Like an electric fireplace, installation of a gel flame fireplace is quick and uncomplicated. Electric fireplaces, however, have synthetic flames and recorded crackles. Once set up a gel flame fireplace provides a real flame with real fire sound just like a conventional fireplace.

Real flames and easy set up are not the only benefits of a gel flame fireplace. It also scores high environmentally. Heat efficiency is another hallmark of the gel flame fireplace. To top it all off, a gel flame fireplace compares favorably in cost to electric fireplaces and generally costs much less than gas and wood burning fireplaces. Prices start as low as $400 and move upward to $1,500 or so. When coupled with the fact that a gel flame fireplace requires no professional installation or structure modification, these costs make for an appealing package.

The basis for a gel flame fireplace is a ceramic log placed in a steel support. This log assembly is then placed inside a flameproof firebox which in turn can be housed in a wide variety of beautiful fireplace designs. The fire in a gel flame fireplace is fueled by an alcohol based gel delivered in canisters. When the canisters are placed behind the ceramic log and lit, a clean, bright, popping flame appears.

Gel flame fireplaces do not have vents or chimneys. The heat of the flames is therefore entirely directed toward the room in which the gel flame fireplace sits. As a result, a gel flame fireplace achieves maximum heat efficiency unlike standard fireplaces in which much of the warmth flees up through the flue. Gel canisters burn for two and a half to three hours at an average cost of less than five dollars per container. For a truly hot fire up to three canisters at a time can be burned.

The housings in which the gel flame fireplace fireboxes are placed come in a wide variety of models. Corner units and gel flame fireplaces which duplicate traditional fireplace mantles are the most popular. Gel flame fireplaces which incorporate bookcases are another distinctive style as are brands emulating wood burning stoves. Accessories such as screens and curtains, hearth tools and candle stands are also available.

All in all, a gel flame fireplace represents an inviting middle ground between the synthetic fire of an electric fireplace and the costly, high maintenance fire of a gas or wood burning fireplace. While this novel take on the fireplace will never replace the more conventional hearth, it certainly can be an interesting alternative for some homeowners.