Tempered glass or vitroceramic glass: which should you choose for your fireplace insert?

Do you need to replace an insert glass or install a floor protection under your wood stove? It is essential to choose the right type of glass according to the use. Two types exist: tempered glass and vitroceramic glass. Both are resistant, but their properties and uses are very different.

Here is a complete guide to avoid mistakes and ensure the safety of your installation.

What is tempered glass?

Tempered glass is a thermally strengthened safety glass, used for glass doors, shower cabins, or table protection. It resists mechanical shocks and temperatures up to about 250 °C. In case of breakage, it shatters into small, non-sharp pieces.

It is perfectly suitable for floor plates under wood stoves, as it withstands ambient heat without direct flame contact.

Recommended use

• Floor plates under stoves or fireplaces
• Decorative cladding without direct flame exposure

Not recommended

• Insert or stove glass (too high temperature)

What is vitroceramic glass?

Vitroceramic glass (e.g., Robax or Neoceram) is designed to withstand extreme temperatures up to 750 °C and more, without expanding or deforming. It is the only glass compliant with standards for wood, pellet, or coal heating appliances.

However, it is not suitable as a floor plate: it is more sensitive to mechanical impacts and generally more expensive than tempered glass.

Recommended use

• Insert or stove glass
• Glass replacement on heating appliances

Not recommended

• Floor plate or protection slab