Gas Fires vs Electric Heaters vs Wood Burners – Which is Best For You?

Generally, cheaper to buy and install than other fire types.

Unit costs and installation may be higher than electric fires, but gas is far cheaper than electricity.

Adding a real wood fireplace can be costly, as is the ongoing cost of wood.

Modern electric fires tend to run efficiently. However, electricity is one of the most expensive forms of heating fuels.

Gas offers a high fuel efficiency and can quickly heat large rooms with little gas required.

Open fires have an efficiency of 20%*, whereas wood burners can operate with 80%* efficiency.

Extremely convenient, these can often be moved from room to room, come with timers and remote controls too.

Convenient, quick and easy to use. Many can be controlled remotely and will provide heat during power outages.

Requires cleaning and fire building per use, plus obtaining wood. However, will work during electricity outages.

Minimal except occasional cleaning and vent dusting.

No ash residue or nasty odours make these a low-maintenance option.

The fire and chimney will need thorough cleaning once a year (at least).

Easy! No chimney required. Just wall fixings in most cases.

Can be installed anywhere so long as there is a gas supply. It is easy to convert wood-burning fireplaces into gas fireplaces.

A chimney is required, which can be installed, but the process is often difficult and expensive.

These can be placed in any room in the house, so long as there is a plug socket.

Can be installed where ever gas can be piped. But can’t be moved easily.

Available in a number of sizes which can heat most medium to large-sized spaces.

Instant heat and blower forces the warmed air out into the room. However, they work best in smaller rooms.

Gas fires produce a lot of heat and some have blowers to push heat around a room.

Depending on the setup, an amount of heat can space through the chimney. They also pull 10%* of the indoor air.

Clean heat, and minimal fire risk. Outer casing is often cool, making it safer for kids and pets.

Real flames pose a danger to children and animals. However, this can be remedied with a fire cage.

Whether an open or closed fire, there is an increased fire risk. Children and pets pose additional consideration.

Whilst it does not release any pollution into the air itself, the environment is impacted by electricity plants.

Burning gas produces a small amount of carbon monoxide.

While wood smoke is not as toxic as car fumes, wood fires still more pollutant than other types of fireplaces.

Some electric fires accurately resemble a real fire, but ultimately, it’s not real.

Real flames create a nice ambience, but not the extent of a real fire.

Nothing really beats the smell and sound of a real wood fire. They bring a homely ambience to any room or setting.

There are many design options to suit all decors, though generally, these suit slightly more modern interiors.

There’s an extensive range of designs and options available which compliment nearly all homes and styles.

Wood fires can be extremely decorative, however, they tend to favour a more traditional look.

Low-fuss and low-cost decorative fireplaces which are perfect for those needing a little more flexibility. Modern electric fires are stylish, efficient and effective.

The best of both worlds, gas offers real flames, with convenience. Cheap to run and tons of design options, they’re ideal for most setups.

Whilst there’s nothing convenient about a wood fire, there’s nothing quite like having one. If your house is of a certain style, they’re quintessential, but come with a price tag and high maintenance.

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