Every fireplace and stove explained

We know a lot about fireplaces here at Inspirational Fireplaces, but we sometimes forget that fireplace lingo can sometimes be a little unclear. What is an inset model? What is the difference between wall hung and wall mounted? Just what is the difference between the three major fuel types?

Hopefully, this article will clear everything up, and point you in the direction of which fireplace might be right for you.

Fireplace vs. Stove

Fireplace - In the content of this website, fireplace refers to the heating unit itself. The term “fireplace” is used commonly to describe both the general area the unit sits in, including any mantelpiece or hearth, as well as the unit itself. But, unless otherwise stated, Inspirational Fires use it to describe just the unit. They make up the bulk of units we have available, stretching across the whole spectrum with traditional and modern styles of all sizes.

Stove - Stoves are distinguished from fireplace in two distinct ways. the first is that they come in three fuel types instead of two, as they are capable of handling real burning logs and coal. The second is in their style - they are modeled after the stoves of old, with doors and flue pipes, giving them a distinct look separate to those of fireplaces.

Fuel Types

Electric - These models merely require a plug socket to get to work. The most modern of the three fuel types, electric fireplaces come with the benefit of adaptability, as they can usually be moved very easily. They also top the scale in terms of efficiency, with most models capable of 100% fuel-to-heat ratios.

Gas - Still a very common sight in homes, gas units require two things - a nearby gas line that the unit can be plumbed into; and a chimney or flue. The chimney is needed to channel harmful gases out of your home. Gas fireplaces are just as versatile style wise as electric fires, and come with the benefit of having real flames as opposed to artificial ones.

Wood or Coal - The unique fuel of stoves, wood burning stoves also require a chimney or flue, but they also require a perishable fuel source that you must keep stocked up. They offer arguably the best aesthetic look, thanks to their real flames and romantic stereotypes.

Set Ups

Floor standing - The most common model, floor standing units are pretty self-explanatory. They sit inside hearths, or just up against a wall (if they are electric). They have a timeless look, and are a pretty safe bet for any decor scheme.

Inset - If a fireplace or stove is set into a wall to any degree, it is an inset model. These models are designed to only be partially displayed, with the heating component hidden inside the wall, leaving only the attractive frontage on display.

Wall hung - Wall hung models are essentially floor standing models that are fixed to brackets on a wall. They aren’t designed to be inset in any way, instead sitting flat against the wall. For this reason, the vast majority of wall hung models are electric.

Wall mounted - The key difference between wall hung and wall mounted units is that wall mounted are designed to be inset. They either sit partially inside a wall, or complete inside it. Some wall mounted models can even sit in between two rooms, allowing you to look through the flames into a complete different room!

Hopefully this has cleared up any and all questions you had about fireplaces and stove. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.