Gas Fireplace Inserts

A gas fireplace insert converts an existing wood-burning fireplace to gas, either as a sealed direct vent firebox that vents through the chimney or as a ventless unit that keeps its heat in the room. This collection spans complete firebox inserts, vent-free and vented gas log sets, contemporary fire glass burners, and stainless steel inserts for outdoor fireplaces, in propane or natural gas.

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Gas Fireplace Inserts Convert an Existing Fireplace to Gas

A gas fireplace insert turns a wood-burning fireplace you already have into a gas fire you start with a switch or a remote, with no ash, no smoke and no wood to haul. There are two ways to do it: a complete firebox insert, which is a self-contained appliance that slides into the opening, or a gas log set, which is a burner and logs that sit in the firebox you have.

Empire gas fireplace insert in a traditional masonry fireplace

Direct Vent Inserts Are Sealed Behind Glass and Vent Through the Chimney

Direct vent gas fireplace inserts are closed appliances. Liners run up the existing chimney, one bringing in outside air for combustion and one carrying exhaust out, and the glass front is what keeps the two separate from the room. Nothing burns your indoor air, which is why direct vent is the choice when the insert will be the main heat for a room, and it is the usual alternative where vent-free is restricted.

Ventless Inserts Keep Their Heat in the Room, but Local Code Decides Whether You Can Use One

Ventless fireplace inserts need no chimney liner, so nearly all of their heat stays in the room. Because they draw combustion air from the room, they are open-fronted behind a mesh screen rather than sealed behind glass, and they carry an oxygen depletion sensor that shuts the burner off if oxygen runs low. Vent-free appliances are banned or limited in some places, including California and parts of Massachusetts, so check your local code before you order.

Vent-Free Log Sets Heat the Room; Vented Log Sets Are Mainly for the Look

Most of what sits in this collection is gas log sets. A vent-free log set heats much like a ventless insert, under the same code limits. A vented gas log set burns with the damper open and sends most of its heat up the chimney, so you choose it for the tallest, most wood-like flame rather than for warmth. Prefer a modern look? Contemporary burners trade the logs for fire glass or other decorative media.

A Blower Pushes the Heat Out Into the Room

A fireplace insert with a blower moves warm air out of the firebox and across the room instead of letting it rise in front of the fireplace. The Monessen Solstice ships with one as standard; on other models it is listed with the options on the product page. The flame works without power on a millivolt model, but the blower does not.

Propane and Natural Gas Models Put Out Similar Heat

Most models here come in both fuels. A natural gas fireplace insert suits a home with a gas line; a propane fireplace insert runs from a tank. Order the fuel you have, since each unit ships configured for one.

Measure the Opening, Front and Back, Before You Order

Every insert lists a minimum opening height, width and depth on its product page. Measure the width at the front and the back of your firebox, since many narrow toward the rear, and the depth at its shallowest point. A surround covers the gap between the insert and the fireplace face. Our Fireplace Insert Guide walks through it step by step.

Replacing a Worn-Out Gas Fireplace Is Usually a Different Job

Inserts are built to go into a wood-burning fireplace, masonry or factory-built, that the insert's manual approves. A factory-built gas fireplace that has reached the end of its life is normally replaced as a whole unit, so look at built-in gas fireplaces instead. If you are only replacing the logs and burner in an existing vent-free firebox, a vent-free log set rated for that firebox does the job.

Every Gas Insert Needs a Licensed Installer

Gas line connection, chimney liners and code compliance are not DIY work, and permit rules vary by city and county. Confirm the specifics with your installer before you buy. The collection includes Empire, Monessen, Majestic, Real Fyre and Grand Canyon, plus stainless steel inserts for outdoor gas fireplaces.

Guides & Resources

Fireplace Insert Guide, insert types, sizing, and choosing between electric, gas and more
Direct Vent Fireplace Guide, cost, safety and installation for sealed units
Ventless Gas Fireplaces: Complete Buying Guide, chimney-free installation and local code
Gas vs. Electric Fireplace Inserts, heat output, running cost and year-round use

Frequently Asked Questions about Gas Fireplace Inserts

What is a gas fireplace insert?

A gas fireplace insert is a gas-burning appliance that fits into an existing wood-burning fireplace and converts it to gas. A complete firebox insert is a self-contained unit with its own firebox and a surround that covers the old opening. A gas log set is a burner and logs that sit in the firebox you already have. Both run on propane or natural gas and light with a switch or remote.

What is the difference between a direct vent and a ventless gas fireplace insert?

A direct vent insert is sealed behind glass and uses liners in your chimney to bring in outside air and send exhaust out, so it never uses room air. A ventless insert needs no liner and keeps nearly all its heat in the room, but it draws air from the room, runs open-fronted behind a mesh screen, and is banned or restricted in some places, including California and parts of Massachusetts. Check your local code before choosing ventless.

Can a gas insert go into a zero-clearance (factory-built) fireplace?

Some can. The insert's manual lists the fireplaces it is approved for, and a factory-built wood-burning fireplace has to be on that list. The Empire Innsbrook vent-free models, for example, can serve either as an insert or as a zero-clearance fireplace on their own. A worn-out factory-built gas fireplace is usually replaced as a whole unit rather than fitted with an insert.

How do I know what size gas fireplace insert I need?

Measure the height, the width at the front and back, and the depth of your fireplace opening, then compare them with the minimum opening dimensions on the product page. The insert has to fit inside the smallest of those measurements. A surround then covers the gap between the insert and the fireplace face.

Will a gas fireplace insert work during a power outage?

A millivolt model will, because its standing pilot generates its own power for the valve. Models with electronic (IPI) ignition need power or a battery backup; the Monessen Solstice, for example, carries a backup battery. In every case the blower stops when the power does.

Does a gas log set heat as well as a firebox insert?

It depends on the log set. A vent-free log set puts nearly all its heat into the room and can warm it well, under the same local code limits as any vent-free appliance. A vented log set burns with the damper open and loses most of its heat up the chimney, so it is chosen for the flame, not the warmth. A sealed direct vent firebox insert is the option to choose when heat is the priority and vent-free is not allowed.