Ember Fire + Design Showroom

We get this question almost everyday.  The construction industry calls almost all gas burning products an "insert".  Technically speaking an "insert" is an appliance that is installed or "inserted" into an exiting wood burning fireplace.  A decorative log set or a zero clearance fireplace are not "inserts" even though they are often referred to as such.

A fireplace insert is an appliance designed to be installed into an existing masonry or prefabricated fireplace and utilizes the existing chimney for venting, while a zero clearance fireplace is built into the wall or structure of the home and it vented vertical, horizontal or both to the outside of your house

 A direct vent insert is a gas-fired fireplace that is installed in an existing fireplace opening. It has a sealed combustion chamber and a vent pipe that goes to the outside of the home. This means that all of the combustion gases are vented out of the home, making it a more efficient and environmentally friendly option than a traditional fireplace. 

 A decorative log set is a set of ceramic logs that are placed in an existing fireplace opening. They are not vented, so they do not produce heat. Decorative log sets are a good option if you want the look of a fireplace without the heat. 

Vent-free fireplaces are a type of fireplace that does not require a chimney or vent to the outside. This type of fireplace is typically fueled by propane or natural gas and burns very efficiently. However, since vent-free fireplaces  have no venting the can create additional moisture to the living space and also emit more indoor air pollution than other types of fireplaces.  We typically do not recommend vent free as an option, especially if venting is possible.  If venting is not possible electric, water and bio ethanol fireplaces are often better alternatives.

Gas fireplaces are convenient, energy-efficient, and require less maintenance than wood-burning fireplaces.