Gas Stoves

Gas Stoves have been around for over a century now and because of their efficiency and convenience more people every year considering using them as a heating source for their homes. It's only a matter of pushing a button or turning a thermostat on, and a gas stove is immediately warm and soothing with the glowing, dancing and very realistic fire. Gas stoves nowadays are not only practical, but beautiful as well and serve both as heaters and as interior design elements.

Gas stoves usually come in two different designs: stand-alone units and fireplace inserts. Stand-alone units are easier and cheaper to install, but fireplace inserts can be often installed into existing old fireplace openings, which can reduce the cost of installation and in which case there is no need to install a vent system. Gas stoves can run on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is more common and cheaper choice whereas propane is typically used when natural gas is not available. Gas stoves usually can work on either type of gas, but are installed to operate on only one type (due to different burning properties of two gases). The type of the gas used normally can be altered later by using some a specialized conversion kit.

There are three types of vent systems available of gas stoves: top vent, direct vent, and vent-free. Top-vented gas stoves normally use existing chimneys or B-vent aluminium gas pipes. Direct-vented gas stoves are vented through the wall behind the stove or through the ceiling above the stove. And free-venting stoves are the easiest choice – they require no venting at all.

Gas stoves most of the time must be installed by certified and licensed professionals and in some cases a building permit could be required. They are very simple in operation and often have thermostat or remote controls for regulating temperature. Some models would have variable speed blowers. Large viewing glass doors are very common nowadays for gas stoves as many models produce very realistic and pleasing fire effects. As gas stoves burn very clean, they don't require a lot of maintenance. It's recommended nevertheless in order to ensure top performance to have them professionally serviced every couple of years and have all chimneys and vents inspected on an annual basis.

The range of brands for gas stoves available on the Stoves Only web site is quite wide and include but not limited by such popular names as: Napoleon, Vermont Castings, Lopi, and Jotul.

There are several benefits of using gas stoves. First, they're very efficient, providing heat output efficiency of about 80% (wood stoves have 60% for example and coal stoves have 75%). They are convenient and provide instantaneous fire – you don't have to start a fire, just push a button or turn a knob. Gas stoves utilize the "zone heating" concept, which can be cost-effective comparing to some central- heating furnaces. They're easy to operate, require practically no maintenance, and usually automatic or semi-automatic devices. If you're looking for efficient and convenient way to heat your house, gas stoves with no doubt are a fine choice for you.

You can see current listings for Gas Stoves here: