On matters to do with home decor, you can never go wrong with an electric fireplace in your living room. Talk to your architect or home builder about how you can use an electric fireplace to create a great ambiance and warm up your home. On Amazon, you will have a wide range of sizes and styles that may blend perfectly into your home decor.
In this post, you will learn the following:
- What is an electric fireplace?
- How does it work?
- Are the flames produced by an electric fireplace real?
- Types of fireplace heaters.
- How much space can an electric fireplace heat?
- The electrical requirements of an electric fireplace.
- The different types of technology used in electric fireplaces.
- The types of electric fireplaces are available.
- Benefits of a freestanding electric fireplace heater.
- Examples of freestanding electric fireplaces in the market.
- Things to consider while buying an electric fireplace.
- The best freestanding electric fireplace to buy.
What Is An Electric Fireplace?
An electric fireplace is a heater with electrical elements that enable it to imitate the warmth and appearance of traditional fireplaces that use wood, coal, or gas.
How Does It Work?
Electric fireplaces work by drawing in the cold air from a room and heating it with a heating coil. They then use a fan to gently eject it into the room, thus creating a healing effect.
Are The Flames Real?
The flames that you see in an electric fireplace aren’t actual. The illusion of a real flame is produced by means of an electric motor and a revolving shaft with mirrors from an LED bulb. Good LED bulbs will last longer, with very little power consumption. For water-based fireplaces, the fire is generated by a mist.
Types Of Electric Fireplace Heaters
There are two types of electric fireplace heaters- fan-forced and quartz infrared.
Fan-forced
These fireplace heaters operate by pulling cool air from the room, passing it over electrically heated coils, and blowing heated air into your space with a small fan. They usually warm smaller areas of between 400 and 500 sq. ft. Fireplaces that use this heater have a blower installed at the back of the heating compartment. Since they are simple to manufacture and inexpensive to produce, fan-forced heaters are possibly the most commonly used in electric fireplaces. The disadvantage of this kind of technology is that the fan produces audible sounds, and the heating capacity is lower than that of the infrared quartz heater with a fireplace. Note also that you should prevent things from getting in the way of the heater’s air path.
Quartz Infrared
Quartz infrared heaters mimic the sun. They release an invisible Ultraviolet light that warms a surface. They do not need a blower to function. This technology is usually applied in high-quality electric heaters and provides a natural thermal feeling without drying the air. Also known as ‘radiant heaters’, they are very distinct from fan-forced heaters. They can adequately heat big areas of up to 1,000 sq. ft.
How Much Space Can An Electric Fireplace Heat
An electric fireplace can heat any space from between 400 and 1000 square feet. The variation depends on the type of heater it has been built with. However, it is noteworthy that the electric fireplace will only produce sufficient heat for the room it is in not the whole house. This is referred to as ‘zone heating’. It makes the fireplace more efficient and helps save your electricity bill.
Electrical Requirements
Many fireplaces are meant to be directly attached to a wall while others are hardwired. Usually, they run on 110 volts without specialized 220-volt high-tension plugs. We recommend that you use a dedicated circuit. You can expect an electric fireplace heater to use 1500 watts of current at the very least. If a low-cost extension cord or power strip draws the current, it may overheat and potentially become dangerous, leading to a real fire.
A simple recommendation is to directly plug your electric fire with a dedicated circuit of 15 to 20 amps. Avoid attaching other lamps, TVs, and computers to the same fireplace socket.
When mounting a power socket for your electric fireplace heater or cabling it directly into the power supply, we suggest that you use a licensed and insured electrician. Connecting several devices to a single outlet may lead to a circuit breaker going off. Ensure you employ an experienced and licensed electrician to install electrical outlets into your existing cavity for a neat outlook and to hide unattractive power cords
Technology Used In Electric Fireplaces
A mechanical electric fireplace is the most common type. It works through a powerful engine that rotates a reflective cylinder. The tabs represent colorful LED lights, which produce a flame-like look. These fireplaces give you a choice of flame colors, thanks to their LED lights. Mechanical fireplaces are normally cheap, but look tacky. So this choice is not for you if you are looking for a natural look.
Fireplaces dependent on water (water-based), on the other hand, make a water-nebula using an ultrasonic fogger. They then use halogen bulbs to produce an orange color on the nebula that makes it look like a real fire. Additionally, the bulbs give off heat. This is the most practical choice to look at if you want your fireplace to appear real. It’s very costly, though, because you need a steady supply of water. The fire starts dying as the water runs out.
The gel fuel-based is another type of faux fireplace. This is not absolutely false since the alcohol-based gel is used to create fire. The only difference is that you don’t have to use wood to maintain it. The advantage is that because this is a real fire, there is no worry about a tacky appearance. The downside is that it can be potentially dangerous, and you need to carry out frequent gel refills to keep it going. This is expensive in the long run.
The final type is the holographic electric fireplace. In contrast to other mechanics, this technology uses video to create a real flame. Holographic technology provides a variety of graphics and even sounds. Due to the variety it offers, you can have a wood fireplace minus the wood and fire. Of all the options, it has the most realistic flame effect. However, it is also costly compared to the rest.
The Types of Electric Fireplaces
Here are some types of electric fireplaces:
Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces
A wall-mount electric fireplace is one of the simplest fireplaces to install and use. They are suitable for condominiums or apartments as they can be removed seamlessly.
These types of fireplaces are fitted using wall anchors and specialized screws with supporting brackets. Usually, a level and screwdriver are the only pieces of equipment required to build a wall-mounted fireplace. It is easy to find a wall-mounted electric fireplace majorly manufactured by Amantii or Touchstone. Both brands are available on Amazon. You may sometimes personalize the ember bed in your electric fireplace with these. This wall-mounted electric fireplace is brand-specific and involves different esthetics, wood forms, crystal jewels, and crushed fire glass or dragon glass in general.
Built-In Electric Fireplaces
Built-in electric fireplaces are fireplace inserts that have been installed directly into a wall. They are traditionally flush with the wall as the insert exists between the studs. This type of installation has a clean, streamlined appearance, as part of the wall structure. It does require professional installation.
Built-in electric fireplaces are generally frame-less and you will find many linear fireplaces that have this form factor.
Electric Fireplace Inserts
Also referred to as a firebox, electric fireplace inserts are quite common. They are the best option for a homeowner who is trying to convert a traditional combustible fireplace into an efficient one that is also safe to use.
Generally, an electric fireplace insert can be placed directly into the fireplace cavity and trimmed in to appear like a built-in wood burner fireplace.
Most have a wide range of flames and flame beds to pick from. Flame beds are comprised of, embers, traditional logs, and modern glass glow logs, and rocks.
The flame variations range from realistic 3D flames to a basic flat-panel fire image. There are also different colors of flames, from realistic oranges to LED flames that change colors depending on what you fancy. Current models use flames with energy-efficient LED lamps. Some fireboxes incorporate a mist to produce an illusion of smoke.
Fireboxes may also feature air treatment systems that clean the air in your home from, mold, dust, and pet hairs. In addition to heating the air that they pull from your house, they filter it before releasing it back.
Electric Log Sets
An electric log set is a straightforward and minimal-effort method of changing over a current fireplace opening into a semi-electric fireplace. They have a bunch of LED lights within them that will glimmer and throb to mimic seething and consuming ashes in the ash bed. Some will even project a fire impact onto the divider behind the logs that fairly recreates a fire.
Notwithstanding, these are not as reasonable as electric fireplace inserts, but rather they are viable for small and basic establishments on a tight spending plan. Numerous electric log sets contain space warmers to remove the chill from a room.
Media Mantels or TV Consoles
This kind of structure factor is additionally alluded to as a media console or an entertainment center fireplace. It is ideal for people who are looking for a simple way to store their electronics. This could incorporate set-top boxes and computer game consoles that are coordinated into an electric fireplace.
Commonly, media mantles will incorporate an area to store electronics and a space for a TV right above it. The fireplace comes right at the center.
They are ideal for media arrangements and small-sized homes or for those hoping to ration space. Before you get an electric fireplace tv stand, find out the screen size it is meant to hold to ensure your TV fits perfectly.
Freestanding Fireplace Stoves
A stove is an example of a freestanding electric fireplace. The stove heater has a customary, steel, antiquated style, and is regularly found in rural homes. Electric renditions are by and large worked out of plastic, however, they are made to outwardly resemble an old-style chimney stove with consuming coals. Some are even worn down to look more classic. Unattached ovens are ideal in the country and rustic homes.
Wall Mantel Packages
These packages are the conventional electric fireplace shelf that is ideal for the parlor or family room of any living space. They are broadly viewed as the focal point of the room.
For the most part, a fireplace insert is encircled with a wood encompass called a mantel. The mantel electric fireplace is placed against a wall, thus looking like a built-in fireside.
The comfort of wall mantel packages is the straightforwardness of being connected to the wall. They do not require a professional to install, making them very convenient if you love DIY projects.
The wood mantel can be painted to precisely coordinate with any living space. Wall mantel fireplaces are versatile and portable. You can therefore move them from one room to the other.
Moreover, this kind of mantel can be put together in around 20 to 30 minutes. They only require an electric screwdriver- no need for experts or additional tools.
Corner Units
Corner chimneys are comparable in plan and capacity to wall mantel fireplaces, but can only be inserted in a corner wall.
While wall mantel chimneys have an entirely flush back area, corner shelf chimneys have a triangle molded back which fits the shapes of a room where two walls meet up at a 90-degree point.
A corner unit is a decent touch for little rooms or off-set review positions. A TV can be set over the fireplace.
Things To Consider While Shopping For A Fireplace
Before using your Amazon gift cards to get an electric fireplace, take the following factors into consideration:
- The make – Electric fireplaces are either detached pieces or inserts that go into the wall or a current chimney. Standalone electric chimneys are far simpler to work with- simply wheel it in and attach it to an outlet. They’re in some cases incorporated into a cabinet for added capacity. Electric fireplace inserts require some work to set up, however, they look a lot sleeker once introduced and don’t occupy any floor room.
- Warmth – Not every electric fireplace will rapidly and successfully heat up your home. An electric fireplace’s warming force is normally estimated in BTUs (British Thermal Units), wattage, or just the number of square feet it can heat up.
- Authenticity – Nothing can really recreate the vibe of a genuine wood-consuming fire. Some electric fireplaces, however, draw nearer than others. In an ideal setup, your new electric chimney should get as close as possible to resembling the actual thing.
- Size – Whether you’re getting an insert or a detached electric stove, consistently check the measurements and measure the fireplace’s planned zone.
- Style – Fireplaces, regardless of whether they are electric or wood-consuming, become the centerpiece of any room. It’s subsequently worth looking to track down a snappy electric chimney that works with your flow inside a stylistic layout.
- Mantel Quality and Materials – It is important to have some knowledge about the best material for your fireplace mantel. A furniture-grade mantel will be produced using excellent wood. Shelves matched with premium electric fireplaces regularly utilize an assortment of wood types.
The MDF center with a genuine wood grain facade and hardwood crown shaping are ideal embellishments for a hand-cut appearance. Finished wood grain facades are indistinct from genuine finished wood and convey an extravagant finish. Lower-end chimney shelves will be produced using MDF alone and therefore be of poor quality and finish in comparison to multi-wood mantels available on high-end fireplaces.
In case you are new on the road to electric fireplaces, you may consider trying out a freestanding electric fireplace heater for a start. Here is a list of the benefits this option offers:
Top 10 Benefits of a Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater
It is Portable
An unattached fireplace heater is very easy to move around, so you can move with it from one room to the other without a hassle. This quality also makes it very convenient if you stay in a rented house and are not allowed to make any major changes. You can comfortably take it with you when you need to move houses.
It Can Be Placed Anywhere
Because it is portable, you can place an electric fireplace stove anywhere in the room, based on your preference. It does not have to be set against a wall at all times.
Inexpensive
If you are on a tight budget and need a form of heat in your home, this is the best option for you. It is easy to get an efficient one on Amazon that will not hurt your pocket.
Low Maintenance
With an electric stove, you don’t need to worry about finding logs to burn or cleaning them out after use. All you need is electricity.
A Good Supplemental Heat Source
It works as a very efficient form of supplemental heating, enabling you to stay warm while using as little energy as possible. In the long run, you will not have a high bill to pay.
Practical
If you are short on storage, you can find a self-supporting fireplace that has a shelf or even a cupboard attached to it. It will serve to warm you up and store some of your stuff as well.
Easy To Install
You do not need to fret if you don’t like a lot of handy work. This type of fireplace needs no sweat. There are no complex instructions about assembling it. All you have to do is plug it in and get cozy.
Provides Variety
If you are concerned about how a fireplace will blend in with your interior décor, getting a freestanding electric fireplace heater should ease your mind. These stoves come in a variety of modern looks, sizes, flame effects, architectural styles, and finishes. Some of the finishes include espresso, mahogany, faux stone, oak, black and white, and stainless steel. With this range to pick from, you are guaranteed to find something suitable.
Safe To Use
An electric fireplace is very safe for use. It does not produce harmful fumes like carbon monoxide, and there is no risk of a fire suddenly starting. All that you need to do is keenly follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Long-Lasting
Detached electric chimneys keep going for a shockingly long time. In contrast to different warmers and chimneys, they are less vulnerable to issues like corrosion or rust. Even after a long period of utilization, these gadgets can look and function like they are brand new.
Examples Of Freestanding Electric Fireplaces In The Market
Amazon is a good place for you to shop if you are looking for some of the best electric fireplaces. These include Southern Enterprises, Dimplex, and Duraflame 3D. For instance, The Duraflame Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove matches the typical design of a wood-burning stove, with the perfect flame effect minus the hassle. The Duraflame infrared fireplace will heat up to 1,000 square feet, thanks to the infrared heater. The patented 3D flames are a real imitation of a real wood fire. The Duraflame 3D machine comes with a remote control and an adjustable thermostat for accurate heat settings. This makes the Duraflame among the best electric fireplaces.
The Dimplex Celeste can heat rooms up to 400 sq. ft. With the adjustable thermostat, you can regulate the temperature and get a warm ambiance. This electric fireplace has the most realistic 3D flame effect to mimic any conventional wood unit. One other great feature is that you can enjoy the coziness of this heater all year round as flames can be activated independently from the heat. It is a safe space heater around children because even when in use, the protective glass remains cool to the touch.
The Best Electric Fireplace To Buy
All in all, MagikFlame has a variety of the best electric fireplaces on the market right now. You can get a freestanding electric fireplace heater from our variety. The MagikFlame story is proof that we are committed to providing the best services at all times. According to the MagikFlame reviews, these electric fireplaces are beautiful, efficient, and definitely worth every penny you spend. To help you find a suitable payment method, there are various options under payment plans and financing. You can also make a purchase using your credit card.
MagikFlame electric fireplaces have a built-in 5200 BTU heater, and 30 ultra-realistic flames (an excellent flame effect), complete with crackling log sounds. You will also find that they incorporate the latest technology trends, which ensure that the features are adjustable, either via remote control or Bluetooth technology. Find out more about how MagikFlame is built here. Given the wide range of electric fireplaces available, it is easy to get confused.
Bottom Line
As you plan on your home improvement, you can steer away from the traditional wood or gas fireplaces to freestanding electric fireplaces. This will be a worthwhile addition to your interior design. Be sure to involve your interior designer for insights on the best designs you can get on Amazon and where best you can place them in your home.
