Adding or replacing a fireplace in your restaurant or bar provides a sense of formality, hominess, and invitation. Whether you’re trying to bring new business in or keep regulars happily returning and raving about your place, a fireplace is a surefire way to do either. So, which fireplace type is right for your business? This depends on your establishment’s style and design and your goals for it. Here are the best types of fireplaces for restaurants and bars.
Electric
Electric fireplaces are the best choices for bars and restaurants with multiple fireplaces, as they’re cost-effective and simple to install. They’re also customizable, and they add a modern, updated feel. These are great for rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, and any place that needs a new focal point. Fun places to install these are on mantels, in walls, and even on tabletops.
Gas
Gas-burning fireplaces create a lot of heat for a low cost, making them great for outdoor spaces and seating areas near an entrance or exit point. These have a more traditional look to them, and they give you a wide range of options for burning materials, such as ceramic logs or glass beads. These fireplaces are really adaptable to your space, and they’re simple to turn on and off. Gas fireplaces are best used with a chimney, but you can also use them without a chimney in an area with good ventilation.
Ethanol
Ethanol fireplaces are a newer addition to the types of fireplaces. They don’t need ventilation, so you can place them almost anywhere in your business. They don’t provide nearly as much heat as a gas fireplace does, so they’re best for indoor spaces and decoration rather than for heating purposes. It’s recommended that you train your employees how to properly refill these types of fireplaces—ethanol is flammable, and refilling can be dangerous if performed improperly.
Wood
Wood-burning fireplaces are the hardest type of fireplace to upkeep. They require the most work, and they come with a lot of potential hazards. However, wood-burning fireplaces also offer an unbeatable aesthetic. If your bar or restaurant has an outdoorsy vibe, a wood-burning fireplace may be exactly what you need to complete the aesthetic. Be sure to invest in a screen to prevent embers from flying out, and strategically place your fireplace far enough away from tables and seating. Wood-burning fireplaces do need a chimney, and you need to be able to easily reach them to clean out ashes. These are best against walls or even built into partial walls.