If you're looking for a fireplace with a large heat output then there are plenty of options available. Traditionally solid fuel Fireplaces (burning wood or coal) was the only option available for a homeowner looking for high heat output Fireplaces. Essentially the efficiency of any fireplace depends on how heat efficient your chimney is. If you chimney has a back-draft, it could reduce the overall heat radiated into the room by 60 to 70%. The efficiency of the chimney could be determined by a smoke bomb test (which is often done by gas safe engineer's). The smoke bomb test involves generating a large amount of is smoke and ensuring that the chimney is functioning correctly. If you chimney is not functioning properly, then it may need to be re-lined.

Gas fireplace heat output

Gas Fireplaces have come a long way from their predecessors. It is now possible to purchase Gas Fireplaces which are up to 98% efficient. This means that there is only 2% heat loss created, and the remaining 98% of the heat is radiated into the room. Inset gas fires can be purchased with up to 5 kW heat output. This is adequate to heat up even very large rooms. Conventional gas fires are usually 60% efficient and usually have 3 kW into. This effectively means that 40% of the heat is lost on the chimney and not radiated into the room. The majority of gas fires are used as a focal point rather than a primary heat source.

Electric fireplace heat output

Electric fireplaces unfortunately have a maximum heat output of 2 kW (as is the maximum that can be supplied on a standard 13 amp socket). It is important to note that an electric fireplace is 100%. Electric fireplaces work on a radiant fan heater to create the heat, and the entire amount of heat generated radiated into the room.

Wood-burning stoves heat output

It is possible to order wood-burning stoves that have heat output in excess of 12 kW. The main disadvantage of using wood-burning stove is having to store would and the maintainers required of cleaning soot.