Hole in the wall gas fires: built-in warmth
Freeing up floor space? Designed to be recessed directly into a chimney breast or a purpose-built stud wall, hole-in-the-wall gas fires eliminate the need for a traditional hearth.
They sit flush with your decor to give you the best of both worlds: flickering flames and practical heat, all without a bulky surround that takes over the room. Many of our models are also glass-fronted, which prevents heat from being lost up the chimney.
When you want efficient, everyday comfort, hole in the wall gas fires are ideal. You’ll also find plenty of choices to match your style and how you like to use your fire, including (but not limited to):
Statement fascias in finishes like black, brass, silver and more
Fuel effects (e.g., realistic logs, coals and pebbles)
Control options range from simple manual control to remote and smart control on selected models
Minimalist edge designs for flush, frameless looks
Chimney or no chimney? Understanding flue options
Before choosing your hole-in-the-wall gas fire, it’s worth thinking about what’s behind your wall:
Conventional flue (chimney/existing flue): These appliances use the chimney/flue to carry harmful gases away from your room. Your installer will confirm if your chimney/flue type is suitable and whether any preparation is needed.
Balanced flue: An excellent solution for homes without a traditional chimney. Balanced flue fires are room-sealed and take combustion air from outside – waste gases are also discharged externally via the flue system.
Sizing tips
Hole-in-the-wall gas fires are designed to look ‘built-in’, but this means checking the appliance dimensions, opening size, and the depth available in your chimney breast/wall cavity beforehand. From an installation perspective, think about:
Room size & insulation: A small room might only need gentle top-up heat, while open-plan spaces can benefit from higher outputs.
Viewing window size: Wider ‘landscape’ models can be great for a media-wall feel, and portrait styles suit narrower chimney breasts.
Mounting height: Hole-in-the-wall gas fires are often installed higher than traditional hearths.
FAQs
What is a hole in the wall gas fire?
Hole-in-the-wall gas fires are designed to be recessed directly into a wall or chimney breast. These inset/built-in fireplaces fit into an opening in your chimney breast (or a purpose-built wall recess) rather than sitting on a floor-level hearth.
Do hole in the wall gas fires need a fireplace surround?
Usually no. Many hole-in-the-wall gas fires are designed to be installed without a traditional hearth or surround. Instead, they rely on a fascia/frame.
Do I need a chimney?
Not always. It depends on the type of flue you choose.
What’s the difference between conventional flue and balanced flue?
A conventional flue fire uses an existing chimney to vent smoke and draws air from the room, and a balanced flue fire is a sealed system that vents through an external wall and draws fresh air from outside.