Types of Fireplaces

What Is a Fireplace?

As its name implies, and at its most basic, a fireplace is simply "a place for fire," literally. Left to its own devices, fire can be like a hungry, ravening beast devouring anything in its path that will burn, from a wisp of straw to an entire city. A fireplace can be indoors or outdoors, enclosed or open, simple or elaborate. But always the goal is to control the fire and to tame it to your purposes which is, most likely, to produce heat for warmth and perhaps cooking, and also to create an ambiance of cozy comfort.

Indoors

Traditional Fireplaces

The most familiar type of indoor fireplace is the typical "wall-mounted" model found in dens, living rooms, even bedrooms (though in some structures, such as large contemporary homes and ski lodges, it may be free-standing and centrally located in the room, with openings on two or more sides). It may be made of brick, stone, cement, or ceramic, or some combination of these materials. The opening will usually be covered with a glass or metal screen of some sort. fireplaces of this type frequently are surrounded by an exterior mantle, which can be made of wood, marble, metal, brick, stone, or some other material. Mantle styles can range from simple to elegant to rococo to whimsical and, because of their prominence, often set the decorative tone for the entire room. Mostly they burn wood for fuel, but some can also burn coal, peat, and other materials. Almost always, the intent is to produce flame and heat for warmth; but bear in mind, most of the heat is going up the chimney, so fireplaces of this type are not particularly energy-efficient. With some kinds of fireplaces, it is possible to use them for cooking, which actually was the norm right up until the 20th century.

Old World fireplaces like this have been used for hundreds of years in the Americas, and in Europe since earliest Medieval times. However, in today's modern homes, which come equipped with a central furnace for heat, their appeal is mostly aesthetic and nostalgic (for looks) rather than practical (for warming a large living area). Some people like them just to look at and to fill up a blank space in a wall, but rarely use them because of the work involved in acquiring fuel and keeping them clean.

However, if the work of gathering and splitting wood or cleaning out ash does not excite you, there is a nice alternative to consider: gas logs! These look incredibly realistic, and can even be operated by remote control. Gas log fireplaces come in two varieties: vented and vent-free. Vented gas logs will need that chimney you may have decided you no longer want to use just make sure the chimney is free of creosote buildup and clear of obstructions such as bird's nests.

While vented log sets give off a large flame, most of the heat is going up the chimney, as in the case of a woodburning fireplace. By contrast, vent-free gas logs lower heating costs in two ways: they require about half the fuel, and they operate with the damper closed. This means the heat is being sent into the room, not up the chimney. These logs can cost slightly more and produce smaller flames than vented units. When measuring the interior of your fireplace for either one of these types of gas-logs, make sure you leave a minimum space of 3" on each side of the unit.

Wood Stoves

Some people love their fireplaces so much that they almost regret the arrival of summer. A relatively new product line that should appeal particularly to those individuals is the outdoor fireplace, which can be used for both atmosphere and heating/cooking in the spring, summer, and fall. These come in many shapes and sizes, all meeting different decorative and practical needs.

The chiminea is basically a circular drum with a short chimney on top. Other models are called firepits and are simpler in design but still provide much enjoyment. With any of these units, consider the beauty and durability of copper it makes a huge difference. The heat provided by these units can make autumn evenings out of doors much more cozy and enjoyable.

Similarly, patio heaters are stand-alone units with dome tops that radiate heat well in all directions, taking the chill out of spring and fall evenings if you sit close enough to them. Once again, these come in many different shapes, sizes, and price ranges, depending on how large an area you want to heat. Table-top models cost from $150 to $250, while larger units will set you back around $300 to $500.

For Pool and Patio

Fire Al Fresco

What's summer without a barbecue? Just as the hearth can be a wonderfully enjoyable focal point in the winter months, the grill area can be the social highlight in the months of June, July, and August. Needless to say, cooking outdoors is not only practical when the thermometer is pushing 90, it's also fun. But what kind of grill is right for you?

Lets start off with the operation of the grill itself. What kind of fuel will you use, charcoal or gas? Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Propane is inexpensive, convenient, and safe as long as you take the right safety precautions. But the idea of having a large canister of compressed flammable gas on the premises makes some people nervous. Others may simply like the idea of using traditional charcoal for cooking.

Which fuel you use is actually not too important. The most critical question is: how many people are you cooking for? In my own personal experience, many times I wish I owned a larger grill. When it comes to feeding even a moderate-sized crowd, bigger is better. A fancy gas unit with multiple burners is not only efficient it will really stick out at family gatherings!

Consider stainless steel when purchasing either type of grill (gas or charcoal). The black grills work fine but tend to get beat up pretty quickly, in my opinion. Remember, a typical backyard grill is constantly exposed to massive heat and extremes of weather. Once rust sets in, there's not much you can do to rescue a cheap grill. So a little extra money goes a long way toward ensuring quality and durability. Like so many other types of products, there are many choices. Just get the highest quality you can afford it will pay for itself many times over.