There’s nothing quite like a fireplace to create a cozy atmosphere on a winter’s night at home. There are four primary types of fireplaces: wood-burning, gas, electric, and ethanol. Which one is right for you? While it largely depends on the warmth and ambiance you desire, there are other important factors to consider when choosing the best fireplace type for your home.
| Type of Fireplace | Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Wood-burning | Traditional look/ambiance | Frequent maintenance |
| Gas | Instant flames | Costly installation |
| Electric | Easy installation | Looks fake |
| Ethanol | Burns cleanly | Expensive to refuel |
1. Wood-Burning Fireplaces
Wood-burning fireplaces are often what first comes to mind when you envision a fireplace. They use wood as fuel, which is relatively easy to obtain, and can provide an excellent source of heat. The flickering glow and the crackle of burning logs significantly enhance the cozy ambiance.
However, this ambiance comes with a frequent maintenance schedule and the absolute necessity for proper ventilation—meaning a chimney must be present. Homeowners and their properties need to be prepared for the safe use and ongoing upkeep of the various parts of the fireplace.
The lifespan of a wood-burning fireplace largely depends on the firebox material. A brick firebox can last 20 to 25 years, while a metal firebox typically lasts between 10 and 20 years.
Pros:
- Pleasing aesthetic
- May increase home value
- Charming sound, sight, and smell during operation
- Independent of utilities (useful during power outages)
- An abundant, potentially free fuel source if you own or have access to wooded property
Cons:
- Require regular cleaning/maintenance (e.g., ash removal, chimney sweeping)
- Not energy efficient compared to other options
- Expensive installation
- Screens must be used to prevent ash and embers from exiting the fireplace
- Can be dangerous if installed improperly or not maintained
Best for: Homes with existing chimneys and homeowners who don’t mind regular upkeep.
Estimated Costs (UK, 2025 data):
- Installation: Averages around £2,300 for a wood burner installation. If a chimney is already present, costs can be around £1,200. If no chimney is present and a twin-wall system is needed, costs can be around £2,300. More involved installations can go significantly higher.
- Maintenance: Chimney sweeping costs typically range from £70 to £120. Regular ash removal is also required.
- Fuel: A cubic metre of seasoned hardwood typically costs around £130-£140. Kiln-dried hardwood logs can cost £100-£150 per cubic metre, while seasoned softwood logs might be £50-£80 per cubic metre.
2. Gas Fireplaces
If collecting wood for fuel isn’t appealing, consider a natural gas fireplace. With natural gas, you can quickly warm any room with the glow of realistic-looking flames. A gas fireplace not only ignites at the flip of a switch but also features settings that allow you to adjust both flame intensity and heat levels. You can even add faux logs to mimic a more traditional wood-burning aesthetic.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- Burns cleanly
- Can adjust flame/heat levels
- Low maintenance
- Still burns a real flame
Cons:
- Dependent on gas supply (can go out during utility outages)
- Higher initial cost
- Requires ventilation in most places (B-vent or Direct Vent)
- Gas leaks are possible, though rare
Best for: Those who desire the look of real flames without the extensive upkeep of a wood-burning fireplace.
Estimated Costs (UK, 2025 data):
- Installation: Average cost to install a gas fire is around £500, but can range from £150 to £300 for installation alone (excluding fire unit) up to £3,000 or more depending on the type (e.g., glass-fronted, balanced flue) and any additional pipework or building work required.
- Maintenance: An annual service on a gas fire typically costs £60-£100.
- Fuel: Mains gas costs between 7p to 10p per kWh.
3. Electric Fireplaces
You’re not out of luck if your home lacks a chimney or other ventilation system. Electric fireplaces are an affordable alternative that are also incredibly easy to use: simply plug them in and flip a switch.
While you won’t get the same intense warmth or the most realistic-looking flames as a gas or wood-burning fireplace, their flexibility, ease of installation, and very low maintenance make electric fireplaces a popular choice for both homeowners and renters.
Pros:
- Easy to install (often just plug-and-play)
- Energy-efficient (no heat loss through a chimney)
- Doesn’t need ventilation
- Low maintenance and incredibly safe
- Easily adjustable to your preferences
Cons:
- Doesn’t produce a real flame (visual effects are simulated)
- Doesn’t offer as much heat as gas or wood
- No heat source during a power outage
- Doesn’t provide the sensory experience (aroma, sound) of a real fire
Best for: Those who want flexible installation with minimal (or no) upkeep.
Estimated Costs (UK, 2025 data):
- Installation: Electric fireplaces average around £700, with prices ranging from £200 to £10,000 depending on style and complexity. Wall-mounted units are often the easiest and cheapest to install.
- Maintenance: Very low, typically just occasional dusting.
- Fuel: Dependent on electricity rates in your area.
4. Ethanol Fireplaces
If you’re seeking a fireplace with a more modern design that’s also environmentally conscious, an ethanol-fueled model is a great choice. These ventless models, also known as bioethanol or bio fireplaces, use an alcohol-based fuel that produces real flames without harmful emissions.
You can choose a freestanding fireplace or one built into the wall behind recessed glass. While not the same as a traditional stone hearth, it offers a sleeker look that appeals to those who prefer a modern aesthetic. An ethanol fireplace has the potential to last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Pros:
- Doesn’t need ventilation
- Offers a clean-burning, real flame
- Nice aesthetic, often modern
- Requires little maintenance
- More design options (freestanding, tabletop, built-in, wall-mounted)
Cons:
- Lower heat production compared to other fireplace options (often comparable to a medium electric heater)
- Bioethanol fuel source is more expensive than gas or wood
- Limited flame control
- Not as safe as gas or electric if not handled properly (due to flammable fuel)
Best for: Modern-looking homes that lack the necessary ventilation for gas or wood-burning fireplaces.
Estimated Costs (UK, 2025 data):
- Installation: Freestanding units require no installation beyond unpacking. Built-in or wall-mounted options average between £700 and £1,400 for installation.
- Maintenance: Low.
- Fuel: Bioethanol fuel tends to be more expensive per use than gas or wood.
Things to Consider When Installing a Fireplace
While there’s something appealing about all four fireplace types, it’s not as simple as choosing the one you like best. Here are some other important factors to consider:
- Installation and Safety: Electric and ethanol fireplaces are by far the easiest to install as they don’t require ventilation. Gas fireplaces need vents, and wood-burning fireplaces require a chimney. If your home already has appropriate ventilation, installing a gas or wood-burning option might be simpler. However, if not, you’ll incur additional costs for ventilation installation, or you might opt for an electric or ethanol fireplace instead. Always ensure any fireplace installation is safe and compliant with local building codes. Consult a professional fireplace installer to guarantee safety and adherence to regulations.
- Fuel: Fuel prices can fluctuate based on location and market demand. When selecting a fireplace, consider the long-term availability and cost of fuel, depending on your anticipated usage.
- Cord of Wood Cost (UK, 2025): Prices can vary, but a cubic metre of seasoned hardwood is roughly £130-£140.
- Maintenance: Wood-burning fireplaces demand regular ash removal and chimney sweeping (averaging £70-£120 for a sweep in the UK). Gas fireplaces require at least an annual service visit. If you prefer a low-maintenance fireplace, electric or ethanol are the ideal choices.
- Heating Efficiency: If your primary goal is to use the fireplace as a significant heat source, choose gas or wood-burning over electric or ethanol, as the latter provide more ambient warmth than substantial heating.
- Aesthetic: “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Select a fireplace that complements your home’s design preferences. For example, wood-burning fireplaces suit traditional aesthetics, while ethanol or electric options often fit modern or industrial styles.
- Impact on the Environment: Electric and ethanol fireplaces generally burn cleaner and have a smaller carbon footprint compared to wood-burning and gas fireplaces, particularly if electricity is sourced from renewable energy.
- Home Resale Value: Gas and wood-burning fireplaces are known to potentially increase property value. However, the actual return on investment depends on the home’s location and the regional climate, with homes in colder regions often seeing stronger returns.
There’s a fireplace suited for nearly every budget, lifestyle, and design preference. If you’re still uncertain which one is right for you, reach out to a professional fireplace installer near you and inquire about installation, safety, and maintenance schedules.