Electric Fireplace Purchase Guide
An electric fireplace is a great alternative to a traditional wood stove or another fireplace. The maintenance is minimal, you do not have to chop wood, clean the fireplace and the installation costs are fully affordable.
Electric fireplaces are cheap, clean, safe, and easy to install - without using expensive craftsmen. The electric fires are often designated as the future fireplace. You can see the whole selection of our electric fires here: Electric fireplaces.
In the following, we will mention what an electric fireplace is. If you want a more specific guide thereof, you can read this guide: What is an electric fireplace?
Furthermore, we will guide you through the installation of the fireplace. For example, if you need ventilation, and whether it can be mounted under a TV, the electric requirements for the fireplace and similar questions for the installation.
It will also be possible to learn about the different types of electric fires: Wall mounted, built-in, inserts, freestanding, and bigger classic fireplaces. The functions in an electric fireplace, pros and cons, and heat output will also be mentioned.
What is an Electric Fireplace?
An electric fireplace is a heating source that imitates the traditional fireplace. The electric fireplace is often used as a substitute for an old traditional fireplace. A lot of open wood stoves have already been banned in big cities around Europe.
Electric fires are plugged into a wall outlet and can then be used with or without heat. The fireplace contains an integrated heater, which typically emits approx 1,5 kW per hour. This corresponds to heating a room with an area of 35 m2.
Does an Electric Fireplace Make Heat?
Yes, electric fireplaces produce heat. The amount of heat varies between each fireplace type. The vast majority of models can activate a heater. It can also be switched off if the fireplace just needs to be turned on for the cosiness. This function makes it possible to use the fireplace for all months of the year - even during summer, where there are some hot summer nights and we have to open the windows. In these periods the electric fireplace can be used without heat and still contributes to the cosy evenings while watching a movie.
Heat as Needed
The majority of electric fireplaces make it possible to adjust the heat at different levels. Typically they have a level without heat as well as a high and a low heat output. In some models, there is even an intermediate level. Therefore, heat can be used as needed. Our Evonic fires have some built-in thermostats. Those can keep the desired temperature in the room constant.
How Much Heat Does an Electric Fireplace Produce?
The main question is: "How many square feet does this electric fireplace heat?" We do not have the exact answer, because the heating is so different from fireplace to fireplace and from home to home. There will be a big difference between your house being from the 1930s or if its a new build house.
Typically an electric fireplace is not recommended as a primary heating source. Instead, its purpose is to be a cosy secondary heating system. They are often installed as a supplement for underfloor heating, where the fireplace can contribute immediate zone heat. An electric fireplace with primary heat in the room where the fireplace is mounted. The heat radiates directly from the integrated heater and makes a nice heat in the room. However, a wood stove is signifying for convection of heat, where the heat is spread at the home.
If you mount the electric fireplace strategic correct, you can increase the heat significantly, right from your favourite place at home. Thermally, the electric fireplace can be compared to traditional electric radiators, which also creates radiant heat.
Is the Flame Real?
The flame in an electric fireplace is not real. Nevertheless, the newest technology within electric fires has affected the flames leading them to look more realistic. The flame in an electric fireplace is made of LED light and a mirror, which reflects the light of the fireplace. Modern technology gives the flames a far more realistic appearance. However, we underline that the flames are not real. Therefore, it is not possible to burn your fingers on the flame.
A lot of electric fireplaces have more than one flame effect of which some are more realistic than others. For each product, we have described what flame colours the fireplaces can produce. This kind of electric fireplace is called a multi-colour fireplace and can create a more modern look. The flame colour can easily be changed to another colour with one click on the remote control.
In conclusion, our answer is that the flames are not real and are, therefore, completely safe. However, the flames appear to look more real nowadays. We have found some videos, where you can see the realistic flames form each manufacturer.
This electric fireplace uses Evonic Fires price-winning Evoflame. See our electric fires from Evonic Fires.
Merseyside electric fireplace - comes in black and white
The Safety of an Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces create no real flames. Therefore, they will stay cold in the front. This also applies when the electric fireplace is in use. It is only in the area around the heater that the fireplace can get a little warm. Consequently, this type of fireplaces is quite safe to use, and should generally be considered the industry's safest alternative in fireplaces.
In other words: The electric fireplaces are perfect for families with small children and pets! If a child or a pet touches the flames by accident, no harm will be done, because the flame is not existing and completely safe.
Does an Electric Fireplace Require Ventilation?
Ventilation is not necessary when you install an electric fireplace. One of the biggest benefits for you (and the rest of the world of course) is, that the fireplace does not create any toxic substances, flue gas or something similar. You will therefore not need a chimney or ventilation in the room.
This is because electric fires do not create real fire and therefore also no ash, soot or smoke. This is not only good for the environment, but also your wallet. The installation costs are reduced significantly since you do not have to install a chimney, exhaust or ventilation.
If you care about the indoor climate and the air quality in your home, the electric fire must be your preferred choice. It has a minimal influence on the indoor climate.
Generally, the low installation costs and the environmental parameters are something that makes the electric fireplace more popular. However, there are a lot of other benefits of an electric fireplace. You can read more about this below.
Benefits of an Electric Fireplace
Low costs: One of the primary benefits is clearly that neither the selling price of the fireplace itself nor the installation price outperforms some of the industry's alternatives. An electric fireplace as well as the installation costs are cheap.
Easy installation: It is simple to mount a fireplace with LED. In the vast majority of cases, the fireplace is installed by the customer itself.
Safety for children and pets: Electric fireplaces stay cool and are therefore completely safe for both children and pets. Its function is to be used to enjoy the chilling flames. The electric fireplace is a good fireplace solution if you want a relaxed relationship to the fireplace.
No cleaning: The LED-fireplace creates no mess, as we know from the traditional wood stove, where the ash falls out every time the stove-door is opened and closed. Generally, the electric fireplace can be seen as the industry's cleanest fireplace.
No air pollution: The air in the room stays completely clean, and therefore you can sleep safely at night. Therefore, it does not create environmentally damaging discharges or other obstacles you would have to keep in mind when installing an electric fireplace. Hence, an electric fireplace is highly attractive for people with asthma, breathing problems, and generally people who care about their health.
Zone heating: Electric fireplaces are fantastic as complementary heat sources. They are close to being 100% effective when it comes to its effectiveness. This means, that there is virtually no waste of energy because everything is converted into heat. The fireplace can be placed in any type of room and give you the heat in the wanted room - great, isn't it?
Which Electric Fireplace Should I Choose?
Electric fireplaces can add a fantastic cosiness to the living room, bedroom, bathroom, office or just function as a complementary heat source. But how should you choose which one will be the perfect match for your home? We will try to guide you in the decision making process.
You have to find out how important the heat is for you. As mentioned, there are electric fireplaces that heat less than others. In your considerations, you may examine the size of the room in relation to the heat output. We are always available and ready to help you.
It is also a good idea to think about installation opportunities and challenges. Of course, you should find one that fits your preferences, but it is also worth considering the opportunities regarding the installation. Some have to be built into a wall, which can necessitate some craftsman work. You also have to take into consideration if the fireplace needs to be removable, or if it should be integrated into the wall.
It is often the design of the electric fireplace which is crucial in the customer's choice. Of course, it is important to find a fireplace you like, so the joy about the fireplace stays. But which fireplace do you want - should it be with a frame or in a frameless design? What about the flame - should it be multi-coloured or just a normal flame? There are a lot of opportunities, but if you have some thoughts about how the fireplace should look, we will be happy to help you.
Another factor is the size. How much space do you have? Is the wall big enough, and should the fireplace give more volume or should it work as a little cosy corner in the home? The price will typically follow the size of the fireplace. So the bigger the fireplace, the higher the price.
What Can an Electric Fireplace Do?
Electric fireplaces are still new elements on the market. Therefore, there are a lot of questions about the functions of the fireplace.
Remote control: All our electric fireplaces have a remote control, so the flame effect and heat output can be controlled. It is highly comfortable and ensures that you will not have to get up from the couch to make adjustments.
Display panel: On the fireplace, there is a display where all the functions can be controlled. It is possible to turn the fireplace on and off on the gadget. Hence, if the remote control needs a new battery, you can control it on the fireplace itself.
Sleep timer: The vast majority of fireplaces have a sleep-timer-function, so the flames will automatically be switched off at a set time. It is a great opportunity to get it to look like your home or if you often fall asleep on the couch while watching a movie.
Multi-coloured flame effect: The vast majority of our fireplaces have the multi-colour effect, which makes it possible to get more than one flame effect. This way, you will create a nice flame. Additionally, this will add a modern view to the surroundings.
Sound: A lot of electric fireplaces have a built-in sound module, where you can add some authentic sounds as will be associated with the traditional wood stove. This built-in speaker is a fantastic function that makes the experience more realistic.
Flexible: Electric fireplaces are often removable because the mounting is minimal and you almost do not have to do any installation. Therefore, it is easy to move the fireplace from room to room if you need so.
Can an Electric Fireplace Be Installed under a TV?
A fireplace under a TV is very popular. Therefore, we have focused on making this possible. This applies to both electric fireplaces, but also several of our other fireplace alternatives, such as bioethanol fireplace, gas fireplaces and Opti-Myst fireplaces.
In general, all our electric fireplaces can be installed under a TV, as long as the distance between the top of the fireplace and the bottom of the TV is 30 cm. However, we recommend to chose an electric fireplace with bottom or front heat, if you are planning to install a fireplace under your TV. Because, fireplaces with the heater in the top will push the heat upwards.
For bioethanol fireplaces, gas fires, and electric fireplaces where the heater points towards the television, built-in constructions can be made, which makes it possible to install your favourite fireplace under the TV. For this we have prepared an installation guide.
Electric Requirements for an Electric Fireplace
Our electric fireplaces can be connected to a normal outlet. You just have to make sure that the outlet is equipped with a power switch or something similar.
In addition, you must of course ensure that the fireplace is not connected to an already overloaded class on your electricity group. Therefore it can be a good idea to not connect the fireplace to the kitchen group where machines as a fridge, dishwasher, oven, or something similar are. In this case, you could overload the circulation leading to the power being turned off in the house or the power group.
If your electric fireplace is built into a wall, a cable connection and a power switch must be supplied. Furthermore, a cable is required. If you are unsure how to build this, you should consult your local electrician. Especially in the case that you need new cables to establish new power outlets.
Always follow the instructions in the supplied product guide.