Fireplace vs. Insert: What do I need?


Fireplace vs. Insert: What’s the Difference?

When shopping for heating solutions, many people use the terms fireplace and insert interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference helps you make the right choice for your home.

 

Fireplace

A fireplace is a complete heating unit, built into a wall during new construction or remodels. They are self-contained systems with their own firebox and venting, and they can be added to homes even if there wasn’t a fireplace before.

  • Built-in from the ground up

  • Can be framed into a wall (zero-clearance design)

  • Ideal for new builds or major renovation

Insert

A fireplace insert is designed to fit inside an existing fireplace opening. If you have a drafty, inefficient wood-burning fireplace, an insert upgrades it into a modern, high-efficiency system without tearing everything out.

  • Slides into a masonry or factory-built fireplace opening

  • Uses the existing chimney with proper venting

  • Perfect for upgrading old fireplaces

Fuel Types for Fireplaces & Inserts

Whether you choose a new fireplace or an insert, you’ll have several fuel options each with its own benefits.

Wood:

  • Traditional look and feel of real logs and flames

  • Requires firewood and chimney maintenance

  • Popular for those who love the crackle and smell of a wood fire

Gas:

  • Clean-burning and highly efficient

  • Convenient: starts with the push of a button or remote

  • Available in both fireplaces and inserts

  • Requires gas line installation.

Pellet:

  • Burns compressed wood pellets for consistent heat

  • Environmentally friendly and efficient

  • Needs electricity to run the feed system

  • A good choice for people who want a renewable option with less hassle than firewood

Electric:

      .Easiest installation plugs into a standard outlet

  • No venting or chimney needed

  • Safe, low-maintenance, and versatile in placement

  • Offers realistic flame effects with or without heat


Quick Way to Remember

  • Fireplace = New build or remodel

  • Insert = Upgrade an existing fireplace

  • Fuel options = Wood, Gas, Pellet, or Electric—available in both fireplaces and inserts


Still not Sure if You Need a Fireplace or an Insert?

That’s where we come in. Every home is unique, and sometimes the easiest way to figure out what you need is to give us a call or stop by the showroom. Bringing along a few photos of your current space is especially helpful, it gives us a clear picture of your setup right away.


From there, we can guide you step-by-step to determine whether a new fireplace or an insert is the right choice for your home, style, and budget. Our goal is to make the process simple, stress-free, and tailored to you. Stop in 11-5 Wed-Sat, Our showroom is located at 166 S Main St. Phoenix, Oregon. We are always a call away as well at 541-897-5899