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How to Determine Which Product is Right for You

 (If you already know what you are looking for, just scroll to the bottom)

So you are thinking about purchasing a hearth product. Just as there are many choices for you, as a consumer, there are a multitude of manufacturers that we can choose from too. But, before we talk about brands and models, let's break it down so that everyone understands the difference between stoves and inserts, pellet vs. wood, and some of the basics of the hearth industry... if you already know what you are looking for just skip to the bottom of this page and go on to the next section.

First, let’s distinguish between the different types of appliances, then a brief discussion about different fuel types, and then we’ll get to the fun stuff J- Yes, hearth products are considered appliances and, if you have never owned one before, this will be a good place to start. Here’s a short “glossary” of terms, just to make sure you know how to shop.      

 

 

Fireplaces  - - -  Stoves  - - -  Inserts  - - - Fuel Types

  

Masonry chimney from outside

 Typical Zero Clearance Fireplace

HIgh-Output Gas Fireplace

Freestanding Wood Stove

Fireplace Insert

There are many types of fireplaces. Below is a brief description of some of the different kinds...

Masonry Fireplace – Built of brick or block, a masonry fireplace is a solid constructed fireplace. Just because the face of your fireplace is brick does not mean that you have a masonry fireplace.  If the face is brick, and the firebox is brick, and the chimney is brick, then you have a genuine masonry fireplace. 

Zero Clearance Fireplace (ZC) – You may think you have a "regular Fireplace" because you have brick tile, stone or some other material on the face of your fireplace. But, if you do not have a brick or masonry chimney, you don't. Don't get hung up on the terminology - A Zero Clearance fireplace is a metal box that is framed with regular framing when they build the house. They then build a wooden "chase" up past a certain point of the roof and put pipe inside the chase and connect it to the Fireplace, putting sheetrock and tile, or brick, or whatever for the facing and hearth to finish it on the inside.

If you can burn wood in your ZC then you have a "Woodburning ZC". You may have a log lighter inside, or even a set of gas logs in there, but if you have the capability of burning wood, then it is classified as a woodburning ZC. With most of these types of Zero Clearance fireplaces you can put an insert (wood, gas or pellet) inside the firebox, making it much more efficient.

If you can burn wood in your ZC, but it is an "airtight" unit, then you need to check the owner's manual to see if that model is allowed to have an insert inside... most are not.

If you can ONLY burn gas in your fireplace, then you have one of two types of "Gas ZC" fireplaces:

  • Decoartive Gas Fireplace - These are low heat gas units that are installed for ambiance.
  • High-Heat, or "Furnace Rated" Gas fireplaces - These are high-efficiency fireplaces that are designed to heat a specific zone of the house or, sometimes, the whole house.

Freestanding Stoves  – This type of fireplace is what we, in the industry, refer to when you want something outside of a fireplace for a hearth product. Sometimes people get the terminology confused, saying they are looking for a "stove" when, in reality, they may be looking for a fireplace, or even a fireplace insert. A "stove" is a freestanding applicance that has pipe attached to it and is vented through the ceiling, the wall, or into a chimney or chase of some kind. Stoves can be "Wood Stoves", "Gas Stoves", or "Pellet Stoves".

Inserts – An insert is an appliance that goes inside of an existing fireplace. It is invaluable to speak with a professional about which type of insert best suits you, how they are properly installed, and what you can... and cannot... legally and safely install in your existing fireplace. If you have a Zero Clearance fireplace there are things you can do to install an insert, and things you can't. This is not a time for shortcuts and cutting corners - An improperly installed insert in a Zero Clearance can be dangerous, so make sure you know what you are doing if you do it yourself!
 

Inserts, freestanding stoves, and fireplaces can use gas, wood or pellets for fuel. In most cases, the appliances itself has a dedicated use (with the exception of most fireplaces) and they only can be used with the fuel they have been designed for. You cannot take an E.P.A. Certified wood stove and "convert" it to a pellet stove, or a gas stove later on. Each has it's own advantages and we can educate you on the strengths and weaknesses of each type of fuel so you can decide what is best for you. In each case, a quality hearth appliance will provide you a beautiful atmosphere, a warm environment, and a more economical way to heat your home than using your central heating system.

Where Do You Want to Go Next?
Wood Inserts Gas Inserts Pellet Inserts
Wood Stoves Gas Stoves Pellet Stoves
Gas Fireplaces

(If the Link above does not work then that page is currently under construction)

  

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