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Gas Fireplace Ratings, A Repairman Reviews The Brands...

With our gas fireplace ratings, you can cut through all the sales hype and find value. It truly is as if you were taking a repairman with you while you shop! We have searched the manufacturers' literature and compared the brands.

We have ranked them with from 1 to 5 stars. A 5* rating indicates the units that we would most likely purchase, if we were shopping for ourselves. We have also included our comments regarding the advantages/disadvantages of the brands. Where more than one unit has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive unit. If you are looking for a unit to install in your existing masonry fireplace, you can compare the brands with our insert reviews or our reviews of gas logs.


BRAND------------------WEB ADDRESS----------------RATING--

ACUCRAFT---------------acucraft.com----------------<1* This brand offers custom designed fireplaces as well as standard linear, single sided, and multi view models. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AMERICAN HEARTH--------americanhearth.com----------<1* This brand is a division of EMPIRE COMFORT SYSTEMS and the units are available in North America. The LOFT SERIES offers either vent free or direct vent models and have a modern look and feel to them. The VAN BUREN line features B vent models while the MADISON DELUXE models are direct vent units. All of the units use basic technology and the warranty on the units is not as good as many brands.

APPALACHIAN STOVE------appalachianstove.com--------<1* These units are unvented basic fireplaces. They have a durable stainless steel burner but the manufacturer's website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

ARCHGARD---------------archgard.com----------------<1* This brand is made in Canada and sold throughout North America. The units are direct vent so that a chimney is not required. The DVT15N model is designed for small rooms (such as a bedroom) where viewing the fire is more important than providing heat to the room. Their "Fiberflame" burner system provides a realistic glow that simulates wood burning and they have a large glass for viewing the fire. All of the units are remote ready and offer a convection fan. The warranty on the units (especially on the electrical parts) is not as good as many brands.

AVALON--------------avalonfirestyles.com-----------<1* These fireplaces are made by TRAVIS INDUSTRIES and are available in the USA and Canada. They offer a variety of models with either low, medium, or high heating capacities. Their Dancing-Fyre burner provides realistic flames and the Comfort Control feature allows you to shut off half of the burner to allow viewing the fire without overheating the room. They offer their "GreenSmart" remote as an option and the remote can adjust the performance of the flames to maintain a set temperature as sensed by the remote control. The warranty (especially on the heat exchanger) is not as good as many other brands.

BELLFIRES--------------bellfires.com---------------<1* This brand is a part of INTERFOCUS and is available in Europe. The HORIZON BELL 3 range offers five sizes of gas fires. They are panoramic units which offer a wide view of the fire and they feature their hidden door system. The warranty on the units is not as good as some other brands.

BLAZE KING-------------blazeking.com---------------<1* This brand is available through dealers in North America. The CALDERA model is a zero clearance direct vent gas fireplace. The unit faetures electronic ignition, a variable speed fan, and variable flame height all controlled by a remote control. The warranty on the heat exchanger is not very good because it is prorated (after a set number of years, you must pay 50% of the cost of a new heat exchanger).

BODART & GONAY------- b-g.be --------------------<1* These built-in fireplaces are made in Belgium and are available worldwide. The ARGOS models feature remote control and a variable speed fan for controlling the heat output. The COSMOS line offers units with a wide panoramic window for maximum views of the fire. They also offer a double sided model as well. The guarantee on the brand is not as good as most other brands especially the warranty on the firebox.

BUDERUS----------------buderus.de------------------<1* This brand is a part of BOSCH THERMO GmBH group. The SOPHIA units are made of cast iron and are available in two sizes (7 or 9 kw). They are not very attractive but offer a two step burner and an optional electronic thermostat. They offer a very limited range of models. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

COMFORT GLOW-----------fmifireplace.com------------<1* This brand is from FMI PRODUCTS LLC. They offer B vent, direct vent and vent free models but has a small selection of models. The manufacturer's website has no stated warranty policy and is very little help to the visitor.

CONTINENTAL------------continentalfireplaces.com----2* These units are made in Canada by WOLF STEEL LTD and are available throughout North America. They offer B vent, direct vent, and vent free units with a wide variety of models including peninsula units. They are sold through dealers and have a good warranty although it is somewhat complicated.

CVO--------------------cvo.co.uk-------------------<1* These units are made in the U.K. They offer wall mounted flueless models as well as "hole in the wall" units. They offer unique "fire bowl" units as well as traditional models. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

DESIGN DYNAMICS--------fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This brand is from FMI PRODUCTS LLC and offers a wide selection of models. They have vent free units as well as B vent and direct vent fireplaces. The warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

ENVIRO-----------------enviro.com------------------<1* This brand is from SHERWOOD INDUSTRIES LTD and feature direct vent models. They have "EmberGlo" burner systems for realistic fires and the heat can be turned down 50%. They offer an optional remote control as well as a variable speed fan. The units are sold through dealers but the warranty on the heat exchanger is not as good as most brands.

ESCEA------------------escea.net-------------------<1* This brand is available in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and the U.K. They offer only one model of indoor unit which must be installed by a dealer. The unit is a direct vent model for energy efficiency but the manufacturer's website is not much help and the warranty on the unit is not very good.

ESSE-------------------esse.com--------------------<1* These units are made in the U.K. The FIREWALL range features wallhung flueless units for easy installation. They are available in five sizes and feature a gloaing bed of embers for attarctive fires. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

EUREKA--------------- eureka-heating.com --------<1* This brand is made and sold in Australia. The STAR model features a programmable thermostat with modulating high, medium, and low firre. The unit uses direct vent/balanced flue for efficiency. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

FIREPLACE XTRORDINAIR-fireplacex.com---------------<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES and is available in North America. They offer a wide selection of models and feature GREENSMART controls for energy savings. The units are sold through dealers but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

FLAMELOG--------------flamelog.com----------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of styles including wall hung units.They offer different effects such as coal, pebble, and basket. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

FLAVEL-------------- bfm-europe.com ------------<1* This brand is a part of BFM EUROPE LTD. and is made in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of models but the guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands.

FOCAL POINT-----------focalpointfires.co.uk-------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of vented models in both traditional as well as modern styles. The MIDNIGHT range of unvented fireplaces are wall-hung units with a modern look and feel to them. The guarantee on the units is not as good as many brands.

FUEGO FLAME-----------fuegoflame.com--------------<1* These units are from FLINT CLIFFS MANUFACTURING and are sold through dealers in the USA. They feature dual fuel units that are designed to circulate the air in the room by natural circulation instead of a blower. This is good in case of a power outage. They offer zero clearance units as well as see-through units to allow views of the fire from two different rooms. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other brands.

GLOBAL-------------- bfm-europe.com ------------<1* This brand offers a wide variety of models/styles. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not very good when compared to other brands.

GOLDEN BLOUNT---------goldenblountinc.com---------<1* The Superfire 3624 is a B vent model while the Megafire 3624/4424 is a vent free unit. The El Grande features a huge 50 inch by 30 inch opening for the fire. All of the units use millivot controls so they will work during a power outage. They feature a damper controlled gas supply system where the gas glow to the unit will shut off if the damper is closed. The warranty on the units is not as good as many other choices.

HARMAN----------------harmanstoves.com-------------1* This is brand is from Hearth & Home Technologies. The SERENITY III is a direct vent unit that uses a front and rear burner system for flexibility in heating. The unit has a three speed blower to circulate the heat throughout the room and an optional duct system can be installed. The units are sold through dealers in North America.

HEAT&GLO--------------heatnglo.com-----------------1* This brand is from HEARTH AND HOME TECHNOLOGIES and is available in North America. They offer models in either B vent or direct vent. They also offer multi-sided units including peninsula units to match the decor of your home. They are sold through dealers and are backed by a strong warranty.

HEATILATOR------------heatilator.com---------------1* This is another brand from HEARTH & HOME TECHNOLOGIES. They offer a wide variety of units in both B vent and direct vent as well as peninsula models. They feature the INTELLIFIRE system which reduces gas consumption by providing a pilot flame only when it is required and features a battery backup for operation during a power outage. The units are sold through dealers and offer a good warranty.

HERGOM----------------hergom.com------------------<1* These units are available in a wide variety of models with a modern look and feel. The MG-73 units are wall mount and feature special design where there is no visible frame or metal parts. It offers a wonderful view of the flames. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

IRONHAUS--------------ironhaus.com----------------<1* This brand features the GALLATIN models which are direct vent units with electronic ignition and a battery backup and are very realistic. The SAWTOOTH model is a B vent unit that doesn't have doors and therefore is not as energy efficient. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty.

JOTUL-----------------jotul.com-------------------<1* This brand is sold through dealers in Europe and North America. The GZ 550 DVII ACADIA is a sleek elegant unit with their "Jotulburner" which provides realistic flames and a 50% turn down.The warranty on the units is not as good as many brands.

KENT------------------kent.co.nz------------------<1* These fireplaces are made and sold in New Zealand by the ABER GROUP. The CASSEL units can be directly vented horozontally allowing for installation on any exterior wall. They have electronic ignition and a three speed fan for good heat distribution. The OCHRE is a stylish model with a gently curving glass front while the SIENNA units are affordable models with modern stainless steel fascia. The warranty on the units is not very good.

KINDER-------------- bfm-europe.com -------------4* This brand is a part of BFM EUROPE LTD. and is made in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of models in both traditional and contemporary styles. This is their "flagship brand" and is backed by a very good guarantee.

KINGSMAN--------------kingsmanind.com-------------<1* This brand is made in Canada and sold throughout North America. They offer B vent, direct vent, and vent free models. The units use millivolt controls which allows them to work during a power outage. They offer multi-sided units as well as the standard units. The units are only sold through dealers and the warranty is not very good.

KOZI------------------kozistoves.com--------------<1* These units are made in Canada by APR INDUSTRIES LTD. and are available in North America and Europe. They only offer one model (DVF3620) and it is a very basic model. The warranty is not very good and the website is not much help.

KOZY HEAT-------------kozyheat.com-----------------2* This brand is from HUSSONG MANUFACTURING and the units are available throughout North America. They offer a wide variety of units including peninsula models. They are pretty basic units but offer options such as a fan, remote, control, etc. They are sold through dealers and have a good warranty but it is somewhat complicated.

LENNOX----------------lennoxhearthproducts.com----<1* This brand features a wide variety of vent free, B vent, and direct vent units. They are sold through dealers and are backed by a good guarantee.

LOPI------------------lopistoves.com--------------<1* This brand is from TRAVIS INDUSTRIES and is available in North America and Australia. They offer a wide selection of models and feature GREENSMART controls for energy efficiency. They are sold through dealers but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

MAGIGLO----------------magiglo.co.uk---------------<1* This brand is a part of BURLEY APPLIANCES and is made and sold in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of models in both unvented and balanced flue styles. The warranty is not as good as many other brands.

MANTIS-----------------empirecomfort.com------------5* This is the most efficient unit on the market and is so efficient that it can be vented through PVC pipe instead of traditional metal venting. The unit also captures the condensate from the combustion process and uses it to humidify the home's air. The units have low, medium, and high heat settings to more closely match the room's heating needs. The units are sold through dealers.

MASPORT----------------masportheating.co.nz--------<1* This brand is a part of the GLEN DIMPLEX GROUP and is madeand sold in New Zealand. The SOFIA Z/C is a zero clearance model that uses B vent. The unit has a two speed fan for air circulation in the room and offers an optional remote control. The warranty on the unit (especially the firebox) is not as good as many brands.

MATCHLESS--------------matchlessfires.co.uk--------<1* This brand is from CHARLTON AND JENRICK LTD. and is made and sold in the U.K. The HEATLINE range offers fires with a traditional look and feel and basic technologies. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

MCZ--------------------mcz.it----------------------<1* This brand is made in Italy and sold throughout Europe and the USA. The FORMA GAS range features natural draft units with electronic controls. They have an optional duct kit to allow for heating another part of the home. The warranty on the units (especially the heat exchanger) is not very good.

NAPOLEON--------------napoleonfireplaces.com--------2* These units are available in North America in vent free, B vent, or direct vent models. They are sold through dealers and are backed by a great warranty.

NECTRE----------------nectre.com-------------------<1* This brand is made and sold through authorized dealers in Australia. The WONDERFIRE EASYFIT units are basic models with a traditional look and feel that are designed to be easily installed. THE GRAND is a larger model with a 6kw heat output and a three speed fan for heating large rooms. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

PARAGON---------------paragonfires.co.uk----------<1* These fires are from CHARLTON and JENRICK LTD. and are made and sold in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of units in both conventional flue and balanced flue models. They offer both modern looking units as well as more traditional styles but the warranty is not as good as some other brands.

REGENCY------------- regency-fire.com ----------<1* This brand is from FIREPLACE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL and they are available in North America. They offer a wide selection including multi-sided units. They have both traditional and contemporary styles available and are backed by a good warranty. They are sold through dealers.

RICHEN-------------- electric-fire.com ---------<1* These units are made in China. They only offer one model and it is a vent free unit. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

RINNAI----------------rinnai.us-------------------<1* The RHFE-750ETRA units are direct vent models with a seven stage modulating gas valve and variable speed fan for increased comfort. The circulated air is filtered. The remote control features an integrated setback thermostat. The units are sold through dealers but the warranty is not very good.

SOLAS-----------------hearthinnovations.com-------<1* These units are made in the USA and are wall hung like pictures. they are driect vent and can be controlled manually or with a remote control. The LINEAR unit has a landscape format and is 58 inches wide while the SOLAS-NUA has a portarait style. The warranty on the units is not very good.

SPARK-----------------sparkfires.com--------------<1* This brand features modern styling and are available in two sided as well as peninsula units. They offer both direct veny and vent free models but the warranty is not as good as some brands.

TASMAN----------------savannahheating.com---------<1* This brand features a decorative "builders" model (EP) that is direct vented and does not require electric power for operation. The units can be upgraded to an HP model for heating and offer optional thermostats and blowers.

TOWN & COUNTRY----townandcountryfireplaces.net-----3* These units are made in Canada by PACIFIC ENERGY and sold throughout North America by authorized dealers. They offer wide screen models and see through units as well as an arched unit for a traditional look and feel. All of the units have a battery backup to operate during power outages. The units also have their "maestro" control system which incorporates a wall-mounted on/off flame control switch and a programmable hand held remote. The units are backed by a good warranty.

VALOR-----------------valorfireplaces.com---------<1* These fireplaces are made in Canada by MILES INDUSTRIES LTD. and are also available in the USA. They offer a wide variety of models which are direct vented and have millivolt controls so they can operate during a power outage. The VERTANA series features their "Valorstat" remote which senses and controls the room temperature as well as allowing the pilot light to be turned on and off for fuel savings. The remote control is programmable for convenience. The unit offers an optional blower kit so that the heat from the unit can be ducted to three separate zones of the home. The warranty on the unit, especially the heat exchanger, is not as good as many brands.

VANTAGE HEARTH--------fmiproducts.com-------------<1* This is another brand from FMI PRODUCTS LLC that offers a wide selection of models. They have vent free units as well as B vent and direct vent fireplaces. The warranty is not very good when compared to other brands.

VERINE-------------- bfm-europe.com ------------<1* This brand is a part of BFM EUROPE LTD. and is made in the U.K. They offer a wide variety of models but the guarantee is not very good when compared to other brands.

VERMONT CASTINGS------vermontcastings.com---------<1* This brand is a part of MONESSEN HEARTH SYSTEMS CO. and is available in North America. The RESOLUTION model is a direct vent unit but it can only be vented out of the top of the unit which limits flexibility in installation. The units feature dual burners for realistic fires and rear burner turndown to save on gas consumption. The units have a full function touch screen remote control for convenience. The units are sold through dealers but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

WESTGATE--------------westgatefireplaces.com------<1* These units are made by SHERWOOD INDUSTRIES. The DV48 model offers clean lines with no louvers and can be easily converted from different styles such as classic, traditional, and modern. The units feature a smart thermostat and a remote control. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.


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