What’s Right for Me?

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Fireplace for Your Kansas City Home

At Leisure World Pool & Hearth, we meet homeowners every day who know they want a fireplace—but don’t know where to start. That’s completely normal. Choosing between wood, gas, and electric appliances isn’t just about which one sounds nice — it’s about how you live, where you live, how you use your space, and what kind of long-term experience you want.

This guide will walk you through the real differences between the options, so you can make a confident, informed decision.

All Your Fireplace Options with Leisure World

Wood-Burning Fireplaces:

Authentic, Traditional, and Hands-On

For many homeowners, nothing replaces the experience of a real wood-burning fire. The crackling sound, the smell of burning logs, and the dancing flames create a timeless atmosphere you can’t fully replicate with any other system. Wood-burning fireplaces provide strong radiant heat and complete energy independence — you aren’t reliant on gas lines or electricity to enjoy a warm fire.

However, wood-burning fireplaces do require more personal involvement. You’ll need to source, store, and haul firewood regularly. Maintenance is ongoing, including cleaning out ashes and scheduling yearly chimney sweeps to remove creosote buildup and ensure safe operation. Many Kansas City homes built decades ago have existing wood-burning fireplaces that can often be restored or upgraded with modern safety features and efficiency improvements.

For homeowners who enjoy the full experience of fire-building and want that authentic, off-grid charm, wood-burning fireplaces remain the gold standard.

Gas Fireplaces:

The Best of Heat, Efficiency, and Convenience

Gas fireplaces are often the most popular choice for homeowners who want both beauty and simplicity. They offer the look and feel of real flames, but without the mess, preparation, or daily maintenance that comes with wood-burning systems. With the press of a button or remote, you get instant, controllable heat. Modern gas units burn very efficiently and can provide excellent supplemental or even primary heat depending on your room size and home design.

In most cases, gas fireplaces do require venting and access to a natural gas or propane supply. For existing wood-burning fireplaces, many Kansas City homeowners choose to retrofit with gas inserts—allowing them to keep the charm of a fireplace opening while upgrading to modern gas convenience.

Gas fireplaces are ideal for busy families who want real flame aesthetics with very little daily upkeep. Annual cleanings and inspections are recommended to keep them running safely & efficiently for years.

Electric Fireplaces:

Flexible, Modern, and Hassle-Free

Electric fireplaces have seen massive improvements in recent years, offering realistic flame effects and customizable designs that work in nearly any space. Because electric fireplaces don’t require venting or gas lines, they open up fireplace installation possibilities that wouldn’t have been feasible with wood or gas — making them ideal for condos, apartments, smaller rooms, bedrooms, or nontraditional layouts.

While electric fireplaces offer excellent design versatility, their heat output is generally limited compared to wood or gas models. They function best as supplemental heat sources rather than primary heating for large, open rooms. But for homeowners who prioritize ambiance, low maintenance, and flexible placement, electric fireplaces deliver.

They require virtually no upkeep beyond occasional dusting and can be run year-round with or without heat, allowing you to enjoy the flame effect even on warmer days.

The biggest difference between these systems isn’t simply which fuel they use — it’s how much involvement, maintenance, flexibility, and design control you want to have over time.

• If you want the full experience and authenticity, wood remains unmatched.
• If you want real flames with maximum convenience, gas offers the perfect balance.
  
• If you want the look of a fireplace without venting, gas lines, or hassle, electric gives you the flexibility you need.

At Leisure World Pool & Hearth, Inc., we don’t push one type of fireplace over another. Instead, we start by listening to your needs, evaluating your space, and guiding you to the system that truly fits your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

The Bottom Line:

It’s About How You Want to Live With Your Fireplace

Get Personal Fireplace Guidance — In Store

The fastest way to get the right fireplace?  Take or send us a photo of your current space (with dimensions!) and visit us in person. Our experts will walk you through options tailored to your style, space, and budget — no prompts or call centers, just friendly, knowledgeable help from the team that answers the phone and greets you at the door.

Schedule Your Fireplace Consultation

If you're still unsure, that’s exactly why we're here. Our team will walk you through every option, explain the pros and cons in your specific space, and help you move forward with total confidence.