Adding a fireplace to a house or apartment without a chimney is easier than ever. Modern ventless fireplaces - including electric, gas, and water vapor models - require no venting or flue. Our 2026 guide explores the most realistic chimney-free fireplace options to help you find the perfect fit for your space.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Do Gas Fireplaces Need a Chimney?
Best Options for Apartments & Condos
The 5 Types of Chimney-Free Fireplaces
1. Electric & Virtual Fireplaces
Quick Answer: Do Gas Fireplaces Need a Chimney?
No, not all gas fireplaces need a chimney. While traditional vented models require a flue to expel exhaust, ventless (vent-free) gas fireplaces are engineered to burn fuel with 99.9% efficiency, eliminating the need for any external venting or chimney. If you want a completely vent-free solution, electric, water vapor, and ethanol fireplaces are also excellent chimney-free alternatives for houses, apartments, and condos.
The Best Fireplace Options for Apartments and Condos
Adding a traditional hearth to an apartment is often impossible due to building codes. However, "apartment fireplaces" have become a high-demand solution for renters and high-rise owners. These units require zero venting and can be placed against any wall:
- Electric Fireplaces: The most popular "plug-and-play" solution.
- Virtual Fireplaces: High-end models like the Modern Flames Orion use Heliovision® technology for 3D realism.
- Water Vapor Fireplaces: Use a fine mist to create a flame effect that is completely cool to the touch.
5 Types of Chimney-Free Fireplaces
If you are looking for a fireplace without a chimney that is completely vent-free, you have five distinct technologies to choose from:
- Electric Fireplaces (Including Virtual Fireplaces)
- Water Vapor Fireplaces
- Ethanol Fireplaces
- Ventless Gas Fireplaces
- Gel Fireplaces
The type of fireplace you choose will depend on your design preferences, the limitations of your space, and your budget.
Electric and water vapor fireplaces create a flame imitation, while ethanol and gas fireplaces produce real flames.
Let's take a closer look.
This short video explains the pros and cons of each of the 5 types of ventless fireplaces.
Below is the breakdown of all 5 types of venless fireplaces.
1. Electric Fireplaces
In photo: Modern Flames "Landscape Pro Multi" 3-Sided Smart Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are "fake" fireplaces in the sense that there is no actual fire. The flame imitation is created by energy-efficient LED lights or ultra-realistic video of the flames displayed on an LCD screen (virtual electric fireplaces). Most electric fireplaces come with a built-in electric heater providing not only the ambiance of the fireplace but also some supplemental heat, which can be especially comforting for people who prefer aging in place.
Why choose electric:
- No maintenance
- Affordable
- Heat can be turned down or off for summer use
- Easy installation
- Safe for children and pets - stays cool to the touch
Click here to see our Electric Fireplace Collection.
When shopping for an electric fireplace, many people are concerned that the flames might look fake. We've put together a collection of realistic-looking electric fireplaces specifically for those looking for more authentic flames.
Click here to see our Realistic Electric Fireplace Collection
For the most realistic electric flames, look into virtual fireplaces. Virtual fireplaces is a new category of electric fireplaces. These fireplaces have high-def LCD screens displaying professionally-shot videos of real flames - the result is incredibly realistic!
In photo: Modern Flames Orion Multi Smart Virtual Electric Fireplace
Click here to see our Virtual Fireplace Collection
2. Water Vapor Fireplaces
In photo: Dimplex Opti-Myst Built-In Linear Smart Vapor Fireplace
Water vapor fireplaces create a realistic, 3-dimensional flame imitation without any actual fire. They use water to create a very fine mist that reflects the light and looks like a flame.
These fireplaces run on electricity and tap water, and are very efficient. Many homeowners and designers choose water vapor fireplaces for their projects because of their safety and how easy they are to customize.
Why choose water vapor:
- The most realistic 3D flame imitation
- Many installation and customization options
- Possible to create a fireplace of any length
- Safe for children and pets - stays cool to the touch
Click here to see our Water Vapor Fireplace Collection.
3. Ethanol Fireplaces
In photo: EcoSmart Fire Ethanol Burner
Ethanol fireplaces are vent-free fireplaces with real flames. The flame is created through burning clean alcohol-based fuel. The fuel is sold separately and comes in liquid form.
The operation is simple: pour fuel into the burner and light it up with a long lighter. They can be installed anywhere and come in many different shapes and sizes.
Why choose ethanol:
- Real flame without any smoke or smell
- Can be installed in places impossible for other fireplaces
- Many installation and customization options
- Free standing models available
Click here to see our Ethanol Fireplace Collection.
4. Ventless Gas Fireplaces
In photo: Empire Boulevard 60" Linear Vent-Free Gas Fireplace
Do gas fireplaces need chimneys?
Yes, traditional gas fireplaces typically require a chimney or a vent to safely expel the byproducts of combustion (like carbon monoxide) outside the home. However, there are ventless or vent-free gas fireplace options available that do not need a chimney or external venting.
These gas fireplaces without chimneys are designed to burn very efficiently, minimizing the production of harmful byproducts to a level considered safe for indoor air, according to certain standards and regulations.
It's important to note that ventless fireplaces are subject to local building codes and regulations, and they are not allowed in some areas due to concerns about indoor air quality. Always consult with a professional and check local codes before installing a gas fireplace.
Chimney Requirements at a Glance
Before choosing a model, it is important to understand which technologies require a flue and which are completely vent-free:
- Vented Gas Fireplaces: YES. These require a chimney or a vent to safely expel combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide outside the home.
- Ventless (Vent-Free) Gas Fireplaces: NO. These are engineered to burn gas so efficiently that they do not require a chimney or external venting.
- Electric/Virtual Fireplaces: NO. Since there is no actual fire or combustion, these units are 100% vent-free and safe for any room.
- Water Vapor Fireplaces: NO. These use ultrasonic technology to turn water into a fine mist; no heat or exhaust is created.
- Ethanol Fireplaces: NO. These burn clean alcohol-based fuel that produces no smoke, soot, or smell.
Why choose ventless gas:
- Real flame without any smoke or smell
- Consistent gas supply - no need to refuel
- Produce lots of heat - a great backup heat source
Our team at Modern Blaze always recommends installing a carbon monoxide detector in the same room as any ventless gas appliance to ensure the highest safety standards for your home.
Click here to see our Ventless Gas Fireplace Collection.
5. Gel Fireplaces
In photo: Anywhere Fireplace Sag Harbor Table Top Gel Fireplace
Gel fireplaces are similar to ethanol fireplaces. They also produce real flame and run on alcohol-based fuel. The difference is that this fuel is in gel form and is sold in cans.
Gel fireplaces are becoming less popular and the category itself is shrinking, but there are still some models available. They're largely being replaced by ethanol fireplaces.
Why choose gel:
- Real crackling sound: The gel formula is designed to pop and crackle like real wood.
- Ultimate portability: Easy to move from room to room or take with you to a new home.
- No spills: The thick gel consistency is safer to handle than liquid fuels.
- Zero installation: No electricity or gas lines required - just drop in a can and light it.
- Affordable entry point: One of the lowest-cost ways to add a real flame to any space
Click here to see our Gel Fireplace Collection.
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7 comments
Hi, Arlene.
Your concern seems like it needs a more thorough answer from our Customer Service team. Please send us an email via support@modernblaze.com or give us a call (1-866-713-2399) so we can help you better!
Help. Old Majestic . Was wood and was converted to gas. Live in condo. No feedback or help from owners. Spent money on estimates.
Thank you for sharing this informative article about chimneys. I hope there are a lot of chimney contractors that could read this and be guided accordingly.
Hi David, somebody from our customer service team will be in touch with you shortly.
hi im looking for a insert for my fireplace having a hard time with your phone service found one just have a few questions
Great Content.I have read your blog and found it very useful. Thank you for sharing this informative content.
The Ryse Condo
Thank you for this article! It helped me understand what my fireplace options are far for my new house without a chimney.