Fireplaces and Inserts

What's the difference between a "Fireplace" and an "Insert"?

Fireplaces

The term "fireplace" is often used generically and interchangably with "hearth". But we usually define a fireplace as either a site-built or factory-built structure that is "built-in" to the house and becomes a structural feature of the building. A fireplace often has such features as a mantel, some decorative surround, and a hearth extension. Some newer factory-built fireplaces are very similar to a high-efficiency stove - unlike stoves, however, they are designed to be built in with walls, mantels, and the like, instead of simply being placed on the floor. We group different types of fireplaces together, depending on the type of fuel burned or it's level of efficiency. It's defining feature is that it is "built-in".

Inserts

This term "insert" is often used generically and often confused with "fireplace". However, we define "insert" as a product designed to be inserted into an existing fireplace and convert the fireplace from an inefficient open hearth to an efficient controlled combustion heater. This type does not include fireplace acessories such as gas logs sets or circulating grates. An insert is basically a stove that is specifically engineered to be used inside of an existing fireplace cavity and often requires the addition of a liner system to vent properly. Most inserts cannot be used as a stand alone product - however, there are exceptions. There are a few products in this catagory, usually gas appliances, that can be used as either a built-in fireplace or as an insert to a pre-existing fireplace. This adds further confusion, but we'll refer to inserts as those products that are inserted into existing fireplaces for the purpose of upgrading the efficiency of the fireplace.

Since inserts cannot be used apart from a supporting fireplace we loosely put them in the same category here on the product pages, but we will place inserts on their own specific pages.

Are Gas Log Sets also "inserts?

Technically, gas log sets, (also the more modern burners that do not have the traditional "log set" look - such as glass media) are not in the "insert" category. In general, log sets are considered a fireplace "accessory". However, many people consider gas logs sets to be inserts, and, in fact, they are inserted into existing open fireplaces in the same way as their more efficient cousins, gas inserts. 

The differences between these two types of insertable products are in how they are used. Gas inserts are primarily used as efficient heaters, essentially changing an inefficient open wood fireplace into an efficient gas fireplace. Gas logs sets, on the other hand, are intended to be used as decorative flame-producing accessories. They make it easier to enjoy a fire in your open wood fireplace, replacing the sometimes messy fire-starting process with a simple switch. 

Some gas log sets can be fairly good heaters. However, because they are not designed with heating efficiency as the primary focus, they are not as effective as a gas insert when heat is wanted. In fact, there are some negative side effects when using a gas log set as a heater that are not an issue when using a gas insert. Choosing the right product is essential when shopping for gas inserts. The Cracker Mill specializes in gas inserts and can help you sort out the differences so that you end up with the right product.