Fireplaces vs. Inserts vs. Stoves: What’s the Difference?

Having a cozy fire-side gathering spot in your home adds an elegance and atmosphere that’s hard to match. We can professionally install a new fireplace, insert, or freestanding stove to your living space, ensuring your household not only has warmth, but light and an improved ambiance, as well.

But how to know which would be best suited to your home?

At Big Ash Stoves, we sell, install, and service a variety of fireplaces, inserts, and stoves, so there’s bound to be an option that fits your needs and aesthetic. We’re happy to help you assess your priorities and space, then give insight into what might best fulfill your heating dreams. Here’s a start when considering what each of these options has to offer, so you can begin the process prepared.

Pros & Cons of Fireplaces

Fireplaces are traditional and timeless, serving as both a source of warmth and a focal point during the chillier months. A fireplace has a hearth, firebox, and mantel, and is vented through a chimney.

Some fireplaces pros:

• There’s a great deal of versatility in terms of design to match your home’s style. The aesthetic of a fireplace is classic and charming, bringing character and elegance to your family gatherings and holidays parties.
• In addition to aesthetic appeal, a fireplace has a natural ambiance that’s multi-sensory, from the crackling wood to the mesmerizing flames to the home-y aroma.
• Open fireplaces provide ample heat output. And modern fireplaces are more efficient than they’ve ever been, meaning more heat saturates your space.
• Well-maintained masonry is durable, standing the test of time.

And the cons?

Compared with other options, fireplaces have some cons as well. Open fireplaces tend to be less efficient than other appliance choices because of the greater open space and heat lost through the chimney.

Pros & Cons of Fireplace Inserts

Fireplace inserts are an excellent way to enhance the heating efficiency of an existing fireplaces. They’re inserted (thus the name) into your fireplace hearth and connected to the flue.

Some fireplace insert pros:

• Clearly, improved efficiency is an advantage. Inserts contain and direct heat into a room more efficiently than a traditional open fireplace, and this process is usually further aided by a fan or blower. This means more heat in your space and lower energy bills in your mailbox.
• Along with efficiency, inserts offer a cleaner burn than open fireplaces, which lowers risks associated with incomplete combustion or ventilation.
• Inserts offer multiple fuel options, such as wood, pellets, and gas, so if you’re looking for a fuel conversion, inserts are a strong route to consider. They offer a range of design choices, as well. Some of these options boast ease in day to day maintenance and control at the push of a button.
• Inserts are relatively easy for your chimney professional to install, making them a convenient option for those seeking a change or energy upgrade in their fireplace system.

And the cons?

While fireplace inserts offer lots of advantages, some feel they have diminished charm compared to a traditional, open fireplace. And while they are efficient (meaning longer-term savings), they can be a more expensive investment up front. They also may not provide as much heat output in large rooms as our next option, the freestanding stove.

Pros & Cons of Freestanding Stoves

As the name implies, freestanding stoves are stand-alone heating units. They come in a variety of styles, both in terms of looks and fuel type.

Some freestanding stove pros:

• Stoves are highly efficient, as they’re engineered for maximal heat output and minimal heat loss.
• Corresponding to their efficiency is a stove’s heating capacity. Stoves can generate heat substantial enough to make them suitable for large areas – and sometimes even whole houses.
• Like fireplace inserts, freestanding stoves give you options at the time of purchase in terms of design and fuel source.
• They have a relatively simple installation process that will be less invasive in your home and schedule.
• You’ll have flexibility in where you place your stove within a room – greater than that provided by either an open fireplace or a fireplace insert due to not needing to be placed along a wall.

And the cons?

Again, initial prices involved with purchasing and installing a stove can be a larger investment than other fireplace options, but these costs may offset in time due to their high efficiency and excellent heat output. In addition, many find them less compatible with some home aesthetics than fireplaces, and they encroach more on floor space than a fireplace does, as well.

Need Help? We’re Here for You

Fireplaces, inserts, and stoves each offer distinct advantage. Which you choose will be influenced by your heating needs, available space, design preferences, and budget. If you’re weighing your options, consider giving us a call. Our expertise in the fireplace and stove industry is matched only by our commitment to customer service, and if you read our client feedback, you’ll see that both are excellent.

Let us serve you on your journey to a cozier home! Dial 585-638-0300 or book with us online today.