For shoppers searching for a direct vent gas stove, the choice here comes down to a freestanding stove with a traditional fireplace look or a wall-mounted heater with practical, electricity-free operation. I rank the Ashley Hearth AG23 first for its cast-iron construction, remote-controlled flame, and stated coverage of up to 1,000 square feet. The Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU wall heater is my pick for buyers who use liquid propane and want heat during a power outage, though it is a wall heater rather than a stove.
Get backup power and energy gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
These products serve different needs, so the biggest tradeoff is not simply output. The Ashley is a substantial, freestanding appliance that offers a more stove-like centerpiece and accepts natural gas or propane with a separate conversion kit. Comfort Glow takes less floor space and runs without electricity, but it heats a smaller stated area and requires a suitable propane tank, regulator, and exterior-wall opening. I compare them on direct-vent fit, fuel needs, installation demands, and the kind of heating experience each provides.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Hearth AG23 is the closer match for buyers who want a freestanding gas stove, cast-iron construction, and up to 1,000 square feet of stated coverage.
- Comfort Glow is a wall-mounted propane heater, not a freestanding stove; it suits buyers who value floor space and heat during power outages.
- The Ashley works with natural gas or propane, but its LP conversion kit is sold separately; Comfort Glow requires liquid propane and a minimum 100-pound tank.
- Both units use direct venting through an exterior wall, so neither is a no-vent option; wall construction and placement affect installation.
- Choose by room layout and backup-heating needs: the Ashley has stove-style presence, while Comfort Glow operates without electricity and covers up to 750 square feet.
| Ashley Hearth AG23 Direct Vent Cast Iron Gas Stove |  | Best Overall: a freestanding, stove-style pick for larger rooms | Model: AG23 | Ventilation: Direct vent | Heat output: 23,500 BTU natural gas; 20,000 BTU LP | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater |  | Best for Power-Outage Heating: quiet wall-mounted propane warmth | Ventilation: Direct vent; no chimney required | Heat output: 25,000 BTU | Stated coverage: Up to 750 sq. ft. | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| direct vent gas stove | Ventilation | Heat output | Stated coverage | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Hearth AG23 Direct Vent | Direct vent | 23,500 BTU natural gas; 20,000 BTU LP | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | Natural gas or propane; LP conversion kit sold separately |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct | Direct vent; no chimney required | 25,000 BTU | Up to 750 sq. ft. | Liquid propane only |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ashley Hearth AG23 Direct Vent Cast Iron Gas Stove
The Ashley Hearth AG23 is my leading choice for shoppers who specifically want a direct vent gas stove rather than a wall heater. Its freestanding cast-iron body gives it a more traditional stove presence than Comfort Glow’s flat wall-mounted format, and its stated coverage reaches up to 1,000 square feet. That makes it the more suitable of these two for a larger open area, although actual results depend on the room and home.
Its remote control adjusts flame height, lighting, and blower speed, so users can change the visual effect and air movement without handling controls on the appliance. The included 130 CFM blower can help circulate warmed air beyond the immediate stove area. Red brick liners and timber logs support a conventional firebox look; this is a stronger fit for someone who wants a visible focal point than Comfort Glow, whose appeal is discreet, space-saving heat.
Fuel flexibility is another advantage: the AG23 is listed for natural gas or propane. However, buyers switching to LP need to account for the separately sold conversion kit, and the fuel supply and installation must match the unit’s requirements. At 333 pounds, this is not an easy appliance to position. Plan access, floor support, vent placement, and professional installation before choosing it, particularly when replacing an existing heater.
The tradeoff is clear: Ashley offers the more complete stove experience and larger stated coverage, but demands more room and handling effort. Comfort Glow is lighter on floor space and does not rely on electricity, while the Ashley’s listed controls and blower make electricity needs worth confirming with the manufacturer. I would skip the AG23 if a compact wall appliance or outage-focused heater is the main goal.
Pros:- Freestanding cast-iron stove design with brick liner and timber logs
- Stated heating coverage of up to 1,000 square feet
- Remote adjusts flame, lighting, and blower speed
- Compatible with natural gas or propane when correctly configured
Cons:- 333-pound weight can make delivery and installation difficult
- Propane conversion kit is sold separately
- Requires appropriate direct-vent placement and installation planning
Best for: Buyers who want a freestanding cast-iron direct vent stove, a realistic log display, remote-operated settings, and stated coverage for a larger room.
Not ideal for: Shoppers seeking a lightweight installation, a wall-mounted heater, or a propane-ready appliance without purchasing a separate conversion kit.
- Model:AG23
- Ventilation:Direct vent
- Heat output:23,500 BTU natural gas; 20,000 BTU LP
- Stated coverage:Up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- Fuel:Natural gas or propane; LP conversion kit sold separately
- Construction:Cast iron, black finish
- Included features:Remote control, 130 CFM blower, red brick liner, Ridgewood timber logs
- Dimensions and weight:26.56 in. D x 25.63 in. W x 28.75 in. H; 333 lb.
Our verdict“I recommend the AG23 for buyers who value a substantial freestanding stove and broader stated coverage more than easy handling or outage-specific operation.”
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater
Comfort Glow is not a freestanding stove, but it earns a place in this comparison as a direct vent alternative for buyers whose first priority is dependable propane heat. Its 25,000 BTU output is specified for spaces up to 750 square feet, below the AG23’s stated 1,000-square-foot reach. In return, it mounts on the wall and leaves floor space open for furniture or walkways.
The standout difference is operation without electricity. That makes this unit a better match than the Ashley for buyers planning around power outages, provided the propane supply remains available. Its sealed combustion system, electronic ignition, safety pilot, and built-in pressure regulator are listed features, and the stainless-steel burner is described as quiet. The manufacturer also identifies it for bedrooms, bathrooms, and mobile homes; buyers should still verify suitability and local installation rules for their exact space.
Comfort Glow includes a professional vent kit, which can simplify sourcing the listed vent components, but it does not remove the need to cut through an exterior wall. The stated wall-thickness range is 4.5 to 10 inches, and installation depends on having an appropriate location and following the product instructions. The fuel setup is less flexible than the AG23: this is a liquid-propane model, it calls for a minimum 100-pound tank, and it requires a specific two-stage regulator.
Choose it over the Ashley when quiet, electricity-free heat and clear floor space matter more than a traditional stove appearance or a larger coverage claim. Skip it if you want a freestanding centerpiece, natural-gas compatibility, or a simpler fuel setup. Its wall cutout and propane requirements are meaningful planning tasks, not minor details.
Pros:- Operates without electricity for heating during power outages
- Wall-mounted design preserves floor space
- Professional vent kit is included
- Quiet stainless-steel burner and listed safety pilot
Cons:- Propane-only and requires a minimum 100-pound tank plus a specific two-stage regulator
- Requires an exterior-wall opening and a wall 4.5 to 10 inches thick
- Stated coverage of up to 750 square feet is lower than the Ashley’s
Best for: Buyers who already use liquid propane and want a quiet, wall-mounted direct vent heater that can operate without household electricity.
Not ideal for: Shoppers seeking a freestanding stove, natural-gas operation, a larger stated heating area, or an installation that avoids cutting an exterior wall.
- Ventilation:Direct vent; no chimney required
- Heat output:25,000 BTU
- Stated coverage:Up to 750 sq. ft.
- Fuel:Liquid propane only
- Mounting:Wall mount
- Dimensions:26.5 in. H x 32.25 in. W x 8.75 in. D
- Power and ignition:Operates without electricity; electronic ignition
- Installation requirements:4.5- to 10-inch wall thickness; minimum 100 lb. propane tank and specific two-stage regulator
- Included and warranty:Professional vent kit; 2-year limited warranty
Our verdict“I would choose Comfort Glow over the Ashley only when electricity-free propane heat and wall mounting matter more than stove styling, fuel flexibility, or wider stated coverage.”
How We Picked
I treated the phrase direct vent gas stove as a fit question, not just a fuel or output search. A direct-vent appliance draws combustion air from outdoors and exhausts outdoors through a vent system; buyers still need to confirm the exact vent route and installation requirements for their home. Since one item here is a wall heater rather than a stove, I make that distinction explicit instead of treating the products as interchangeable.
My ranking gives the Ashley Hearth AG23 the lead because it aligns more closely with the requested stove format and combines a stated 1,000-square-foot coverage area with cast-iron construction, a blower, and remote control. Comfort Glow ranks second for this particular search because it is a wall-mounted heater with a smaller stated coverage area, not a stove. It remains the stronger choice for a different priority: heating without household electricity.
I also compared fuel flexibility, installation constraints, and included equipment. The AG23 lists natural gas and propane compatibility, although propane conversion requires a separate kit. Comfort Glow is propane-only and comes with a professional vent kit, but it needs a minimum 100-pound tank and a specific two-stage regulator. Neither description replaces a site-specific check of clearances, venting, fuel supply, local code, or qualified installation. I have not treated coverage figures as guarantees; room insulation, ceiling height, climate, and layout can change actual heating performance.
| direct vent gas stove | Ventilation | Stated coverage | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashley Hearth AG23 Direct Vent | Direct vent | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | Natural gas or propane; LP conversion kit sold separately |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct | Direct vent; no chimney required | Up to 750 sq. ft. | Liquid propane only |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Direct Vent Gas Stove
Before choosing between these products, I would match the heater to the room, fuel connection, and installation site. Their direct-vent designs share a basic approach to combustion and exhaust, but their formats and operating requirements differ sharply.Decide whether you need a stove or a wall heater
The Ashley is the only freestanding stove in this pair. Its cast-iron body, log display, and brick liner suit buyers who want the heater to be visible and contribute to a traditional room layout. Comfort Glow mounts to a wall, which can make more sense in a compact room or where floor space is at a premium. If your search specifically requires a stove, the Comfort Glow should be treated as an alternative heater, not a like-for-like stove.
Measure the intended location and consider circulation, furniture, and access for service. A wall-mounted unit still needs clearance and a suitable exterior wall, while a freestanding stove needs space around its body and a viable vent route. Consult the installation instructions for required clearances rather than estimating from dimensions alone.
Compare the coverage claims with your room
Ashley lists coverage of up to 1,000 square feet, compared with Comfort Glow’s up to 750 square feet. Those figures make the AG23 the more promising option for a larger area on paper, but they are not a substitute for a heat-load assessment. Insulation quality, drafts, ceiling height, outdoor temperatures, and the shape of an open-plan room all affect how evenly a heater warms a space.
BTU figures also need context. Ashley lists 23,500 BTU on natural gas and 20,000 BTU on LP; Comfort Glow lists 25,000 BTU. That does not automatically make Comfort Glow the better heater for a larger room, since its stated coverage is smaller and the units have different formats and fuel arrangements. Match the unit to the space and follow the manufacturer’s sizing guidance.
Check fuel and backup-power needs
The AG23 offers natural gas or propane compatibility, but propane use requires a conversion kit sold separately. That makes it the more flexible pick for households with a natural-gas line or buyers willing to prepare the unit for LP. Confirm the specified fuel setup before purchase and installation.
Comfort Glow is designed for liquid propane and is the clear choice if you want heat that does not depend on household electricity. Its description calls for a minimum 100-pound propane tank and a specific two-stage regulator. The Ashley includes a remote and blower, so buyers who need operation during an outage should verify which functions require power rather than assuming its controls and air circulation work without it.
Plan the direct-vent route and installation
Both products need a direct vent through an exterior wall; neither is a vent-free heater. The vent route, wall construction, clearances, and local requirements all shape where the appliance can go. Comfort Glow specifies a wall thickness of 4.5 to 10 inches and includes a vent kit, while the Ashley’s 333-pound weight adds a handling and placement challenge.
Included vent parts do not mean every home is ready for installation. I would confirm the product’s current manual, approved vent configuration, fuel requirements, and local code with a qualified installer before committing to a location. Mobile-home approval is stated for both products in their respective descriptions, but buyers should confirm the exact application and jurisdiction requirements.
Weigh room presence against practical operation
The AG23’s cast iron, logs, brick liner, remote, and blower give it a more feature-rich stove-style experience. That makes it the better choice when appearance and adjustable fire presentation are part of the purchase. The tradeoff is a heavy appliance that needs room and careful installation.
Comfort Glow is less about a focal-point fire and more about practical, quiet heat from a wall-mounted unit. Its operation without electricity is a substantial advantage for outage planning, while the propane tank and wall opening add constraints. Decide which tradeoff fits your home: a visible freestanding appliance, or an unobtrusive heater designed around LP and backup use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Comfort Glow a direct vent gas stove?
No. It is a wall-mounted direct vent propane heater, not a freestanding stove. It can suit buyers looking for direct-vent gas heat, but shoppers who specifically want stove styling and a floor-standing body should focus on the Ashley Hearth AG23.
Which product is better for a larger room?
The Ashley lists coverage of up to 1,000 square feet, compared with up to 750 square feet for Comfort Glow, so it has the larger stated coverage. Actual performance depends on insulation, room layout, climate, and other conditions; use the manufacturer’s guidance or a qualified installer’s assessment to check the match for your space.
Can either heater work during a power outage?
Comfort Glow is described as operating without electricity, making it the clearer outage-oriented choice when its propane supply is available. The Ashley includes a remote and blower, so I would check its manual or ask the manufacturer which functions need household power before counting on it as outage heat.
What fuel do these direct vent heaters use?
The Ashley is listed for natural gas or propane, though propane use requires a separately sold conversion kit. Comfort Glow is a liquid-propane-only model and calls for a minimum 100-pound tank plus a specific two-stage regulator. Confirm the required configuration before purchasing either unit.
Does direct vent mean no wall work is required?
No. A direct-vent appliance routes combustion air and exhaust through a vent system, typically through an exterior wall for these products. Comfort Glow explicitly requires an exterior-wall opening and specifies a wall-thickness range. Check each product’s installation instructions and have the site reviewed by a qualified installer before selecting a location.
Conclusion
For buyers who want a true freestanding direct vent gas stove, I recommend the Ashley Hearth AG23. Its cast-iron construction, remote-controlled flame settings, included blower, and larger stated coverage give it the strongest match to the search, with the caveat that its 333-pound weight and separate LP conversion kit need planning.
Choose Comfort Glow if you need a wall-mounted propane heater that can operate without electricity and want to keep floor space open. It is not a stove, its stated coverage is lower, and its tank, regulator, and exterior-wall requirements narrow where it fits. My short version: choose Ashley for a stove-style focal point and broader stated coverage; choose Comfort Glow for electricity-free propane heat in a suitable room. Before either purchase, verify fuel supply, vent placement, clearances, and installation requirements for your home.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
