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
 | Superior Ventless See Through Fireplace |
| View On Modern Blaze |
 | Modern Flames Multi Sided Fireplace |
| View On AmazonView On Walmart |
 | Empire Boulevard Two Sided Fireplace |
| View On AmazonView On Modern Blaze |
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. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
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
Buying A Fireplace For Heat Vs Aesthetic
Some people buy a see-through fireplace for heat, while others buy it for aesthetics.
There’s no reason you can’t use a two-sided fireplace insert for both heat and aesthetics if you have reasonable expectations. Otherwise, it depends on what you’re trying to achieve in your space.
For example, we’ve seen many great double—and triple-sided fireplaces in large entryways. These are just there for looks and are not going to do much for heating. They are popular in grand homes in LA.
You shouldn’t expect a two-sided fireplace to heat your entire house or be your only heat source. However, fireplaces are great for zone heating.
Zone heating allows you to heat just the room that you’re using, which can save on energy bills. When you close the doors of all the other rooms, you’ll have no problem warming up the living area with a Superior Ventless see-through fireplace.
Installing a double-sided fireplace insert in the middle of a room will definitely give you more heat than a fireplace on one side of a room.
If your climate requires looking for a fireplace that will provide more heat, you should check the BTU rating. A fireplace with a higher BTU rating, like the Majestic Fortress fireplace, provides more heat.
If you want a fireplace for aesthetics, remember you can only use an electric one year-round. Every other day, your fireplace would be a piece of useless furniture.
While a see-through electric fireplace like the Modern Flames Landscape Pro can be operated without heat, gas and wood fireplaces always generate heat when used.
Gas Vs Electric Vs Wood-Burning
When I decided which see-through fireplace to buy, I made a checklist of features and rated how important each one was to me.
Is a gas, electric, or wood-burning see-through fireplace best?
Electric fireplaces have more pros, and wood fireplaces have more cons, while gas fireplaces are somewhere in the middle.
Gas
If heat is important to you, a gas fireplace can generate the most heat. It can also generate continuous heat, unlike wood fireplaces.
Gas is also usually a cheaper heating alternative than electricity. Ventless gas fireplaces like the Empire Boulevard are more energy-efficient than vented ones because they don’t lose any heat to the outdoors.
Keep in mind that the gas line installation process can be complicated and expensive, and you have things like pilot lights to deal with.
Gas fireplaces also require professional yearly maintenance, especially if they are your primary source of heat. Plus, you may need to replace ceramic logs in 3-5 years with heavy use.
Gas fireplace pros:
- No smoke
- No mess
- Safe
- Energy efficient
- Thermostat
- Useable during burn bans
- Works during a power outage
- Generate the most heat
- Usually cheaper than electricity
Gas fireplace cons:
- Fumes
- High-maintenance:
- Expensive installation
- No pleasant smell
- No Pleasant sounds
- Not usable year-round
- Requires a gas line connection
Electric
Electric fireplaces are the most energy-efficient option. Since electric fireplaces do not vent outdoors, all heat stays indoors.
Electric fireplaces give off no pollutants like gas and wood fireplaces do. Thus, they are safer.
Electric fireplaces do not require yearly maintenance like gas and wood fireplaces do.
You can also operate an electric fireplace year-round. Operating an electric fireplace without heat is possible for the ambiance alone.
You could easily have one between your living room and an outdoor beach as quickly as a snowy mountain patio.
The main downside to having an electric fireplace is that it will not work during a power outage.
Electric fireplace pros:
- No fumes
- No smoke
- No mess
- Doesn’t require yearly maintenance
- The safest option
- The most energy-efficient option
- Thermostat
- Inexpensive installation
- The only fireplace that is usable year-round
- Useable during burn bans
Electric fireplace cons:
- No pleasant smell
- No pleasant sounds
- Doesn’t work during a power outage
Wood Burning
If you love the smoky smell of burning wood and peaceful crackling sounds, you might feel a sense of letdown with other options.
Unfortunately, there are more negatives than positives related to wood fireplaces, such as the Majestic Designer.
They are messy, and when you want to use your wood fireplace, you must locate a place that sells firewood. Wood fireplaces also require yearly maintenance such as cleaning fire brick or dealing with fireplace smells.
While they are less energy-efficient, some newer wood fireplaces promise 75% or more energy-efficiency ratings. Glass doors on two-sided fireplaces also help conserve energy.
Wood fireplace pros:
- Pleasant smell
- Pleasant sounds
- Works during a power outage
Wood fireplace cons:
- Fumes
- Smoke
- High-maintenance
- Lower safety
- Least energy efficient
- No thermostat
- Expensive installation
- Not usable year-round
- Not useable during burn bans
- Can’t use without firewood
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.
