Gas Logs

Vented or Vent-Free?

Decide this first, because vented and vent-free logs and burners do not cross over.

Vented log sets are for a wood-burning fireplace with a working chimney, and they burn with the damper open. They give the tallest, most natural-looking flame, and most of the choice is here: every Real Fyre Classic, Designer and Charred Series set is vented, and Grand Canyon builds vented sets in widths up to 120".

Vent-free log sets burn without venting through a flue. The burner has an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot that shuts off the gas if the oxygen level in the room drops too low, and it is certified only with the log sets made for it, placed the way its manual shows. Vent-free gas appliances are not permitted in every state, city or room, so check your local code before you order. If you want a complete vent-free fireplace rather than logs for an existing one, see vent-free fireplaces.

Logs Only, Burner Only, or Both?

• Logs only: Real Fyre and Monessen list their logs and burners separately. You choose the log style and size, then the burner made for it. Each log set page names the burners that fit.
• Logs and burner together: some sets include the burner, such as Empire's Whiskey River and Flint Hill vent-free sets. The title says so.
• Made for one fireplace: many Empire, Superior, Napoleon, Majestic and Kingsman sets are replacement or upgrade logs for a specific fireplace, for example a Superior driftwood set for the DRL2055 and DRL3555, or a Majestic driftwood set for the Echelon II. They fit that model only.

Sizing a Log Set

Size the set to the firebox, not to the front opening. Measure the front width, rear width, depth and height of your firebox. Each burner has minimum fireplace dimensions for every size, and Real Fyre lists them on each burner page; choose the size whose minimums your firebox meets, with room for the set to sit centered. Real Fyre vented sets run from 12" to 72", and Grand Canyon's linear and jumbo sets reach 120" for long or oversized fireplaces.

Lighting, Controls and Fuel

Most burners are offered several ways: match lit (lit by hand at the burner and controlled from the fireplace gas valve), a manual safety pilot, an on/off remote, a variable remote that also sets flame height, or electronic ignition. Real Fyre's match-lit burners are natural gas only. Burners are built for either natural gas or propane, and Real Fyre burners are not field convertible, so order the fuel your home has.

See-Through and Outdoor Sets

For a fireplace open on two sides, use a see-through set, which is finished on both faces, with a see-through burner. For an outdoor fireplace or fire pit, use logs and burners made for outdoor use: Grand Canyon outdoor fire pit logs, Real Fyre's outdoor G45 and G52 burners and the ODG15 outdoor ventless burner, Superior's outdoor concrete log sets, and the American Fyre Designs and Barbara Jean outdoor sets. Indoor logs are not a substitute.

Gas Log FAQs

Do gas logs come with a burner?

It depends on the set. Real Fyre and Monessen sell the logs and the burner separately, and their titles say "Logs Only." Some sets, such as Empire's Whiskey River and Flint Hill vent-free sets, include the burner. Sets made for a specific fireplace sit on that fireplace's own burner. Each product page says what is included and which burner the logs need.

Can I put vented logs on a vent-free burner?

No. A vent-free burner is certified only with the log sets made for it, placed the way the manual shows, and vented logs go on a vented burner in a fireplace with a working chimney. Swapping logs between them, or between two different vent-free burners, is not allowed.

What size gas logs do I need?

Measure the front width, rear width, depth and height of your firebox, then compare them with the minimum fireplace dimensions listed for the burner. Choose the largest size whose minimums your firebox meets, so the set fits with room to be centered. Send us the four measurements through our contact page if you want a second check.

Natural gas or propane?

Buy the fuel your home has. Burners are built for one fuel or the other, and Real Fyre burners are not field convertible. Match-lit Real Fyre burners are natural gas only, so a propane installation needs a burner with a safety pilot, a remote or electronic ignition.

Can gas logs be used outdoors?

Only sets and burners made for outdoor use. Grand Canyon makes outdoor fire pit log sets from 18" to 48", Real Fyre offers outdoor versions of its G45 and G52 burners and the ODG15 ventless burner for outdoor fireplaces, and Superior, American Fyre Designs and Barbara Jean make outdoor sets for their fireplaces and fire pits. Indoor logs are not built for the weather.

Are vent-free gas logs allowed everywhere?

No. Some states, cities and room types restrict or prohibit vent-free gas appliances, and the room has to be large enough for the burner's heat input. Check your local code, and the room size requirement in the burner manual, before you choose vent-free.

Related Collections

• Real Fyre Gas Logs
• Grand Canyon Gas Logs
• Vent Free Fireplaces
• Electric Log Sets
• Fireplace Inserts
• Outdoor Fireplaces
• Fire Pits