When selecting a gas fire for your home, understanding the differences between open fronted and glass fronted models is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll compare their efficiency, safety, aesthetics, and availability to help you make an informed decision.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Table of contents
- What are the pros and cons?
- Efficiency: More Heat, Less Waste
- Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family
- Aesthetics: The Look and Feel of the Fire
- Availability: What’s on the Market?
- Alternatives: Bio ethanol Fires or Bespoke?
- Our Top Picks: Open Fronted vs. Glass Fronted Gas Fires
- Conclusion: Why Glass Fronted Is the Future
What are the pros and cons?
When deciding between glass fronted and open fronted gas fires, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of each option to fully understand their unique benefits.
Below, we’ll break down the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you make an informed decision.
Open Fronted Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Provides a more traditional and authentic open flame experience.
- Slightly cheaper upfront cost compared to glass fronted models.
- Some homeowners prefer the exposed flame for ambiance and aesthetics.
- Can still provide reasonable heat output, though less efficient.
On a recent survey – The main advantage to consumers being the authentic flame effect and radiant heat they provide.
Cons:
- Much lower efficiency (typically 40-50%), meaning more heat is lost up the chimney.
- Fewer modern design options – Now limited to traditional 16″ to 22″ styles.
- Higher fuel consumption, leading to increased running costs.
- Less safe, as there is no barrier between the flames and the room.
- Does not meet the latest energy efficiency standards, making them less common especially in new builds.
On a recent survey – The main disadvantage being that design options are now limited to 16″ to 22″ sizes as they do not provide much efficiency being open fronted.
Glass Fronted Pros And Cons
Pros:
- High efficiency (up to 90%), meaning more heat is retained and directed into the room.
- Lower running costs due to improved fuel efficiency.
- Safer, as the glass barrier prevents direct contact with flames (ideal for homes with children or pets).
- More modern designs available, including landscape and panoramic models.
- Meets latest energy efficiency regulations.
- Reduces drafts and heat loss through the chimney.
On a recent survey – High efficiency and low running costs being a massive win with modern landscape designs.
Cons:
- The glass panel slightly reduces the open flame experience.
- Some models require regular glass cleaning due to condensation or soot buildup.
- Generally more expensive upfront than open fronted alternatives.
On a recent survey – Can be more expensive upfront costs and the glass panel can cause minor glaring.
Comparing both gas fire types:
The graph below illustrates the comparison between glass fronted and open fronted gas fires, highlighting key differences in efficiency, heat output, and fuel consumption.
| Feature | Open Fronted Gas Fires | Glass Fronted Gas Fires |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency Rating | 40% – 50% | Up to 90% |
| Heat Retention | Low | High |
| Heat Output to Room | Moderate | High |
| Fuel Consumption | Higher | Lower (more efficient) |
| Energy Wastage | High (heat escapes) | Low (heat retained) |
| Heat Type | Radiant Heat | Radiant/ Convected Heat |
Glass fronted models are known for their superior energy efficiency, as they retain more heat within a room, whereas open-fronted designs offer a traditional aesthetic but may result in higher heat loss.
This comparison provides valuable insights for homeowners looking to balance performance, cost, and visual appeal when choosing a gas fire.
Efficiency: More Heat, Less Waste
Open Fronted Gas Fires
Open fronted gas fires are far less efficient than glass fronted models. With an efficiency rating of around 40%-50%, a significant portion of the heat escapes through the chimney, meaning less warmth for your room.
They function similarly to an oven that has been left open – while you may feel the heat upfront, much of it is lost rather than circulating effectively.
Glass Fronted Gas Fires
Glass fronted gas fires are designed to retain and distribute heat efficiently. They can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 90%, ensuring more warmth is directed into the living space.
The glass panel helps trap heat, meaning you get the maximum benefit from the fuel being burned.
Safety: Protecting Your Home and Family
Open Fronted Gas Fires
Without a barrier between the flames and the room, open fronted fires pose a higher risk of burns and accidents, especially for households with young children or pets.
There is also a greater chance of objects coming into direct contact with the flames.
Glass Fronted Gas Fires
The protective glass panel acts as a safety shield, reducing the risk of accidental burns while still allowing you to enjoy the visual effect of a real flame. This makes them a safer choice for most homes.
Aesthetics: The Look and Feel of the Fire
Open Fronted Gas Fires
Many people love open fronted fires because they provide an unobstructed view of the flames, creating an authentic and traditional fireplace experience. However, this comes at the cost of efficiency and safety.
Glass Fronted Gas Fires
While the glass may create a slight visual barrier, modern designs offer highly realistic flame effects that closely mimic open fires. Many panoramic and landscape gas fires now feature ultra clear glass, making the barrier nearly invisible.
Availability: What’s on the Market?
Open fronted gas fires are becoming less common, especially in contemporary styles like landscape and panoramic designs. The majority of available models are limited to traditional 16″ designs as they cannot conform to the latest efficiency regulations.
On the other hand, glass fronted gas fires are widely available, offering more choices in size, shape, and style to fit modern home aesthetics.
Alternatives: Bio ethanol Fires or Bespoke?
Bioethanol
If you love the idea of an open flame but are concerned about efficiency and gas safety, bio ethanol fires might be a great alternative.
An open flame bioethanol fire can lightly warm a room, offering a cosy atmosphere, but its primary function is still decorative.
However, some people consider them dangerous due to the need to top them up with alcohol, which poses a fire risk.
Additionally, these fires are not regulated, and without a proper flue system, leading to concerns about air quality and safety while burning fuel indoors.
Bespoke
A bespoke box, gas fire burner, exhausto fan and air vent system offers a highly tailored solution, distinguishing it from bioethanol alternatives.
This should be designed and fabricated by a reputable fireplace company, ensuring all components work togethor to guarantee safety and efficiency.
While it provides the aesthetic appeal of a modern open flame gas fire, it’s important to note that it is not intended to deliver significant heat output which is why they’re often used as show pieces or in hotels/ commercial establishments.
The integration of an exhausto fan (Exodraft chimney fan) and air vent into the room ensures proper ventilation and combustion.
This could be a tunnel setup whereby you can see through the flames to the other side. Also, it could be one, two or three open sided to suit your rooms setup and interior.
Require a professional? We can bespoke fabricate this for your project. Get in contact with our team
Our Top Picks: Open Fronted vs. Glass Fronted Gas Fires
Here are some of the top products from our range:
Open-Fronted Gas Fire: Logic Convector 16″ Gas Fire – A high-efficiency open-fronted gas fire with up to 4.2 kW heat output and a realistic flame effect. View Here
Glass-Fronted Gas Fire: Bellfires Horizon Bell Medium – A modern widescreen gas fire with up to 85% efficiency and available in various sizes. View Here
Conclusion: Why Glass Fronted Is the Future
While open fronted gas fires offer a traditional aesthetic, they lack efficiency and safety compared to glass fronted models.
A glass fronted gas fire provides higher heat output, improved safety, and a wide range of modern designs, making it the better choice for most homes.
As efficiency standards rise in the UK, open fronted gas fires are gradually being phased out, while glass fronted models are becoming the preferred standard.
If you’re looking for maximum heat, safety, and style, a glass fronted gas fire is the way forward.
Ready to upgrade? Explore our range of glass fronted gas fires here
