How to Choose the Right Fireplace?

Open Fireplace, Closed Fireplace or Insert?

Choose an open fireplace if you love watching the flames and listening to the crackling fire. However, this type of fireplace heats only slightly, as only 10–15% of the generated energy reaches the room through radiation.

For heating, it's better to choose closed flues or inserts. A closed fireplace consists of a combustion chamber made from cast iron or fireproof bricks and a heat-resistant glass door. There are also dual-flame fireplaces that convert smoke into heat even better. Meanwhile, a surround allows you to optimize the performance of an existing open fireplace by adding a surround (or cassette) — a closed fireplace with a flat lid that transforms fresh air into heat and then uses convection to distribute it through the chimney, after which the warmth spreads evenly throughout the room.

With Chimney or Without?

Rustic fireplace with wooden cladding, authentic fireplace with marble cladding, or designer fireplace? Fireplaces suit all interior styles—from the most solid to the most elegant. Traditional fireplaces require a chimney installation or setup, but you can also install a smokeless chimney with a gas fireplace (choose models), ethanol fireplace, or electric fireplace. These last types are practical and aesthetic, providing the comfort of fire without restrictions associated with traditional fireplaces.

Fireplace Technician: Key to Proper Chimney Maintenance

When talking about fireplaces, one must know about maintenance. Regular chimney cleaning, which involves removing soot and deposits from the inner walls of the flue, is mandatory. Applicable rules are established by prefectural or municipal regulations. Usually, this should be done at least once a year, but more frequently if needed. The service is performed by a professional and takes about twenty minutes, costing between 40 to 80 euros depending on the provider. Afterward, they will provide you with a receipt for storage. If you rent out property, chimney cleaning is your responsibility.

To make the right choice of fireplace, you can find all our materials in our special article to help with this investment.