BobVila.com

That all depends on what you are trying to obtain by getting a fireplace. The look? You wont get that with electric. For heating? Well, unless the fireplace is ventless, you wont get much heat out of a gas one even with a blower in it, had one and it usually took several hours before any noticeable change in temperature was felt. I f you could install a wood burner, that would get you the most out of the fireplace, and some are dual purpose, gas or wood. We have a wood burner but its all masonary and it takes several hours to heat up, but it gets toasty warm by then, raises the temperature by several degrees and has a very nice look to it a when its in use.