decorative gas logs, gel and electric fireplaces

Decorative fireplaces aren't designed to be a source of heat; they are mainly aimed to simulate the flame and the ambiance produced by a wood-burning fireplace; their function is primarily or exclusively aesthetic and they can be of three big types, according to the fuel they use (electricity, gel or gas).

The realism of the flame

Since decorative fireplaces are intended to create a cozy-aesthetical ambiance, the quality of their flame is crucial. Pay attention to this “detail”.

The flame and the logs are often unconvincing, though there are now some models with a good flame-effect and convincing logs.

Are decorative fireplaces Useful?

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces emit dangerous pollutants and are expensive, unclean, little used and with small heating capacity. This may explain the usefulness of decorative fireplaces; they are a cheap and clean alternative to the little used traditional fireplaces...

But on the other hand, we may argue that there are other ways of getting ambiance and comfort, without the risk of fire or emissions… In this view, only electric decorative fireplaces - with both heating capability and only-flame effect - are useful enough and truly without risks.

Decorative gas log fireplaces

Fireplace Gas Logs: Decorative fireplace Decorative gas log fireplaces use either natural gas or propane. A decorative gas log fireplace can be supplied with or without an enclosure; those without the enclosure are typically designed to be installed in an existing fireplace and to use their chimney…

Decorative gas log fireplaces with enclosure are designed to be freestanding, and should be vented (using a hole in the wall behind the fireplace).

Though the risks and the emission of pollutants by these fireplaces are reduced, many jurisdictions regulate their installation and use, which should comply with gas-safety standards and state legislation…

The prices of most models vary in the range of $100 to $300.

For reviews and examples of this type of fireplaces, you can take a look at the Amazon.com customer reviews at Gas Logs.

Decorative gel fireplaces

Gel fireplace with a set of logs Decorative gel fireplaces are fueled by an ethanol- or alcohol-based gel. They are typically vent-less units (they don’t have to have a chimney or flue).

Some of these fireplaces comprise a set of logs (5, 6, 7...) and some cans of gel fuel. They do not involve formal installation (they just have to be assembled), and are largely used in dormant fireplaces. Other gel fireplaces do not use logs, and can be very futuristic in their appearance.

Gel Fireplace withot logs Customer reviews are usually very positive about this type of fireplaces: they are cheap ($100-$150) and produce negligible quantities of smoke, smell or fumes. For Amazon.com customer reviews, see: Gel Fireplaces

But there are also disadvantages: each gel can burns for two-three hours and costs about $3. On the other hand, gel fuel is highly flammable and the risk of fire is not so negligible as perhaps the negative impact of the quantities of water and CO also produced by gel burning (which however can affect negatively asthmatics and allergy sufferers)…

Decorative electric fireplaces

Decorative Fireplace - Logs If you do want a decorative fireplace, an electric unit may well be the best option for you. They are clean, relatively cheap, safe and easy to install. And they may combine a realistic flame with some heat output, which can be useful in some strategies.

For customer reviews in Amazon.com, see: Electric fireplaces

Prefer electric fireplace and gas logs listed and labeled by certifying entities like Underwriter’s Laboratories or AGA...