Flued-gas log fires

The cheapest of the five units tested cost more than $4000 installed, so it pays to buy wisely.
 
Get access to all CHOICE BENEFITS
$1.91/wk
*Billed quarterly
 
 
 
 
 

02.What to buy

CHOICE tested five gas log flame heaters with a balanced flued system, where an exhaust flue draws combustion air out into the atmosphere. These units are sufficient to heat a large open-plan area, but the homely fireside effect comes at a price, with the cheapest unit tested costing more than $4000 installed. All these units can be installed into an existing fireplace, with the chimney accommodating the flue; otherwise, you can use a firebox and put the unit anywhere in the room, as long as you can incorporate a flue.

 

 

2 CHOICE buys

Rinnai Aspiration

Scored 87/100 | $549987%

Good points:

• Wireless remote control.
• Thermostat.
• Programmable on/off times.
• Child lock protection.
• Fastest heater to achieve 5°C and 10°C increase.
• Clear labelling on controls.
• Filter clean warning (only heater with a filter).

Bad points:

• Highest in-use power consumption at 86W.
• Highest standby power consumption at 19.7W.

 

Rinnai Symmetry

Scored 81/100 | $499981%

Good points:

• Wireless remote control.
• Thermostat.
• Programmable on/off times.
• Child lock protection.
• Highest temperature after 30 minutes.

Bad points:

• Remote control houses thermostat so cannot leave room.
• No fan controls.

 
 
 

How to comment

Here's your chance to join in the debate. Just click in the comment box and let the CHOICE Community know what you think, or view all of the comments on this article.

Reporting offensive comments

If you see something offensive or something that just shouldn't be there, hit the report button and let us know immediately. View the Terms of use for user comments.

 

Make a Comment