Sweater weather shopping: 9 best ventless gas and electric fireplaces
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Writer’s note: The following listicle on ventless fireplaces was originally published on August 31, 2020 at the now-defunct website Lifestyle Reviews. There were originally eight options, but six are no longer available. Because so few are available, this countdown has been merged with an additional listicle highlighting seven electric fireplaces. (Twelve were on the original Lifestyle Review post for the same August date.) Both listicles have been lightly edited for technical details and readability. (If you’re interested in reading more top 10-, 15- and 20 lists for your home upgrades, home offices, tech shopping and everyday living, click here. If you’re a pet lover, you may enjoy this collection as well.)
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Are you all set to head out the door to buy a ventless gas fireplace? Stop. Know what your strict landlord or condo association has to say about fireplaces first. Some condo boards and property owners won’t care while others will want to know how safe they are. Is the coast clear? Then continue.
Whether you decide on a wall-mounted vent fireplace or a corner ventless gas fireplace, neither will require a gas line, wood or firewood logs. A ventless design will also help you save on the electricity expenses of an electric fireplace.
For wall-mounted fireplaces, you may need a little assistance with installation. But once it’s there, you may become so wrapped up in watching the flames that you’ll ignore your usual forms of entertainment. Could this be the vacation you needed from reality TV and endlessly scrolling on social media? Maybe.
Unless you live in a rural area and have time to find firewood or chop down branches, opting for the best electric fireplace TV stand may be the way to go. It will give you the option to have the “look” of a traditional fireplace and the entertainment center to store your favorite photographs, flowers and even a TV stand.
It will also warm your living room, den or any other room you choose, with the press of a remote control button or light switch. And it will do so without having to clean up the soot mess behind. Will it have the same pizzazz as stories of Santa Claus? No, but you can get creative with the kids. They may be so entranced with how magical the flames look (from a safe distance) and how comfortable the soot-free room feels that they’ll overlook the traditional tale.
Skip the mess of ashes and enjoy these eight featured selections.
1. ProCom
You don’t need an outside duct or chimney for this eco-friendly, thermostat-controlled, arched door fireplace.
Key Features
15,000 BTU patented dual fuel technology
Natural gas or liquid propane option
Battery-assisted Piezo ignition
With the ability to heat up to 800 square feet, this free-standing fireplace (27.7 x 16 x 10.75) has five hand-painted detailed logs, using ceramic fiber and concrete materials for long-lasting life. The battery-assisted Piezo ignition has a built-in oxygen depletion sensor (ODS).
Pros
99. 9% efficient with Dual Precision Ported Vent Free gas burner
Built-in oxygen depletion sensor (ODS)
Cons
Not for sale to California residents
Vent-free heaters inoperable at elevations above 4,500 feet altitude
The flickering yellow flames in this fireplace insert will add some relaxation to a long day after work and save a few bucks with its cost-effective heating.
2. Pleasant Hearth
This pleasant hearth gas fireplace has dual fuel technology (LP or NG) and heats up to 700 square feet.
Key Features
Up to 20,000 BTUs per hour
Heats up to 700 square feet
Dual burner
You won’t need a flue or chimney for this vent-free fireplace. It’s the ideal choice to add a retro look to your home, as well as needed warmth. The dual burner provides two rows of flames for a thicker, fuller, eye-catching fire. Propane use requires 100-pound tank (or larger) with a two-stage adjustable regulator available from your local gas company.
Pros
Minimum clearance design allows ease of installation
Thermostat control knob automatically maintains ideal heat level
Cons
Does not support a millivolt remote control
Several users complained that it stopped working
This compact gas vent-free stove is covered by a two-year warranty.
3. Touchstone
This wall-recessed electric fireplace gives you the ability to control the flame color, ember bed color, flame speed, timer, brightness and thermostat all with one remote.
Key Features
Available in 10 sizes
Mobile app enabled
Heats a room up to 400 square feet
With its easy-to-follow instructions for wall mounting, you can choose hard-wiring or plugging to heat up a room. Enjoy the faux logs and glass crystals that take on the appearance of a traditional coal-powered fireplace or fire pit. This is designed to use one log or crystal, if you prefer you can mix both safely. The dark frame also accentuates the colorful fire display, while keeping you snug and toasty. The glass front display remains cool to the touch for added safety.
Pros
Thermostat-controlled option
Timer of one to eight hours
Cons
2 AAA batteries required for remote
Smart Life users will have to use the app to better control the settings
This fireplace is covered by a one-year warranty.
4. Northwest
This 29-inch free-standing console is an eye-catching fireplace with front panel control for power and heat.
Key Features
Holds flat panel TV with stand of up to 32 inches
Maximum weight capacity of 88 pounds (Note: Amazon has 80 pounds in an image but 88 pounds in the written description. Check manual.)
LED flame technology
This space heat entertainment center includes faux logs and energy-efficient, light-emitting diode (LED) flames. It can heat up to 400 square feet (1400 Watts, 4777 BTUs, 120V, 60 Hertz) and keeps a cozy home all year long.
Pros
Safety thermal cutoff device (prevents overheating)
Fixed media shelf with slot for cord management
Cons
Assembly required
Several users complained the fire display isn’t realistic
Use this TV stand to showcase your home decor, books, TV or make it a less-is-more mantel.
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5. Ameriwood
This electric fireplace, which has three flame settings and built-in reflectors, stand comes equipped with a place for your books and your TV.
Key Features
Automatic room temperature controls
23-inch metal electric fireplace insert
Touch panel buttons available
Although this isn’t a fireplace you’re going to want to move around a lot (at 135 pounds), this TV stand can hold a TV up to 70 inches. With four open shelves, you now have a place to store your cable box, DVDs, gaming system and books. Use the touch panel or remote control to operate the heat and fire display on this stand (23-inch metal electric fireplace insert), the latter of which can warm up to 400 square feet.
Pros
No assembly required
Automatic shut-off timer control
Cons
Cannot plug anything else, including plug adapters and power strips, into the same outlet
Batteries are not required
You don’t need any fancy plug outlets for this stand. It’s standard with LED lights that have up to 50,000 hours of life. This is backed by a one-year limited warranty.
6. Meble Furniture & Rugs
This central entertainment center is manufactured and imported from the European Union.
Key Features
Available in four color combinations (black, black and white, gray and black, gray and white)
Modern TV stand and console
LED light included
This modern TV stand (22.3 x 78.7 inches) has a 40-inch wide electric fireplace insert and can hold a 79-inch TV. The remote has an on/off control and can change flame colors, the temperature, timer setting and dimmer.
Pros
Three changeable flame colors
16 changeable LED light colors
Cons
Not intended to be moved around (130 pounds)
Multiple users reported missing parts when fireplace arrived
This TV stand heats up a room up to 400 square feet.
7. Twin Star Home
This barn-like fireplace TV stand has plenty of room for electronics, media and accessories to add around the area. A painting above the fireplace is never a bad idea either.
Key Features
Available in three colors
Antique gray finish
“X” styled mullions on door fronts
This fireplace stand can accommodate TVs up to 55 inches and with a maximum of 45 pounds. The firebox (15.5 x 47.5 x 27) can also warm up to 400 square feet (4600 BTU fan-forced heater). Add your cable box or DVD player to the open shelf, as well as two side cabinets that feature adjustable shelves for concealed storage for additional electronics. If you want the look without the heat, you can always operate the “fire” look independently of its heat.
Pros
Cutout holes in the back panel for tangle-free cords
One user confirmed a bonus touch-up pen is included although she had no damage to her Sergeant Oak fireplace
Cons
Not ideal to own with children under 3 years old because of choking hazards
Small parts included
The flame effect works with or without heat so you and guests can enjoy the view all year-round.
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8. HearthPro
This entertainment TV stand was inspired by industrial designs and is supported by a full metal frame design.
Key Features
Brown wood finish
Powder-coated metal frame
Mesh fronted doors for a peek inside
This 18-inch firebox has a supplemental heater that warms approximately 400 square feet. The two-side cabinets come in handy for storage of your media, electronics, photo frames and other decorations.
Pros
LED flame effects
Energy efficient LED lighting
Cons
Not designed to be moved around regularly (109 pounds)
One user reported that the hinges did not match
It heats your home and is a sight to behold, too, with its see-through cabinet fronts, decorative metal accents, and contrasting wood trim.
9. Top Space
This 60-inch corner electric fireplace TV stand can be used on its own, but it’s highly recommended to take advantage of the front-facing multiple cabinets.
Key Features
Log flame effect
Three levels brightness
Woodgrain finish
This rustic fireplace TV stand and heater has extensive technology, long-lasting LED lights, and can heat a room up to 400 square feet with a safe, pollution-free flame effect. It also passed a 100K hardware test.
Pros
Holds flat paneled TVs up to 60 inches wide (weighing no more than 95 lbs)
Noise level is less than 39 dBA
Cons
Two users reported water damage on the wood and missing pieces, upon arrival
Verify wood ahead of time to make sure there no blemishes like one user
This cabinet is equipped with anti-skid strips on the top, and multiple storage spaces for a streaming and cable box, along with any photo decor.
Bottom line on fireplace choices
Is a ventless gas fireplace better than an electric fireplace?
Are you curious whether a ventless glass fireplace or electric fireplace are better than traditional wood fireplaces? The only person who can truly answer that question is you. Some people love the “nature” part of the fireplace: looking for sticks outside, chopping up wood and even find the cleaning process therapeutic. If you’re a camper who loves the “real” fire feel, maybe this isn’t your first choice.
But if you want the warmth without all the soot, ashes and dirt, then chances are it is. Traditional fireplaces can become messy enough to require additional cleaning everywhere from the chimney to the floors. With ventless fireplaces, you may save yourself a few cleaning days.
Of course, an electric fireplace also saves you from the mess of cleaning up burning wood later. However, depending on your electricity budget and how strong the power is in your home or building, an electric fireplace can quickly become a source of frustration and power outages. This is why you may want to consider a ventless glass fireplace instead.
Ventless fireplaces use oxygen in the room to combust, and then release the emissions back into the room. You get the heat, the ambiance, the ability to heat up an area without using excess electricity (or additional portable heaters), and can enjoy the sight of it from your wall or free standing. But you also get the carbon monoxide, mold and humidity growth risks with ventless fireplaces.
If you’re uncomfortable with installing it yourself, and don’t have do-it-yourself experience, it’s best to find someone who does. While it is possible to have a faulty product (as with anything), it is especially important that any heat-related product be installed correctly the first time to prove it — in the event your insurance company has to get involved.
Additionally, make sure that the measurements for any internal wall fireplaces match the areas within your own home. It should fit flush within the wall (or potentially have the frame sticking out correctly but snug) before purchasing the product. Be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors in the room too.
Pay special attention to the fireplace in its early days to make sure it safely turns on and stops (sometimes auto-shuts) as instructed. And if it all works out as you expect, you’ll be able to enjoy either style and type of fireplace for years to come.
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