Vented vs Ventless Gas Logs

AMBIANCE VS HEAT

Are you looking for a supplemental heat source or do you want a realistic-looking fire? This is the first question our experts ask first-time gas log buyers and is the main factor that will determine which type of gas log set will suit your needs best.

Vented gas logs offer a full, authentic-looking flame presentation with plenty of ambiance while Ventless gas logs provide a reliable and efficient heating source.

AMBIANCE

Vented Gas Logs

If you’re more concerned about ambiance and aesthetics than heat, then a Vented gas log set is the best choice for you.

Vented gas logs are the best way to achieve a realistic-looking fire. They are designed for use in a traditional wood-burning fireplace and are a safe, mess-free alternative to real wood logs.

Vented gas logs feature a very full and natural-looking flame presentation and typically come with an expansive ember bed to mimic the warm glow of wood embers in a dying fire.

The main drawback with Vented gas logs has to do with efficiency. Just like real wood logs, Vented logs must be used with a functional chimney and require the chimney damper to stay open at all times to prevent the buildup of hot air, gas, and combustion byproducts in the home.

Since the damper stays open, most of the heat produced is lost up the chimney. For this reason, Vented gas logs are primarily sold as decorative centerpieces rather than as supplemental heat sources.

Read more about the pros and cons of Vented gas logs here.

HEAT

Ventless Gas Logs

If heat is what you’re after, then a Ventless gas log set is the way to go. Ventless gas logs are extremely efficient and will provide an exceptional amount of heat for your room.

They don’t require a chimney or venting, allowing all of the heat produced to circulate back into the room, rather than escaping up the chimney.

Ventless gas logs are designed to achieve a clean, smokeless flame. They burn so hotly that nearly 100% of the fuel is combusted, allowing them to operate safely without a chimney.

Ventless gas logs can achieve a realistic-looking fire, but the flames often appear blue and may not be as large or as authentic as a Vented log set can produce.

The way Ventless logs are arranged also affects the appearance of the fire. They have to be stacked around the gas outlets to prevent flames from coming into direct contact with the logs. If flames do touch the logs, carbon monoxide can be produced. Arranging the logs this way can make the fire look like it’s shooting straight up, rather than engulfing the logs like a traditional fire.

Since combustion air isn’t able to escape through a chimney, Ventless gas log sets may give off an odor when burning and will intensify any odors already present in the home, such as air fresheners, incense, pet dander, and dust. Ventless appliances also produce water vapor during combustion, which can lead to excess moisture buildup throughout the living space.

As an additional safeguard, Ventless gas logs come equipped with a built-in Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to monitor the amount of oxygen present in the room. If oxygen gets too low, the ODS automatically shuts off the gas supply to the burner.

Read more about the pros and cons of Ventless gas logs here.

#1 VENTED LOG SET

Real Fyre Charred Oak Gas Log Set

The Charred Oak gas log set by Real Fyre is our top-selling Vented log set. Our customers love this set because it’s a great value for the price, easy to install, and both the logs and fire are incredibly realistic.

The ember bed adds a lovely warm glow beneath the logs creating the effect of a real wood fire burning in the hearth.

Real Fyre uses superior refractory ceramics to make their logs and reinforces each one with a steel rod, ensuring they retain their strength and shape at high temperatures.

Each log is cast from real wood samples then hand-painted to perfectly reflect the details found in the natural wood. These particular logs are given a charred appearance and the front log is split furthering the authenticity of the design.

Available in five sizes with two burner options and multiple ignition systems, the Charred Oak set can be customized to find the perfect fit for your fireplace, lifestyle, and budget!

#1 VENTLESS LOG SET

Weathered Oak Gas Log Set by Grand Canyon Gas Logs

The Weathered Oak Gas Log Set by Grand Canyon Gas Logs has quickly become a customer favorite for its beautiful flame presentation, simple installation, and tremendous heat output.

The subtle weathering, highly texturized bark, and authentic splitting provides a one-of-a-kind display. The burner produces up to 37,000 BTUs of effective heat and can be adjusted from low to high.

Grand Canyon Gas Logs sends a team of Log Hunters to search the river banks of the Grand Canyon and Arizona forests for the best and most unique logs to replicate.

Each gas log is individually cast, then painted by hand to bring out the characteristics found in the foraged wood.

Weathered Oak Gas Logs are available in three sizes and natural gas or liquid propane configurations. An electronic ignition system and hand-held remote make controlling the fire easy and convenient.

PREFER TO LISTEN?

MORE RESOURCES:

Head over to our Gas Log Buying Guide to learn even more about gas logs!

Check out our top 6 reasons why gas logs are a great alternative to wood burning fireplaces!

Read our Gas Log FAQ page for answers to the most commonly asked questions about gas logs.

To heat or not to heat, that is the question!

AMBIANCE VS HEAT