What is a Gas Starter?

8/6/2019

So, you have a new home and are anxious to burn a wood fire. One problem, however, is this funny looking bar in the back of the fireplace. It is a gas line! You wouldn’t dare start a wood burning fire in there. The bar could catch fire and the house may explode, right? The answer is no.

Gas starters, also known as log bars, are a wonderful, convenient and safe way to start your wood fire. The biggest benefit to a gas starter is you will have less creosote and a healthier start to your fire. It works like this. Stack your wood on a grate just like you would normally. Keep it loose with plenty of air gaps. Place kindling below the logs. Now open the gas valve and strike a match to light the bar. Leave the gas valve open as long as necessary to get the logs burning then shut it off completely. No newspaper needed.

Since you are not using material or fluid to light your fire, you are saving your chimney from harmful build up. Log bars can last for several years depending on the conditions inside the firebox. Eventually, the burner may begin to break down.

Replacing it is cheap and easy. A new log bar is around $30 and can be screwed in just like a shower head. Don’t forget to check for leaks.

28 Comments

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Franklin White link

4/7/2020 04:27:13 pm

It's good to know that you can prevent your chimney from harmful build-up by using a gas to light your fireplace. I love fireplaces but they do cause a lot of potential health issues if not used properly. I want to get one so I think i"ll get it but only ever use gas on it so I don't cause any hazardous side effects.

David Bell link

8/20/2020 12:23:44 am

Can one use the log bar with fake logs when one doesn’t feel like having a wood fire?
Is this system versatile?
Also, isn’t a proper grate necessary for both wood and fake logs..so as to not put weight on the log bar?
This option with the log bar makes for a great selling point. Am I correct here or not?
Thanks,
David Bell

ASH Green

9/5/2020 05:19:57 am

Wow :)
This is an incredible collection of ideas!
Waiting for more helpful pieces.
You would amazing to read a similar one here-
<a href="https://besttoolsbrand.com/best-gas-fireplace-logs/"> besttoolsbrand </a>

Samantha link

10/26/2020 12:46:15 am

Great article. This is very useful for me. Thank you for sharing

Conseguir Seguidores link

11/4/2020 12:48:08 am

Thanks for sharing this valuable blog post. It is very interesting and informative. Keep it up!!

Kristofer Van Wagner link

11/8/2020 11:16:20 pm

Thank you for explaining that a gas starter for our fireplace is a healthy and safer alternative for our home. The other day my sister mentioned that she would like to have a fireplace installed for her home. Seeing how she has kids, I will advise her to have a gas line installed so that she will have a fire starter installed.

Teyah

12/7/2020 10:42:04 am

My home has a gas starter but the on off switch for gas line needs like a special tool to use. If anyone can answer these questions I’d appreciate it!
1. Is this tool normal so I can find elsewhere and replace?
2. Do I HAVE to use the gas starter or could I start normally and be safe?

Csaba

1/17/2021 02:29:37 pm

You can find a replacement fireplace gas valve key at Menards or Home Depot, or any other hardware store.
You don't need to use the gas bar. You can start a fire with minimal newspaper and a bunch of kindlings.

Eric Hill

1/17/2021 06:44:10 pm

I have a fireplace that has a gas lock for gas assist. I would like to install gas logs is it possible to connect them to the gas assist log

Fire Pit Forma Electronic link

1/22/2021 01:08:28 am

Nice blog! Very informative and creative.
I love you ideas it really helps a lot!
You can also visit and shop to our website for amazing fire pits.
https://backyard-planet.com

6/18/2021 06:29:27 pm

You made an excellent point that when looking for gas fireplace, it is important for us to ensure it is installed by professionals. It makes sense as in doing so, it will be installed properly. I will keep this tip in mind and hire a professional.

Braden Bills link

8/23/2021 10:43:29 am

I want to start using my fireplace, but I don't want my chimney to get filled up with gunk from it. It's good to know that you can get gas fireplace logs for this kind of thing! The fact that they don't cause any buildup makes them the perfect choice for me.

Carolyn Sparks

10/4/2021 12:13:54 am

My fireplace has a center access for natural gas but we didn’t have a gas bar when we bought the house. Most of the bars look like they feed/access from one end. Is there a style otherwise? My house is early 1970’s. I presume this was part of the original fireplace. It’s definitely a gas feed since we have the key and know where the valve turns on. Thanks so much!

Check here link

11/29/2021 09:59:44 am

Excellent lines - Gas starters, also known as log bars, are a wonderful, convenient and safe way to start your wood fire. The biggest benefit to a gas starter is you will have less creosote and a healthier start to your fire. It works like this. Stack your wood on a grate just like you would normally.

Rick Jones link

12/15/2021 02:08:25 pm

I am glad gas starters are wonderful. I was worried that they didn't work well. So I'll go ahead and get one like that.

Induction stove link

1/15/2022 10:58:31 pm

this is great post on the gas stove.

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6/24/2022 12:23:31 am

Wow yar this is litrally a super amazing post. You have worked hard to share this info. I am very glad to read this. Thanks for sharing.

Best Chairs Mart link

8/30/2022 09:09:12 am

Wow this is excellent post. Keep doing brother.

Carol

12/5/2022 11:46:34 am

This is a great and detailed blog and I really appreciate it. I've searched around for answers regarding the gas starter and this has been the most thorough information. My only question is, is there a covering for the gas starter hose to keep excess from cluttering? My house was built in 98 so this is the time frame of insert.

Michigan Fireplace and Barbeque link

12/5/2022 10:04:11 pm

A gas starter is an essential component for many types of barbecues and fireplaces. It is an ignition device that uses the spark from a battery to ignite a gas-air mixture, allowing it to quickly light the fuel. Gas starters are reliable, efficient and often critical in providing heat. Understanding how they work and how to use them correctly can help you get the most out of your barbecue or fireplace. With proper maintenance and care, gas starters can provide years of safe and efficient use.

Victoria Addington link

2/11/2023 06:16:23 am

I was captivated when you mentioned that harmful build up can break the burner. My friend wants to add a wood fireplace in their house. I should advise him to turn to a contractor to ensure proper installation.

reliableheatingmi link

2/21/2023 11:06:42 am

A gas fireplace is a great way to create warmth and spread holiday cheer. But regular inspections and maintenance are important. Gas fireplaces, sometimes called gas furnaces, are fairly easy to use when they are in good working condition, but a broken down fireplace can become difficult to operate or even dangerous.

Robinson link

4/6/2023 02:14:23 pm

Hey there, Omalia! gas starters and I found it to be quite informative. As someone who's been using a gas grill for years, I have to admit that I wasn't aware of the existence of gas starters until I read your post. Your detailed explanation of what they are, how they work, and the benefits they offer has convinced me that I need to invest in one myself!

I appreciate the way you explained the differences between gas starters and other types of grill starters, such as charcoal starters and lighter fluid. It was interesting to learn that gas starters offer a more efficient and cleaner alternative to starting a grill than traditional methods. The fact that they eliminate the need for lighter fluid, which can be harmful to both your health and the environment, is definitely a plus in my book.

Overall, your post has not only taught me something new but has also made me consider the environmental impact of my grilling practices. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise on gas starters. Keep up the great work!

Matt

12/14/2023 09:51:46 pm

Why are there so many bots in this comment section lol

Shana Stringer

2/14/2024 08:22:31 am

Have you ever had an issue where the gas starter only has fire/starter light coming out of only a few holes.

Frechette Chimney Sweeping link

1/8/2025 02:09:29 am

Gas starters, or log bars, are indeed a great addition to a fireplace, offering convenience and a cleaner burn by reducing creosote buildup. However, regular maintenance is still crucial to keep your fireplace in optimal condition and ensure the gas starter is functioning safely.

At Frechette Chimney Sweeping in Portland, ME, we specialize in fireplace repair, chimney sweeping, and inspections. Even with a gas starter in place, it's important to schedule routine chimney inspections to detect potential issues before they become costly or hazardous. Whether you're replacing your gas starter, addressing creosote buildup, or needing a full inspection, our expert team is here to keep your fireplace safe, efficient, and ready for use.

If you're in Portland or the surrounding area, trust Frechette Chimney Sweeping for all your fireplace maintenance needs!

Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps link

1/22/2025 03:17:47 am

Thank you for this informative post on gas starters! It’s great to see the benefits of using gas starters to make lighting a fire safer and more efficient. As a chimney sweep based in Alexandria, VA, we at Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps see firsthand how important it is to maintain clean and safe fireplaces. Gas starters, or log bars, do play a key role in reducing creosote buildup, which is essential for the long-term health of your chimney.

While gas starters provide a convenient way to get your wood fire going, it’s still important to have regular chimney cleaning and inspections to ensure everything is functioning properly. Whether you’re using a gas starter or traditional wood-burning methods, our team at Sixpenny Chimney Sweeps is here to make sure your chimney is in top condition, helping to keep your home safe and your fires burning cleanly. If you need any help with chimney maintenance or gas starter inspections in the Alexandria area, feel free to reach out!

dfwairconditioning link

3/3/2025 07:27:10 am

Great explanation of gas starters! It’s great to know that using a gas starter can make lighting a wood fire easier while also preventing harmful creosote buildup. I appreciate the tips on maintenance and replacing the burner when needed. Thanks for sharing such useful information!

What is a Gas Starter?

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