The History of Gas Fireplaces

The first gas fireplaces appeared way back in 1895, shortly after the debut of the first cast-iron fireplace inserts. These early gas fireplaces were essentially moveable gas burners. In the 1920s, gas fireplaces were regularly sold, but hit a peak of popularity in the 1950s. The Clean Air Act of 1956 added to their appeal, and the aesthetic of a gas fireplace worked well with other midcentury design trends. Gas fireplaces became popular again in the 1990s, when new technology made fake flames more realistic and increased energy efficiency. Gas fireplaces also became safer in the 1990s due to improved venting systems. Today, gas fireplaces remain a popular choice for environmental, aesthetic, and convenience reasons (gas fireplaces don’t produce ash or debris, so they require very little maintenance as compared to traditional wood-burning fireplaces).