Cost

• The main difference between the two types of fireplaces is cost. An electric fireplace is cheaper than a gas fireplace and its installation, which could push the cost into the thousand dollars or more range. Also, electric fireplaces could cost less to run, compared to normally higher gas rates.
  
  

Set Up

• Electric fireplaces are fairly simple to set up, as long as the area is suited for it. Gas fire places may require some extra work to hook up gas, such as gas pipe fitting, leveling and log placement.
  
  

Effectiveness

• Gas and electric fireplaces can be purchased to heat various sizes of space. However, gas fireplaces can heat larger spaces, up to a couple thousand square feet. Electric fireplaces can heat up to several hundred square feet.
  
  

Appearance

• Gas fireplaces look more like real fireplaces than electric ones and typically feature log-shaped structures with colorful flames. Electric fireplaces may have a printed screen with digital flames.
  
  

Accessories

• Neither need accessories like lighter fluid, matches and pokers like wood-burning fireplaces, but both might require a remote control. Other than a gas hookup, gas fireplaces also might require a start-up key and a screen to prevent animals or small children from burning themselves.