Used in both new construction and remodels, Heatilator is often considered the “builder grade” standard, making them a familiar fireplace brand. Their reliability and high performance make Heatilator gas fireplaces some of the best value fireplaces on the market. Heatilator might not have the bells and whistles of brands like Heat & Glo; however, it offers a price point and quality that meet the needs of many homeowners. Wondering, do I have a Heatilator? – If you need help determining the make or model of your fireplace please check out our post here.
What makes a Heatilator Fireplace unique?
Heatilator is a long standing brand that also happens to be a style of fireplace, a Heatilator Heat Form. (Scroll down to learn more about the Heat Form – It is easy to get the two confused.)
A Heatilator fireplace is a brand of prefabricated, factory-built fireplace manufactured by Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT). Heatilator units are known for affordability and reliability, offering wood-burning and gas options. These fireplaces are typically designed with metal construction and feature zero-clearance framing capabilities, allowing installation with minimal spacing to combustibles per tested clearances.
What fireplace models are offered by Heatilator?
Heatilator offers several models, including traditional open wood-burning fireplaces and high-efficiency, sealed combustion gas units. Many models feature direct vent technology, clean-faced designs, and optional heat management systems.
Heatilator offers a variety of styles from corner fireplaces to see-through linear gas fireplaces and even multi-sided wood fireplaces! Some of their most popular models include:
What is a Heatilator Heat Form?
A Heatilator Heat Form is a prefabricated, metal firebox designed to be built into masonry veneer—essentially a “zero-clearance” metal insert that mimics the structure and look of a full masonry fireplace. It’s the quintessential builder-grade open fireplace—ubiquitous, affordable, and easily framed in.
The Heat Form is a type of factory-built, site-installed fireplace developed by Heatilator in the mid-to-late 20th century. Unlike today’s pre-finished zero-clearance models, Heat Form units are modular fireboxes made of interlocking refractory panels assembled on-site and encased in masonry. They look like traditional masonry fireplaces but are not constructed brick-by-brick on-site. These fireplaces are sometimes mistaken for true masonry because of their finished appearance and chimney materials.
Is It a Heat Form or a Masonry Fireplace?
To identify a Heatilator Heat Form:
Check the firebox: Tap the walls—if they sound hollow or feel smooth and uniform, they may be precast panels.
Look for seams: Heat Form units have visible seams between panels.
Examine the chimney: A metal pipe chimney (often with a branded cap) is a giveaway. Masonry chimneys are typically clay-lined brick.
Label or tag: Check inside the firebox, behind the screen, or on the damper for a manufacturer’s label.
Learn more about gas fireplaces!
If you want to upgrade your Heatilator fireplace check out our guide on what does a new gas fireplace installation cost? If you have any questions, please reach out to us at The Stove Shop or check out our Fireplace Experts blog.
