Ventless fireplace inserts can usually be found in home and garden centers, barbecue specialty stores, and from online retailers. Ventless fireplace inserts are basically fireboxes with decorative ceramic logs and log grates; or, sometimes, they're merely comprised of the log and grate sets themselves. The main difference between the two is that the firebox offers extra protection to the interior of whatever space into which the logs and grate sets will be placed.

However, in some cases--for example, small spaces such as Mexican chimineas--fireboxes aren't possible or necessary. A chiminea is small compared to a fireplace. It is a gourd-shaped, terra cotta stove with an open mouth in the belly, or bowl, and a long, slender vent rising up from the bowl. These are designed strictly for outdoor use in burning fragrant woods such as hickory, mesquite, or cedar. However, when used with gel fuel-burning, ventless fireplace inserts, chimineas can be safely brought inside for indoor use.

How Ventless Fireplace Inserts Work

Ventless fireplace inserts are easy to use. All they need is a can of approved gel fuel to achieve a six to eight inch, amber-colored flame. Gel fuel is a very modern invention, comprised of isopropyl alcohol, sea salts and other thickeners. One of the most reputable fuels is called Sunjel and is manufactured by the 2 Burn corporation. This fuel has achieved ULC approval from the Underwriters Laboratory, a product testing and safety association.

To prepare your fireplace insert for use, first you must install the firebox (if one is included) into your existing fireplace. From there, just place the grate in the middle of the firebox or fire-burning area, and assemble your ceramic logs on top of the grate. Remove the label from the can of gel fuel, open the lid, place the fuel container behind your log and grate set, and light the fuel with a long match or lighter.