10 Best Gas Fireplace Inserts 2026 in the United States

The Majestic Ruby 35-Inch Direct Vent Natural Gas Insert is designed to fit into an existing wood fireplace, making it a practical upgrade for those wanting a cleaner, lower-maintenance heating option. It produces a strong 35,000 BTU output, which is suitable for heating a living room efficiently. The direct vent system ensures safer exhaust management by drawing air from outside, helping maintain indoor air quality. It uses natural gas as fuel, which tends to be cost-effective and reliable. The IntelliFire Touch ignition system is easy to operate and includes a remote control with touchscreen functionality, plus smartphone app compatibility for added convenience.

The visual appeal is enhanced by realistic logs and flames, creating a cozy and inviting firebox display. Its size (35 inches wide and 14.5 inches deep) fits standard fireplace openings but should still be measured carefully before purchase. The insert’s contemporary black painted metal finish offers a modern look that blends well with various interior styles.

This unit presents a strong option for homeowners looking to convert their existing fireplaces to a natural gas insert that combines good heat output with attractive aesthetics and user-friendly controls.

The Duluth Forge Ventless Stainless Outdoor Gas Fireplace Insert offers 24,000 BTUs of heat, which is sufficient to warm a moderate outdoor space comfortably. It operates on natural gas or propane and features a manual control ignition, requiring you to turn it on and adjust the flame yourself without an automatic ignition system. Being ventless, it doesn’t need a chimney or vent pipe, simplifying installation and saving space, which is especially useful for a clean look or limited room.

This insert has a slim, rectangular design that fits easily into existing setups or wall mounts. It uses a stainless steel H-burner with reflective copper glass media, creating a visually appealing flame effect that adds style without the need for logs. Made with high-quality materials and assembled in the USA, it is designed to be fuel-efficient by providing warmth without excessive fuel use.

Since it is vent-free, it may not be suitable for all indoor spaces due to ventilation concerns, and the manual control means less convenience compared to models with remote or electronic ignition. Weighing only 10 pounds, it is relatively easy to handle during installation. If you want a straightforward, stylish outdoor gas insert that offers warmth and ambiance without a complex setup, this model is a solid choice, though manual operation and proper placement for safety and comfort should be considered.

The Empire DVCD36FP30P is a 36-inch propane gas fireplace insert designed for convenient in-wall installation, ideal if you want a clean and fixed heating solution. It provides 14,000 BTUs, which is suitable for heating spaces around 780 square feet, making it a good choice for a typical living room. This model uses a direct vent system, which helps with efficient and safe exhaust of gases. It runs on propane fuel and features a millivolt ignition system that can operate without electricity, so it will still work during power outages—a handy feature for many users.

The fireplace comes with a realistic seven-piece ceramic log set that is hand-painted, enhancing the cozy and authentic look of a traditional wood fire. The large tempered glass window lets you enjoy the flame visuals clearly while maintaining heat efficiency. It also offers adjustable flame effects, so you can customize the ambiance to your liking. On the downside, this unit is not compatible with smart home systems, so remote control is limited to the included remote rather than smartphone apps.

The size is fixed at 36 inches, which suits many existing fireplace openings, but it might not fit smaller or larger spaces without modifications. The fireplace is relatively heavy at 109 pounds, so installation might require some professional help. This Empire insert delivers reliable heat with good visual appeal and ease of use, especially for those wanting a propane option that works even without electrical power.