Looking to add a new gas-burning heat source to your home for aesthetic, atmosphere, and comfort? Make sure you know your options and make the right choice for your home. There are many different types of heating products available, from gas fireplaces, gas stoves, gas inserts, and gas log sets. In this blog post, we are going to specifically look at the similarities and differences between decorative gas stoves and gas fireplaces. The differences between decorative gas stoves vs. gas fireplaces are significant but not in a way that makes either the clear-cut victor. First, we’ll discuss those differences, then we’ll get into why you’d pick one over the other as a Cape Cod homeowner. Keep reading this blog post from Breakaway to learn more about gas stoves vs. gas fireplaces.
Gas Stoves vs. Gas Fireplaces: What are the Differences?
It can be a bit difficult to get at the differences between decorative gas stoves and gas fireplaces, because there are a number of different types of gas fireplaces and because the terminology can be a bit loose. As a rule, a gas stove is freestanding while a gas fireplace is built into the wall, but it’s not terribly uncommon to see descriptions like ‘freestanding gas fireplace’ applied to a gas stove.
Both make use of natural gas or propane to produce reliable, efficient heating for your home and add a certain traditional style that other gas heating lacks, simulating wood-burning devices with a fraction of the mess, hassle, and risk.
Why Choose a Decorative Gas Stove?
Extra Warmth
You should choose a gas stove first and foremost if getting a lot of heat for a particular room is a high priority with your purchase; because they’re freestanding, gas stoves produce heat that radiates in all directions, without expending energy into the walls or chimney of your home. The amount of heat used by your gas stove will depend on the brand and model’s BTUs, but they usually heat quite large living areas. Think it might get too hot? These decorative gas stoves can be turned down to enjoy the fire with less warmth.
Flexibility
You might also choose a gas stove because you don’t have a place on a wall that is appropriate for a fireplace and don’t want to make changes to create such a space. There is a lot of flexibility in where decorative gas stoves can be installed to operate safely. Plus, gas stoves can be vented several ways. They can vent up an existing chimney, vent directly to the outside through a wall (direct-vent), or vent to the inside of the home (vent-free).
Timeless Style
Another reason to choose a decorative gas stove is that you simply like the look in your room better. There’s a reason they are called “decorative” gas stoves! They are built with a timeless craftmanship style, which makes them a beautiful addition to any Cape Cod home or cottage. These heating products can accentuate the look and décor of any room. These contemporary gas stove products will give your home a rustic look and an inviting atmosphere. You and your guests will always want to get cozy in the room with the decorative gas stove during the winter. A decorative gas stove does become like a piece of furniture, in that it takes up room space. Some can have the traditional cast iron wood stove look, and others may look more modern with more black steel giving more viewing glass.
Related Post: Top Reasons to Install a Decorative Gas Stove on Cape Cod, MA
Why Choose a Gas Fireplace?
Emulate a Traditional Fireplace
Gas fireplaces allow you to emulate all the benefits of a traditional fireplace and give you a lot of options for the process. You can use vented gas logs with a traditional chimney or other ventilation, or you can used vent-free solutions which can be installed anywhere even if you don’t have ventilation in place. Gas fireplaces can come in a traditional style with logs. Or, they can be linear with using glass beads, stones or geometric shapes. Sometimes linear fireplaces are mounted on the wall at eye level much like how a picture would be hung. This is different from a traditional fireplace which would be at floor level. If you love the look of a real fireplace, without the hassle of it, then a gas fireplace could be for you.
Less Obtrusive
You could also choose a gas fireplace because you don’t want to spend floor space on a gas stove or want your fireplace to be at least somewhat out of sight and out of mind when you’re not using it. A gas fireplace can be far less obtrusive than a gas stove, which will be present and visible year-round.
You Have an Existing Fireplace
If you have an existing fireplace, you should probably choose a gas fireplace insert, as the costs of removing it and then installing a decorative gas stove would probably not make sense.
Related Post: Gas Logs vs. Gas Inserts vs. Gas Logs: What’s the Difference?
Breakaway: Gas Fireplace & Gas Stove Experts on Cape Cod
Ultimately, the biggest reason to choose a decorative gas stove over a gas fireplace, or vice versa, is because you prefer the appearance or atmosphere of one over the other. While other differences exist, you’ll probably be happiest with the one you like the most.
If you’d like to learn more about your options for decorative gas stoves vs. gas fireplaces, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Breakaway on Cape Cod for a fuller understanding of the possibilities! We install and service all types of heating products, including gas fireplaces, gas inserts, gas logs, decorative gas stoves, gas fire pits, patio heaters, and more. Visit us in store in South Dennis, Mashpee, call us at 508-398-3831, or contact us online to inquire further. We look forward to speaking with you about your gas heating product options and providing you with the knowledge that you need to make an informed decision for your Cape Cod home.
