When the weather gets a bit colder, there is nothing better than a nice fire in the living room kicking out some heat, which helps to keep central heating costs down too.
Gas fires are seen as more efficient to run than their electric counterparts, and they also give out more heat. Plus, they can give a more realistic glow to the room for a characteristic feel.
It is also easier to manage gas than multi-fuel or wood, for a cleaner atmosphere and less mess to clear up. Plus, you can use it at any time without worrying about having a sufficient stock of materials.
There are various styles on offer, and you also need to consider the operation method, size and whether you’re going to need a flue. We have picked some of the top available.
The Best Gas Fires – Our Top Picks
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Best Gas Stove
The look and feel of a real wood burning stove but without the effort, this is a realistic fire which is also very easy to use and maintain. It is incredibly well built first of all. The cast iron exterior and glass window combine well, and the flames flicker to create a lovely atmosphere. It isn’t just the look which makes it a standout, though – thanks to a 73% efficiency rating, it is going to keep you lovely and warm too. The control type is manual, and it does require a flue set which can be purchased at the same time, so you’re good to go when it arrives. You can also choose whether to use natural or LPG gas. As if you need any more persuasion, you also get a three-year warranty, and the coal bed is a little sparse but still gives a great look. After all, it is behind glass, so this isn’t a major concern. The price is pretty great for an item of its type, which is good if you need to buy all of the extra bits and pieces. It gets nice and hot for the price and size, and is plain so you can add any finishing touches as you wish. Firefox 5 Gas Stove User Manual This is our favourite indoor gas stove based on the price, quality and realistic feel. Traditional in style yet a little different at the same time, this is a stove which will suit both the most modern and warm of homes. Even so, the style is not the stand out point. Some stoves struggle with the actual heat part of their job and instead have to be a backup heating appliance or even just a visual addition to the home. But with a 100% heat efficiency rating, this stove is very different. As there is no flue, every bit of warmth ends up in your room. This, combined with the fuel bed, gives the perfect illusion that this is a real wood stove. It uses natural gas so should be economical to run too. You have a little bit of flexibility over the style choice, too. Choose from a plain or lattice door, and it is also available in black or white. Just use the slider to turn it on, and then control the level of flame you’re after. Eko Fires 6010 Black Flueless Gas Stove User Manual One of the priciest on our list, but the quality and style make it well worth it. Very traditional in style and with a realistic coal bed, this is a stove for anybody who wants the authentic stove look without the hassle. There is a 73% efficiency rating, which makes it great for boosting your heating in the colder months. We like the little added details too, such as the intricate design of the handle and the strong, sturdy look of the door. It has a quality build, too, thanks to the cast iron finish and polished black colour. Even if something does go wrong, there is a nice three-year warranty available so you can rest easy knowing that any issues will be sorted. If you don’t already have all of the necessary extras in place, you can purchase them at the same time so the gas engineer is good to go as soon as everything arrives. You can also choose between natural or LPG gas, depending on your preferences and lifestyle. TIGER GAS STOVE WITH COAL EFFECT User Manual Neat, sturdy and perfect for anyone after the traditional look Durable and easy to clean, this stove is perfect for anyone who wants a secondary source of heat or an item which can add a little something to the look of the room. Operation is simple. There is no need to fill with coals, logs or any form of fuel – just light it, and you’re good to go. It is definitely one for those who want a modern touch, thanks to the smooth fuss-free finish and clear glass panel in the door. The look is still very realistic though, with flickering flames and the coal/log bed. The build is also strong, and the legs are sturdy so it should stay in place wherever you decide to pop it. Heat control is fully viable and ignition is achieved with a simple slide of the handle at the front of the stove. It requires a ventilation area of 100 cm² and will need to be installed by a professional gas fitter, but once these issues are out of the way you are good to go. Focal Point Svelvik Flueless Gas Stove User Manual Lovely to look at and bang up to date when it comes to styleFirefox 5 Gas Stove
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Eko Fires 6010 Black Flueless Gas Stove
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Tiger Gas Stove With Coal Effect
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Focal Point Svelvik Flueless Gas Stove
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Best Inset Gas Fire
If you want to make a statement and go for an entirely black focal point fire, then this one is both a great price and rather striking. It is available in three different control modes, so you can pick whichever is easiest for you. The heat given out is at a nice level for a medium-sized room, which is great if you aren’t really bothered about looks but also want something which will keep you cosy. Unlike some other fires in its price bracket, it doesn’t look like it is the price it is either. With a traditional dated yet modern finish, it makes an impact without being overpowering. We love the little addition of the brass handle at the front, but you could always paint this black if you prefer. The glow it gives out is nice and warming too, almost like a real coal fire. Lighting it is easy too, even with the manual model. You won’t spend ages fine-tuning everything to get it to spark as it is pretty immediate, which will allow you to start your Netflix binge as soon as possible. Focal Point Arch Black Manual Control Inset Gas fire User Manual Don’t think you’re taking a chance with the price, as you will be pleasantly surprised. Lights well, keeps the flame well and kicks out a great amount of heat A quality piece of kit for not much money at all, this fireplace is one which also throws out an unbelievable amount of heat. Whether being used as a backup to the central heating system or as a single source so you can keep it off for a little longer in the run-up to winter, it will have your back. The controls are easy to use as well, getting you up and running within a few seconds as opposed to waiting around. There’s a recess requirement of 54 x 37.5mm x 20cm to be aware of, and others have commented that their gas engineer said it was very easy to fit. The brass finish can act as a really lovely contrast to your fire surround or background and can be boosted with other accents too. Perfect if you like to go quite neutral but boost everything with a few standout features. We also liked how there was a nice number of coals included, and that they all seemingly jigsawed together, so it didn’t look too roomy or sparse. The polished finish adds a final touch and is easy to keep clean and smudge free. If you want a fire which is affordable but doesn’t look cheap, then it is a great choice and looks incredibly realistic. Focal Point Blenheim full depth Brass Manual Control Inset Gas fire A brilliant gas fire with an effect just like a wood burning stove but without all the mess. All for a great price too Featuring a very realistic flame and a pebble bed for something a little more modern and bright, this is the perfect addition to a light and airy living room. You have a choice of control type, depending on which best suits your lifestyle. The pebble fuel bed adds a real modern touch while keeping the fire looking realistic. It also offers a clean look, and indeed is easy to maintain. It is one of the cheapest gas insets around no matter which of the three control types you choose. The pebbles look a little sparse, and we’d prefer a few more, and they do get a little sooty after the fire has been on for a long period of time. Following the instructions in the manual on how to set them will lower the risk of this. It doesn’t give out the most heat either, so is perhaps best for a small room. But for something that is cheap and cheerful, it is going to be the best you get by far. Focal Point Lulworth Brushed Stainless Steel Manual Control Inset Gas fire Perhaps more atmospheric than for heat purposes, but still a brilliant purchase which can jazz up your living spaceFocal Point Arch Black Manual Control Inset Gas Fire
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Focal Point Blenheim Full Depth Brass Manual Control Inset Gas Fire
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Focal Point Lulworth Brushed Stainless Steel Manual Control Inset Gas Fire
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Best Wall Hung Gas Fire
Innovative catalytic technology means that this fire does not require a flue, so you are pretty flexible over placement. It is stylish and modern, yet still gives out that much-needed fire burning look. A rotary piezo ignition control gets the flames going, and is easy to fine-tune in case you need to get it just right. It has 100% energy efficiency, so every penny you spend running it will be transformed into heat, and none is wasted. When considering this, it is excellent value for money. Gas can be one of the most expensive options to get going, but this low price means it will soon be returned in the form of energy savings. The heat output is strong, too. In Autumn, you may only want something ticking over, but when Winter hits you need something which is up to the job. We can safely say that even though this fire doesn’t look like it could keep a large room warm, it will surprise even the most sceptical of users. Focal Point Piano Black Manual Control Wall hung Gas fire User Manual Great price for something so powerful yet on the smaller side. Should comfortably look in place in any room of a suitable size Modern and sleek, this fire is the perfect way to bring your room bang up to date and also keep clutter to a minimum. It is a large, almost square shape, which is perfect if you want something which is really going to be the centre of attention and stand out. Say you have an empty wall to fill, or you aren’t going to have much more in the room so still need to make it look cosy. The curved shape also adds something different and makes it a little less ‘harsh’. The fire gives off a nice glow, and is very minimalistic so doesn’t become overpowered by flames. It still looks realistic, though. As it is flueless, it uses Pure Heat catalytic technology. This basically means all of the heat it gives out will end up in your room, so it is very energy efficient and there when you need it. The heat comes out of the top of the fire, so there is also no need for a fireplace or mantelpiece surround to keep heat directed. A control knob allows you to adjust the level of heat and flames, so when you just need something in the background, you can turn it right down low. It will suit a medium sized room well, and you will need to fit an air vent somewhere in the room to allow 100cm² free-flowing fresh air ventilation. Very modern and basic, yet creates a real statement. Perfect for large roomy spaces which are stripped back to a minimalist lookFocal Point Piano Black Manual Control Gas Fire
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Focal Point Ebony Black Manual Control Gas Fire
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Gas Fire Buying Guide
Installation
Installing a gas fire will likely be much more expensive than electric or wood, but you will hopefully soon make those costs back with the lower running costs.
Your new heating appliance must be fitted by a qualified gas installer (Gas Safe registered in the United Kingdom), and they must also check that the fire you have selected will be suitable before fitting. You may wish to ask for advice first, or select a couple of options from our list and ask for their opinion.
Control
There are generally three ways to control your gas fire:
- Manual: Your traditional knob design which turns the fire on and allows you to adjust the heat. They may not be as accessible as other options, and the piezo can be hard to ignite, but it is by far the most common type and often the cheapest too. You will have pretty great control over the level of heat given out
- Slide: A more simple design. The pilot on these fires is left alight unless you completely turn it off, so the switch opens or closes the gas valve. They can be more accessible as they’ll be at the top of the fire and don’t require any pressure or awkward turning. You may be restricted to two or three levels of heat
- Remote: There are two forms – permanent pilots and those that ignite the pilot on startup. There will be batteries in the remote and the fire. It makes things much easier in terms of control, but you may face issues with signal responsiveness or expensive repairs
Heat Output
Measured in kW, this is how effective the fire is at heating your room. Gas fires often fall somewhere between 3 and 5 kW.
A smaller room will only need an output at the lower end of the scale, whereas a larger room will need the best output money can buy. You will also need to consider the style of your room – open planned, or plenty of windows will also need a larger output so you can feel the difference.
Flue
If you have a flue or chimney already installed, then you are pretty free to choose either a flue or flueless model. Which you pick can depend on the style you’re after, how much you want to spend and the size.
Chimney-less homes will have to pick a flueless gas fire, however. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though; they can actually be a lot more efficient as all of the heat is released into the room, rather than half disappearing up the chimney.
Surrounds And Hearths
It isn’t just the actual fire you have to consider when picking a new model. What is your surround going to be like? Do you have a style in mind, or will you want to keep your existing one?
Either way, ensure they are both compatible and take note of the dimensions.
FAQs
Why Choose A Gas Fire?
According to a blog post from Confused About Energy, gas is almost half the price of electricity. This will result in lower fuel costs, while probably giving you a greater output as well.
When comparing with a real wood burning stove, they are a lot cleaner to run. They don’t give off smoke or other by-products, plus you don’t have to worry about storing wood and other fuels.
Which Control Method Is Best For Me?
It is all down to personal preference. However, there are a few pointers to consider.
The slide controls are best for those with mobility issues. They are usually situated near the top of the fire or at least are easy to access, requiring no bending down or prolonged reaching. Ignition and lighting will be done with one movement.
Remote control is good maybe for those who like the convenience of this form, but do beware that they’re more complicated and will cost more both to buy and run.
Manual is the cheapest and most widely available. It may take a little while to get used to the workings and method.
Are Flueless Fires Safe?
Yes. They are a popular choice in many homes where there is no viable option to install a chimney, so they have to be safe.
They have a catalytic converter built in, which scrubs the air passing through it, removing any harmful emissions and safely releasing carbon dioxide into the air. They are also installed with plenty of detectors which can sense the quality of the air and turn the fire off if this is low.