If you’ve been looking for a more modern gas fireplace look and don’t love traditional gas logs, the Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner is one of the products I think is worth a serious look.
I’m talking about the Real Fyre G21 Contemporary Glass Burner, and in our fireplace showroom in Mesa, Arizona, it’s one of those displays that tends to catch people’s attention pretty quickly. It has a polished stainless burner pan, reflective surfaces, and a sleek fire glass appearance that looks very different from the old-school log set most people picture when they hear the words “gas fireplace.”
For homeowners who want something more contemporary, cleaner, and a little more design-forward, this is a strong option.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) Quick Summary
Thinking about a modern gas fireplace with fire glass instead of logs? Here’s the short version:
- 🔥 The Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner offers a sleek, modern look with reflective stainless steel and decorative fire glass.
- ✨ It comes in 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch sizes, plus a see-through version for two-sided fireplaces.
- 🌡️ Produces up to 40,000 BTUs
- 🏡 It can work in a new vent-free firebox or an existing masonry fireplace.
- 👍 I like it because it looks good both on and off, which is something a lot of homeowners care about.
- 📍 We’ve installed Real Fyre products in homes throughout Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas.
- Ready for a deeper dive? Keep reading …
First Things First: It’s Real Fyre, Not “Real Fire”
Let’s get this out of the way because I know people search it both ways.
The correct brand spelling is Real Fyre, not “Real Fire.” But if you searched “Real Fire Contemporary Glass Burner,” you’re definitely not the only one!
The Real Fyre G21 Contemporary Glass Burner is made by R.H. Peterson.
What Is the Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner?
The Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner is a ventless fireplace burner system. Rather than using traditional ceramic logs, it’s designed to be used with decorative fire glass.
That’s one of the main reasons it has such a different look.
Instead of trying to imitate a wood-burning fireplace, this setup leans into a more contemporary style. You get:
- A stainless steel burner pan
- Highly polished reflective surfaces
- Decorative fire glass in the color of your choice
- A cleaner, more modern flame presentation
In our fireplace showroom, The Fire Place, we have the 18-inch burner installed, but it also comes in 24-inch and 30-inch versions, along with a see-through model for two-sided fireplaces.
So whether you’re working with a standard fireplace opening or planning a more dramatic design feature, there are multiple ways to use it.
What I Like Most About It
The thing that stands out to me most is the way this burner reflects light and flame.
The polished stainless surfaces catch the flame reflections in a way that gives the fireplace a little more visual depth. You don’t just see the flame itself. You also get reflections off the back, the front, and the surrounding fire glass.
That makes the whole setup feel a little more upscale and intentional.
Even when the fireplace is off, it still looks attractive because the glass and stainless materials continue to reflect light. That matters more than people think. A fireplace is not just something you look at when it’s running. It’s part of the room all the time.
The Fire Glass Makes a Big Difference
One of the nice things about this style of burner is that you can personalize the look with different media.
In our display, we’re using:
- Crystal clear fire glass
- Amber mirrored fire glass
That combination works really well with the stainless burner pan because it enhances the reflective effect. Depending on the color and finish you choose, you can make the fireplace look warmer, cooler, more dramatic, or more subtle.
Quick definition:
Fire glass is decorative tempered glass designed for use in gas fireplaces and fire features. It replaces logs, lava rock, or other traditional media and creates a more contemporary appearance.
If you’re designing around modern, transitional, or even upscale desert-modern interiors, fire glass looks fantastic.
This Setup Is Installed in a Vent-Free Firebox
The display in our fireplace showroom shown in this video is installed in a Superior vent-free firebox.
That means there is:
- No chimney
- No flue
- No traditional vent pipe carrying heat out of the house
Quick definition:
A vent-free fireplace is a fireplace system designed to operate without a chimney or flue. Instead of venting heat outdoors, it is designed to return nearly all of the heat back into the room.
That’s one reason these systems are popular. In the right application, they can produce a very good amount of heat without losing it up a chimney.
These burner systems produce up to 40,000 BTUs of heat and are 99.9% efficient.
Quick definition:
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. It’s a measurement of heat output. In simple terms, the higher the BTU rating, the more heat a fireplace is capable of producing.
For Arizona homeowners, that creates an interesting combination. You can get a fireplace that looks modern and decorative, but still puts out a meaningful amount of heat when you want it.
Can You Use It in More Than One Type of Fireplace?
Yes!
This type of burner can be used in more than one kind of setup, including:
- A vent-free firebox like the one shown in this video
- A see-through firebox using the two-sided version
- An existing masonry fireplace
That flexibility is part of the appeal. Some homeowners are building something brand new. Others want to update an older fireplace opening without going all the way into a major remodel.
This style gives you a more custom look than a standard log set, without automatically requiring a complete renovation project.
And let’s be honest, most people like the idea of a dramatic result quickly on a smaller budget!
How It Operates
This particular setup is simple to use.
It has:
- A push-button igniter
- An on/off toggle switch
- Gas valve and safety controls located beneath the front section
The push-button igniter is typically used when lighting the pilot. After that, operation is straightforward using an on/off switch conveniently located on the left front side of the stainless pan. The switch is hidden from view but easy to access.
In our showroom, we keep the standing pilot lit for convenience because we demonstrate the fireplace so often. That way, we can quickly show customers the flame and let them compare different displays.
At home, that does not necessarily mean you have to operate yours the same way. The showroom setup is mostly about making demonstrations easier. But you can pretty easily shut the pilot off when not in use and use the push button igniter to relight the fireplace.
Why This Style Appeals to So Many Homeowners
A lot of homeowners today are looking for fireplaces that feel more current.
They want something that looks good with:
- modern furniture
- clean lines
- updated wall finishes
- media walls
- floating mantels
- contemporary remodels
That’s where a burner like this shines.
Traditional gas log sets still have their place, and I sell plenty of those too (and own one myself). But if your taste leans more modern, the Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner offers a very different visual.
It feels cleaner.
It feels more reflective.
And it tends to look more like a designed feature than a purely utilitarian appliance.
That’s a big reason it works so well in many of the Phoenix-area homes we see.
My Take on Real Fyre as a Brand
We’ve worked with Real Fyre products by R.H. Peterson in a lot of homes throughout the Phoenix area, and overall, I’ve had a very good experience with the brand.
They make quality systems, and this burner is a good example of why the brand has stayed relevant for so long. It presents well, performs well, and gives homeowners something that looks a little more custom than many alternatives.
That doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every home or every taste. But if someone tells me they want a sleek gas fireplace with fire glass instead of logs, this is absolutely one of the products I’d want them to look at.
Is the Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner Right for You?
It may be a good fit if:
- You prefer a modern fireplace design
- You don’t want traditional gas logs
- You like the look of fire glass and reflective materials
- You want a fireplace that still looks attractive when it’s off
- You’re considering a vent-free fireplace
- You have an existing fireplace and want to explore a more contemporary update
It may not be your best fit if:
- You strongly prefer a traditional wood-look flame presentation
- You want a rustic or classic fireplace style
- You’re looking for the most old-fashioned, log-cabin type appearance possible
There’s no right or wrong answer there. It really comes down to the look you want and how the fireplace fits into the overall design of your space.
A Good Option for Arizona Homes
Here in Arizona, a lot of homeowners want ambiance, style, and some usable heat, but they don’t always want a full remodel project, they want something to modernize their existing fireplace that feels dated.
That’s why products like this get attention in our showroom.
If you live in Mesa, Phoenix, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe, or Apache Junction, and you’re exploring gas fireplaces, vent-free fireplaces, fire glass burners, or fireplace remodeling ideas, this is one of those products that’s worth seeing in person.
Final Thoughts
The Real Fyre Contemporary Glass Burner is one of those products that does a nice job blending modern style, good heat potential, and visual appeal.
What I like most about it is simple:
It looks good when it’s on, it looks good when it’s off, and it gives homeowners a more contemporary alternative to traditional gas logs.
For the right home and the right design style, that can be a really smart upgrade.
Book A Visit To Our Fireplace Showroom in Mesa, AZ – See It In Person
FAQ: Gas Fireplace Remote Not Working Phoenix AZ
It’s a gas burner system designed to use decorative fire glass instead of traditional gas logs, creating a more modern fireplace appearance.
No. The correct spelling is Real Fyre, but many people search for it as “Real Fire.”
It’s available in 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch sizes, plus a see-through version for two-sided fireplaces.
Yes, the setup shown in this video is installed in a Superior vent-free firebox.
Yes, these systems are available at up to 40,000 BTUs and are designed to return most of that heat back into the room.
In some cases, yes. It may be used in certain existing masonry fireplaces, depending on the application and compatibility.
Not necessarily better for everyone, but it is often preferred by homeowners who want a more contemporary look instead of a traditional log-style appearance. It really just depends what you like best and what style best matches your home and your personality!
Final Word
If you’re comparing fireplace options and want help figuring out whether a modern gas fireplace, vent-free firebox, or fire glass burner makes the most sense for your home, visit our showroom and compare them side by side (our showroom is by appointment only but it’s simple to book right on this site – just click the button below!
