Are you looking for a supplemental heating source or do you want a realistic-looking fire? For first-time gas log buyers, this is the most important question to answer. 

Vented gas logs create full, authentic-looking flames and capture the ambiance of a real wood burning fire. Ventless logs, on the other hand, offer a more reliable and efficient heat output. 

Follow this guide to learn the differences between Vented and Ventless gas logs, so you can choose the best style for your fireplace! 

Vented Gas Log Sets

If you’re more concerned about ambiance and aesthetics than heat, a Vented log set is the best choice. 

Vented gas logs are the best way to achieve a realistic-looking fire. Designed for traditional wood fireplaces, Vented logs are a safe, mess-free alternative to firewood. 

Vented logs produce a full, natural-looking flame presentation. They typically come with an expansive ember bed that mimics the warm glow of wood embers in a dying fire. 

The main drawback with Vented logs is efficiency. Just like a real wood fire, you must have a working chimney with a damper. You'll need to keep the damper open to prevent the buildup of hot air, gas, and combustion byproducts in your home. 

With the damper open, most of the heat will escape through the chimney. This is why most customers purchase Vented logs for decoration, rather than reliable heat. 

Read more about the pros and cons of Vented gas logs here.  

Ventless Gas Log Sets

If warmth is what you’re after, then a Ventless gas log set is perfect solution. Vent-Free gas logs are extremely efficient and provide an exceptional amount of heat for your home. 

Ventless logs don't require a chimney or venting system. All the heat produced circulates back into your home, rather than escaping through the chimney. They achieve clean, smokeless flames and burn at nearly 100% efficiency, allowing them to operate safely without a chimney. 

While Ventless logs can appear quite realistic, the flames are smaller than Vented sets and often feature a blue tint. 

The placement of your Ventless logs also affects the flame pattern. Arrange them around your gas outlets to prevent the flames from touching the logs. If your Ventless logs and the fire come into contact, they will produce carbon monoxide. 

Ventless logs may give off an odor when burning. They could also intensify odors already present in your home, such as air fresheners, incense, pet dander, and dust.  

Another thing to keep in mind is that Ventless logs produce water vapor during combustion. This can lead to excess moisture throughout your living space. You might need to crack a window to remove condensation and moisture buildup.  

As a safeguard, Ventless log sets are equipped with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) to monitor the oxygen levels in your space. If oxygen gets too low, the ODS automatically shuts off the gas supply to the burner. 

Read more about the pros and cons of Ventless gas logs here.  

Charred Oak Gas Log Set

By Real Fyre

The Charred Oak Gas Log Set by Real Fyre features a realistic, rustic design with robust flames and a glowing ember bed. Our customers love the exceptional value and affordable price point. Plus, the logs are easy to install, so you can start enjoying cozy wood fire ambiance in no time.  

Real Fyre uses molds made from real wood to cast their authentic-looking log sets. The logs are made from refractory ceramics and reinforced with a steel rod in the center, ensuring they retain their strength and shape at high temperatures. They're also carefully hand-painted to capture the details of the natural wood. 

You can customize the Charred Oak Gas Log Set to fit your fireplace, lifestyle, and budget. Choose from five different sizes, two burner options, and multiple ignition systems to find the right match.  

Weathered Oak Gas Log Set

By Grand Canyon Gas Logs

The Weathered Oak Gas Log Set by Grand Canyon Gas Logs has quickly become a customer favorite for its beautiful flame presentation, simple installation process, and tremendous heat output. It's the perfect way to indulge in the comfort of a traditional wood burning fireplace, without the upkeep.  

To achieve their authentic-looking gas log sets, Grand Canyon sends a team of Log Hunters to scour the Arizona forests for the most unique logs to replicate. Each log is individually cast and hand-painted to bring out the beauty of the foraged wood.  

The weathered, textured bark and authentic splitting results in a rustic, realistic display. Adjustable heat settings also allow you to tailor the ambiance to your liking. Set the heat to high and enjoy up to 37,000 BTUs of warmth or turn it down for subtle supplemental heating.  

These high-quality logs are available in three sizes and work with Natural Gas and Propane configurations. An electronic ignition system and hand-held remote control make operating the fire easy and convenient.  

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We're Here to Help

Need help finding the right gas log set for your fireplace? Contact one of our NFI Certified specialists at 800.919.1904 today! 

More Resources

Head over to our Gas Log Buying Guide to pinpoint the perfect set for your home.  

Check out six reasons why gas logs are great alternatives to wood burning fireplaces. 

Read our Gas Log FAQ page for answers to the most asked questions about gas logs.