Let’s face it, we live in a cold weather climate. (For at least part of the year.) And when considering your new addition adding a gas fireplace is a must-have feature you will not regret. The struggle here is which brand is the best. Let’s take a look at some of my favorites:
Monessen Hearth Systems 42″ Artisan Vent Free SCC See-Through Linear Fireplace – (Natural Gas)
The best brand is not always the most expensive but since when does that happen. Not very often and a really good gas fireplace is no exception. Plus, this is not an item you want to go cheap on because you only use a fireplace during the colder months. The thing you need to think about is when you do use it, it works great every time. That’s what you pay for, and a great look as well.
The design of your new addition can dictate the style and size of your fireplace. But, by today’s standard, some of the most contemporary designs can fit in most homes style and decor.
My favorite, and yes most expensive brand, is Monessen Hearth 42″ Artisan Vent-Free Fireplace. This fireplace is a thing of beauty and it has amazing features including remote control.
One of the things I love about the Artisan is that it’s simple to use. The fireplace uses an electric ignition system that turns the flame on in a matter of seconds, and the touchscreen remote control is simple and easy. The Artisan comes with a three-step flame adjustment, and you can dim the accent light according to your preferences. That feature is one of my favorites along with the fact that it’s quiet when and if you run the fan. The fan will make your room into a furnace so I don’t think you would ever need the fan but with 37,000 BTU’s it’s a nice option to have on really cold days.
Like I said it’s expensive and this unit and others in the line of products will run you between $2,400 – $4,100 depending on the size. But, they’re worth every penny.
Kingsman HB3624 Zero-Clearance Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
The Kingsman is another one of my favorites because they have the brick inside and the glowing embers and logs. This is a nice model and modestly priced around $1,600 but you can find deals on this brand. The BTU’s are a little lower the other brands at 24,000 but the flame and the look is stunning. This is a perfect choice for a remodel or an addition to your home.
The coaxial vent system is a pipe inside a pipe (generally 4″ inside/7″ outside). The inside pipe is for exhaust, while the outer pipe brings in outside air for combustion. The design of allows for a completely sealed system that does not compromise inside air quality of your home. You can even put one of these in your master bedroom.
Mercury 32″ Top/Rear Direct Vent Gas Fireplace w/Intellifire – NG
The Mercury gas fireplace adds comforting warmth, ambiance, and will fit in any home regardless of style. What I love about this model is that the ceramic fiber logs look real when the fire is on and the embers glow beautifully. That’s a 
huge plus for me as that’s what makes a real wood fireplace so special.
13,500 – 19,100 Btu/Hour Input (NG)
6 ceramic fiber logs
Glowing Embers
Tempered glass
Gas flex connector
This unit is less expensive and will run around $1,400
All in all, I love fireplaces, even gas fireplaces so if you’re adding on to your home don’t forget to add the fireplace.