Does your masonry fireplace look dated? Wish your hearth would produce more heat? If you’re looking to enhance both the style and warmth of your Milwaukee home, fireplace inserts are an ideal solution. They not only give your fireplace a fresh, modern makeover but also boost heating efficiency, helping you to save on those rising winter energy bills.
With Smoke Stacks, Southeast Wisconsin’s preferred dealer for high-quality wood and gas fireplace inserts, you can transform your living space into a cozy retreat and enjoy the benefits of a stunningly updated fireplace without costly remodeling or tear-outs.
What is a Fireplace Insert?
A fireplace insert increases the heat output of your traditional fireplace. It is a self-contained heating unit that is installed directly inside your existing fireplace opening, usually without the need for chimney modifications or rebuilding. It converts your existing wood or gas fireplace into an energy-efficient heat producer with sufficient heat for up to 2,700 square feet of living space while still delivering the authentic fire-burning experience you desire.
Fireplaces Vs. Inserts
While a traditional fireplace is a central architectural feature of many Wisconsin homes, its heating efficiency can be as low as 15%. This inefficiency means most of the heat it produces goes up the chimney. Fireplace inserts, on the other hand, are engineered to radiate heated air directly into your living space. They can boost heating efficiency by up to 70%, making them a much more effective heat source for your home.
Discover Your Perfect Fireplace Insert
Fireplace inserts come in a variety of fuel types, with the most popular being wood and gas. So, whether you prefer the traditional ambiance of a wood fire or prefer the convenience of gas heating, Smoke Stacks has an insert with the features you want.
Wood Insert
A wood fireplace insert is ideal for transforming your old, open hearth into a highly efficient and cleaner-burning fireplace. It houses a combustion chamber inside a fire-resistant iron or metal casing and features advanced technology that provides a traditional wood-burning experience that maximizes warmth with fewer emissions while consuming up to 30% less wood for fuel.
Gas Insert
Gas masonry fireplaces share some of the same inefficiencies as wood-burning hearths. By installing a gas insert, your fireplace becomes a powerful heat producer. Watch the impressive flames come to life at the touch of a button, warming your living space to the desired comfort level. An insert is an excellent way to significantly improve the efficiency of a gas fireplace or convert a traditional wood-burning hearth into a cleaner-burning gas fireplace that is simpler to operate and easier to maintain.
Benefits of Installing a Fireplace Insert
Fireplace inserts are innovative heating appliances that offer homeowners many desirable benefits, including:
- Improves Efficiency: Fireplace inserts drastically improve heating efficiency, keeping your home warmer and reducing your reliance on central heating. This efficiency can reduce utility bills in the winter when energy costs are higher.
- Attractive Appearance: Inserts give a tired, dated masonry fireplace a fresh, modern appearance without the need for expensive and time-consuming remodeling. You can choose from a variety of finishing options, such as surrounds and mantles, to give your updated fireplace a custom look that complements your lifestyle.
- Enhanced Safety: The insert’s sealed combustion system is safer than an open fireplace, preventing sparks from flying into the room and keeping the fire contained with unobstructed views of the stunning flames. If you have small children or pets, a fireplace insert is a must-have for increasing safety around the hearth.

- Cleaner Operation: Gas inserts eliminate the mess of wood, while modern wood inserts burn more cleanly than traditional fireplaces, reducing creosote buildup. This cleaner operation improves indoor air quality and makes your fireplace easier to clean and maintain.
- Increase Home Value: Fireplaces are one of the most desirable features, especially in cold climates like Milwaukee. Inserts give your fireplace an attractive custom appearance that can increase your home’s resale value.
Where to Buy Energy-Efficient Fireplace Inserts Near Me
Are you looking to elevate the comfort of your old masonry fireplace? Whether you’re aiming to refresh an old, tired hearth or transitioning from wood to the convenience of gas (or vice versa), Smoke Stacks delivers. We specialize in delivering and installing high-quality wood and gas fireplace inserts throughout our Greater Milwaukee service area, including Caledonia, Eagle Lake, River Hills, and Sturtevant. Contact us today to schedule your appointment! Our certified professionals will help you select the best fireplace insert that meets your home heating needs and budget. Family Pride. Exceptional Results.