WOOD BURNING SYSTEMS
Check out Whimsical Paradise for natural system.
NATURAL GAS SYSTEMS
As much as I love wood burning systems there is something amazing to be said about how far natural gas burners have come, and the advanced systems we have today. About 5 years ago you could not get the same warmth and size in a gas burner, it just wasn’t there. Lately due to their growing popularity, gas burners have advanced with the territory. New machining processes in the burner construction allow bigger and more visible flames then ever. You can choose from a large variety of shapes and also textures you would like your flame to be. Want more flicker? Done. In addition to burner construction improving, the latest systems have smart phone integration that allow you to start your fire remotely as well as alter its size and run time. Not only do these features make natural gas systems appealing they are also very low maintenance, and ready to go any time of the day with no work involved. If all that wasn’t enough there are still the added benefits of ascetics that come with natural gas. There are thousands of stones and glass that make for great decoration. This fire resistant glass would sit on top of the burner appearing to be the source of flame themselves. Then when the fire is turned off? Looks awesome as well. (see Winding Waters). If you’re not into the glass / stone look there are some remarkably accurate porcelain pieces that look just like real wood (see COV Restaurant). Natural gas also burns cleanly without smoke giving your eyes, hair and clothes a break. No more triple shampoo before bed to avoid smelling like an ashtray. As you can tell, there are a good number of great advantages to natural gas.
Photo from Coastal Modern
PROS OF GAS
Click of the button start
Variety of Heat Output
Variety of Flame Size
Variety of bowl designs
Smart Phone Integration
Low / No Maintenance
Instantaneous Warmth
Tailored glass/stone to design aesthetic
Smoke / Odor Free
Runs 365 days regardless of weather
CONS OF GAS
Expensive (Must run a gas line)
Less engaging / experiential
Less heat (generally speaking)
No experiencial journey
No natural sounds & smells
Less reliable
PROS OF WOOD
Sensory experience
Variable fire structure
Produces more heat
Primal connection to earth
Authentic flames
Natural sound / smell
Better for cooking ( think of the s’mores! )
Generally less expensive
CONS OF WOOD
Smoke in eyes
Inconvenience of chopping & storing wood
Takes time to start the fire
Lingering Odor
Maintenance ( cleaning ash etc. )
Contingent on weather conditions