At Fires Alive, we’ve spent years helping homeowners choose the right fireplace for their space, style, and heating needs. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless appeal of wood-burning
fireplaces, the convenience of gas, or the sleek efficiency of electric options, our team of experts is here to help you make the best decision.

Here’s what you need to know about each type, along with our personalized recommendations.

1. Wood-Burning Fireplaces: Traditional Charm and Unmatched Warmth

Wood-burning fireplaces offer an unmatched, rustic experience. The crackling logs, the smell of burning wood, and the cozy warmth provide an authentic ambiance that stands the test of time.

Our Recommendation: If you’re someone who values the traditional fireplace experience and doesn’t mind the effort of tending to a fire, a wood-burning fireplace is a perfect fit. We recommend this option for homes with larger living areas or if you’re looking for an off-grid heating solution that brings the outdoors in.

2. Gas Fireplaces: Convenient and Clean

Gas fireplaces offer a seamless blend of warmth and ease. Modern gas fireplaces are designed for those who want the comfort of a fire without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning up ash.

Our Recommendation: For homeowners seeking ease of use and minimal upkeep, a gas fireplace is the way to go. We recommend gas fireplaces for busy families or anyone who prefers the convenience of modern technology without sacrificing warmth and style. It’s ideal for urban homes or spaces where practicality is key.

3. Electric Fireplaces: Modern, Versatile, and Easy to Install

Electric fireplaces are all about flexibility and simplicity. With no need for a chimney or gas line, they can be installed almost anywhere, making them the most versatile option.

Our Recommendation: Electric fireplaces are an excellent choice for homeowners who want ambiance with minimal installation or maintenance. We recommend this option for smaller
homes, condos, or rooms where supplemental heat and stylish decor are more important than high heat output. It’s also the safest choice for homes with children or pets.

Fires Alive’s Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Fireplace:

When choosing the right fireplace for your home, here’s what we suggest you consider:

• Your lifestyle: Do you enjoy the process of building and maintaining a fire, or do you prefer a quick, low-maintenance solution?
• Your home’s infrastructure: If your home already has a chimney or gas line, that can make installation easier. Electric fireplaces, however, can be installed virtually anywhere.
• Heating needs: If you’re looking for substantial heat output, wood and gas fireplaces will deliver. Electric fireplaces are better suited for ambiance and smaller spaces.
• Environmental impact: Gas and electric fireplaces are cleaner-burning, making them the more eco-friendly choice compared to wood-burning models.

At Fires Alive, we offer a wide selection of all three types of fireplaces and our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. Visit one of our two showrooms or browse our collection online to discover the perfect fireplace for your home.

Call today to book a free in-home consultation and let us recommend the perfect fireplace for you!

Summer is quickly slipping away, but you still have time to host (another) amazing backyard BBQ that will surely be enjoyed by your friends and family. A backyard BBQ is such a fun way to bond with your loved ones, and we’re all for it.

So, what do you need for an amazing summer BBQ?

• Your trusty grill – May it be, gas, pellet, or a charcoal grill, cooking with your favourite grill makes a world of a difference. You get to achieve the best output when you’re familiar and at home with how your grill works.
• Grilling tools – Make sure to have the following on-hand:
  • Skewers
  • Tongs
  • Thermometer
  • Silicone brush
  • Grill scraper

These are your essential grilling tools to achieve the perfect flavour and texture of anything you’re grilling.

• Seasonal ingredients – Make the most out of the summer by using what’s abundant and in season. The fresher, the better! Make sure to include a range of vegetables and fruits you can experiment with when trying out new flavor combinations on the grill.
• Recipes – It’s very easy to grill—especially when you have the right grill and tools—and it becomes even easier when you have your recipes within reach. You never know when you might forget the juice of one lemon or that pinch of Spanish paprika. So, before you host that summer BBQ, read up on your recipes and check your supplies to make sure you have the most flavorful grilled meats and veggies.

On that note, here are some of our new-found favorites which are perfect for summer backyard BBQs!

Spicy Pork Skewers

Classic pork skewers are basic yet ever wonderful for summer backyard BBQs. Yummy and easy to eat, you won’t notice you’ve had a few because they’re just that good!

1. Freeze 2 lbs. of skinless pork shoulder for 45 minutes to an hour. Cut into 1−2-inch strips. Set aside.
2. Grind 6 dried shiitake mushrooms and combine with half a red onion—thinly sliced, 12 coarsely chopped red Thai chilies, 8 cloves of coarsely chopped garlic, a half cup each of soy sauce and vinegar, ¼ cup sugar, and a tablespoon each of black peppercorns and salt. Shake all together in a Ziploc bag before marinating the pork in it for 6-8 hours.
3. Prepare your grill; set to medium high heat. 
4. Separate marinade from pork and boil it for a minute on a saucepan atop the grill, skimming as needed. Set aside.
5. Skewer pork strips and lightly season with some salt and pepper.
6. Cook on preheated grill for about 2 minutes per side, basting with your marinade until cooked through and brown all over.

Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Whether you eat them as they are or pair it with the grilled meats of your choice, you won’t go wrong with this old-fashioned potato salad recipe. It’s rich and it captures the flavors of summer!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 5 potatoes until tender—about 15 minutes. Drain and peel when cool to touch. Chop into bite-sized chunks.
2. Boil 3 eggs, let cool, peel, and roughly chop.
3. Combine the potatoes and eggs with a cup of chopped celery, a half cup each of chopped onions and sweet pickle relish, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp garlic, ¼ tsp each of garlic salt and celery salt, and ground black pepper (to taste) in a bowl. Mix well.
4. Refrigerate until nicely chilled. A steel bowl works wonders!

Brazilian Lemonade

Our wildcard for amazing summer backyard BBQs, we love this easy Brazilian lemonade.

1. Wash and then slice 2 limes into 8 wedges.
2. Place limes into a blender together with half a cup of sugar, 3 tbsp condensed milk, 3 cups of water, and some ice. 
3. Pulse until all of the lime is fine and ice is in crushed consistency.
4. Strain over a fine mesh pushing the juice through and separating the rind.
5. Serve remaining mixture with fresh ice in your favorite glasses. Garnish with lime wedges for extra oomph.

Try these tips and recipes out for a fun and memorable summer backyard BBQ with your friends and family!