Wood fires add character to your home, yet they come with some drawbacks. Perhaps you’re thinking about adding one to your living room but aren’t sure if it’s the right decision. If that’s the case, then check out the three best alternatives to a wood fire in the guide below.
Downsides of Wood Fires
Before we talk about the alternatives, why wouldn’t you want a wood fire? By all means, some families are happy to deal with the downsides, though if you don’t want the following, then an alternative would be better:
- Wood fires generate lots of soot, which can stain carpets and lounge walls
- You need ample storage to keep chopped wood (and prevent it from getting wet)
- Wood obviously costs money to buy
- Wood fires are more likely to generate smoke so require a proper chimney
Clearly there are reasons to avoid wood fires, so here are some of the best alternatives giving you the style and practical benefits of a wood fire, without the downsides mentioned above.
Gas Fires
A lot of homeowners will opt for gas fires because there’s already a gas mains in their house. The only downside is that this may eat into your energy bills – though it could be more efficient than running the central heating, anyway.
Gas fires are great because you get the gorgeous flames, loads of heat, but absolutely no smoke or ash. There’s nothing for you to store, either, so your living room isn’t taken up by a basket full of logs.
Bioethanol Fires
Bioethanol fires are becoming more popular because people want an eco-friendly fireplace. The secret to this fire lies in its fuel source; bioethanol is a plant-based liquid. It burns with no smoke, doesn’t create soot, negates the need for a chimney and is easy to store in your kitchen cupboards or pantry.
What’s even more impressive about this alternative is that you can find portable fireplaces instead of fixed ones. Imagine being able to move your fireplace into the bedroom at night, allowing you to stay nice and toasty. It’s a fun quirk that makes this a great choice for certain households – especially those without a traditional fireplace installation.
Electric Fireplaces
To be fair, these fireplaces divide opinions. The benefit of going electric means you don’t have any hazards to worry about – you’re not throwing logs onto a live flame or turning gas on. It’s a simple case of clicking a button and getting some lovely warmth. Speaking of which, you have adjustable heat controls with electric fireplaces, making them even more practical.
While the safety and practicality benefits are amazing, electric fireplaces come with one con: they don’t produce a real flame. Some people love fireplaces because of the flame effect, so it can feel pointless if you’re looking at a fake one.
So, if you want a fire, but hate dealing with soot, smoke and cumbersome wooden logs, then these three alternatives all have something to say. Each one could be perfect for a different household; do your research and consider which one suits your needs the best.
Featured Image via Unsplash
