Brands that are committed to providing better quality products actually end up doing so. They don’t make any excuses for inefficiency or bad quality, and the same is the case when it comes to fireplaces.
Fireplaces are an excellent addition to your home because they provide adequate heating to warm your whole house. They are also very attractive and add to the aesthetic appeal of your house. Today, many brands manufacture these units. There is also a lot of diversity that you will find in the market. Types vary from electric to gas to wall-mounted, but more on that later.
This review discusses the best fireplace brands. It also includes warranties and services that each brand offers. But more importantly, this article includes information regarding fireplaces that you need to make a good decision.
Comparison of the Best Fireplace Brands
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Does Brand Matter When Choosing a Fireplace?
There are a lot of things that matter when you are choosing a fireplace; the brand is definitely one of them. The ones that have existed for a long time tend to be more reliable and trustworthy; however, that’s not always the case. Fireplaces come in a range of different styles, and most brands offer good diversity and manufacture different types of units.
Good brands generally offer good warranties and help save additional costs on repair and replacements. Moreover, many reliable brands have strict policies regarding environmental protection. They also ensure that all their fireplaces undergo thorough testing before being sold. Thus, the brand is definitely important when choosing the fireplace.
Are All Fireplace Brands Essentially the Same?
Like with units, not all brands are the same. You will find brands that have existed in the market for more than 50 years, while many have been established very recently. Apart from this, brands differ in the kind of policies they have in regards to employee incentives and customer satisfaction.
But one thing that differentiates all major brands is the kind of units they manufacture and sell. Some sell only electric fireplaces that can be operated easily, while others only produce gas models.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Fireplace Brands
- OUR TOP PICK: Ortal
- Kozy Heat Fireplaces
- Heat & Glo
Review of the Best Fireplace Brands
The brand you choose for yourself will largely depend on your research. You shouldn’t rush into it because the marketing strategies that many companies employ are very deceiving. To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed the best fireplace brands in the market for you.
Best Overall
Ortal
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What Makes Ortal Stand Out?
Ortal is at the number one spot on this because of some pretty obvious reasons. Its products come with an amazing passive cool technology that allows you to hang the products over the TV or even right above the fireplace. The interiors are also made after a lot of thought, thus allowing them to achieve greater creativity through your designs.
You also get a full power vent system that can provide safer and cleaner air for a longer time. Another feature of its products that fascinated us was convenience. Almost all fireplaces can be connected directly to your phone, thus making Ortal a modern brand.
What Kind of Warranty Does Ortal Offer?
The brand’s warranty ensures that all your products are fully free from any defects in workmanship and materials. After installation, if you find any defective components, you can avail of the limited warranty.
The firebox and burner come with a 10-year limited warranty. However, most other components, such as the gas and electrical parts, the interior design media, and the ceramic glasses, come with a two-year warranty. This also only covers thermal damage.
Moreover, paint, trim pieces, double glass fans, remotes, and gaskets come with a one-year limited warranty. If any of these parts get broken within a year, you can get them replaced or repaired within a year.
Where is Ortal’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
For its operations, the company has its base of operations in Canoga Park, California. It is also where its products are manufactured.
Who Owns Ortal and How Long Have They Been Around?
Tadir Gan is the company’s current owner, and the company has existed for more than 30 years in the market. The company also provides installation services to the whole of North America. It is also the world’s premier designer that has produced contemporary gas fireplaces for the last three decades now.
Kozy Heat Fireplaces
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What Makes Kozy Heat Fireplaces Stand Out?
Among many other things, three main ones have always made Kozy Heat different from all other brands in the market. All its products come with attractive flames that increase the aesthetics of your home. The flames appear not only realistic but also ensure good and optimum heat transference.
The units are also designed to ensure the perfect warmth for the coldest seasons. Their high BTU, as well as their good power output, helps achieve efficiency. The company is also known for offering good value to the money. All the models are very affordable, and you can find a variety of fireplaces in different shapes and sizes.
What Kind of Warranty Does Kozy Heat Offer?
Kozy Heat is one of the only brands to offer an excellent warranty on all its fireplaces. This covers a limited time of around ten years on the main body. However, since a lot of the accessories aren’t as durable as the main body, the warranty on them is relatively less. The warranty starts on the day of the purchase.
Moreover, owners have to register for the warranty within the first 30 minutes. If the owner fails to do that, they may not become eligible for the warranty for around a year.
Where is Kozy Heat’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
Kozy Heat is a large brand that covers many states of America. The company is situated in Minnesota and has its main head office in Lakefield. The production of products such as wood pellet stoves and electric fireplaces also happens in the same city. These products are then shipped out to all of America.
Who Owns Kozy Heat Fireplaces and How Long Have They Been Around?
Established in 1976, Kozy Heat has been around for many years now. It started as a small brand that only produced one kind of wood-burning fireplace. However, it further expanded into a large company that deals with a variety of other products. Dudley Hussong established the company, and now his children Hannah and Heather have also joined their father as co-owners.
Heat & Glo
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What Makes Heat & Glo Stand Out?
Focus on innovation is one thing that can change an ordinary model to a spectacular one, and that is exactly why Heat & Glo stands out. It redefines attention to detail by including the most high-end construction to its models. It has the highest number of awards and patents to its name, making it a popular model in the industry.
It has also been known for creating two very famous and exclusive technologies; IntelliFire and FireBrick. Most of their models come with one of these technologies to provide efficiency and exclusivity. The flames are also very engaging and make your room appear more attractive than it actually is.
What Kind of Warranty Does Heat & Glo Offer?
Only the original owners can avail of the warranty of the appliance. The installation of the fireplace can be done within two years of the purchase, and after installation, if there is any defect, you can get the entire unit replaced or get due repairs. The maximum amount that you can recover with this warranty is limited to the fireplace’s original price.
Moreover, the warranty cannot commence later than 24 months following the date of shipment from the company. In short, you get a limited warranty with this model, which means that you can get 20 years of coverage for all gas appliances and ten years for wood appliances.
Where is Heat & Glo’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
Most fireplaces, as well as the stoves produced by the company, are designed and also manufactured in Lake City, Minnesota. This is a 300,000 square foot facility that is home to more than 600 employees. These are all experts in their field and have been trained to provide the most authentic designs.
Who Owns Heat & Glo and How Long Have They Been Around?
The company is owned by a small family that has always had a passion for fire. The Shimek family, mainly the two young owners, Ron and Dan Shimek, set out to build the empire in 1975. But it was not until 1987 that the company became established as a proper brand. It is also known for introducing a patent technology that completely revolutionized the industry.
Blaze King Industries
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What Makes Blaze King Stand Out?
When it comes to wood stove efficiency, there are very few models that provide better output than Blaze King Industries. There are two main principles of dictating manufacturing. One is that the stove the brand produces will generate the least amount of pollutants and will also conform to EPA. This ensures that you produce the least amount of toxicity in the environment. This helps you be a more responsible citizen.
The other thing is that most of these units can run on really less fuel to offer a good cost for the money.
What Kind of Warranty Does Blaze King Offer?
Blaze King, as well all its sub-brands, provides a good warranty on all wooden appliances, such as the fireplaces. This will begin from the date of purchase. The company also offers a ten-year extended warranty on many combustors in the stove fireplaces. You get a total of a six-year warranty on most other parts, and this also includes labor costs.
Moreover, on catalyst combustors, you get a five-year warranty. This also includes things like proper repairing of motors, thermometers, sensors, and door handles. If the model gets defected within the set time period, you can also request for a replacement.
Where is Blaze King’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
The company’s main head office is situated in British Columbia, Canada, but it also has its corporate office in Washington, USA. It is one of the largest offices with a huge number of employees. The manufacturing also takes place in Canada, and the products are then shipped across North America.
Who Owns Blaze King and How Long Have They Been Around?
The company is not owned by a single owner but has many stakeholders with more or less an equal number of shares in the company. The parent company was Decisive Dividend corporations, but after its merger with Blaze King, it came to be known as the latter. Moreover, the company has been around since 1977.
Vermont Castings
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What Makes Vermont Castings Stand Out?
Soon after its inception, Vermont Castings became a household name. The company stays true to the promise of excellent American craftsmanship. The models go through a lot of testing to ensure the best quality products. But one thing that really stood out was the safety features that the company added.
All the fireplaces are extremely safe and don’t cause many accidents. Two things add to this; good durability and automatic turn-off switches. Vermont offers high-end construction that will make your models more resistant to shock and impact. The turn-off switch will regulate the heat and will make your fireplace turn off if it exceeds a set temperature.
What Kind of Warranty Does Vermont Castings Offer?
Vermont Castings offers a different warranty on its main fireplace and its subsequent parts. The time period begins from the day of the purchase and is only applicable to the original owner. This warranty is also non-transferable, which means that the warranty won’t apply to the second owner if the unit is sold. This also applies in the case of the owner’s death.
There is also an option for online purchases to providing more convenience to the user as they won’t have to physically go to a store. However, the perks that a good warranty ensures do not apply to the products purchased online.
Where is Vermont Castings’ Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
The company is one of the few cast iron foundries present within the hearth industry. The major parts are cast there and then transported around eight miles to a place called Bethel; that too in Vermont. This is where assembly takes place and also where most of the line grills are manufactured. The main base of operations is in Randolph, Vermont.
Who Owns Vermont Castings and How Long Have They Been Around?
Vermont Castings is one of the largest and most popular developers, installers, and producers of fireplaces. It is a registered company that is currently owned by the Canadian Tire Corporation Limited. It was established in 1975.
Lopi
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What Makes Lopi Stand Out?
Lopi is one of the only brands in North America that has managed to retain its report since its start. It thrives on good employee satisfaction and ensures the most reliable performance when it comes to their fireplaces. It also holds a reputation for solid craftsmanship and unbeatable efficiency. But one thing that separates it from the rest is its ability to produce fireplaces with low gas emissions.
Apart from ensuring safety, Lopi also stands out due to its excellent customer services. Due to all these reasons, it has managed to win several awards in just 40 years. These include the 2007 Hearth and Home Vesta Award and the 2004 Consumer Digest Best Buy award.
What Kind of Warranty Does Lopi Offer?
All models by Lopi are backed by the special Hearth Dealers warranty and come with a certified factory-trained installer. The company also ensures that all models are free from any defects, either in the workmanship or the material. The time period for this is seven years. However, for cast iron stove models, you get a warranty for five years only. Moreover, all parts and labor are fully covered under this warranty for two years.
Where is Lopi’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
Lopi started off in North America, and even after 40 years, it still has its base of operations in the same place. Its fireplaces are designed and then assembled by hand in Washington, in the city of Mukilteo. Having the base of operations and the manufacturing facility nearby allows the company to run smoothly.
Who Owns Lopi and How Long Have They Been Around?
Lopi has been around for more than four decades now, and it has never disappointed its fans or loyal customer base. It is a sister brand of Travis Industries. This is also the largest and the most popular privately-owned company in all of North America.
Fireplace Xtrordinair
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What Makes Fireplace Xtrordinair Stand Out?
Fireplace Xtrordinair is not your regular fireplace brand. It comes with some of the best features that you could imagine, but the thing that stood out most for us was its diversity. You get more than three different stove options. You can invest in the affordable gas models that are available at a relatively lower price.
There are also wooden units that are more durable and strong. They also add more beauty to your living room. Lastly, Fireplace Xtrordinair deals with electrical appliances that are relatively expensive but are extremely efficient.
What Kind of Warranty Does Fireplace Xtrordinair Offer?
A good warranty is one of the things buyers especially look out for. With Fireplace Xtrordinair, they can rest assured that their models are in safe hands. You get a good warranty for seven years. This starts from the day of purchase and not from the day of installation. Moreover, you get a warranty of two years for all electronic parts. This excludes only the light bulbs.
Where is Fireplace Xtrordinair’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
The products are shipped all over North America and Australia. The base of operations in Washington, and it is here that the production and assembly of all major products happen too. Since the company is owned by Travis Industries, the facility where manufacturing happens is extremely large.
Who Owns Fireplace Xtrordinair and How Long Have They Been Around?
Fireplace Xtrordinair was an independent company until 1992 when Travis Industries, one of the largest privately-owned companies, acquired the company. The company is now referred to as FireplaceX and is well-known for its focus on innovation and modern technology.
Thelin Hearth Products
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What Makes Thelin Hearth Products Stand Out?
Thelin Hearth Products was a popular brand among traditional buyers even before it became an internet sensation. It deals with a variety of different products, including pellet, wood, and gas stoves. The diversity is not just in the products they sell but also in the services the company provides. The warranty is excellent and covers all the major costs of the repairs and replacements.
Moreover, most models that require vents come with simplistic designs that can be placed on the wall without any hassle. You can either place them vertically or horizontally if venting is not possible through the ceiling. Their pellet stoves also offer a large space to keep the small wooden pellets for long-lasting heating capacity.
What Kind of Warranty Does Thelin Hearth Offer?
The warranty period for most of its products may seem relatively less than others, but there is a good reason for that. The products are so durable and long-lasting that you won’t need to avail of the warranty. However, you still get a five-year limited warranty on the mainframe. As for electrical components, gas valve, moving parts, and burner, you get a warranty of only one year.
Where is Thelin Hearth’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
Thelin Hearth is a fireplace and stove manufacturer in the United States. The base of operations is in Nevada in Carson City. The facility is also nearby and deals with all primary and secondary production of goods.
Who Owns Thelin Hearth Products and How Long Have They Been Around?
It was in 1978 that the company first came into being. It was the dream of Jay Thelin and Terry Thompson to create a stove place that thrived on innovation and modernity. They also wanted to produce stoves that were traditional in their outlook and would add beauty to any home.
HearthStone
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What Makes HearthStone Stand Out?
If you want a model that will serve you for years, then you should definitely try HearthStone fireplaces. These come with exceptional durability and include some of the best safety features you can think of. Many brands do not emphasize so much on safety, which is what makes this brand stand out.
HearthStone builds units for life. It ensures the best performance possible, and the rich tradition behind the company can be seen in its products’ diversity. You find a range of different colors and styles for fireplaces on their website.
What Kind of Warranty Does HearthStone Offer?
The warranty implies that all the goods that fall under the category are free from any defects, either from craftsmanship or the material. This warranty can be availed for three years. The warranty starts the day you make the purchase. Unlike many other models, the installation dates don’t affect your warranty.
Where is HearthStone’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
The headquarters of HearthStone is located in Calabasas, California. It is here that the major chunks of employees work. The company also deals with online services. However, all the products are handcrafted to perfection in Vermont and then shipped from there to customers.
Who Owns HearthStone and How Long Have They Been Around?
The corporation was founded in 1992 and has been around since then. It was originally established in 1989, but the company, as we know now, is owned by a Spanish Foundry. Ever since Hergom purchased it, HearthStone has been in the limelight for its excellent quality.
Napoleon
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What Makes Napoleon Stand Out?
Providing convenience and comfort to the users has always been Napoleon’s priority. Almost all its fireplaces offer WiFi connection and app connectivity. This modern and innovative feature allows you to adjust the settings from the comfort of your seat. Moreover, the range of the remote is high, which means that you won’t have to move closer to the unit to make changes.
Another feature that makes Napoleon stand out is the excellent heat management its units provide. This not only increases efficiency but also ensures that there is a significant decrease in utility bills.
What Kind of Warranty Does Napoleon Offer?
When it comes to warranty, there are very few brands that impress buyers more than Napoleon. It offers a lifetime warranty on the casting, steel lid, porcelain enamel lid, and all the cooking grids. Moreover, it provides a ten-year full coverage on all the tube burners. As for the sear plates and ceramic burners, you get a good warranty for five years. You also get a 50% discount on repairs for the rest of your life.
Where is Napoleon’s Base of Operations and Where Are Their Products Made?
When we say that Napoleon is one of the biggest fireplace companies, we aren’t exaggerating. It is a Canadian company with a number of offices across the world. In the USA, the corporate office is in Crittenden, Kentucky.
The manufacturing happens in a 1.2 million square foot facility that is also situated in Canada. It also has a smaller base in China where some grills are produced.
Who Owns Napoleon and How Long Have They Been Around?
Wolf Steel Ltd is the current owner of Napoleon. The company came into being in 1976 and has, over the years, expanded into a large facility.
Comparison Overview
This comparison overview aims to help users who are confused between two very similar brands. We have compared such brands together and discussed their top features to ensure you reach an informed decision.
Heat & Glo vs Kozy Heat
Homeowners love investing in Kozy Heat because it offers amazing efficiency in all its products. It has also been around for more than 25 years, making it a reliable brand. It is one of America’s premium manufacturers that produce gas, pellet, and wood stoves.
Heat & Glo is mostly known for its exceptional wood fireplaces that have taken the internet by storm. These are exceptionally attractive and add a nice touch to your room without adding too much complexity to the design.
Napoleon vs Vermont Castings
Of the many brands that exist in the market, Napoleon takes the lead in terms of BTU. It offers an excellent BTU per square footage, which enhances the healing properties of the stove. Moreover, many of its models also come with side burners that add to space and make the products more diverse.
Vermont Castings is mostly preferred by people who are looking for more affordable ranges. The products by this company are usually made with aluminum and are hence very durable. The only downside is that the company doesn’t offer a very good warranty.
Blaze King vs Fireplace Xtrordinair
Both of these brands are more or less of the same standing, and both do an excellent job when it comes to burning the wood fully.
However, Blaze King takes the lead when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Its products come with more attractive designs that add to your house’s beauty and make your living room brighter than it actually is.
Fireplace Xtrordinair on the other hand offers better durability on its models. Stainless steel and cast iron are used for the construction; both materials add longevity to all the fireplaces the company produces.
Fireplace Xtrordinair vs Lopi
Lopi is one of the largest companies in all of America, and hence it is no wonder that it is also one of the most revered. It has a loyal customer base that is ready to swear by the authenticity of the products. However, its products are relatively expensive and larger. Its repairs are also expensive.
Fireplace Xtrordinair is a relatively smaller company and hence does not produce very complex and expensive units. However, it has the distinct pleasure of introducing some very amazing heat-producing technologies that are incorporated into all of its products.
Napoleon Fireplace vs Heat N Glo
Many products by Heat N Glo come with specialized and very durable grills and louvers on the front that add greater protection and safety. They also come with fan kits that allow for better heat distribution. Heat N Glo also offers excellent designs that add to the aesthetic appeal of your place.
On the other hand, if there is one thing that Napoleon does better than any other brand, it is that it provides an unmatched warranty. For most models, the frame and the body come with a lifetime warranty, whereas most accessories have a warranty of ten years. This makes Napoleon a very reliable brand.
Types of Fireplaces and Brands That Make Them
Fireplaces, like many other heating appliances, come in many different shapes and sizes. Each of these types then offers its own unique features. Here are the most common types, so you know which one is better suited for your needs.
Wall-Mounted
Many electric fireplaces are mounted directly on their walls. They require you to simply plug the appliance to the electrical outlet and get started. The hardest part of these models is that they require a thorough installation process. This is because you don’t want your model to fall off and break. Moreover, they are installed higher up to ensure consistent heat transference. Brands that make such units include:
- Ortal
- Vermont Castings
- Lopi
- Thelin Hearth
- HearthStone
LogsFireplace Inserts
If you already have a fireplace, you only need to get a fireplace insert. These can be bought separately. They offer you a very traditional look that makes your fireplace appear more attractive than before. Moreover, they usually come with a remote control that can be used to control the temperature and speed. You can find fireplace inserts manufactured by:
- Heat N Glo
- Blaze King
- Vermont Castings
- Lopi
- Fireplace Xtrordinair
Mantel Fireplaces
Mantel fireplaces are specially designed to ensure a very safe place for your fireplaces. They allow you to add additional heating to your homes without a lot of work. Moreover, they look very traditional and decorative. Some models also come with an air purifier that drastically improves the quality of your surrounding air. Some companies that manufacture mantel fireplaces are:
- Ortal
- Blaze King
- Vermont Castings
- Fireplace Xtrordinair
- Thelin Hearth Products
Gas Units
These aren’t as popular as they used to be, but because of their better efficiency, many people still prefer to have gas units as opposed to electrical units in their houses. Many of these units will require you to install a chimney too. Gas fireplaces are manufactured by:
- Ortal
- Kozy Heat
- Heat N Glo
- Blaze King
- Vermont Castings
- Lopi
- Fireplace Xtrordinair
- HearthStone
- Napoleon
How Do I Choose Which Brand to Purchase From?
This question has no simple answer because every buyer will have his or her own unique criteria and preference that will determine their choice of brand. But one thing that you should always avoid is looking at just the brand name and picking a unit. Here are all the things you must look into before you make a choice.
Diversity
This is very important because while scouring through the internet, you should have a choice between all the different types of units. So brands that either sell only wall-mounted options or only fixed appliances shouldn’t be your top priority.
Price and Warranty
These two factors are important to consider because one ensures you don’t spend too much initially, and the other ensures you don’t have to spend too much money on repairs and replacements. A good warranty will also ensure a more reliable model.
Ease of Installation
A brand doesn’t have to produce very complex appliances to be considered great. A good model can also have a simple design, and that is exactly what you should look out for. If the ventilation process is too difficult, make sure you pick a brand that offers some kind of assistance in that department. They could either provide you with a professional or give you a detailed handbook of how to set up the fireplace.
Conclusion
People invest in a good brand because they genuinely want a reliable model that can efficiently heat their homes. For this to be possible, you mustn’t fall prey to cheap marketing strategies.
Instead, you should compare all the pros and cons of a brand as well as its warranties to ensure your money doesn’t go to waste. We have briefly discussed the history and story of the top brands, along with why you should choose them to ease the decision. Hopefully, you can now find the ideal unit!
People Also Ask
When it comes to people’s knack for knowledge, there is no limit. Fireplaces look extremely attractive, and many people look forward to investing in these brilliant models to enhance their room’s interiors. We found a plethora of questions on the internet by these enthusiastic potential buyers. Here are the answers to some.
Most wood and gas fireplaces come with a small rating plate that is situated in the control compartment area. This is usually located under the firebox side column or under the smoke shield of the unit. It is there that you will find the name of the brand.
Ideally, a good model should last between 20 and 30 years, but the actual number differs according to the brand and model type.
Moreover, a model that is properly maintained and cared for is likely going to last for a relatively longer time than a model that is treated carelessly.
The quality of the fireplace and how well it is constructed will determine its lifespan. Since these units produce a lot of gases, they don’t live as long as electrical appliances. You can expect a good model to last for three to five years at best.
There are so many fireplace brands in the market that it’s difficult to evaluate all of them. However, while scouring through the internet, we found some models that had excellent warranties. Lopi, Fireplace Xtrodinair, and Thelin Hearth Products all offer a warranty for five years or more.
Any brand that manufacturers fixed fireplaces will have this feature. Such models tend to be very realistic and give off a very traditional look. Thelin Hearth, HearthStone, and Vermont Castings are just a few brands that manufacture highly realistic wall-mounted gas fireplaces.
