In this article, we’ll compare gas vs wood burning fireplaces in a few different categories so you can determine which would be the best fit for your home.
There is nothing quite like sitting in front of a roaring fire when it’s cold outside. Watching those flames flicker and dance around while enjoying that heat can just be such a cozy, relaxing experience, making it the perfect way to wind down after a day spent facing the bitter cold.
Indeed, you likely wouldn’t regret adding any kind of a fireplace to your home, but that doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t do your research. Wood burning and gas fireplaces are both terrific and popular options, but there’s a good chance that one would be better suited to your needs than the other.
In this article, we’ll compare gas vs wood burning fireplaces in a few different categories so you can determine which would be the best fit for your home.
If you’re looking for the more convenient fireplace, then you may want to go with a gas one. These kinds of fireplaces are super easy to operate, as all you typically need to do is turn on the gas to start a fire. And, once it’s on, you don’t need to do anything special to keep it going - the flames won’t burn out until you decide to turn it off.
A wood burning fireplace, on the other hand, requires a lot more work. You need to collect the wood, arrange it correctly in the fireplace, light it by hand, and then keep stoking it until you’re ready to put it out. Though it may not be a particularly complicated process, it still takes time and effort, so it may not be something that you want to do when you’re especially tired at the end of the day.
Winner: Gas
One of the main reasons that a lot of people choose to go with a wood burning fireplace is that they want the full sensory experience of sitting by the fire. They want the smell, the crackle, perhaps even the option of roasting marshmallows. They want everything they love about a campfire indoors, and a wood burning fireplace can give them that experience.
Unfortunately, a gas fireplace can’t quite compare in this regard. Yes, you will still get the warmth, but you won’t get the smell and the sounds that you get from burning wood.
Winner: Wood Burning
Hands down, gas fireplaces are much easier to clean than wood burning ones. This is mainly because burning wood produces creosote, ash, and soot, which can accumulate on the walls of the chimney and on the hearth. So, if you decide to go with a wood burning fireplace, not only will you have to clean the hearth each time you use it, but you’ll also need to hire someone to clean the chimney on a regular basis.
If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance fireplace, then you should go with gas. Outside of some dusting every now and again, gas fireplaces are practically maintenance-free when compared with the wood burning ones. However, it is at least recommended that you have a gas fireplace evaluated and cleaned by a professional annually.
Winner: Gas