This fireplace buying guide walks through each decision the same way our team does with customers in our Concord showroom. By the end, you will know which type of fireplace fits your space, budget and lifestyle.
Decide what the fireplace is for
Start with the job, not the look. Most homeowners fall into one of three groups.
Zone Heating
Warm a main living area and lean less on the furnace. Look for high efficiency, a thermostat and enough heat output for the room.
Backup Heat
Warmth during a power outage. A wood fireplace or a gas fireplace with battery backup ignition is the right fit.
Ambience and Design
Flame and atmosphere more than heat. Electric fireplaces and modern linear gas units shine here.
Be honest about which group you are in. A unit built for ambience will disappoint as a heat source, and a high-output heater can overheat a small room.
Compare gas vs electric vs wood fireplaces
Fuel type shapes almost every other decision, from venting to running cost. Here is how they compare for a typical GTA home.
| Gas | Electric | Wood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat output | High | Low to moderate | High |
| Venting | Direct vent through wall or roof | None | Chimney or certified flue |
| Installation | Licensed gas technician required | Plug in or hardwire | Certified installer, often inspected |
| Upkeep | Annual service | Almost none | Wood supply, ash, chimney sweeping |
| Works in a power outage | Yes, with battery backup ignition | No | Yes |
| Best for | Everyday zone heating with convenience | Condos, bedrooms, ambience | Rural homes, real wood fire lovers |
Gas Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces are the most popular choice in the GTA because they pair real flame with push-button convenience. Modern direct vent models draw combustion air from outside and vent through a sealed system, so indoor air stays clean and the room stays draft free.
You can run them on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is the usual choice in the city, while propane suits rural properties without a gas line. In Ontario, a TSSA-licensed gas technician must install and connect the unit.
Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are the simplest to install. No venting, no gas line and no chimney means they work almost anywhere, including condos and rooms with no exterior wall.
LED flame effects have improved a lot, and you can run the flames without the heater for year-round ambience. The trade-off is heat output: a standard plug-in model heats a single room as a supplement, not a whole floor.
Wood Fireplaces and Stoves
Nothing matches the crackle and smell of a real wood fire. Today’s certified wood stoves and inserts burn far cleaner and more efficiently than an old open hearth, which loses most of its heat up the chimney.
Wood does take work. You will need dry, seasoned firewood, regular ash removal and chimney sweeping at least once a year. Many insurers also ask for a WETT inspection before covering a wood-burning appliance.
Choose the right fireplace style
Once you know the fuel, pick the format that fits your space.
Built-In (Zero Clearance)
Frames into a new or existing wall. Suits renovations and new builds, and gives the cleanest, custom look.
Fireplace Inserts
Slides into an existing masonry fireplace, turning a drafty hearth into a real heat source without rebuilding the chimney.
Freestanding Stoves
Sits on the floor with its own vent pipe. Throws strong heat and works well in basements, cottages and open spaces.
Linear and Modern
A long, low firebox for a contemporary feature wall, often paired with a TV above.
Size the fireplace to your room
Heat output is measured in BTUs, and bigger is not always better. An oversized fireplace will cycle on and off or make the room uncomfortably hot.
The right size depends on the room’s square footage, ceiling height, insulation, window area and whether the space is open to other rooms. A 30-year-old home with original windows needs more heat than a new build of the same size.
Our recommendation: work through these details with your retailer. A unit with a modulating flame and thermostat helps, because it adjusts output to hold the temperature you set.
Understand venting before you buy
Venting decides where a fireplace can go, so check it early.
Runs horizontally through an exterior wall or up through the roof. The standard for GTA homes.
Generally not permitted for home installation in Canada. Be wary of buying one online.
Needs a properly sized, certified chimney or flue.
No venting at all, just a suitable outlet or circuit.
If you have an existing chimney, an insert is often the most cost-effective upgrade. If you have no chimney, direct vent gas or electric opens up far more placement options.
Pick features you will actually use
Features make a big difference to daily comfort. The ones our customers value most are:
- Wall thermostat or smart remote with temperature control
- Modulating flame that adjusts heat, not just on and off
- Quiet blower to move warm air into the room
- Battery backup ignition for gas units during outages
- Accent lighting and interchangeable media such as logs, glass or stones
Look at the fireplace with the flame off, too. It will be part of the room year-round, so the surround, trim and mantel matter as much as the fire.
Plan for cost, installation and warranty
The price tag on the unit is only part of the cost of a fireplace. Budget for the full project:
- The fireplace or insert itself
- Venting materials and the gas line or electrical work
- Framing, finishing, stone or tile, and the mantel
- Permits and inspections where required
- Annual servicing (gas) or chimney sweeping (wood)
Read the warranty closely. Check what is covered (firebox, burner, glass, electronics), for how long, and whether coverage depends on professional installation. A strong warranty is a good sign that the manufacturer stands behind the product.
Fireplace buying checklist
- I know whether I want zone heat, backup heat or ambience
- I have chosen gas, electric or wood
- I know which style fits my space
- I have room measurements for heat sizing
- I know my venting options
- I have a budget that includes installation and finishing
- I have a licensed or certified installer lined up
Fireplace buying FAQs
What is the most efficient type of fireplace?
Electric fireplaces turn nearly all their energy into heat at the unit, but their output is small. For real heating, a modern direct vent gas fireplace or a certified wood stove or insert gives the best balance of efficiency and heat.
Is a gas or electric fireplace better?
Choose gas if you want strong, steady heat and real flame. Choose electric if you want easy installation with no venting, such as in a condo or bedroom, and mainly want ambience with some supplemental warmth.
Can I put a fireplace in a home without a chimney?
Yes. Direct vent gas fireplaces vent through an exterior wall, and electric fireplaces need no venting at all. Both are common choices for GTA homes without a chimney.
Do I need a professional to install a fireplace?
Gas fireplaces in Ontario must be installed by a TSSA-licensed gas technician. Wood-burning appliances should be installed by a certified professional, and many insurers ask for a WETT inspection. Plug-in electric fireplaces are usually a do-it-yourself job.
How do I choose the right size fireplace?
Match the fireplace’s BTU output to the room’s size, insulation, ceiling height and window area. An oversized unit can overheat the room, so a thermostat and modulating flame are worth having.
