Electric vs Gas Fires: Which Is Right for Your Home in 2025?

If you want to add a cosy fireplace to your living room or upgrade an existing one, you have two main options – electric or gas fire. Both have their perks, so let’s dive in and compare the key differences to help you decide which is best for your home. 

Electric fires: The sleek, modern choice 

Electric fires have come a long way from those old plug-in units from the 70’s! Modern electric fires use LED technology to create gorgeous flickering flames and smoking embers that look incredibly realistic. 

The main draw is that electric fires are easy to install almost anywhere – no need for a chimney or gas line. Just plug it in, place it in your fireplace, hang it on the wall, or simply put it in the desired area – and enjoy the ambience. Many electric models these days have a slim, sleek design with framed edges that blend seamlessly into any living room. 

Electric fires are also a great choice if you want zone heating to cosy up just one part of a room without raising the temperature everywhere. And don’t worry – modern electric fires produce a good amount of heat, too. The fans blow out warm air up to 2kW – enough to take the chill off on a brisk day. 

Gas fires for traditional charm 

If you prefer dancing, natural flames and glowing embers, gas might be more of your style. From modern inserts to traditional freestanding stoves, gas fires deliver a hearth's authentic look and feel. 

Most gas fires use natural gas that’s piped directly to the unit. That means you’ll need an existing chimney or flue, or the ability to install a new one. Gas fires typically provide between 2kW-4.9kW of heating power, enough to warm a good-sized living room. Some wall-mounted and hole-in-the-wall options offer much higher heat outputs for even more warmth. 

Looking for a statement piece? Gas stoves and freestanding units make a beautiful centrepiece. Or, go for a cosy fireplace insert tucked neatly into an existing hearth. Lots of customisable options available to achieve just the right look. 

Comparing installation and maintenance 

When it comes to installation, electric fires are definitely the easier option. No chimney or gas line required – just plug it in, hang on the wall, and off you go. Most electric units are also much lighter than gas models. One person can easily install an electric fire themselves following the included instructions. 

Gas fires require professional installation as they must be attached to gas piping and installed correctly to vent exhaust safely. The unit itself will also be quite heavy, often requiring two people to move it into place. The installation cost itself runs at approximately £250 for a basic gas fire. 

In terms of maintenance, gas fires need yearly inspections by a Gas Safe Engineer, which averages £80-£150. Electric fires, on the other hand, just need an occasional exterior wipe-down and vacuum of interior components about every six months. 

We can install your gas or electric fire - find out more here.

Efficiency and running costs: Which is cheaper?

When it comes to monthly bills, electric fires are generally cheaper to run. With energy prices skyrocketing, many homeowners are making the switch to save on costs. 

Electric fires use less energy overall than gas units. They’re also more energy efficient, converting 100% of energy into heat. 

On the other hand, gas units are generally more powerful and can warm larger spaces more efficiently. Electric works well for zone heating one area. Gas provides whole room heating. 

That being said, it’s worth considering your energy tariff. Electric fires can quickly ramp up running costs since electricity typically costs more per unit than gas. So, the question of which is cheaper often depends on your specific household. 

Options in style and design 

The choice between electric and gas often comes down to aesthetics. What kind of look do you prefer?

Electric fires tend to allow for slimmer and more minimalistic designs. Opt for a sleek, recessed wall unit or mount an ultra-thin LED unit. Enjoy dancing flames emanating from a stone backdrop. Or go for that authentic log or coal look but without the mess and ash! 

Gas fires often provide a more robust, traditional style. Choose from ornate cast iron, brick-lined inserts, or imposing stone mantels paired with a brass insert to make a statement. Watch mesmerising flames dance behind the glass doors or crackling logs. The options for classic elegance are endless. But that’s not your only option - there are plenty of sleek, modern gas fire designs, too, including media-wall-style fires. 

Considering the environment 

What’s the eco-friendlier option? 

Electric fires reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heating. Your carbon footprint stays low, especially if your electricity comes from renewable sources. However, concerns about plasma screens and non-recyclable components exist. 

Gas fires rely on natural gas, a fossil fuel. However, newer gas units also have increased efficiency and lower emissions. 

Really, there’s no definitive environmental winner. Just go for the most energy efficient model you can find regardless of electric or gas. Look for energy-saving features like thermostatic or smart controls. 

Which fire is right for your home?

So, there’s lots to consider! Let’s recap the key factors:

• Electric fires are more affordable, easier to install, and cheaper to run. Choose electric if you want zone heating or a modern, slimline design. 
• Gas fires provide more substantial heating power and a classic, robust aesthetic. Choose gas if you want to warm a larger space in an open-concept home. 
• Consider your existing infrastructure. Do you have a chimney, or do you need to install one? How important is the ease of installation? 
• Think about your design aesthetic. Sleek and modern or ornate and traditional?
• Look for energy-efficient features like thermostatic controls. 

Ultimately, it comes down to lifestyle and heating needs. Be honest about the look you’re going for and the rooms you want to heat. Don’t forget to budget for installation and ongoing costs, too. 

With a little thought beforehand, you’re sure to find the perfect cosy fire for those chilly nights at home. 

Ready to start looking? If electric is the right choice for you, you’ll find our expansive range of electric fires to suit every home and budget here. Or do you prefer the warmth of a gas fire? Head to our gas fires category, where there’s something for every household. 

Plus, getting your new fire has never been easier, with free delivery to the UK mainland on every purchase, finance options to help you spread the cost, and no-hassle 14-day returns if you change your mind. 

Any questions? Our team is just a phone call or email away. You can contact us at [email protected] or call 0161 376 4181.