If you are adding or upgrading a fireplace, one of the first decisions is the type: a fireplace insert or a built-in fireplace. They can look similar in the finished room, but they solve different problems. Here is how to tell which one fits your home.
What is a fireplace insert?
An insert is a sealed firebox designed to slide into an existing masonry or prefab fireplace opening. It is the go-to upgrade when you already have a fireplace and want it to work better. Inserts turn a drafty, inefficient opening into an efficient, controllable heater, and they come in gas, wood, and electric.
What is a built-in fireplace?
A built-in, sometimes called a zero-clearance fireplace, is a complete fireplace unit framed into the wall during construction or a remodel. It does not need an existing masonry fireplace, so it is the right choice for a new build, an addition, or any room that does not already have a hearth.
Insert vs built-in at a glance
| Insert | Built-in | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Upgrading an existing fireplace | New builds and rooms with no fireplace |
| Installation | Fits into an existing opening | Framed into the wall |
| Efficiency | High, sealed and controllable | High, especially direct vent gas |
| Placement | Where a fireplace already exists | Almost anywhere you can vent |
| Cost | Usually lower than building new | Higher, includes framing and finish |
How to choose
- You already have a fireplace: an insert is almost always the smart move. You keep the existing structure and gain efficiency and control.
- You are building or remodeling: a built-in lets you put a fireplace exactly where you want it, even on a wall that never had one.
- You want the lowest-cost upgrade: inserts generally cost less because they use the opening you already have.
- You want a specific modern look: built-ins offer more flexibility in size, shape, and placement for a clean, contemporary design.
Not sure what you have, or what your opening will fit? That is exactly what an in-home assessment answers. We measure your space and match you to the right unit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put an insert in any fireplace?
Most masonry and prefab fireplaces can take an insert, as long as the opening and venting check out. An assessment confirms the fit.
Are built-in fireplaces more expensive than inserts?
Usually, because a built-in includes framing, venting, and finish work, while an insert uses the opening you already have.
Which is more efficient?
Both are far more efficient than an old open fireplace. A sealed gas insert or a direct vent built-in will hold onto most of the heat it produces.
Do inserts come in gas, wood, and electric?
Yes. The best fuel depends on your home and how you want to use the fireplace.
Insert or built-in? Let's figure it out.
Love's Fireplaces is veteran owned, CSIA certified, and has spent over 20 years fitting the right fireplace to Utah County homes. We measure, recommend, and install.
