Articles
Best Cast Iron Fireplace Grates: Sizing Guide and Top Picks for 2026
Why Choose a Cast Iron Fireplace Grate? A quality cast iron fireplace grate is essential for any wood-burning fireplace. It elevates your logs off the firebox floor, allowing air to circulate underneath for a better, hotter burn. Cast iron is the preferred material because it withstands extreme temperatures without warping,...
What Is an Amish Fireplace? Everything You Need to Know
What Is an Amish Fireplace? An "Amish fireplace" — also called an Amish heater or Amish electric fireplace — is a portable infrared electric heater housed in a wooden mantel cabinet that's handcrafted by Amish woodworkers. The name comes from the Amish-made furniture surround, not the heating technology inside. The...
Electric Fireplace Repair Guide: Common Problems and DIY Fixes
Can You Repair an Electric Fireplace Yourself? Many common electric fireplace problems can be fixed at home without calling a technician. Issues like tripped breakers, dirty filters, faulty remotes, and error codes often have simple solutions. This guide covers the most frequent problems and walks you through the fixes step...
The Complete Guide to Gel Fuel Fireplaces: Pros, Cons, and Top Picks
What Is a Gel Fuel Fireplace? A gel fuel fireplace burns cans of isopropyl alcohol-based gel to produce real flames without needing a chimney, gas line, or electrical connection. They're popular for apartments, condos, and rooms where traditional fireplaces aren't practical. The flames are real — not simulated — and...
How to Build an Outdoor Kitchen: Planning Guide and Product Checklist
An outdoor kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. It extends your living space, increases property value, and makes entertaining effortless. But planning one involves many decisions — from the grill to the island to the heating and fire features. This guide walks through...
Built-In Grill Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Outdoor Grill
A built-in grill is the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. Unlike portable grills, built-in models are permanently installed into a countertop or island, creating a professional cooking station that adds value to your home. With prices ranging from $2,000 to $13,000+, choosing the right built-in grill is a significant investment....
Best Patio Heaters for 2026: Electric vs Gas Comparison Guide
Patio Heater Winners at a Glance — 2026 Category Winner Price Why Best Overall Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat Electric 2300W $1,483 Sleek, powerful, built to last — the industry benchmark. Best Electric Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Electric 6000W $1,089 Industrial design at a fair price with heavy heat output. Best Gas Schwank...
Empire Fireplace Buying Guide: Every Series Compared
Empire Comfort Systems has been manufacturing gas fireplaces, heaters, and stoves in Belleville, Illinois since 1932. With product lines spanning from budget-friendly vent-free heaters to premium $10,000+ linear fireplaces, Empire offers one of the broadest catalogs in the hearth industry. This guide breaks down every major Empire fireplace series to...
Bromic vs Infratech: Which Outdoor Patio Heater Brand Is Better?
When it comes to premium outdoor patio heaters, Bromic Heating and Infratech are two of the most recognized brands. Both offer high-quality electric and gas heating solutions for residential patios, restaurants, hotels, and commercial spaces. But they take different approaches to design, technology, and pricing. In this comparison, we break...
Dimplex Ignite XL Buying Guide: Which Size Linear Electric Fireplace Is Right for You?
The Dimplex Ignite XL series is one of the most popular linear electric fireplace lines on the market. Available in sizes from 50 to 100 inches, with both standard and Bold (3-sided) models, the Ignite XL delivers a modern, realistic flame effect without the need for gas lines, venting, or...
Buck Stove Model 21 Review: Compact Non-Catalytic Wood Stove
The Buck Stove Model 21 is a compact non-catalytic wood stove that packs serious heating performance into a smaller footprint. Rated to heat 800 to 1,800 square feet, it is ideal for medium-sized homes, cabins, and rooms where a full-size stove would be overkill. Buck Stove has been manufacturing wood...
Buck Stove Model 74 Review: Non-Catalytic Wood Stove for Large Spaces
The Buck Stove Model 74 is one of the most powerful non-catalytic wood stoves on the market, designed to heat spaces up to 2,600 square feet. Made in the USA by Buck Stove, this unit has earned its reputation among homeowners who need serious heating capacity without the hassle of...