What is a see-through fireplace?
These are fireplaces with two or more sides facing different rooms simultaneously. Some are even suitable for an indoor/outdoor installation. You can see through the fireplace from one space to another.
These double-sided fireplace ideas will show you the different types and styles that are available for purchase today.
Best Two-Sided Fireplace Reviews
 | Modern Flames Multi Sided Fireplace |
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 | Empire Boulevard Two Sided Fireplace |
| View On Amazon |
 | See Through Outdoor Fireplace |
| View On Amazon |
This table lists our top picks for the best see-through fireplaces, but we have many more listed below.
There are three main types of fuel used with two-sided fireplaces:
- Electric
- Gas (natural gas or propane)
- Wood burning
We like electric ones because they are usually the most energy-efficient, and you can use them year-round regardless of climate. They take a lot less work to install, run, and maintain.
Gas can provide heat during a power outage with fewer downsides than a wood fireplace. Ventless gas fireplaces can also be very energy efficient since less heat escapes outside.
Wood-burning fireplaces are the nicest for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Sitting beside a wood fire is much nicer than a gas or electric one. But then there is more work involved with collecting firewood and maintenance of the stove.
Nevertheless, here are ten double-sided fireplace options in various styles and fuel types.
1. Empire Boulevard See-Through Gas Fireplace Insert: Best Ventless
Specifications:
- Type: Ventless gas
- Size: 54.2” wide x 12.75” deep x 41.5” high
- Color: black
- Heat: 36,000 BTUs
- Controls: multi-function thermostatic remote control
- Display: Includes a choice of black porcelain liner, trims, and stones
- Flame: fire-colored flame with six settings
- Colors: optional multi-color LED lighting
The Empire Boulevard stands out because it has a protective mesh to prevent touching the hot glass. It’s also highly customizable at an extra cost.
It is the best ventless see-through fireplace because you can simply turn it on or off or use the SmartThermostat to keep your room at a predetermined temperature for consistent warmth.
Peter said:
The fireplace is very nice and the installation instructions were relatively easy to follow.
Pros
- Battery-backup pilot
- Has a fine mesh barrier screen to prevent touching hot glass
- Has a lot of extra options you can add on, including an indoor/outdoor kit
Cons
- High cost
- An optional LED lighting kit is available at extra cost for more ambiance
- Not available for propane
2. Majestic Echelon II Double Sided Fireplace
Specifications:
- Type: vented gas
- Size: 47.5” wide x 12.5” high viewing area
- Color: black, bronze, pewter, charcoal
- Heat: up to 40,000 BTUs with natural gas or 34,000 BTUs with propane
- Controls: remote control
- Display: driftwood and clear glass with natural stone or glass as add-on options
- Flame: realistic fire color
Some people feel more comfortable with a gas fireplace that vents to the outdoors, like this one. Majestic’s Echelon II series stands out because of its contemporary look and realistic flames. The clear glass medium gives it a fire-and-ice look.
It’s the best premium see-through fireplace because the premium price also comes with premium 40,000 BTU heating, which can effectively heat a large space.
Pros
- Up to 40,000 BTUs of heat output
- Heats up to 1300 square feet
- Realistic flame
- Battery backup ignition
Cons
- 62% efficiency
- Requires external venting installation
- High cost
3. Majestic Designer Pass-Through Wood Fireplace
Specifications:
- Type: wood
- Size: 47” wide x 24” deep by 58.9” high or 40” wide x 28” deep x 41.25” high
- Color: black
- Heat: 20,000 to 40,000 BTUs
- Controls: none
- Display: you provide the firewood
- Flame: natural fire
The Majestic Designer fireplace stands out because its features are low-cost.
It includes a heavy-duty grate, access for lighting the logs, and a standard refractory-lined firebox. It’s the best wood-burning fireplace because the glass viewing area allows you to enjoy a wood-burning fireplace without indoor smoke.
Pros
- No smoke
- Natural fire
- Has extra door options
Cons
- Requires a chimney
- Cannot install as an indoor/outdoor fireplace
4. Modern Flames Two-Sided Electric Fireplace Insert
Technical Specifications:
- Type: electric
- Size: 56” wide x 24.9” high x 11.5” long (eight different customizable sizes available up to 96 wide”)
- Color: black
- Heat: 15,000-BTU and 10,000-BTU options
- Controls: comes with a remote control and wireless tether controls (wall control available separately)
- Display: comes with a driftwood log, clear stones, and black smoke crystals, with other decorative rocks and crystals available for further customization
- Flame: uses Hybrid-FX flame technology with realistic random flame images
- Colors: 12 flame and ember bed color options with independent flame and ember color control
This multi-sided fireplace does have a back, but you can configure it to look through the front and one or both short ends. Even when log flames are off, the pulsating effect and downlighting provide ambiance.
What makes this fireplace one of the best electric see-through fireplaces? It is whisper-quiet.
There are three installation options: built-in, partially recessed, or mounted. It also has three installation configurations: single-sided, two-sided corner, and three-sided.
Jessica reviewed it and said:
Fireplace came in as described. It did come without a remote but I reached out the the seller and they put in a warranty request right away and got us a remote sent directly to us. Great customer service.
Pros:
- Several flame and color choices
- Able to change up Display choices
- Remote control
- Low cost
Cons:
- Cannot see through the back
- Low heat
5. Majestic Fortress Indoor Outdoor Fireplace
Specifications:
- Type: indoor/outdoor vented gas
- Size: 49.4” wide x 25.6” deep x 44.4” high
- Color: stainless steel
- Heat: 56,000 BTUs
- Controls: touch-screen remote control
- Display: ceramic logs and realistic embers
- Flame: fire-colored
Why does this fireplace stand out?
It has accent lights, multiple interior brick options, and realistic-looking embers. Accent lights enhance the flames and illuminate the interior.
The Majestic Fortress is the best indoor/outdoor fortress fireplace because it includes rust-resistant 316 marine-grade stainless steel to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Richard said:
Everything went perfect! Modern Blaze had a great price on our fireplace. Our fireplace arrived promptly and Modern Blaze kept us in the loop the entire time.
Pros
- Realistic log fire and embers
- Multiple interior brick options
- Indoor/outdoor use
- High heat
Cons
- Most expensive fireplace on our list
- Requires external venting installation
6. Empire Comfort Systems Outdoor Fireplace
Specifications:
- Type: outdoor gas
- Size: 51.7” wide x 24.3” inches high x 22.3” long
- Color: stainless steel
- Heat: 55,000 BTUs
- Controls: concealed under a weather-proof, tilt-up cover
- Display: Flames
- Flame: Fire-colored
This see-through gas fireplace stands out because it has seven colors of lights to illuminate crushed glass beneath high, medium, or low flames. You can set the controls to stay on one color or to cycle through them all.
The Empire Comfort Systems fireplace is the best fireplace for outdoors because, instead of depending on a remote control, controls are under a weather-proof cover. The weatherproof deflector shield also protects flames from wind.
Pros
- Multi-colored lights illuminate the glass and flames
- Electronic ignition has a battery backup
- Weather-deflector glass panels
Cons
- Does not come with glass stones
7. Superior Ventless See-Through Gas Fireplace:
Specifications:
- Type: ventless gas (natural or propane)
- Size: 55” wide x 17.5” deep x 29.75” high
- Color: aged copper, aged silver, or black
- Heat: up to 39,000 BTUs with natural gas and up to 37,000 BTUs with propane
- Controls: remote control
- Display: fire glass with three glass stone color choices
- Flame: Yellow flames with six illumination settings
The gas fireplace I ultimately chose was a see-through ventless fireplace.
This two-sided gas fireplace insert stands out because it’s see-through from back to front with classic fire-colored flames.
This is the best gas see-through fireplace overall because it has a 99.9% heating efficiency. I also like that it has a battery backup ignition in case you have no power.
Linda reviewed the product and said:
Purchased this product and was completely satisfied. Delivery went well (outdoor deliver) and once it was installed it provided an excellent addition to my home.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Battery backup to electronic ignition
- Ventless
- Classic look
- See-through from front to back
- Low cost
Cons
- The flames may look blue natural gas
See Through Fireplace Pros And Cons
The pros of see-through fireplaces largely outweigh the cons, but it will depend on your home’s space and style.
See-Through Fireplace Pros
- Design: Interesting design element
- Statement: Statement furnishing that not everyone has
- Centerpiece: Can become the centerpiece of the room
- Warmth: Provides even and efficient distribution of warmth between two rooms or when radiating from the center of one room
- Transition: Creates a seamless transition between rooms and can break up larger rooms
- Views: Can allow you to see interesting viewpoints between them
- Style and Size: Available in various styles and sizes to fit your design tastes
- Locational Versatility: Can use them indoors, outdoors, or both indoors and outdoors at the same time
- Safety: Can be safer than open fireplaces because of its glass enclosure
See-Through Fireplaces Cons
- Needs Wall Supports: Floor-to-ceiling fireplaces need the correct wall supports to avoid collapse
- Style: May need to browse a wide variety to fit your home style or redecorate around them
- Privacy: Can remove privacy between two rooms
- Expense: Are more expensive than traditional fireplaces
Choosing A Dual Sided Fireplace
The Superior Ventless See-Through Linear Gas Fireplace is the best overall see-through fireplace because gas fireplaces have many advantages over electric and wood.
The ventless option makes installation cheaper, and its 99.9% heating efficiency makes an already inexpensive heating option even more cost-efficient. It also has a classic look that will keep it from becoming dated.
These are some of the most reputable brands of two-sided fireplaces:
- Empire Comfort Systems
- Majestic
- Modern Flames
- Superior Products
There are lots of features to consider when deciding on a see-through fireplace. Hopefully, we’ve addressed this enough for you to make a better-educated buying choice.
Finally, if you’ve decided these options aren’t for you, check out these great corner electric fireplaces – they’re not as fun as a see-through model, but they’re a lot more affordable.
