Date posted: 17.06.25

A fire is often the heart of a living room, providing warmth, ambience and a focal point during colder months. Modern homeowners have a choice of heating options, but gas and electric fires remain two of the most popular choices for both traditional and contemporary interiors.

In the Charlton & Jenrick range, there is a vast selection of both electric and gas fires, as well as traditional wood-burning stoves. If you love the look of a wood-burning stove but don’t want the extra work required to burn wood, we offer a range of stoves that run on both electric and gas.

Gas and electric fires come with their pros, cons and practical considerations. Here’s what you should weigh up when deciding which is best for your home.

Installation Considerations:

Gas Fire:

Needs a gas supply: If you don’t already have one in place, you’ll need to factor in the cost of having a registered Gas Safe engineer install a gas line.

May require a chimney or flue: Some gas fires are designed for homes with a working chimney or flue. Some modern balanced flue or flueless models offer more flexibility, but still need proper ventilation.

Electric Fire:

Plug and play: Typically, an electric fire only requires a standard mains socket. Many can be wall-mounted or fitted into an existing fireplace without major building work.

No flue needed: Ideal for flats or newer homes without a chimney.

Running Costs & Efficiency:

Gas Fire:

Gas is generally cheaper per kWh than electricity in the UK, so running costs can be lower for prolonged use.

Older open-fronted gas fires can lose a lot of heat up the chimney; more modern, glass-fronted or balanced flue designs are much more efficient. Below is our Paragon Edge CF (Conventional Flue) gas stove. Combining the look of a traditional stove with gas. This fire is suitable for most chimneys and features a 4kW heat output with an 82.5% efficiency rating.

gas stove



Electric Fire:

100% of the electricity is converted to heat at the point of use, so no heat is lost through a chimney.
However, electricity typically costs more per unit than gas, which can make extended use more expensive.

Below is our 4D Ecoflame electric fire, featuring a glass front that significantly improves efficiency. This 16″ inset fire benefits from an ultra-realistic deep reflective fuelbed and flame effect.

electric fire

Heat Output:

Gas Fire:

Typically provides a higher heat output, making it suitable for quickly warming larger rooms.
Many models, including all in the Charlton & Jenrick range, come with variable controls that allow you to adjust the flame and heat. Typically provides a higher heat output, making it an ideal main heating source.


Electric Fire:

Heat output is usually lower than gas — most models range from 1 to 2 kW, making them better for background or supplementary heating.

Visual Appeal:

Gas Fire:

Offers a real flame, which many homeowners value for its authentic look and feel. Modern gas fires feature realistic ceramic logs or coals, providing a traditional aesthetic. Below is our Paragon P5 CF (Conventional Flue) gas fire. It has a 5.7kW output and an 85% efficiency level. It’s hydrogen-blend ready, and although considered a mid-sized fire, it has a striking look that one would associate with a larger fire.

Many are drawn to this gas fire for its traditional look and real flame.

p5 main



Electric Fire:

Uses LED or projection technology to mimic flames; many are impressively realistic and can be used with or without the heat. The flame effect is often adjustable in terms of colour and intensity, adding a decorative touch even in the summer. Below is an example of how far electric fires have come in recent years. This is our iRange i1800e Deep. At 1.8 metres in length, it can be a perfect centrepiece in a room and fits perfectly into a media wall. The optional LED lighting also allows you to create the perfect mood.

Many people are drawn to this fire due to its convenience and the significant advancements in design and options available.

electric fire


Maintenance and Safety Considerations:

Gas Fire:

Must be serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure safe operation and efficiency.
The risk of carbon monoxide means that detectors are strongly recommended.

Electric Fire:

Very low maintenance; no flue cleaning or servicing is required, although occasional dusting of the fan heater is advisable. No emissions, so no carbon monoxide risk.

Environmental Focus:

Gas Fire:

Burns fossil fuel, contributing to carbon emissions. New, high-efficiency models are cleaner, but still use gas.

Electric Fire:

They can be greener if your electricity comes from renewable sources, but may be less so if powered by fossil fuel-based electricity generation.

Once you’ve decided on the fuel type that best suits you, the next decision awaits – choosing what looks best in your home!

To find a local fire showroom near you, please click here.

cj colour
panache dark
Pure Vision dark
Go Eco dark
katell dark
fireline colour
infinity colour
paragon colour

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