If its about efficient heating, a gas heater [with no open flames] will do better than either.

If its partially about looks, it just goes to the style of your room. I like a fireplace if it's done well and looks original to the home, but some of the enamaled gas stoves are really lovely, and require less 'building in' than the FP. Some of the stoves also come in very strong colors-- bright reds, soft greens, etc.-- that may be just what you are looking for...

Personally, I think a stove would fit in better in a basement than a fireplace would.

Watch out for the venting requirements, clearances, etc. We had thought we would put a vented stove in the basement later, but there is literally no legal way for us to do it. So, make sure you plan it pre-construction so you don't get caught.

Thanks for the input, oruboris and sue36. We know of some finished midwestern basements that are very cold in the winter. We do want a source of extra heat and also want something that is pleasing to the eye. I designed sort of a vestibule at the bottom of the basement stairs with French doors to keep the heat in the basement. Our builder uses a good fireplace shop; so I'm sure they'll install the unit according to code. The blueprint calls for a corner fireplace; so I assume there is a way to make either one meet code.

We have had a vented gas fireplace, unvented gas heater, and a vented gas Franklin stove. The Franlkin stove gave off the most heat. The heat radiates from all 4 sides of the stove and stays warm for over 15" after the gas is off. The heater was hot at the time, but the heat just rolled forward and not at all like the Franklin-style. The fireplace gives off little real heat quickly, but after several hours the room heats up a little. This is just from our experiences. We are adding a sunroom and hope to go with the vented Franklin if we can afford it.

byrdlady,
Did your Franklin stove have a blower or a thermastat?

Only a thermostat on the wall.

Pix of Franklin.

{{gwi:1514838}}

byrdlady, I love your stove and the walls behind it. Looks like a log cabin to me. What brand of stove do you have?

marys1000,
I think the stove would be unique and a converstaion piece since no one else we know has one. Installation should be a lot easier also. I wonder about us bumping into that hot metal. We're retired, no kids, and the dogs are in doggie heaven now. We may get another dog after we travel for awhile.