Fireplace Inserts, Built-Ins & Gas Logs: What Most People Get Wrong (and How to Choose the Right One)
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) Quick Summary
Thinking about replacing your fireplace or shopping for an insert? Here’s the short version:
🔥 Most people who say they want a fireplace insert are actually talking about gas logs or built-in fireplaces.
🔥 A true insert slides into an existing masonry fireplace; gas logs are just the burning display inside a fireplace; and built-ins are complete fireplaces framed into new or remodeled walls.
🔥 The good news? Magic Touch Mechanical installs all three — gas inserts, electric built-ins, and gas log sets.
🔥 Visit our Mesa showroom to see them side-by-side and get help choosing what fits your home best.
🔥 We own The Fire Place, the Phoenix, AZ area’s premier fireplace store and showroom and employ the valley’s only NFI Certified Hearth Designer to assure you get the right fireplace for your home.
🔥 More than just a fireplace store we’re licensed to handle your entire fireplace remodel from gas, to electric, demo to finishes – with over 28 years of experience right here in the valley!
Ready for a deeper dive? Keep reading …
Why Everyone Calls It a Fireplace Insert
We hear it every day in our Mesa showroom:
“I’m looking for a new fireplace insert.”
“Can you replace my old fireplace insert?”
Here’s the thing — the term insert sounds right. After all, you’re inserting something into a wall or fireplace opening. Totally understandable!
But in the fireplace world, insert has a very specific meaning. And most of the time, homeowners actually mean a built-in fireplace or a new gas log set.
What a Fireplace Insert Actually Is
A fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that slides into an existing wood-burning masonry fireplace opening.
Key traits:
- Designed to fit into real brick or stone fireplaces.
- Available in both gas and electric versions.
- Usually has a glass front that seals the firebox.
- For gas inserts, a liner runs up the chimney to safely vent exhaust.
- For electric inserts, you simply plug into an outlet — no venting needed.
👉 If your home already has a traditional brick fireplace and you’re tired of hauling wood, an insert is a great way to modernize without tearing out walls.
Two examples of Electric Fireplaces that come in both built-in models and electric fireplace insert models:
- Modern Flames Redstone Traditional Electric Fireplace video review
- Modern Flames Orion Traditional Virtual Electric Fireplace video review
For a detailed explanation of which models are electric fireplace inserts and which are built-ins (and what the difference is) watch the video reviews in the links above.
What Most People Actually Mean: Built-In Fireplaces
A built-in fireplace (sometimes called a “factory-built” fireplace) is a complete fireplace system designed to be installed into a framed wall — either during construction or a remodel.
Built-ins come in both gas and electric models, and they’re the stars of today’s modern home designs.
Why homeowners love built-ins:
- Can go on any wall — not just where a fireplace already exists.
- Perfect for media walls and modern remodels.
- Don’t need a masonry chimney.
- Give you a sleek, custom look that blends beautifully with your décor.
That ultra-modern, linear fireplace wall you saw on Instagram? That’s a built-in — not an insert.
Two examples of built-in electric fireplaces:
- Linear / 3-Sided Bay View: Dimplex Ignite XL BOLD Electric Fireplace Review
- See-Through / 2-Sided: Napoleon Clearion Electric Fireplace Review
LEFT: A traditional built-in fireplace in a buildout with a lower hearth with large format limestone surround.
RIGHT: A linear built-in fireplace in a buildout with slatted acoustic wall panel surround.
Gas Logs: The Most Misunderstood “Insert” of All
Here’s where things really get mixed up.
When homeowners say, “I need a new insert,” they’re often looking at their fireplace and seeing the gas logs — so that’s what they call it.
What gas logs actually are:
Gas logs are decorative ceramic or refractory logs that sit inside your existing fireplace, connected to a gas burner.
They replace the hassle of burning wood with clean natural gas or propane, while keeping the open-flame look you love.
| Feature | Gas Logs | Gas Fireplace Insert |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Open, real flame | Enclosed glass front |
| Efficiency | Decorative (low heat) | High-efficiency heater |
| Venting | Uses existing chimney | Liner system or direct vent |
| Installation | Minimal | Moderate |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
👉 If your fireplace already looks great and you just want convenience, gas logs are the simplest and most affordable upgrade available.
Comprehensive Guide to Gas Log Sets – Vented vs Ventless vs Direct Vent Fireplaces (video explainer)
Gas vs. Electric: Both Come in Inserts and Built-Ins
Whether you want real flames or the ultimate in design flexibility, both gas and electric fireplaces offer insert and built-in options.
Gas Inserts & Built-Ins
- Produce a real flame and noticeable heat.
- Require venting (chimney or direct vent).
- Can be thermostat-controlled or remote-controlled.
- Great for heating large spaces.
Electric Inserts & Built-Ins
- Use LED flame technology for a stunningly realistic look, or some models aim more for the “wow” factor of moving art rather than emulating real fire.
- Wildly popular in Phoenix because they can be used year round with or without heat.
- 100% electric, so there’s no venting or gas line required. When not using heater function costs pennies a day to operate.
- Cool-touch glass — safer for families and pets.
- Perfect for condos, remodels, or rooms where adding gas isn’t practical.
Which Fireplace Option Is Right for You?
| Your Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You have a brick fireplace and want push-button convenience | Gas Insert or Gas Logs | Fits existing opening — no major remodel |
| You want a complete fireplace wall makeover | Built-In Gas or Electric Fireplace | Clean install, modern style |
| You want a fireplace in a room with no chimney | Built-In Electric Fireplace | Vent-free, flexible placement |
| You want the lowest-cost upgrade | Gas Logs | Fast, easy install, instant transformation |
Not Sure What You Have?
Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Even contractors and designers get the terms mixed up.
At The Fire Place by Magic Touch, we specialize in helping Arizona homeowners make sense of all the options. We’ll show you real gas inserts, built-ins, and gas log sets side-by-side so you can see and feel the difference before you buy.
Schedule a visit to our Mesa showroom today and talk with one of our NFI-Certified Hearth Design Specialists — the only one within 100 miles.
📍 942 W. 1st Ave., Mesa, AZ
📞 Call (480) 500-6778 or Book Online Now …
FAQs About Fireplace Inserts, Built-Ins & Gas Logs
Yes, in most cases. If you have a full masonry fireplace, a gas insert can slide right in and use your existing chimney (with a new vent liner).
Yes — but once it’s framed into drywall, it’s technically considered a built-in electric fireplace.
Yes and No. Technically you could install an electric fireplace inside the cavity of a masonry fireplace with modifications. In most cases you probably won’t be able to get a gas built-in properly installed into an existing masonry fireplace as there are many clearance and venting issues to consider.
Vented logs use your chimney to exhaust heat and gases (more realistic flames, less heat). Vent-free logs don’t need a chimney and deliver more heat — but aren’t allowed in every application.
If you’re in the Phoenix, AZ area – or anywhere within 35 miles of Mesa, AZ: Snap some photos and send them to us, or schedule a consultation. We’ll identify your system type in seconds and walk you through your options.
If you’re outside of Arizona: Contact your local fireplace showroom and schedule a consultation for the best advice and replacement models available in your area.
In most cases, you cannot safely make any changes to the logs of burners inside your builtin fireplace. The exception being if the original manufacturer specifically states it’s allowed. NOTE: Failure to follow the manufacturer’s installation and owners manual can lead to serious safety risks including house fires and CO poisoning – don’t do it!
Most gas fireplaces and gas log sets are either field convertible from natural gas to propane, or offer specific propane models and specific natural gas models.
In Arizona, you can buy a fireplace insert at The Fire Place in Mesa, AZ. We have dozens of working models on display to choose from and we can help with installation if needed as well. Outside of Arizona we recommend you find a local fireplace store near you so you can see it in person first – once installed it will not be returnable so you should verify it’s the one you want before buying it.
If you’re handy and have all the necessary tools and building knowledge, you can likely install an electric fireplace insert yourself.
Gas fireplace inserts and gas log sets should definitely be installed by a licensed and experienced fireplace installer for several reasons:
1) All manufacturers require it for your warranty.
2) There’s a lot to do and know to keep you and your family safe. We’ve seen many experienced builders and remodelers get it wrong, so definitely don’t recommend it be taken on by anyone without fireplace installation experience. Your health and safety are not where you want to skimp on costs!
See It All in One Place
Whether you’re looking for a real gas fireplace insert, a stunning electric built-in, or new gas logs, you’ll find them all under one roof at our Mesa fireplace showroom.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and surrounding cities for over 28 years.
