Gas Insert vs. Gas Fireplace: Which One is Right for Your Home?

The words gas fireplace and a gas fireplace insert are two terms for products that confuse many people shopping for a new gas heating appliance installation. A insert does what it says it does. The metal firebox with logs, gas burner and all is literally INSERTED into an existing wood burning fireplace. You need an insert if you have a stone fireplace.

If your current gas fireplace is sealed behind glass without doors, installed in the wall and vents with pipe instead of a masonry chimney you might need a gas fireplace. The best way to know for sure is to find your fireplace’s make, model and serial number. Give your local fireplace shop a call and ask them. Most local fireplace stores are small, family owned businesses that are happy to speak with a customer about fireplaces and stoves.

When upgrading your home’s heating system, choosing between a gas insert and a gas fireplace can be a critical decision. Both provide warmth, ambiance, and energy efficiency, but each is suited for different applications. Understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.

What is a Gas Insert?

Gas fireplace inserts improve your cold, old, leaky stone masonry chimney. Inserts are installed into your existing fireplace cavity and connect to a liner run down your existing terra cotta flue. (If you burn candles in your fireplace right now, a fireplace insert is likely a great option for your home.) A gas insert is designed to fit directly into an existing wood-burning fireplace.

If you got a Level 2 Chimney Inspection showing your fireplace should not burn wood because there are cracks in the mortar joins, a gas fireplace insert is oftentimes a better solution than rebuilding a fireplace. Chimney sweeps and fireplace shops differ in this opinion. Masons and chimney sweeps prefer to sell consumer a $20,000 chimney rebuild to fix the broken mortar joints. This is often a waste of money because a gas fireplace insert can remedy this problem for under half the cost of a full masonry chimney rebuild. Gas fireplace inserts are a retrofit solution. They transform an inefficient open hearth into a high-efficiency heating system. Gas inserts are sealed combustion units, drawing air from outside and venting exhaust through a co-linear vent system.

Advantages of gas inserts:

Ideal for homeowners with existing masonry fireplaces
More efficient than traditional wood fireplaces
Easier installation with existing structure
Excellent zone heating

Learn more about fireplace inserts, check out the Fireplace Experts blog:

What is a Gas Fireplace?

Gas fireplaces can be installed anywhere as long as you meet clearances to combustibles. Unlike fireplace inserts, gas fireplaces are built-in units installed in new construction or remodeling projects. They include their own firebox and venting system and don’t require an existing masonry fireplace. Gas fireplaces come in various sizes and styles, offering more design flexibility than an insert.

A gas fireplace can create immediate ambiance in your home. There are more decisions to make because elements like finishing, mantels and tv placement enter consideration. If you want to install a tv above a fireplace, you likely want a gas fireplace or electric fireplace. Installing a tv above a masonry fireplace is not something we have seen, although it surely has been tried.

Learn more >> What Fireplaces Can You Use with a TV Wall?

Advantages of gas fireplaces:

Perfect for homes without an existing fireplace
Allows for custom installation in any room
Greater design and placement flexibility
Often includes built-in features like blowers and remote controls

Learn more about gas fireplaces:

Planning for your new gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert

Location: Where you install the gas heating appliance is a major factor in determining if you need a gas fireplace or a gas fireplace insert.
- Masonry chimney = insert. Gas fireplaces are installed in framing, no masonry chimney. You can put a gas fireplace directly into a blank wall. An insert goes into a pre-existing chimney.
Fuel Efficiency & Cost: Gas appliances are often more economical than electric and easier than wood.
- Check out our full fireplace fuel cost comparison.
Longevity: A well-maintained gas fireplace or insert can last 15–20 years.
- Learn more about gas fireplace life expectancy.
Cost: The average cost of a gas fireplace or gas fireplace insert is typically $6,000.
- What does a gas fireplace installation cost?
Performance: Looking for high performance in cold winters? Don’t miss our favorite list:

Why Buy a Gas Fireplace Insert?

Purpose: Converts an existing wood-burning fireplace into a high-efficiency gas unit.
Installation: Slides into an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace.
Venting: Uses a co-linear vent system (typically two 3″ aluminum liners) run through the existing chimney.
Heat Output: Generally higher due to insulated fireboxes and sealed combustion.
Efficiency: Very efficient, designed to optimize zone heating.

Why Buy a Gas Fireplace?

Purpose: New construction or remodel where no fireplace exists.
Installation: Built into a framed wall or chase; includes its own metal firebox and chimney system.
Venting: Direct vent to outside (coaxial pipe, one pipe inside another).
Heat Output: High, but varies depending on model and placement.
Design Flexibility: Allows for more design options in terms of size, shape, and surround.

Gas inserts retrofit an existing fireplace; gas fireplaces are for new installations or remodels without existing fireplaces. If you want quality gas fireplace service, the National Fireplace Institute (NFI) is a fantastic resource. At The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts, we’re here to guide you through the entire process, from selection to installation.

Still unsure? Contact The Stove Shop Fireplace Experts today to schedule your in-home consultation and make the best choice for your space.