800-963-5724
Articles
Best Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces 2026: Top Brands Compared
TL;DR — The best direct vent gas fireplaces of 2026, by category: Best Overall — Mendota FullView (massive viewing window, premium cast iron build). Best Linear — Empire Boulevard (modern linear at value pricing). Best Premium Traditional — Heat-N-Glo True Series. Best Radiant Heat — Valor Horizon (real radiant heat,...
Dimplex Ignite XL vs Ignite XL Bold: What's the Difference (2026)
TL;DR — Both use the same Multi-Fire XD flame technology and same heater output. The Ignite XL Bold has a TALLER, more dramatic flame profile and requires a DEEPER wall recess (~10" vs 6.5" on standard XL). Bold pricing runs $400-$700 more than equivalent XL size. Choose XL Bold for...
How to Program a Maxitrol Mertik G6R-H3T5 Fireplace Remote (2026 Guide)
TL;DR — To pair a Maxitrol Mertik G6R-H3T5 transmitter with the GV60 receiver: (1) press and hold the receiver's reset button until you hear two beeps; (2) within 20 seconds, press the transmitter's small ON button; (3) listen for a long confirmation beep — the remote is now paired. The...
Vent-Free vs Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces: Which Is Better in 2026?
TL;DR — Direct vent is the safer, code-approved-everywhere choice — sealed combustion through an exterior wall or roof, no indoor air quality concerns, approved for bedrooms. Vent-free is the cheaper, easier-to-install choice (no chimney needed) but is restricted in CA, MA, parts of NY, and not approved for bedrooms in...
Best Outdoor Kitchen Brands 2026: Sunstone vs Summerset vs Bull vs AOG
TL;DR — Sunstone wins on individual component quality + customization (broadest doors, drawers, accessories). Summerset wins on integrated grill+kitchen packages (one brand for everything). Bull wins on pre-fab outdoor kitchen island packages (turnkey installation). AOG wins on grill quality at the value tier (Peterson-built). For custom builds: Sunstone components +...
Big Green Egg vs Kamado Joe vs Primo: Ceramic Grill Comparison 2026
TL;DR — Big Green Egg wins on dealer network + reputation + accessory ecosystem (the original kamado, since 1974). Kamado Joe wins on innovation (Divide & Conquer half-grates, SlōRoller heat deflector, hinge engineering). Primo wins on USA-made + only oval kamado on the market (better for dual-zone direct/indirect cooking). All...
Best Pellet Stoves 2026: Harman vs Quadra-Fire vs Lopi vs Comfortbilt
TL;DR — Harman wins on premium build + ESP automatic temperature control (Accentra, Absolute, Allure, P-series). Quadra-Fire wins on durability + simple operation (Mt Vernon, Castile, Santa Fe). Lopi wins on premium cabinetry + Travis Industries quality (AGP, Yankee). Comfortbilt and Englander win on best value at $1,500-$2,500 vs $3,500-$6,000+...
Catalytic vs Non-Catalytic Wood Stoves: Complete 2026 Comparison
TL;DR — Catalytic wood stoves (Blaze King, Buck Stove Model 91, Lopi Cape Cod) deliver 30+ hour burn times and the highest efficiency, but require periodic combustor replacement every 6-12 years. Non-catalytic stoves (most Pacific Energy, Jotul, Vermont Castings, Buck Stove Models 21/74/81) are simpler with no combustor maintenance, but...
Bull vs Blaze vs AOG: Best Value Built-In Grill Comparison 2026
TL;DR — AOG T Series wins on Peterson-built quality (same factory as Fire Magic) at $1,300-$2,800. Blaze Premium LTE wins on lifetime burner warranty + broader size selection at $1,500-$3,500. Bull wins on bigger pre-built outdoor kitchen island packages. For pure best-grill value: AOG. For best warranty value: Blaze. For...
Coyote Outdoor vs Blaze Grills: Mid-Premium Built-In Comparison 2026
TL;DR — Blaze Premium LTE wins on price-per-feature ($1,500-$3,500 vs Coyote's $2,500-$5,000 in the same size class), with the same lifetime burner warranty. Coyote wins on heavier construction (16-gauge stainless vs Blaze's lighter gauge) and a slight design polish edge. For best value, Blaze. For build-feel and willing to pay...
DCS vs Fire Magic: Luxury Built-In Grill Comparison 2026
TL;DR — DCS Series 9 wins on raw cooking performance — 25,000 BTU U-shape stainless burners deliver the most even heat distribution in the luxury category, with double-walled hood for heat retention. Fire Magic Echelon Diamond wins on warranty, longevity, and lower service risk. For pure cooking-first buyers: DCS. For...
Lynx vs Fire Magic: Luxury Built-In Grill Comparison 2026
TL;DR — Fire Magic Echelon Diamond wins on long-term reliability, warranty, and lower service cost over 10+ years. Lynx Professional wins on tech (SmartGrill app, ProSear infrared) and bigger size options (up to 54"). For most luxury buyers, Fire Magic is the safer investment. For tech-forward buyers willing to manage...
