5 Types of Fireplaces For Apartments and Homes Without Chimneys

Have you been wondering if you could add a fireplace to a house without a chimney?

The answer is yes! There is a chimney-free fireplace solution. Modern ventless fireplaces don't need any chimney or venting allowing you to have an indoor or outdoor fireplace in your house, apartment, or a condo without a chimney.

These vent-free fireplaces provide a convenient, low-cost alternative to traditional fireplaces. They are easier to install and easier to maintain. They don't need any venting and can be installed indoors or outdoors in homes without chimneys, condos, or apartments.

If you are looking for a fireplace without a chimney that is completely vent-free, you have 5 options:

5 Types of Chimney-Free 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.

If you prefer to watch a video instead, here is our short video explaining the pros and cons of each of the 5 types of ventless fireplaces:

1. Electric Fireplaces

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.

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

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

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. 

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

Click here to see our Ventless Gas Fireplace Collection.

5. Gel Fireplaces

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.

Click here to see our Gel Fireplace Collection.

Want to save on your fireplace purchase? Click here to get on our email list! 

If you want to find a perfect fireplace to match your style and needs, we can help you with that. Just give us a call us at 866-713-2399 or shoot us an email support@modernblaze.com.

Pin this handy guide from this article:

Continue Reading:

• Clean Energy Fireplace Solutions For Your Home
• Electric Fireplace Buying Guide
• Water Vapor Fireplace Buying Guide
• Ethanol Fireplace Buying Guide
• Ventless Gas Fireplace Buying Guide

Shop This Article:

• Electric Fireplaces
• Virtual Fireplaces
• Water Vapor Fireplaces
• Ethanol Fireplaces
• Ventless Gas Fireplaces
• Gel Fireplaces

We share even more on Social Media: