As electric fireplaces continue to increase in popularity, it’s allowed different manufacturers to create a variety of styles and designs to provide consumers with different choices. Those who want to add extra storage space to their living room or home office may want to select an electric fireplace entertainment center. It’s important to know what’s available on the market to ensure you can make the right selection for your needs.
Electric Fireplace Entertainment Centers
As electric fireplaces have become more advanced, there are now more options available with the type of product you purchase, whether you want an insert or a fireplace with a media console. More consumers favor an electric fireplace entertainment center because of the adjustable shelves and side cabinets it features for ample storage space that is provided. The included shelving can allow you to display your favorite items and also have room for flat-screen TVs above the fireplace. Compared to an electric fireplace TV stand, an electric fireplace entertainment center offers larger bookcases and side cabinets to store more items and keep everything within reach. Not only can you keep your items organized, but you can hide clutter and keep your DVDs, game boards, and blankets out of sight.
The Ameriwood Farmington Electric Fireplace TV Console is a great option for TVs up to 50 inches. It has a rustic design with added character on the wood materials and comes with a 23-inch fireplace insert. A side cabinet is present on each side of the console for storing smaller items.
The Walker Edison Bern Classic 2 Glass Door Fireplace TV Stand can fit TVs up to 800 inches and has glass materials on the doors for displaying various decor items. The contemporary design of the furniture item makes it look attractive and upscale.
Many consumers also select the Southern Enterprises Parkdale Electric Fireplace for its minimal look and set-up. The product features multiple shelves and can fit televisions up to 53 inches, allowing it to work well in smaller living rooms or bedrooms. The fireplace insert has three brightness levels and creates a warm and inviting glow.
You also have the option of installing an electric fireplace insert directly into an existing entertainment center that is already built into the wall. This can allow you to make use of your existing cabinets and shelves while still retrofitting a recessed electric fireplace that has the perfect fit.
There are a variety of styles to choose from with your media shelf and media cabinet you select, whether you want to achieve a contemporary or modern farmhouse look. Many colors and finishes are available, whether you want an espresso electric fireplace TV console or a modern fireplace media console with glass materials. You can select an entertainment center with white oak materials to create a light and airy setting. Many of the products are constructed with MDF or espresso solid wood materials, allowing them to hold a lot of weight and last long-term. You can even opt for an entertainment center with an espresso finish for a rich and regal look, which will look elegant and transitional in a home office.
The media console can even include a barn door if you want a rustic farmhouse style in the home. This will allow the feature to look decorative while still having a high level of functionality by hiding electronics and cords behind the media cabinet. The media center will also fill in larger walls where a smaller electric media fireplace can look awkward without a large media console.
The entertainment center will be the main centerpiece in the room, making it easier to arrange your furniture around the feature for a cohesive layout. You can place TVs up above the electric fireplace insert and enjoy the realistic flame look while watching a movie.
How to Style Your Electric Fireplace Entertainment Center
Whether you select a Valmont or Ameriwood fireplace entertainment center, you’ll want to style the shelves to draw more attention to the feature. Avoid placing any decor items on the shelf where you place the TVs up over the fireplace to prevent it from looking cluttered and busy.
Use antique or vintage items to put on display on your white TV stand console. Shop at flea markets and antique stores for unique finds that will contribute to the style of the room.
Framed family photos that are on display will also add a personal touch and will make the house feel like a home. Consider using the framed photos sparingly to ensure the shelves look professionally styled.
Touches of greenery will also contribute to the styling of the entertainment center. Add small faux plants that can sit next to the framed photos or are placed on top of a stack of books. Larger plants can sit by themselves and fill in bare areas.
Avoid placing too many books next to each other on the shelves when using it as a bookshelf. Group a few books together instead of placing dozens of books next to each other, which can look crowded. Spacing each decor item a few inches from one another can enhance the look of the entertainment center and will make it look visually appealing when you’re staging the space.
Do Electric Fireplaces Generate A Lot of Heat?
When consumers consider owning an electric fireplace, one of their main concerns is if they’ll get enough heat from the unit. You may also wonder if the materials get too hot or can cause damage to items that are in close proximity to the item as it’s in use.
Most electric fireplaces have an average of 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, which allows them to emit more heat than a standard space heater. The glass doors or panels don’t get hot to the touch because real fire is never used. The electric fireplace comes with an infrared heater that generates warm air without making the interior setting feel too dry.
There’s enough heat from electric fireplaces to supplement your main heater in the house for more comfort and to keep the chill away. You can actually heat the room up quicker than using a gas or wood fireplace, making it easier to maintain the temperature in the building. Many people favor the zone heating this type of fireplace offers because it doesn’t cause any heat to transfer into other parts of the house that may be unoccupied. You’ll only use the heat and energy that you actually need to reduce your electric bill each month. This also prevents other rooms or floors from getting too hot and making your family members uncomfortable.
If you buy an electric fireplace with 110 volts, you’ll get the same amount of heat as a blow dryer. If you want something more powerful with higher heat settings for a larger room, consider finding an electric fireplace with up to 220 volts.
Those who own wood-burning fireplaces don’t get as much heat because of how much heat is lost through the chimney. A draft effect is created with the chimney, and it’s often necessary to open a window for ventilation to keep the fire burning, which allows more cold air into the room. You can also spend hundreds of dollars each year on the wood logs needed to enjoy a fire. The cost of chimney cleanings each year to avoid fires is another factor to consider. Electric fireplaces are a lot easier to maintain and don’t require frequent cleanings in between multiple uses. You can also add an insert into an existing masonry fireplace in the home to convert the feature into a more eco-friendly fireplace. You don’t need to obtain permits or start construction on the house to install the feature. You’ll also be able to close the flue since smoke is never produced by the electric fireplace.
You can also control more of the heat with an electric fireplace because the units come with a built-in programmable thermostat. You can adjust the temperature with a remote control, depending on the time of year to ensure you create a comfortable climate. With a gas or wood fireplace, there’s no way to control how much the fireplace heats the internal setting.
Measure the sq.ft. in the room to ensure you select a fireplace with enough BTU. The square feet in the space should be multiplied by 20 to get an idea of how many BTUs you need. Our MagikFlame fireplaces come with 5,200 BTUs, which is enough to heat larger rooms or open-floor spaces.
Other Types of Electric Fireplaces to Consider
In recent years, consumers have had access to more options when selecting the best electric fireplace for their needs. You can be more particular and specific about what you want to buy and the features you want to be included. You can also decide what types of LED flames you want to ensure you choose something that looks realistic. Researching the different models available can allow you to narrow down what products stand out.
A variety of styles and designs are available to ensure you can select something that blends in well with your living space. A freestanding fireplace is a great choice if you have a large wall where you want the fireplace to be installed. The mantel and surround included with this type of electric fireplace can make it look like a real fireplace built into your living room. This will make it more noticeable because of its decorative features and size. If you’re looking for something more upscale and sleek, consider an insert that you can place directly into a wall. This will prevent it from taking up any floor space and can boost your home’s market value once it’s in place.
Some electric fireplaces are built into smaller consoles and stands and can sit right below your television. This can allow you to have a furniture item to store your electronics while still having a fireplace on display in the room.
Electric fireplace stoves are also popular among consumers because of how much warmth they deliver to the room, as well as their antique design. The smaller size of this type of product prevents it from taking up a lot of room and makes it work well in smaller apartments or condos.
There are also a variety of brands available to choose from as more manufacturers emerge in the industry. It’s important to find a reputable and high-quality brand to ensure the product lasts longer and doesn’t break down frequently. Some of the top brands you can look into include MagikFlame, Touchstone, Ameriwood, and Dimplex. It’s easy to find a long list of reviews and get insight into other customers’ opinions on each manufacturer’s website or even on Amazon. Photos and video footage of the different products are also posted in the Dimplex and MagikFlame reviews to ensure you get different views of each fireplace from the customer’s perspective.
Keep in mind that a variety of technologies are used in electric fireplaces to create faux flame effects. Not all technologies are the same, and each one looks different. Some brands like Dimplex rely on tinted mist to create the illusion of a fire in the fireplace. Brands like MagikFlame are popular because of our patented holographic technology, which is more advanced than any other type of technology in the industry. The LED lights in the fireplaces also create the look of 3D flames. The holographic technology is what makes the MagikFlame story stand out. The founder of our company couldn’t find a realistic electric fireplace available on the market, so he used his skills in f/x special effects to create the look of the flames. A screen is in place behind the wood log set and displays footage of a real wood-burning fire. Other brands have had difficulty attempting to create this same type of look without using a real flame.
You also want to think about what features are included with each electric fireplace model, making it necessary to obtain a buying guide from brands like Ameriwood or Walker Edison. Each feature should add more accommodation and ease of use to ensure the product is convenient to operate. Choosing a fireplace with a remote control can make it easier to operate if you don’t want to get up and press the buttons on the control panel on the unit.
More advanced manufacturers like MagikFlame even offer an app that you can download to operate the fireplace remotely, which you can review in our MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide. In the buying guide, you will find fireplaces that have different flame colors to choose from to ensure you can change up the look of the fire when you’re in the mood for something more than the color orange. Many fireplaces even have touchscreens directly on the unit, which are backlit to make them easier to use in the dark. Some brands like Touchstone even include Bluetooth speakers to ensure you can enjoy listening to music as the fireplace is in use. The Bluetooth speakers will prove to be useful when you’re hosting parties or want to create a relaxing setting in the room.
Look around on the brand’s website to get more of an understanding of how their products are made, the background of the company, and interesting facts about the manufacturer. Many people are interested in the MagikFlame story and how the holographic technology the founder of our company invented was the launching pad for the company’s long-term success in the industry. How MagikFlame is built is just as interesting, which you can learn more about on our website. We take pride in the quality of our American-made fireplace inserts. You can also look at the payment plans and financing options offered on each manufacturer’s website before heading to the checkout.
It’s also important that the brand you select stands behind the quality of its products and offers at least a one-year warranty on all its products. The warranty will protect your investment and can offer peace of mind knowing the manufacturer will cover any repairs or replacements needed if you encounter issues with the fireplace. You can also consider buying an extended warranty for more coverage.
If you don’t have a lot of square feet and limited wall space, you can even consider a corner electric fireplace. The unique design of this type of fireplace allows it to fit in any corner of the room and still remain the focal point of the space.
Why are Electric Fireplaces Popular?
There are a few reasons electric fireplaces are increasing in sales and becoming more popular than gas or wood fireplaces. They offer a long list of advantages as they become more advanced and versatile.
Those who want to make their home greener often swap old their current fireplace for an electric fireplace because it’s considered to be more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. It doesn’t cause any pollution because smoke is never produced. The product also doesn’t use propane or natural gas to create the look of the flames.
Electric fireplaces are more convenient than other types of fireplaces available and don’t require as much care. You don’t need to spend your energy chopping down trees to get wood logs to use in your fireplace or purchase enough wood to last throughout the fall and winter seasons. The product is easy to turn on in seconds by flipping a switch or with a press of a button on the control panel or remote. There aren’t any materials to prepare or tools to get ready, making it a hassle-free process. You also don’t have to remember to open the flue each time to allow smoke out. You don’t need to clean out ashes from the firebox and clean up messes, especially in the chimney when soot builds up.
The safe design of electric fireplaces is another benefit and offers peace of mind. There isn’t as high of a risk of fires occurring compared to gas fireplaces and wood-burning fireplaces. They also don’t release any pollutants or carbon monoxide to protect your family’s health. None of the materials get too warm or hot as the fireplace is running, which means you won’t burn yourself if you have contact with the item. Several different safety features are included with most models, including a built-in timer to ensure it automatically shuts off at a specific time. The timer means you don’t have to be concerned about the unit overheating if you forget to shut it off.
The portable design of this type of fireplace is also ideal for those who are afraid to commit to installing it in one spot in their home or office. The lack of vents or gas lines required means you can move it around to another wall or room in the future. If you’re a renter, you have the freedom of taking the fireplace with you to your next home for continued use of the product. The slim and small profile of the product also prevents it from taking up a lot of space to ensure you can select more places to install it. Whether you want a fireplace in your dining room or entryway, it’ll fit almost anywhere without blocking high-traffic areas.
The lightweight design of electric fireplaces makes them easy to lift and move with another person when you need to load them into a moving truck.
Factors to Compare Between Gas and Electric Fireplaces
Learning the main differences between gas and electric fireplaces can allow you to make an informed decision to select the right option for your living space. Each type of fireplace is a popular choice to consider but differs in its design and operation.
You can expect to pay more to operate a gas fireplace each time you use it. Gas fireplaces are an average of 40 cents every hour to use, which can cause a spike in your energy bill if you plan to use them each day. Wall mounted electric fireplaces are as low as one cent an hour if you don’t have the heating element in use and only use the flame effects. The faux flames and heating element will cost up to eight cents per hour to use, which can allow you to leave it on as long as you prefer without worrying about spending too much to stay warm.
You don’t have the freedom to turn off the heat when you use a gas fireplace, which means you can’t enjoy the beautiful look of the flames in the warmer seasons without heating your interior setting. This may limit how frequently you use your fireplace and can cause it to sit for many months in the spring and summer seasons. Electric fireplaces can be used with or without heat when you plan to host a party or create a cozy ambiance in the space.
Real fire is used in gas fireplaces and only allows you to enjoy one color shade with the look of the flames. Many electric fireplace models in the industry offer a variety of flame colors, depending on the type of look you want to achieve. You may want the color of the flames to match your color scheme in the room or look festive for a specific holiday like St. Patrick’s Day. Whatever color you select, you can enjoy a new look as often as you prefer to ensure you never tire of the look of the faux flames. The brightness of the flames can also be adjusted, depending on how much of a glow you want to come from the firebox.
The installation process of adding an electric fireplace to your home doesn’t require as much work or as many steps as a gas fireplace. You don’t need to hire a professional to add a gas line or install vents. You can plug your electric fireplace in anywhere there’s an electrical outlet and have it ready to use moments after taking it out of the packaging.
What is the Lifespan of an Electric Fireplace?
The average lifespan of an electric fireplace is 20 years if enough care and maintenance are provided each year. The fireplace you select should be constructed with quality, durable materials that don’t start to show signs of wear after a few years. This will also allow the mechanisms to operate better without grinding.
The fireplace brand is one of the main factors that determine how long it lasts. American-made fireplace inserts are known to last longer and operate better. Brands like MagikFlame construct their inserts in the U.S. compared to China or Taiwan. You can invest in a quality product that is also easier to repair in the future because the parts will be easier to find in the country rather than overseas.
The level of care you provide to the feature also determines how well it works with consistent use. Although electric fireplaces have a low-maintenance design, they still need cleanings every few months to clear out dust and dirt that has settled onto the parts in the firebox. Shut off the fireplace by unplugging it to allow the parts to cool for a few minutes. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe the parts down after removing the main access panel on the back or front of the fireplace. Use a quality cloth that doesn’t leave pieces of lint behind as you clean everything off. Use glass cleaner on the glass doors or panels to remove dust and streaks that are present. All the moisture from the cleaner should dry before you place the access panel back onto the feature.
Changing the light bulbs in the fireplace is necessary to maintain the look of the flames and create an attractive glow that changes the mood in the room. Halogen bulbs have a lifespan of two years, and LED bulbs last up to 11 years before they begin burning out. Always wear gloves to avoid contact with the glass on the bulbs. If the oil on your hand has contact with the bulbs, it can affect their illumination and shorten their lifespan. Always wrap old light bulbs in thick materials when you throw them out to prevent the glass from shattering.
Schedule inspections at least once each year to ensure the mechanisms are all working correctly. An electrician will look for potential issues or loose connections with the wires. An inspection will allow you to avoid severe problems that can develop and will allow you to know if any of the parts need attention.
Ways to Safely Use Your Fireplace
If you’re looking for the safest type of fireplace to use in your home, an electric fireplace is the best choice because of how advanced and efficient it has become in recent years. There are still some precautions to take after you obtain your new fireplace and begin using it. Unplug the feature when it’s not in use to avoid using excess electricity and avoid electrical issues that can develop. Most manufacturers recommend that an extension cord or surge protector is never used to prevent the unit from overheating at any time.
The built-in timer should always be used to ensure you never forget to turn it off, whether you leave the room or become distracted. You may even fall asleep while using it at night, and it will turn off to prevent it from operating until the morning. It’s also important to always stay in the room as the fireplace is in use to ensure you can take the necessary action if any issues occur.
Pets and children also need to stay a safe distance from the unit, and they should never be left alone with the fireplace. Don’t use a new fireplace that has signs of damage on the cords, which can immediately lead to electrical issues when you plug it into an outlet. Contact the manufacturer if repairs are needed on the cords and avoid attempting to fix anything yourself.
Avoid making any changes or modifications to your fireplace once you take it home or it arrives at your house. Even electricians and contractors should avoid tampering with the units because the modifications may be outside of the manufacturer’s guidelines. Check the owner’s manual if you notice any issues developing to determine what repairs are needed, or if the fireplace should be replaced.
It’s also important to keep some items a safe distance from the electric fireplace. Furniture and decor pieces should be at least three feet away from all vents on the fireplace to prevent them from becoming obstructed. This will promote proper airflow as it releases heat into the room. This will reduce the risk of any issues developing each time you use the fireplace.
Keep every cord or wire behind the fireplace and hidden away to prevent anyone from tampering with it. Children and pets are prone to playing with electrical cords, which can cause them to become chewed and damaged. This can put your loved one’s safety at risk, and some of the electrical components can become frayed and unsafe to use.
Additional safety tips include:
- Never leave the unit outside
- Ensure your outlets are safe to use
- Don’t remove the access panel when the fireplace is operating
- Allow the surfaces to cool down before cleaning the internal parts
Different Features to Use with Your Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces were invented in 1912 in different playhouses to ensure actors could stay warm in the colder months of the year. In the 1950s, consumers began to purchase them to use in their homes to heat the interior setting instead of using a wood-burning fireplace. The realistic look of the flames and the attractive exterior of the fireplaces made them popular and allowed them to continue to increase in popularity. The technology in the fireplaces also became more advanced in the 1980s to ensure the flames had more detail and looked like real fire. Today, homeowners are purchasing this type of fireplace over gas or wood fireplaces because they are eco-friendly and energy-efficient. They can save a significant amount of money to heat the house and deliver just as much heat, if not more, than other types of fireplaces.
There are even more details on the faux flames to create a realistic look, which can make your guests believe that you’re burning real wood. Between the burning embers and the smoke flowing upward, the flames look realistic and have natural movement.
You can even select different colors of flames to change up the look of the faux fire when you’re ready for a new look. Some of the most common color choices available with electric fireplaces include:
- Red
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Pink
You can select the flame color depending on your home’s interior design or your taste. The color can also reflect the season or the mood that you want in the room. You can even have the option of selecting the brightness of the flames with some models that are available. You can decide how much illumination you want to have at different times of the day.
The style and color shade of the ember beds also differs, depending on the look you want to achieve. You can also select an ember bed with stones or driftwood for something more natural, while other fireplaces have faux crystals to create a luxurious and upscale design. Different colors of ember beds are available to ensure you can select something that blends in well with the interior setting.
Sound effects also come with MagikFlame fireplaces to ensure your guests believe that real wood is cracking in the firebox. The sound effects are realistic and will make it easy to forget there isn’t a real flame in the fireplace. You can even turn off the sound effects at any time if you want to keep the setting quieter.
Knowing the options that are available with electric fireplace entertainment centers can allow you to be selective about the product you choose to purchase. You can find something that is specific to your home or office to ensure it offers plenty of storage space and is the first feature your guests see when they walk into the room.
