Bathroom Approved Fireplaces Buyer's Guide

If you ever thought about installing a fireplace in your home, you may have considered what it would be like to have one in your bathroom. While bathroom fireplaces may not be common, they definitely bring another level of luxury to your space. Though each home has its own complications when it comes to installing a fireplace, adding one to a bathroom is no different.

The small, enclosed spaces make it challenging to find the right amount of heat that will comfortably warm and not overwhelm the room. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to make that decision, along with other pro installation and design tips. So sit back, get comfortable and happy reading.

1. What makes a bathroom-approved fireplace different from the rest?

Bathroom-approved fireplaces are manufactured to fit small spaces & not overwhelm them with heat. They are different because some of them are uniquely shaped so they fit tight wall spaces. Then there are electric fireplaces that come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can fit just about anywhere.

The slender, Rumford-style fireplace is a great option for anyone who wants a wall mounted fireplace for their bathroom but doesn't have a ton of wall space. Many electric fireplaces also come with the option to turn the heat off and change the colors of the flame. So you can customize your experience exactly how you want it. Adding a simple fireplace to your bathroom can upgrade it from a room you barely spend time in to a relaxing oasis you hate to leave.

2. Do's and Dont's of putting a fireplace in your bathroom

DO consider getting a remote so you can operate from the tub and take relaxation to the next level. Most electric and gas fireplaces are remote capable. So, keep that in mind before you buy.

DO think about getting a fireplace with color-changing flames. If your primary reason for getting a fireplace in your bathroom is aesthetics, then picking one with flames that match your decor could step things up a notch.

DON'T think about installing an open wood burning fireplace or wood stove in your bathroom. 1. It's super messy and not a good idea. 2. Wood burning fireplaces produce too much heat and will overwhelm just about any bathroom of any size.

DON'T forget to look at your sq. footage so you get the right size for your space. Even if it is bathroom approved, that doesn't mean it will automatically fit YOUR bathroom. You can use this BTU calculator to help you figure out how many BTUs are enough for your bathroom.

3. What types can I choose from?

Vented Gas Fireplaces

Vented gas fireplaces can be installed on a wall next to an exterior wall to simplify the venting set up. Though, it also can be vented through a roof and set up along any wall in the bathroom that's open & has room for a fireplace. One bonus to a vented gas fireplace ( https://www.efireplacestore.com/maj-rbv4842it.html ) is how authentic it looks. If you were bummed to hear that installing a wood fireplace isn't a good option, then getting a vented gas fireplace is the next best thing. Gas logs are made to look very real these days, so you can get the best of both worlds by skipping the mess of a wood fireplace but enjoying the traditional look of a vented gas one.

Vent Free Gas Fireplaces

If you are looking for a less expensive option among gas fireplaces, a vent free fireplace is a good choice. They put off as much heat as vented fireplaces but are more efficient than most because no heat is lost up the chimney. Vent free fireplaces only require gas line installation. So, you can save a ton in setup costs too. The one thing to keep in mind with vent free fireplaces is they can emit moisture as a by-product, so that may increase humidity in your bathroom. If you already live in a humid environment and want a fireplace more for looks, a vent free fireplace may not be the right option for you.

Electric Fireplaces

If you want to go even simpler and less expensive than a vent free gas fireplace, a great option is an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces require little installation labor and costs since they rarely need more than to be plugged into the wall. Though, you do have the ability to fully install it into the wall like other fireplaces if you like that look better. Electric fireplaces run from a few hundred dollars up to over a thousand. They also have color-changing flame abilities and some come with the ability to turn the heat off while running the flames. So, you can truly customize an electric fireplace to meet your every need.

Ethanol Fireplaces

Last on the list of bathroom approved fireplaces are ethanol fireplaces. Some people are afraid of vent free fireplaces because of the minimal risk of inhaling chemical by-product. Even though vent less fireplaces are heavily moderated by the EPA, they are also banned in some states due to fear of poisoning. Though, with an ethanol fireplace, you will never run that risk because ethanol fireplaces are run by fuel produced from beets, corn and potatoes. They only put off steam and carbon dioxide. So they are perfectly safe for your bathroom.

Since ethanol fireplaces are vent free, you won't need to install a chimney and will have minimal effort for the setup. There is no gas installation or venting required, so it's as simple as pulling it out of the box and putting a few parts together then setting it wherever you'd like. If you do choose to install it in a wall, all you need is simple framing and you will be all set to enjoy your ethanol fireplace.

4. Brands

Empire: Since 1932, Empire has been making hearth products to suit all your heating needs. Empire values their customers & has listened to them over the years & adapted their product line based on changing market needs. They sell a wide variety of gas-operated heaters including vent free & b-vent fireplaces, vent free & vented gas logs as well as fireplace inserts and cast iron stoves. Empire has you covered no matter what you are looking for.

Kingsman: Kingsman has a sturdy reputation for engineering quality products. They make gas fireplaces, inserts and free standing stoves that are known to last for decades. They've lasted in the hearth industry for 40 decades, so you can trust that you will get nothing but the best quality products and top-notch customer service.

Modern Flame: Modern Flames is a leader in the world of contemporary electric fireplace design. Modern Flames creates fireplaces perfect for residential or commercial settings, and pioneered the introduction of linear electric fireplaces all through North America in the late 2000's. No one does modern heating appliances like Modern Flames. You are sure to find a contemporary piece you will love!

Napoleon: Napoleon's claim to fame in the hearth industry is being a jack of all trades. They have one of the widest-ranging assortments of fireplaces and heaters. You can find everything from gas fireplaces, to wood burning fireplaces, to inserts to wood stoves and even outdoor fireplaces. Napoleon doesn't just create a lot of hearth products, they also create some of the most innovative designs and models. If you choose a Napoleon fireplace, you are sure to get something unique and superior in quality.

Superior: Superior Fireplaces manufactures a full line of hearth products including; gas, wood, electric and outdoor fireplaces. They also have wood stoves, fireplace inserts, and gas log sets. Superior is a brand known for diverse product lines and over 40 years of exceptional fireplace manufacturing. They craft products worthy to uphold their company name.

5. Installation

As we discussed earlier, electric and ethanol fireplaces can be installed in a matter of minutes if you choose not to frame them into the wall. If you decide you want to do that, a simple frame installation can cost a few hundred dollars for materials. Fireplace installation starts to get pricey when you need to hire a professional to put in a gas line or venting. With vented fireplaces, both will always be necessary. Though, with vent free, you can skip the venting and save some cash which is a nice added bonus considering installation with venting and gas lines can range up to $3000.

If you do need to hire someone to do the job for you, whether you don't have the tools or the experience, you should look for a certified technician on the NFI website. These professionals have to be certified in several categories and do continuing education to make sure they are at the top of their game. Hiring an NFI certified is the best option when it comes to fireplace installation. It will ensure you get the best of the best.

6. Care / Maintenance

Any fireplaces that are vented will need regular chimney sweeps to ensure creosote and other by-product doesn't build up. Since we are talking about fireplaces in the bathroom, it's also a good idea to regularly check for water damage on electrical parts. Water can damage pilot lights and/or cords. So, be sure to look your appliance over once every few months to make sure things are still in good working order.

If you keep the venting and electrical parts working well, you also need to consider cleaning glass doors and windows regularly too. Glass can fog up and/or get soot build up. Some will need to be removed to clean them properly. You can check out this article for step-by-step instructions on taking the glass out of your fireplace. Cleaning ethanol fireplaces will be extremely simple. Let the fireplace cool down before cleaning. Then use a soft cloth & warm water to clean the exterior. Abrasive sponges may damage the surface of the burner pan, so do not use those.

With the pros tips on installation, cleaning, and design choices, we hope we have brought you a few steps closer to finding the bathroom fireplace of your dreams. Should you have any more questions please feel free to call us at 800.203.1642 or scroll through our library of articles here.