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Polgate
Brighton

What you need to know about inset fires

February 2022
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Getting a new electric fire, gas fire or fireplace for your home is a big decision. And with so many different styles and models to choose from, there’s certainly a lot to think about. If you’ve been curious about inset fires, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out exactly what an inset fire is and whether it’s the right solution for your home.

At Sussex Fireplace Gallery, we’re always available to talk you through the options and explain what’s what. Why not give us a call or pop into our showroom in Portslade or Polegate and see a wide range of working fires including inset fires on display?

What is an inset fire?

If you like the sleek aesthetic of a fire that’s flush with the wall rather than extending out onto a hearth, and inset fire may be just the thing. ‘Inset’ literally means that it is set into a recess in the wall or chimney opening. You can get inset electric fires, inset gas fires and even flueless inset gas fires.

Inset fires are popular because they take up less space when fitted into a wall cavity – handy if your room is a little on the small side. They also look very neat in an existing fireplace and, of course, there’s a huge variety of styles to choose from to suit any home décor.

How does an inset fire work?

Inset fires come in gas and electric, and they each work differently.

Inset electric fires are the most versatile type of fire, and they’re super easy to fit. Without the need for a chimney or other type of flue or vent, they can be installed straight into a recess and simply be plugged into a power socket.

Inset gas fires are a little different. Most importantly, they require a chimney. When choosing an inset gas fire, you need to know the type of chimney you have, since there are different products available for Class1, Class 2 and balanced flue chimneys. The fire you choose must be fitted directly into a chimney cavity or attached to a balanced flue. The exception are flueless inset gas fires. While some source of ventilation in the room is needed, they don’t require a chimney.

Which sizes are available?

Most inset fires come in a standard size of 410mm x 560mm(16in x 22in) which is also the height and width size of the aperture in many fireplace back panels. Before you make a purchase, measure your choice of insetfire carefully to make sure it fits into the chimney or wall recess, and doublecheck by also measuring your wall cavity to ensure your inset fire will fit!

Also consider the depth of the wall recess and bear in mind that Class 1 chimneys are deeper than Class 2 chimneys. With inset gas fires, make sure that the model you buy will fit all the way into the cavity. While inset electric fires don’t need to be installed into a chimney, you still have to make sure the wall cavity is deep enough to accommodate your fire.

How do you install an inset fire?

Proper installation is key for all fires and fireplaces in the home. From ensuring that everything is working as it should to complying with safety regulations, it’s important to get a qualified person to carry out any work on your fireplace. At Sussex Fireplace Gallery, we provide a professional installation service for your complete peace of mind. And with well over2,000 installations to our name, our in-house installation team of experienced GasSafe Registered Engineers know how to deliver an efficient, polite and tidy service.

Gas fires must be fitted by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. We can carry out like-for-like replacements, removing your existing fitting a replacement or upgrade along with any associated building work. If you are replacing an outset gas fire with an inset gas fire, the back panel must have the right size cut-out.

Electric fireplaces can be installed by a competent DIYer as long as you follow the instruction manual carefully. Alternatively, the installation team at Sussex Fireplace Gallery will be happy to help.

Get in touch?

For more information about inset gas fires or inset electric fires, please contact Sussex Fireplace Gallery in Eastbourne or Brighton and our team will be delighted to provide friendly, knowledgeable advice and guide you towards the best choice of fire for your home.

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