Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts

A natural gas fireplace insert or gas log set goes into the fireplace you already have and runs on a gas line brought to it. This collection spans vented and vent-free gas log sets, vent-free inserts with their own firebox, and sealed direct vent inserts.

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Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts Turn a Wood Fireplace Into a Gas One

A natural gas fireplace insert goes into the fireplace you already have and runs on a gas line brought to it. There is no wood to haul and no ash to clean out. Most of this collection is gas log sets: a burner and a set of logs that sit where the wood used to. The rest are complete inserts with their own firebox: vent-free models that sit open behind a mesh screen, and direct vent models sealed behind glass.

A Vented Log Set Needs a Working Chimney and an Open Damper

A vented gas log set sends its exhaust up the chimney the way a wood fire does. The fireplace has to be a working wood-burning one, and the damper stays open. Grand Canyon and Majestic put a damper clamp in the box to hold it there. Vented logs give the tallest, most wood-like flame. Much of their heat goes up the chimney with the exhaust, so they are the choice for the look of a real fire.

Vent-Free Logs and Inserts Keep the Heat in the Room

Vent-free log sets and inserts do not rely on the chimney to carry exhaust, so the heat they make stays in the room. The Monessen Solstice is a complete vent-free insert, with its own firebox, logs and blower, that goes into a masonry fireplace or a UL-listed factory-built one. Vent-free appliances are restricted in some states and cities and are sized to the room, so read the rules on the natural gas ventless fireplaces page first.

A Direct Vent Insert Runs Two Liners Up the Chimney

A direct vent insert is a sealed firebox behind glass. The installer runs two flexible liners up the existing chimney, one bringing in outside air and one carrying exhaust out, and removes the damper or locks it open. The Empire Innsbrook and Empire Rushmore both work this way. If a factory-built fireplace has to be modified to fit one, Empire notes it can never go back to burning wood.

Order the Natural Gas Version and Plan the Gas Line

Most inserts and log sets are built for one fuel. Empire's direct vent inserts can switch with a certified kit, but many vent-free log sets cannot be converted at all, so order the fuel your home already has. A fireplace that has never had gas needs a line run to it by a qualified gas installer before anything goes in. For a home on a tank, see propane fireplace inserts. To compare both fuels, browse all gas fireplace inserts, or step back to natural gas fireplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions about Natural Gas Fireplace Inserts

How do I convert a wood fireplace to natural gas?

Run a natural gas line to the fireplace, then choose what goes in it. A vented gas log set is the simplest option and keeps the chimney working as a chimney. A vent-free log set or insert keeps more of the heat in the room. A direct vent insert seals the fire behind glass and vents through two liners run up the chimney. Have a qualified gas installer run the line and connect whichever you choose.

Should the chimney damper be open or closed with gas logs?

Open, for vented gas logs, because their exhaust goes up the chimney; Grand Canyon and Majestic include a clamp that holds the damper open. A direct vent insert needs the damper removed or locked open so its liners can pass through. Vent-free log sets do not rely on the chimney, but some run with the damper open anyway: Monessen's Mojo must, if the fireplace is too close to combustible walls. Follow the manual for the set you choose.

Do I need a working chimney for a natural gas fireplace insert?

For a vented log set, yes, because the chimney carries the exhaust. A direct vent insert uses the chimney only as a path for its two liners, one for outside air and one for exhaust. A vent-free insert or log set does not use the chimney for exhaust at all, though it still goes into an existing fireplace.

Is there a natural gas fireplace insert with a blower?

Yes. The Monessen Solstice comes with a blower, and the Empire Innsbrook and Rushmore direct vent inserts offer one too. The Rushmore's blower needs a 120-volt outlet at the fireplace. A blower pushes warm air out into the room instead of letting it collect around the firebox.

Can a natural gas fireplace insert be converted to propane?

Some can. Empire's Innsbrook and Rushmore direct vent inserts can switch fuels with a certified conversion kit. Many vent-free log sets cannot be converted at all; Real Fyre and Monessen state that in their manuals. Check the listing for the model you want before you order.

Can I go back to burning wood after installing a gas insert?

It depends on what goes in. A gas log set leaves the fireplace itself unchanged, so taking it out later is usually straightforward. A direct vent insert in a factory-built fireplace that had to be modified to fit is permanent: Empire's manuals state that fireplace cannot be returned to wood burning. With a masonry fireplace, ask the installer what the job will remove before you commit.