishing are additional.
Do I need a professional to install a gas fireplace?
Yes. Gas line connections and venting should be done by a licensed, authorized installer in line with local and national codes.
Can I run a gas fireplace on propane?
Yes. Most of our gas fireplaces are available for propane as well as natural gas. Confirm the fuel options on the product page.
What is a linear gas fireplace?
A linear gas fireplace has a wide, low-profile firebox with a long, continuous flame, giving a modern look compared with a traditional square firebox.
Ready to Shop?
Browse our full gas fireplace collection, explore outdoor gas fireplaces, or visit the Buying Guides hub for more help choosing the right fireplace.
