We know choosing the right heating solution isn’t just about keeping warm – it’s about finding something that suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.
Whether you love the crackling charm of a real wood fire or the instant convenience of a gas flame, key differences in cost, efficiency, and practicality might make one better suited to your needs than the other.
Now, we’ll be upfront about one thing – we’re experts in wood-burning stoves, and we’ve been known to rave about them on an occasion (or two). But that doesn’t mean we’re unrealistic – and we know they might not be the right solution for everyone.
What we care about is making sure you have all the facts so you can make the best decision for your home, and install a heating solution that suits your needs and lifestyle.
So, let’s dive into the details and see how these two options stack up – and which one is right for you.
Wood burning stove vs gas fire: what are they?
Before diving into the key differences between wood-burning stoves and gas fires, it’s important to understand exactly what each one is and how they function.
Gas Fire
A gas fire is a heating appliance that runs on natural gas or LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Unlike wood-burning stoves, gas fires do not require solid fuel and can be ignited instantly with a switch or remote control.
Some models use an open flame, while others have a sealed glass-fronted design for greater efficiency.
Wood-Burning Stove
A wood-burning stove is a self-contained heating unit that burns wood logs for fuel. It is usually made of metal and features a sealed chamber that controls airflow for an efficient burn.
Stoves come in different styles, from classic cast iron models to sleek, modern designs, and many have a glass door so you can enjoy the glow of the fire.
Wood-burning stove vs gas fire: efficiency & heat output
Looks aren’t everything! There is nothing worse than a fire that looks the part but doesn’t actually heat the space properly. With energy costs constantly rising, making sure you get the most warmth for your money has never been more important.
Fundamentally, both wood-burning stoves and gas fires are there to provide you with heat, so it seems only right that we kick things off by looking at how well each keeps you and your home warm, especially during those cold, damp months.
A truly efficient heating solution will keep the heat inside your home, reduce waste, and ensure that every bit of fuel you burn is put to good use.
Wood-Burning Stove
Modern wood-burning stoves are built for efficiency. Since 2022, all newly installed models in the UK must meet eco-design regulations, meaning they must achieve at least 75% efficiency, with some reaching up to 90%.
This means that most of the heat stays inside your home, rather than being lost up the chimney. Thanks to adjustable airflow control, stoves maintain a steady, long-lasting burn, making them an ideal heat source for colder months.
While it’s important to choose the right stove size and position for your space, a professional installer can ensure your stove is set up for maximum efficiency.
Read more: Choosing the right wood-burning stove: the ultimate guide
Gas Fire
Gas fires give you instant warmth at the push of a button, but their heat efficiency and retention are largely dependent on the design and model. A high-efficiency gas fire can keep a room toasty, while a lower-efficiency one loses heat up the chimney.
Open-fronted gas fires typically operate at 30-50% efficiency, meaning a substantial portion of heat is lost up the chimney rather than warming the room. In contrast, glass-fronted or balanced flue gas fires are designed to be much more effective, reaching efficiency levels of up to 85%, as they prevent heat loss and distribute warmth more effectively throughout the space.
It’s good, but compared to a well-maintained wood stove, they may not heat or retain warmth as effectively.
|
🏆 Winner: Wood-Burning Stove Retains more heat and offers greater efficiency. |
Wood-burning stove vs gas fire: costs
When choosing a heating system, cost is about more than just the initial price tag – it’s about long-term affordability too.
While both options require an upfront investment, ongoing fuel and maintenance expenses can vary significantly, which is why it’s crucial to consider the bigger picture.
Wood-Burning Stove
A wood-burning stove is typically more expensive to install but can be cheaper to run over time.
Prices generally range between £1000 – £5000, depending on the stove model, the complexity of the installation, and whether additional chimney work is required.
The cost of fuel depends on the type of wood you buy and whether you have access to free or affordable seasoned logs. However, wood prices tend to be more stable than gas, meaning fewer unexpected fluctuations in running costs.
Gas Fire
Gas fires tend to have a lower upfront cost, typically ranging from £500 to £3000, depending on the model and installation requirements.
However, monthly gas bills can make them more expensive in the long run – especially with gas prices fluctuating due to market demand. Running costs for a gas fire can vary widely but typically range from £200 to £600 per year, depending on usage and energy tariffs.
While gas fires provide instant heat at the flick of a switch, their reliance on fossil fuels means that costs are subject to change, making them less predictable than a wood supply you can manage yourself.
|
🏆 Winner: It depends! A wood-burning stove requires more investment upfront but could save money over time, while a gas fire is cheaper to install but may cost more in the long run due to fuel prices. |
Wood burning stove vs gas fire: safety and maintenance
Fire safety should always come first when choosing how to heat your home. The last thing you want is to worry about sparks flying, gas leaks, or unseen dangers like carbon monoxide.
Whether you have young children or pets, or simply want peace of mind, choosing a heating solution that prioritises safety is key.
And with any fire-based heating system, regular maintenance is essential to keep things running smoothly and safely.
Wood-Burning Stove
Wood-burning stoves are designed with safety in mind, featuring a sealed chamber that prevents stray sparks and embers from escaping into your home. This makes them a safer option compared to open fires.
However, they do require regular chimney sweeping to prevent creosote buildup, which can become a fire hazard if left unchecked.
Many modern stoves come with airwash systems that help keep the glass clear while ensuring a cleaner burn, reducing the amount of smoke and particulates released into your home.
When installed by a professional and used correctly, a wood-burning stove is an incredibly safe heating option.
Find out more about our chimney sweeping service here.
Gas Fire
Gas fires require less hands-on maintenance but still come with their own safety considerations. While they don’t produce soot or ash, they do need an annual service to ensure everything is functioning correctly and to check for potential gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks.
Unlike a wood-burning stove, which is independent of utility supplies, a gas fire relies on a continuous gas connection. If there is a gas outage or a fault with the system, you may be left without a heat source, which is something to consider in colder months.
|
🏆 Winner: Tie! Wood-burning stoves require regular chimney cleaning, while gas fires need annual servicing to check for leaks and efficiency. Both are safe when properly maintained. |
Wood-burning stove vs gas stove: environmental impact
When choosing a heating option, it’s important to consider the impact on the planet as well as your home.
With growing concerns over air pollution, carbon emissions, and sustainability, many homeowners want to know which option is the greener choice.
Wood-Burning Stove
Wood-burning stoves have had a bad reputation for air pollution, but modern Ecodesign and DEFRA-approved models are built to burn fuel efficiently, reducing harmful emissions by up to 90% compared to older stoves.
The type of wood you burn also makes a difference, for example using kiln-dried or seasoned wood reduces smoke and maximises efficiency, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable heat source.
Another key advantage is that wood is a renewable and carbon-neutral fuel. When sourced responsibly from sustainable woodlands, it can be an eco-friendly option, as the carbon dioxide released during burning is balanced by the carbon absorbed by trees as they grow.
Read more: Everything you need to know about eco-friendly wood burning stoves
Gas Fire
Gas fires produce fewer particulates than traditional wood-burning stoves, making them a cleaner option in terms of indoor air quality.
However, a massive downside is that they rely on fossil fuels, meaning they contribute to carbon emissions and climate change.
While modern gas fires are definitely more efficient than older models, they still require a constant supply of natural gas or LPG, which is a non-renewable resource.
Additionally, gas prices fluctuate based on market demand, and with increasing global pressure to reduce fossil fuel consumption, gas may become a less sustainable option in the future.
|
🏆 Winner: Wood-Burning Stove |
Wood burnings vs gas stove: aesthetic lifestyle
A fireplace is more than just a heat source – it’s a centrepiece that sets the mood and style of your home.
Whether you want a striking focal point or a practical heating solution, the choice between a wood-burning stove and a gas fire will influence both the aesthetic and daily experience of your space.
Wood-Burning Stove
Wood-burning stoves bring a timeless, rustic charm that instantly makes a room feel cosy and inviting. The flickering glow of real flames and the gentle crackling of burning wood create an atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Whether you prefer a classic cast-iron model or a sleek contemporary design, stoves can complement a range of interiors, from traditional cottages to modern homes.
However, a wood-burning stove does require some hands-on effort. You’ll need to store logs, reload the fire, and clean out the ash regularly. For many people, this is part of the appeal – it’s a ritual that makes the fire feel more rewarding and engaging – but for others, it might be too much of a hassle.
Read more: Choosing the right wood burning stove for your cottage
Gas Fire
If convenience is your top priority, a gas fire might be the better choice. With instant heat at the push of a button, it provides warmth without any of the effort involved in chopping, stacking, or lighting wood.
Gas fires also come in a variety of sleek, modern styles, making them a great fit for contemporary interiors where a minimalist look is preferred.
While gas fires provide an attractive flame effect, they don’t quite capture the full sensory experience of a real wood fire. There’s no natural scent of burning logs, and the flames are often more uniform, lacking the unpredictability and depth of a real fire.
|
🏆 Winner: It depends! If you want a cosy, traditional ambience, a wood-burning stove is unbeatable. If you prefer low-maintenance convenience, a gas fire is the way to go. |
Wood-burning stove vs gas fire: which heating option is best?
The truth is, both heating options have their pros and cons, and it all comes down to what you want from your fire and how you use your home.
If you’re looking for a high-efficiency, cost-effective, and eco-friendly heating solution, a wood-burning stove is likely the better choice. While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings on fuel, the sustainability of wood as a fuel source, and the unbeatable ambience of a real flame make it a worthwhile investment.
On the other hand, if you prioritise ease of use, instant heat, and minimal maintenance, then a gas fire could be the perfect fit. They provide warmth at the flick of a switch, don’t require fuel storage, and suit modern lifestyles where convenience is key.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and heating needs.
If you’re considering a wood-burning stove in Wales, our team is here to help. We provide expert advice, professional installation, and ongoing maintenance services to keep your stove running efficiently for years to come. Get in touch today and let us help you find the perfect heating solution for your home.
