Home / Gas vs. electric fireplaces

Gas or electric fireplace: which should you get?

Short answer

Electric if you want easy: no gas line, no vent, often just a plug. Gas if you want real flames and more heat, and you're willing to pay for installation.

ElectricGas
FlameLights or a screen that look like fireReal flame
HeatUsually up to 1,500 watts, about 5,100 BTU/hr (a space heater)Check the model's BTU rating, which is often far higher
InstallMany plug into a regular outletNeeds a gas line, usually a vent, and a licensed installer
Running costkWh used × your electric rateTherms used × your gas rate
Burn bansNot wood, so not coveredNot wood, generally not covered

1 watt = 3.412 BTU/hr. 1 therm = 100,000 BTU.

Which costs less to run where you live?

Use the rates on your utility bills. The starting numbers are examples, not your rates.

This assumes all the energy becomes heat in your room. Vented gas fireplaces lose some heat out the vent, so gas's real cost per unit of heat is higher than shown. Check the model's efficiency rating.

Going electric?

Our picks by size, heat and budget, plus models that slide into an old fireplace.

See the best electric fireplaces

Want real fire without gas?

A modern wood stove is far cleaner than an old one. See the best by heat, smoke and burn time.

See the best wood stoves

Questions people ask

Is a gas or electric fireplace cheaper to run?

It depends on your local gas and electricity prices and how much heat you use. A gas fireplace burning 20,000 BTU an hour uses 0.2 therms an hour; a 1,500-watt electric fireplace uses 1.5 kWh an hour. Multiply by what you pay for each.

Does a gas fireplace need a chimney?

Most need some kind of vent. Direct-vent models vent straight through a wall. You also need a gas line, so installation is a job for a licensed pro.

Can I use a gas or electric fireplace on a no-burn day?

No-burn rules are written about burning wood, so they generally don't cover gas or electric. Check your area's rule to be sure.