Wood-Burning Stove or Insert vs. Open Flame Fireplace – Which Is Best for Your Home?

When Maryland homeowners think about cozy nights by the fire, they often picture a classic open flame in a traditional fireplace. But more and more people are switching to wood-burning stoves or wood-burning inserts for better efficiency, safety, and heating power.

If you’re trying to decide between keeping your traditional fireplace or upgrading, here’s what you need to know.

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Open Flame Traditional Fireplace

A traditional masonry fireplace burns wood in an open firebox, venting smoke up through a chimney.

Pros:

Ambiance: The crackle, smell, and open view of real flames

Aesthetic: Adds classic charm to a living space

Good for occasional use

Cons:

Low efficiency: Most heat escapes up the chimney

Can pull warm indoor air out of your home

Requires more wood for less heat

More creosote buildup, increasing chimney cleaning needs

Best For:

Occasional fires for atmosphere rather than primary heating

Homeowners who value aesthetics over heat efficiency

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Wood-Burning Stove or Insert

A wood-burning stove is a freestanding unit, while a wood-burning insert is designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening. Both are enclosed systems with glass doors, sealed combustion chambers, and controlled airflow.

Pros:

High efficiency: Many models are 70–80% efficient

Produces significantly more heat with less wood

Glass doors allow you to enjoy the flames safely

Reduced creosote buildup due to hotter, cleaner burns

Can be used as a supplemental heat source, even in power outages

Cons:

Higher upfront cost than just keeping a fireplace as-is

Smaller fire viewing area than a traditional fireplace

Not as open visually as a traditional fireplace

Best For:

Homeowners looking to heat their home effectively

Reducing heating bills

Frequent wood burning during winter months

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature Open Fireplace Stove/Insert

Heat Output Low High

Wood

Consumption High Low

Efficiency 10–20% 70–80%

Safety Lower Higher

Aesthetic High High

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Maryland Homeowner Tip

In colder regions of Maryland, a wood stove or insert can significantly reduce heating costs while keeping your home warm even during power outages. If you love the look of an open flame but want more heat, modern inserts offer large glass fronts for a fireplace feel without losing efficiency.

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We Install Both

At The Dukes Chimney, we install high-quality wood stoves and inserts, as well as maintain and restore traditional fireplaces. We’ll help you choose the right system for your needs, budget, and style.