best wood burning fireplaces

But none of these two types of traditional fireplaces are a good heating option. They emit too much smoke (and pollutants) and heat too little: up to 90% of the heat they produce is lost through the chimney.

They are still very popular, and largely used for ambiance and as a secondary source of heat, but just that.

See: Fireplaces and Health Threats

New advanced wood burning fireplaces

When choosing a fireplace, do not overestimate aesthetics or the idea of a romantic ambiance associated to traditional units.

There are alternatives to wood fireplaces, but if you want one, prefer a qualified fireplace with low emissions (less than 4 grams per hour) and good heating capacity. These new units cost less than an on-site built unit…

See:
Fireplace Conversion
Best Wood Fireplaces
The distinction between pre-built wood fireplaces and fireplace inserts is becoming rather blurred. New metal fireplaces are incorporating many features of the wood stove technology while fireplace inserts are basically wood stoves converted to fit in an existing fireplace opening. The divide isn’t clear anymore.

What to demand from new fireplaces

Some new qualified fireplaces share the catalytic wood-stove technology. They use a passive catalytic device to destroy pollutants and wood smoke. Some manufacturers claim that their catalytic fireplaces can reduce emissions by 90%.

But most of the best wood fireplaces are no-catalytic. They are based on an airtight combustion chamber, double air combustion and a suitable venting system, and include features like a control for variable wood consumption and variable heat output, an air boost device for faster wood ignition or a blower.

In the USA, qualified fireplaces meet the EPA Phase II certification (or/and the Washington State emissions requirements). These fireplaces emit less than 4 grams of smoke per hour (some manufacturers are claiming emissions close to 1 gram per hour).

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a voluntary program to qualify wood-burning fireplaces. This program involves two phases and two categories of qualified fireplaces: EPA Phase 1 fireplaces have an orange tag indicating that they pollute about 57% less than other non-qualified units. EPA Phase 2 fireplaces have a white tag indicating a pollution level of about 70% less. So, prefer an EPA Phase 2 unit. They are the best wood fireplaces.For a list with the best-efficient fireplaces and their manufacturers, see: EPA Cleaner fireplaces

The heat output of wood fireplaces

As said above, traditional wood fireplaces can lost about 90% of the heat they produce through the chimney. Their heat output is very limited, and they are rarely used as a primary source of heating.

But some new and qualified fireplaces have a capacity above 50,000 BTU/hour (enough to heat an area of 1,500 square foot (140 m2) or more).

The best wood fireplaces have a blower to help distribute the warmth and their burning time can attain 6–8 hours.

Design and aesthetic features of new wood fireplaces

Besides being better than traditional units, new advanced fireplaces can recreate the traditional masonry fireplace appearance (through textured refractory-lined firebox), have cast-iron doors for an unobstructed view of the fire, and several types of finishes to match your taste and style.

Prices of the best wood fireplaces

Though cheaper than traditional fireplaces built on site, qualified wood-burning fireplaces aren't exactly a cheap option; their prices are in the $2,000 to $4,000 range.

Alternatives to wood fireplaces

There are, anyway, several alternatives to new wood fireplaces, including electric, pellet or gas fireplaces and stoves… The best choice will always depend on your preferences, needs, climate, goals, levels of insulation of your home, etc.

See:
Best Electric Fireplaces
Best Gas Fireplaces
Decorative Gas Logs, Gel and Electric Fireplaces
Wood Catalytic and No-catalytic Stoves
Efficient Gas Stoves
Efficient Pellet Stoves