Quick warmth – even at the push of a button
In the world of wood fires, there are two fundamentally different types of heating: long-lasting and quick warmth. The latter category includes most heating fireplaces, wood stoves, gas fireplaces, and open fires.
Quick warmth means that the living space (and therefore the person) is supplied with heat much faster than with a storage stove. The reason lies in the design.
Systems designed for quick warmth have no storage elements. This means that the hot combustion gases flow directly from the firebox into the chimney. The produced heat is released directly through large viewing windows or firebox openings (in the case of an open fireplace).
Right after lighting, the heat radiates through the glass, and you can feel it within minutes. With a gas fireplace, this works at the push of a button – warmth within seconds.
Of course, the spectacle is just as quickly over once the fire goes out. Long-lasting heat storage effects, like those of a tiled stove or masonry heater, do not exist in a fireplace or gas fireplace. Once it’s extinguished, it cools down quickly.
Rooms can also overheat easily if the size of the glass panel or opening does not match the dimensions and structure of the space. The fireplace releases too much heat too quickly, creating a sauna effect. This can be avoided with an optimal system size calculated by a professional craftsman.
Simply beautiful – the wood fire
At the same time, it offers the best possible view of the flames. Two birds with one stone. The wood fire becomes a showpiece, since most households today have modern, highly efficient heating systems and no longer need the wood fire as their primary heat source.
People simply want to enjoy the fire and take in the visual experience. Still, there remains the basic desire to secure warmth using renewable raw materials from the region. Freestanding stoves also fall into this category. Like handcrafted fireplaces, they give off heat through their outer surface – but only to a limited extent.
Who are fireplaces and gas fireplaces suitable for?
Most people today don’t want to miss out on the visual beauty of a wood fire. That’s why modern tiled stoves and masonry heaters now also come with relatively large glass fronts. However, there are a few fundamental practical differences compared to storage stoves that buyers should keep in mind:
Because of their fast heat output, fireplaces and gas fireplaces are especially suitable for people who are not at home very often. After a long day at work, they can quickly create the cozy atmosphere you need for one or two relaxing hours. Gas fireplaces, in particular, stand out for their convenience – they can be turned on at the push of a button.
Even open fireplaces (also called “Urfeuer” fireplaces) are perfect for cozy moments when less heat but more visual atmosphere is desired. They also have the added benefit of pleasing the sense of smell with the natural aroma of burning wood.
Freestanding stoves, with their compact and self-contained design, are particularly easy to install and remove. This makes them ideal for tenants and for anyone with limited space.
Conclusion
Fireplaces and gas fireplaces provide quick warmth and the cozy atmosphere of a wood fire. They heat up fast – but also cool down faster than a storage stove. Fireplaces and gas fireplaces offer a wonderful way to create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in no time.
Expert advice
Before building a fireplace, it’s important to think carefully about what you expect from it. Primarily warmth? Maybe integration into the home’s heating system? Or is it mainly about the visual appeal? Perhaps fire at the push of a button? There’s a perfect solution for every need.
