By Marc Broussard, ShoppersChoice.com, LLC.

With over a decade of gas log experience, our certified professionals are uniquely qualified to assist you in choosing the perfect gas logs for your home. Our gas logs experts have created this buying guide to simplify the process of shopping online for gas logs.

Through the years of selling gas logs, we have learned our premium gas logs differ in many ways from generic gas logs. Take a look at our video to see the difference.

First, Determine your venting option - Vented or Vent Free?

Gas Log Sets are usually divided into two categories, Vented and Vent Free. Each venting option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing one, take a look and see how they differ.

	Vented More realistic and natural looking flame than vent free Must be installed in a fully functioning wood burning fireplace Majority of heat is lost as it goes up the chimney (heat output is similar to burning wood) Produces soot when flame touches log (some customers find this desirable, others may not)
	Vent-Free Produces drastically more heat than vented (heat can potentially damage glass, wood mantels, or electronics around the fireplace) Less realistic flame compared to vented, flame is engineered for a specific pattern Must be installed in a fireplace approved for a vent-free log set Installation is subject to state & local codes (some areas do not allow vent-free)

Then, Determine the size of your gas logs based off your fireplace measurements

To get the perfect look, you'll want to choose the right size log set which will best fit in your fireplace. Our simple measuring process has been used for well over a decade to help our customers choose the right size! To help you choose, follow these simple steps:

• Measure the front width
• Measure the back width
• Measure the depth from back to front
• Measure the height of your fireplace

Learn How To Measure Your Fireplace

Once you have completed measuring, head over to our Gas Log Finder and enter your measurements. Once you've done so, you will see the sizes we recomend right underneath the finder, and you can start shopping!

Next, Determine the look you are going for by picking out the "Style"

Choosing that perfect style is matter of preference. If you feel a bit overwhelmed with all the style choices, let us help! We can offer some recommendations based on popularity. Check out some of our most popular styles below to see them in action:

Charred Oak Shop Now

Split Oak Shop Now

Charred American Oak Shop Now

Then, Determine how you want to start and control your gas logs

Match Light (Good)
This is the most basic lighting method. Match Light gas log burners are for natural gas only. There is no pilot, only the logs and burner. You light your fire by placing a match or lighter near the burner and then turning on the gas with your key valve. You can control your flame height by using your key valve which is normally located outside the fireplace either in the wall or floor.

Manual Safety Pilot (Better)
This type of system has a safety pilot that is manually lit and stays lit all the time. Also called a standing pilot, it is similar to a pilot found in a hot water heater. You can turn the burner on and off manually by reaching inside your fireplace and turning the control knob. You cannot operate this type of system with a remote control, however, you can upgrade at a later date.

Remote Control (Best)
This type of system includes a remote pilot valve assembly. Depending on the manufacturer and remote option you select, you will have the ability to control certain functions of the log set from a remote control. Remote controlled options include basic on/off control as well as variable flame height control.

Finally, based off your existing gas line, you then need to determine if you need Natural Gas or Propane gas logs

Gas Logs are available in two fuel types, Natural Gas and Liquid Propane (LP). Some homes may already have a line installed in the fireplace, and in that case the gas you burn will be decided upon that factor. If there isn't a line, then you will need to decide what fuel type you would like to use.

*Check to see which fuel source your appliances currently use. If you have a natural gas heater, dryer, stove, or other appliance, then natural gas is the likely choice. If you have appliances that use propane, then select a gas log set that uses liquid propane. If your home does not have plumbing for either gas type, then check locally to determine which fuel would be best for your area.