If you’re looking for a cost-effective solution to keep your home warm, try the best propane fireplace.
From safety to versatility, propane-fired devices are clean-burning heat sources, albeit with high energy efficiency. They are a great choice for those who want freedom from the hassles of wood-burning fireplaces, or from the high utility bills of electrical heating appliances.
Thus, if you need a ventless stove for your space, a wall insert for your room, or a vented log set for your mantle, there is surely one amongst our selected propane fireplaces to fit the bill.
Click to See Our Comparison Chart
But first, let’s talk about how to pick the right propane fireplace for your needs.
How To Choose The Best Propane Fireplace
The best propane fireplace for you and your family should reduce your heating and maintenance costs. You must first understand your immediate need when deciding what is best for your home. While various models exist in the market, consider choosing the unit that would suit your space specification. Therefore, restrict your preferences to what will work best for you. The following are key facts you should consider when choosing the right propane fireplace.
1. Find The Right Fireplace Type
Generally, gas fireplaces come in in different forms and designs. Some units are fueled by natural gas, while others are fired by propane tanks. However, for flexibility and ease of use, consider units with dual fuel capabilities. The same applies to the design that you would want for your home. While most units are built to vent air outdoors, others circulate their air indoors.
Below are the types of propane fireplace you should be on the lookout for when choosing a propane fireplace.
Direct vent: Direct vent fireplaces draw gas from all the combustion cycles and vent them outdoors. Because of the exhaust dangerous byproducts outside, they are a safer option for homes. Consider this unit if you want quality air, as they are clean and highly efficient for indoor use.
Vent-free / Ventless: These are units that don’t require a vent to exhaust combustion. Since they don’t deplete gaseous emission outside, they drain the generated byproduct inside the house. However, vent-free fireplaces have safety sensors that automatically shut off the device at the sight of carbon monoxide.
Log set: As the cheapest option, Log set is simply a stack of ceramic logs. However, they are fitted with a gas burner and usually sit inside a brick fireplace. Most log sets vent up the chimney, while others are vent free.
Related article: Best Propane Heater Indoor Vented.
2. Plan Your Budget
Your budget determines what model you’ll need for your home. On average, a propane fireplace cost around $200 to $2000 dollars per unit, but this depends on the type and design you want. If you have a tight budget, consider the ventless models, as they are affordable and are 99% energy efficient. Vented logs are the least expensive, but you must have an existing brick mantle to shelter them. For direct vents, however, they are more costly than the rest and would require the help of a professional to install.
Also, consider the fuel type to power the fireplace. Natural gas is cheaper than propane, but propane lasts longer, delivering more BTU per gallon. However, using either of both requires you to hire a professional to connect to a propane tank or install a gas line, which costs about $1000.
3. Know Your Space Capacity
Consider your room size when mounting a propane fireplace. If your living room is smaller, go for a unit with a low BTU, but if close to 1250 Square feet, choose a 30,000 BTU fireplace.
For space gaps, most ventless propane stoves demand a 6-inch space close to the wall, while a ventless insert is crested into an adjoining wall. However, if you are going for a vented fireplace, you’ll need not worry about where to mount it. A direct wall unit has fewer constraints about placement, as it vents either through the roof or on the wall.
4. Legal Restrictions
Before buying a propane fireplace, check your local regulations for restrictions on the kinds of fireplaces allowed in your area. Most states don’t approve the use of vent-free units, especially if you live in California or Minnesota. In such a situation, consider a vented or direct vent fireplace for the above places.
Safety Tips for Your Propane Fireplace
Safety should be your chief priority when using a propane fireplace. The following tips will help you pay attention to basic fireplace safe practices for your home.
- When using a propane fireplace, fit a screen barrier between the firebox and your room. Screens reduce the risk of severe burn associated with direct contact with the fireplace.
- Read the instruction manual before setting up the fireplace.
- Keep furniture, curtains, books, and other flammable objects away from the fireplace to prevent fire hazards.
- Hire a licensed professional to install your direct vent, log set unit, or gas piping.
- Keep fireplace controls out of reach of children to avoid them operating the unit when alone.
- Install carbon monoxide sensors in your house.
- Leave six meters between the fireplace and wall.
- If you observe a sudden change in flame appearance, contact your service provider. But if you smell a gas leak, shut off the gas, leave the room immediately and call 911.
- Before cleaning your fireplace, wait for the unit to cool completely.
- If you have a vented log set, make sure you inspect the flues and chimney for blockages, debris, and damages.
- Carry out annual maintenance of your propane fireplace.
Since you now know how to select the greatest propane fireplace plus safety tips while using the units, it’s time for reviews.
Top 7 Best Propane Fireplace Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When opting for the best propane fireplace, there are key features you should consider before deciding what model fits your needs. Such as.
- The fireplace type
- Your personal budget
- Space capacity
- Legal restrictions
- And the safety tips to observe when using a propane fireplace.
These considerations, no doubt, will determine the perfect heater for your home. Whether you want a model to complement your room ambiance or a budget-friendly unit for extra warmth, our list of quality heaters below would keep you on the right track.
Propane Fireplace Reviews (Updated List)
1. Comfort Glow Dual Fuel Gas Stove — Best Overall
- Heavy duty black steel cabinet construction
- Optional blower; 20-6143
- Dual fuel/vent Free
- 30, 000 BTU's
- Built-in thermostat maintains desired heat output
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Comfort Glow Dual Fuel Gas Stove never runs away from a winter contest. It’s compact, highly efficient, and far easier to install than a traditional fireplace.
If you’re looking for a propane fireplace, that focuses on performance rather than style, the Comfort Glow is a good choice. This modest unit may not be the most elegant in design, nor the most alluring ventless fireplace, but when it comes to getting the job done, it excels!
Installing the Comfort Glow unit is cost-saving, thanks to its ventless functionality. With this model, you don’t need the help of an experienced professional, neither do you need to connect vent pipes on the wall as you would do a direct vent unit.
Aside from consuming less propane gas than an average vented unit, this model will conserve your energy bill than an electric fireplace. With a solid 30,000 BTU per hour rating, you’re guaranteed a heating capacity of 1250 Square feet, decent enough for a large-sized room.
One thing to note, however, is that except for an optional fan blower — which comes separately from the package — you don’t need electricity to power this unit. The pilot light is fired directly from the gas piping, while the ignition switch runs sufficiently on an AAA battery, providing you with sufficient warmth to outlast the winter.
Pros
- Easy to install
- 99% energy efficiency
- Heating capacity of 1250 square feet
- Added screen protection to prevent burns
- Runs without electricity
Cons
- Can only be used indoors
- Heater comes dented and scratched
2. Duluth Forge Dual Fuel Ventless Fireplace — Best With Remote Control
For a stress-free temperature control, choose the Duluth Forge Dual Fuel Ventless insert.
This remote controlled insert is ideal for the elderly, the physically challenged, and those who desire an easy-to-navigate control over their propane fireplace.
Using this insert allows you to be the boss of your home because you’re relieved from the hassles of a manual control knob. For example, there are no high or low settings in this model, because the remote is designed with an automatic sensor that effortlessly adjusts the oxygen level when the temperature is high.
Moreover, customizing this ventless insert to your room’s standard is easy, due to its multi-purpose settings. The Duluth forge can be placed anywhere without adding space gaps at the sides and on top of the device. This means you can hang your TV set above it without any fear of melt. You can also recess the unit into a wall or combine it with a face mantle to give your room a stylish look. On top of that, this model will provide you with the option of adjusting the flame height to suit your room preference. To do this, you simply need to push the control knob back in and turn, while the burners are still lit.
Overall, the Duluth Forge insert is great at bringing style and functionality into your home. With one unit, come 6 realistic ceramic logs, a whooping 32,000 BTU, and a larger heating capacity of 1500 square ft.
Pros
- Remote-controlled function
- Heating capacity of 1500 Square feet
- Added 6 realistic ceramic fiber logs
- Dual ventless gas burner
- Built-in oxygen depletion sensor
Cons
- Pilot light doesn’t stay lit
- Won’t work in elevation above 4500 ft.
3. Empire Tahoe Deluxe Direct-Vent LP Millivolt Fireplace — Best Direct Vent Insert
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For a direct vent fireplace, choose the Empire Tahoe Deluxe Propane unit. Aside from being the perfect choice for a healthy home, the unit features a set of 5 ceramic logs and a heat-resistant glass for protective viewing.
We recommend this model for you if you want a fireplace that vents outside the house. Whether you have an old brick flue or an external wall vent, this unit will add extra warmth to your indoor air. For instance, it expels dangerous combustion and byproducts to the outside of your home. And, besides providing quality breath for your home, this fireplace has a large heat-resistant tempered glass. The glass comes with a cool to touch exterior that will help reduce severe burn when touched.
For extra heat circulation around your home, we recommend you buy an optional blower. This helps spread the generated heat to other parts of your room. Moreover, when installing this unit, use a 4-inch diameter vent pipe to connect the valve to a propane gallon outdoor. Make sure the valve snugs properly on the gallon to avoid gas leak.
Pros
- Expels dangerous byproducts outdoors
- 83% energy efficiency
- 3 years limited warranty
- Great for clean breath
- Large heat-resistant tempered glass
Cons
- Expensive
- Heat generation is lower than vent-free units
4. Peterson Real Fyre Live Oak Log Set — Best Propane Vented Log Set
- Peterson Real Fyre gas logs are meticulously hand painted to re-create the look of natural wood
- Superior refractory ceramic logs are reinforced with steel rods for greater integrity
- Efficient design helps preserve and protect natural resources
- This Peterson Real Fyre gas log set is designed for indoor use only
- Includes Auto-Safety Pilot control valve and Flexible Gas Connection Kit
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you desire a traditional fireplace with a modern outlook, the Peterson Real Fyre Vented Log set is a great asset. This model allows you to convert your wood-burning chimney into a refined propane fireplace.
Each log is crafted with a hand-painted ceramic log to give you the feel of natural wood. For maximum efficiency, the vented design ensures the unit burns efficiently to reduce harmful carbon dioxide in the home. This 61 series propane fireplace also has a whopping 65,000 BTU and would provide a wider space coverage, even as the burner is switched off.
In addition, the propane log set includes an auto safety pilot kit. This safety pilot is a valve that monitors the movement of gas to the burner. There is also a knob in the kit, which allows you to ignite the burner. On top of that, you can switch the log set off by tuning down the knob, and also reduce the flame height when it gets too high.
The downside about this fireplace comes from its low energy efficiency as compared to other propane units. Since it is placed in a brick fireplace, much of the heat may go up the flue. That being said, you can still put your mind at rest with this ceramic log set, knowing that you’re not only looking out for yourself but also the environment.
Pros
- 65,000 BTU rating
- Environmental friendly
- Auto safety pilot control valve
- Great for continuous heating
- Manual thermostat control
Cons
- May cause CO poisoning if the damper isn’t opened.
- Much of the generated heat waste through the flue.
5. ProCom Ventless Dual Fuel Stove — Best Budget Friendly
Another impressive deal for your living space is the Procom Ventless Dual Fuel Stove, which is the most affordable fireplace you would find in the market. It’s dependable, budget-friendly, and easy to assemble.
Most homeowners who consider their budget before buying a product will find this model a great choice. And, irrespective of income and status, the ProCom Stove offers a realistic price for all categories of people.
Like other vent-free heating solutions, this model from ProCom is configured for stress-free operations. With this unit comes an energy efficiency rating of 99%, significantly capable of reducing your home heating expenses. It also offers a dual burner of two rows of real flame, a heating capacity of 25000 BTU and a space heating spread of 1,100 square ft.
Modifying this unit’s fuel type to fit your outdoor tank is easy with the help of an inlet at its rear. This provides you with much flexibility when connecting your hose to a propane 100lb gallon. There is also a valve which allows you to attach a pipe to any natural gas outlet. In addition, the unit has a battery-assisted piezo ignition, whose primary function aids an easy to start setting.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Heating capacity of 1,100 square feet
- Adjustable thermostat control
- Built-in pilot energy depletion sensor
- Energy-saving fireplace
Cons
- May aggravate respiratory illness due to a lack of vent
- Not a great fit for continuous heating
6. Kozy World Vent Free Gas Stove — Best Cool Surface
- Dual fuel (natural (NG) or propane (LP) gas); no venting required
- Thermostatic heat control
- Heavy duty steel construction
- Front access controls, electric ignition, double yellow flame burner, and large charred log set with vivid details
- Optional blower (20-6143)
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for the best cool surface stove, go for the Kozy World propane stove. This model features a metal cabinet that is not only charming but heat absorbent for direct contact.
The Kozy World ventless heater is perfect for homes with children and pets, who may like to play close to a fireplace. By spreading warmth from its glass frame, the stove offers cool-to-touch sides. But, while the exterior is burn repressive, the stove’s interior produces yellow dancing flames around the logs, creating a stylish ambiance in your home.
One thing to note, however, is that the unit uses a safety sensor to regulate temperature. Since the sensor curtails carbon monoxide, it may not work if used in an elevation above 4500 ft. The same applies if used in an enclosed space, as you may encounter constant switch off of the pilot light. To remedy this problem, make sure you open up spaces in your home when the unit is switched on. Also, check for windows and curtains and open them for indoor ventilation.
Pros
- Heating capacity of 850 Square feet
- Cool-to-touch protective glass, perfect for kids and pets
- Built-in oxygen safety sensor
- Manual thermostat control
- Dual fuel Gas stove
Cons
- Pilot light keeps switching off
- Control is situated underneath the unit, not a great fit for the aged
7. Pleasant Hearth Dual Fuel Vent-free stove — Best Noiseless Fireplace
- Your purchase includes One Pleasant Heart 32-Inch Intermediate Gas Vent Free Stove in Black. Blower is not included
- Stove dimensions – 14.37” D x 31.93” W x 28.27” H | Firebox dimensions – 12.25” D x 26.07” W x 12.08” H | Clearance space – 5” min from wall, 36” min above stove | Covered space – 1,000 sq. ft.
- Features – Built-in Thermostat | Overheat sensor | Made of Cold rolled steel | Up to 30,000 BTU/hr. | Dual fuel technology (LP or NG)
- Dual burner provides 2 rows of flames for a more full looking fire
- This product and the fuels used to operate this product (LP or NG), and the products of combustion of such fuels, can expose you to chemicals including benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm
Last update on 2023-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As a great choice for supplementary home heating, the Pleasant Hearth is deserving of its spot. Not only because it tops the highest customer review on Amazon (for propane fireplace) but because of how calm and seamless it grooves on the job.
The Pleasant model features a noiseless operation that will provide calm ambiance around your room. This propane fireplace is an excellent choice for those who love comfort. You can customize the Pleasant Hearth stove through an easy and cost-saving way, thanks to its dual-fuel technology. If you’re switching from natural gas to propane fuel, you would have to connect a hose from an outside tank into an inlet at the back of the unit.
Aside from the control panel also, is a manual thermostat knob that you can use to modulate room temperature. This helps you to increase the heat intensity when low and also reduce it to a comfortable condition. Moreover, when an overheating occurs, there is an inbuilt stability sensor that automatically shuts off the device at the appearance of dangerous gaseous byproducts, keeping your mind at ease.
Pros
- Overheat Sensor Protection
- Easy to assemble
- Noiseless operation
- Inbuilt manual thermostat
- Heating capacity of 1200 Square feet
Cons
- Thermostat knob is underneath stove
- Too difficult for people with physical challenges to operate.
FAQs
Q: Do you need a carbon monoxide detector with a propane fireplace?
A: Yes! Install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of your home to curb the flow of dangerous byproducts in the air.
Q: Should you open a window when operating a ventless fireplace?
A: Yes, before igniting the pilot light, open your window to allow air in. An absence of oxygen in your room may hamper the ventless fireplace from lighting. You may also experience an erratic power condition with your unit because of poor ventilation.
Interesting read: how much propane does a 30,000 BTU heater use
Q: Are propane fireplaces safe?
Propane fireplaces are safe only when used properly. Since they are less combustible than other fuel types, they consume oxygen to function well. When using a propane unit, make sure you allow air inflow into your room. If using a vent free fireplace, open your windows to let in oxygen circulation. However, to curb carbon monoxide, install a CO detector in your home. This will help you detect dangerous air before it causes you harm.
Wrap Up
Since 1980, propane fireplaces have grown in leaps and bounds as a better alternative to traditional fireplaces. And no matter your room size or personal budget, there’s a perfect model for your unique taste. Hence take time to revisit the above reviews and find the best propane fireplace perfect for your home. We’ve carefully selected the models for you in mind and we trust that you will get the maximum satisfaction when you buy any of them.
