Wood fireplace or Illusion Gas Log fireplace

[Adelle5]

We are about to upgarde the wood heater in our property but would like some information about peoples experiences and preferences.

As a host:

Do you find your guests know how to light fires?

Have you ever had issues with guests using the fireplace?

As  guest:

would you be happy or dissapointed with an illusion gas log fireplace? would you find it more convinient than lighting a fire?

are you comfortable lighting fires? 

what would your preference between the two options be?

Thank you!

[Ann72]

@Adelle5, I have both a wood-burning fireplace and a gas fireplace.  I've never had an issue with guests lighting fires - in fact, the gas fireplace has freaked people out more!  If you get one that has a very simple remote and simple instructions, it's better.  And of course, there's a lot less clean-up with a gas fireplace.

[Cormac0]

@Adelle

How many logs do you think your guest will burn?

One resonant post by a host had her wonder, did the guest steal her woodpile, as she had calculated that it was practically impossible to have burned all the wood that was used for the period the guest stayed.

Be careful what you wish for!

[Sandra126]

I have both, and need both as it is cold where I am. I have the fire going on arrival and show guests how to use both fires. Some have never lit a fire before, make sure you tell them if they seem  anxious that you love to be called out if they have a problem with it (rather than they panicking over something). I have been called out to onnly one guest, who worried that it was really burning fast. Yes, that is how it is supposed to look. Fire is fast.

But cleanup, chopping, storing and carrying, it all adds up. However the pleasure from a woodfire is uncalculable. The heart is out of the house when the fire is out.

Re logs: I let guests use whatever they need. Some hosts in my area provide 6 logs as a standard, then guests have to buy their own. This is only ok if they don't need the fire for heating, just as decoration. Guests must be warm or they will not be happy or relaxed! I go through about 6 cubic metres a year, burns 24 hours from April to Oct . Love it.

[Rubén16]

@Adelle5  This is what I have in my airbnb cottage, and the guests love it, maintenance free gas stove/fireplace. (No wood needed, no clean up, and less expensive than a wood stove)

[Holly142]

I have the fake kind of fireplace. Before I owned it, there was a wood burning fireplace and guests almost burned the place down so the previous owners had it removed. You have to remember that many people have no idea about starting and maintaining fires indoors and I wouldn't want them experimenting in my cabin.

[Lawrene0]

Most of my guests are fine with the woodstove, @Adelle5, and follow the directions, but some are definitely better suited to an illusion. 

[Paul154]

@Adelle5 

As a host: Many guests don't know how to operate my faucets, so I would have no confidence that they can build a fire, open the damper and light it. Why would I provide wood and do extra cleaning for the increased chance of fire, floor burns and smoke damage?

As a guest: Would I like to walk into a house that has that smoke smell? Maybe if I were in the mood and if the place were a romantic cabin...  Also, I'm lazy so I would prefer to flip a switch for instant gratification.

[Deborah527]

My husband enjoyed your post.