One of the main reasons most people want to incorporate an electric fireplace into their home is because of the heat that it emits to ensure the setting is warm and comfortable. Modern electric fireplaces continue to evolve and become more advanced to keep the chill away when the temperatures drop. It’s important to know which electric fireplace heats the best to ensure you can have a reliable product to use.
In this post, you will learn:
- Which Electric Fireplace Heats the Best?
- Why You’ll Get More Use Out of an Electric Fireplace
- Selecting the Right Fireplace for Your Setting
- How to Make Your Fireplace Stand Out
- Ways to Maintain Your Fireplace
- What to Expect During the Installation Process
- Can an Electric Fireplace Save You Money?
- Where to Install Your New Fireplace
- Comparing Gas Fireplaces and Electric Fireplaces
- Building a Surround for Your Electric Insert
Which Electric Fireplace Heats the Best?
Whether you’re building a new home or are remodeling your current space, it may be time to own an electric fireplace. As you work with a home builder or architect to construct your dream home, it’s important to find the best electric fireplace with a heater if you don’t want to invest in a real fireplace and are trying to stay within your budget. The infrared heat of the fireplace can increase the temperature in the room without causing the space to feel too dry.
As you start searching around for a new electric fireplace, the heat that it emits should be one of the top factors that influences your decision. The product should be capable of evenly distributing the heat without allowing cold spots to still be present.
MagikFlame is a top brand to consider when you’re trying to find reliable fireplaces that heat the best. Most of their electric fireplaces come with 5,200 BTU, which is enough for a large room of up to 1,000 square feet. The MagikFlame Artemis electric fireplace is a top choice because of its 5,200 BTU heating system with state-of-the-art heating technology. It’s a great companion to a central heating system and even comes with an app to download on your smartphone or tablet to make it easy to adjust the settings.
The MagikFlame Morpheus electric fireplace is another consideration because the heat can minimize your power bill and offers high heating efficiency. It will work well in the coldest room in the house and has 110 volts with a convenient plug-in design.
The Athena Large White electric fireplace from MagikFlame also has more heating capabilities and has a bold appearance with its mantel and enclosure. It packs 5,200 BTU with forward-thinking technology and realistic flame effects that are entertaining to view. It even includes crackling log sounds to make it easy to believe it’s a traditional wood fireplace.
Other top brands in the industry don’t provide the same heating technology compared to MagikFlame despite their attractive design and simple operation. The Ameriwood Home Lamont Mantel Fireplace only delivers 4,600 BTU. The flames also don’t appear as realistic because it doesn’t use holographic technology.
The PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert is another popular model in the industry with infrared heat to maintain the natural humidity in the room. Although it won’t dry out the air in the room, the wall mount electric fireplace insert doesn’t deliver as much heat despite its three flame effects and 750-watt fan heater.
The Dimplex Winslow 48-inch Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace is a recessed electric fireplace with three interchangeable media options on the base. It emits heat quickly but fails to heat larger rooms compared to MagikFlame products. The heat rises from the bottom of the unit, which allows a television to be mounted about it. The Dimplex Standard 23″ Electric Fireplace Insert With Logs – DFI 2309 is another consideration, but only heats rooms up to 400 square feet. It uses a fan-forced infrared heater, but it doesn’t have a realistic flame effect and log set.
The Duraflame Western Electric model is another product that many people select, but it won’t work as well when you’re trying to heat a large room. The feature comes with an adjustable thermostat and LED technology but can prevent the heat from reaching farther across the room compared to MagikFlame models.
Consider the size and square feet of your living room or bedroom when you’re selecting the BTUs you need for your interior setting to get enough heat. Most electric fireplaces in the industry have 4,600 BTU, which is ideal for small rooms with 400 square feet. Those with open-floor spaces or larger rooms can opt for a fireplace with up to 8,900 BTU. Infrared heaters produce an average of 5,200 BTU, which is more than a standard space heater. You can also adjust the heat settings depending on how warm you prefer it to be in the room.
The type of insulation in the building will also determine how many BTUs you need. Older homes typically have insulation that doesn’t work as well for keeping the heat in the building and may require purchasing an electric fireplace with more BTU. Newer homes have better insulation and don’t require a fireplace with more heat.
When you’re looking for the best electric fireplace, a MagikFlame electric fireplace means you can supplement the heat of your central heating system. The electric fireplace generates enough heat that it can allow you to adjust the thermostat in the building to save extra energy.
Why You’ll Get More Use Out of an Electric Fireplace
Despite the amount of heat produced, electric fireplaces don’t use more energy compared to gas fireplaces. You can use the electric fireplace throughout the week without noticing a spike in your electric bill because of how energy-efficient the product is for your home. You can expect to pay one to eight cents an hour to use your electric fireplace, depending on if the infrared heat setting is in use. Gas fireplaces are known to cost 40 cents per hour to run. With a wood fireplace, you have to spend money on the cost of wood and chimney sweeps. When your fireplace costs less to own, it can prompt you to use it more frequently throughout the year because you won’t feel burdened by the cost to operate it.
You’ll also get more use out of your freestanding fireplace because it’s easy to use. You don’t have to hassle chopping down trees, finding firewood, or hauling the logs into your house every time you want to have a fire. Electric fireplaces are easy to turn on and operate with a push of a button, and you don’t have to spend time or energy tending to the fire to keep it going. Many fireplaces even come with a remote control to ensure you can operate it from across the room when you don’t feel like getting out of your seat. You also don’t have to spend time cleaning ashes out of the electric fireplace because wood is never used.
It’s also easier to use electric fireplaces more often because of their portable design and size. You always have the option of moving them to another room of the home or a different wall in the living room, depending on where you spend most of your time. This makes it easy to continue using the feature for many years to come as your lifestyle and habits change in the space.
Although electric fireplaces didn’t always look realistic, they now have more advanced technology to make them resemble real wood-burning fireplaces. You can make your guests believe that you have a built-in fireplace that is burning real wood because of the LED lights, screen, and even mist that is often used. More brands are introducing different types of technology, including MagikFlame. MagikFlame is the only manufacturer to use holographic technology, which was invented by the founder because of his background in f/x special effects. This is an important part of the MagikFlame story because the brand was birthed out of the founder’s desire to find a realistic electric fireplace to use in his home without any success.
The energy-efficiency is another reason you can enjoy using your fireplace as much as you like without feeling guilty about any impact made on the environment. Electric fireplaces don’t contribute to pollution or release harmful chemicals because they don’t require burning wood. They also don’t require using propane or natural gas to operate. This will allow you to improve the eco-friendly design of your home and use the fireplace more often during the colder seasons without worrying about the effect it has on the planet. Although some cities have restrictions in place regarding how often residents can enjoy fires, an electric fireplace will allow you to avoid fines and get more use out of the product.
Another reason electric fireplaces can be used year-round instead of in cold temperatures is that they can operate without infrared heat. If you want to enjoy the realistic flame effect without heating the house, you can turn off the heating element at any time with a push of a button. You can continue to enjoy the beautiful look of the dancing flames without waiting for the fall or winter season to arrive.
You can choose the look of the flame effect you want to display to create a custom look with your new fireplace. You don’t have to settle for only enjoying one style of flame that comes with wood and gas fireplaces. Many different fireplace models can allow you to adjust the brightness settings, depending on the amount of glow that you want from the firebox. You can also change the flame color, depending on the style of your interior setting or the current holiday. Some fireplaces even allow you to adjust the size of the flame to ensure you create a specific look that is attractive and complements the occasion.
Zone heating that is delivered from the fireplace also makes it easy to get more use out of the product when you want to stay warm. Although other types of fireplaces can allow you to get enough heat, they can often make the interior setting too warm because the heat tends to transfer to other rooms of the home that aren’t always in use. This can make the second floor of the home become too warm, which can cause your family members to get hot. Electric fireplaces only heat the room they’re used in, which means you don’t have to spend money on excess energy and heat rooms that you don’t want to be heated. Electric fireplaces also come with an adjustable thermostat to ensure you can set the temperature that you want to ensure it works well in the climate.
Once you install your new electric fireplace, you’ll immediately realize how much it changes the tone and feel of the room. The glow of the fireplace will create a cozy ambiance every time you turn it on, which can make it easy to keep it running more frequently throughout the week. You’ll enjoy how much it makes the room feel relaxing and comfortable, whether you’re reading a book or are watching TV. It will also be the perfect feature to use on Christmas morning when your family is opening gifts because of the warm ambiance it adds with its realistic flames. You can also use it as an attractive feature when you’re enjoying a romantic night in with your spouse.
The safety of electric fireplaces also offers peace of mind to homeowners because there’s a lower risk of a fire that can occur compared to a traditional fireplace. When you’re using an electric fireplace stove or a fireplace TV stand, the feature doesn’t use real fire, which prevents a chimney fire from occurring. You also don’t have to be concerned about embers jumping out of the firebox and into the room. Your electric fireplace will also come with a few safety features to ensure it shuts off if it becomes too warm. This will prevent it from overheating and will reduce the risk of excess wear and tear on the parts.
You also don’t have to make an impact on the environment when you use the electric fireplace. You can use it as frequently as you prefer without contributing to pollution because the feature doesn’t release any emissions like a fireplace that burns wood. Some locations even have restrictions on how often residents can burn wood, but an electric fireplace can allow you to use it year-round without getting fined or increasing your carbon footprint.
The heat output is another reason electric fireplaces are beneficial because they make the room warmer. You can rely on it to stay warm on the coldest days without leaving it on as long as other types of fireplaces. Fireplaces that burn wood lose about 80 percent of the heat they produce, which can require burning the wood for longer periods of time. A gas fireplace also loses 30 to 40 percent of all heat it generates, leading to a spike in the electric bill. All electric fireplaces use 100 percent of the heat they create to ensure you feel warmer than using another type of product.
Selecting the Right Fireplace for Your Setting
Many people can feel overwhelmed with trying to find the right electric fireplace for their setting because of how many options are available in the industry. There are a few different factors to consider to ensure you can find something specific to what you want and need.
Start by considering the room that you plan to install it in and where you want to place it. A freestanding fireplace can look beautiful and have a built-in design that allows it to become the centerpiece of the space. If you’re limited on space, opt for a wall-mounted electric fireplace that doesn’t take up any floor space and allows you to use it on any type of wall in the room. If you’re looking for a modern and sleek look that can boost the value of the home, opt for an electric insert that can be installed inside of the wall. The recessed electric fireplace will look modern and upscale in small or large rooms.
Another factor to consider is how much money you want to spend on your new fireplace. Different fireplaces in the industry are available at various price points, depending on the quality of the parts and where they’re manufactured. The features that are included also contribute to their value and price point. Some electric fireplaces come with a touchscreen, which can make them easy to operate with advanced technology and design. Other models come with a remote control for added convenience and ease of use.
Consider how long you plan to use the unit and what you plan to use it for, whether you want it to have better aesthetics or more heat settings to choose from as it’s in use. Although it’s often tempting to select the cheapest fireplace available in the industry, it may not last as long as you expect. It can also fail to operate well and can overheat or suffer from minor issues, which can lead to spending more on repairs. Look for a high-quality electric fireplace that will hold up well with daily use and will contribute to your home’s comfort.
Investing in a quality product with a competitive price point can offer peace of mind knowing you own a fireplace that will last longer and will look upscale. If you don’t want to pay the price in full, look into payment plans and financing that are offered through each manufacturer. It’s also essential to choose a brand that offers a warranty with its product to ensure your investment is protected. The warranty will cover repairs or replacements that are needed if the fireplace is defective or suffers from issues the first year that it’s in use.
Another factor to keep in mind is the brand of electric fireplace that you invest in for your office or home. The brand will determine how long it lasts, how easy it is to operate, and how easy it is to install. The brand will also influence the quality of the flames and how realistic the product looks in your setting.
You also want to hear from other customers to get insight into their personal experience with each type of fireplace model on the internet. Avoid purchasing a model that doesn’t have any reviews, which is a risk if you aren’t aware of its reliability. You can find Dimplex and MagikFlame reviews on websites like Amazon to get an idea of how many customers are satisfied with each model available. This can also allow you to discover which electric fireplace heats the best or what product comes with a remote control.
As you shop around for a new fireplace, consider browsing options that are available online and in-store. It’s easy to find the top brands like Touchstone and Duraflame at home improvement stores in the local area. This will also allow you to talk to an employee about the details and specs of the products. You can get a firsthand look at each electric fireplace at stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot to ensure you’re satisfied with the overall appearance and the flame effects.
You can also consider shopping online on websites like Amazon for your electric fireplace for more convenience. You can look for your new fireplace in the comfort of your home without spending time or energy visiting multiple stores in the local area. Visit each manufacturer’s website to browse the different models they offer. You can view the MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide to discover which feature would work the best in your living space. The website is also a great place to learn how MagikFlame is built.
Puraflame and Dimplex are also top brands in the industry that offer additional information about their models directly on their websites. You can learn about the BTUs offered with each product and which electric fireplace heats the best. It should also come with a thermostat to ensure you have control over how much heat you get from the unit any time of the year while using the included remote control.
Review a buying guide that is available on Amazon or a manufacturer’s website through Touchstone or MagikFlame to browse different models that are available as you search for the best electric fireplace. There are many types of electric fireplaces to choose from, whether you’re looking for a freestanding design or a fireplace that comes in a TV stand.
The overall style of the setting should also influence the type of fireplace you select. If you want something sleek and modern, opt for an electric insert for its minimal and clean design. A freestanding fireplace will look classic and contemporary without appearing outdated in the coming years. An electric fireplace stove will incorporate a rustic and old-fashioned touch to the setting when you want something that adds character to the room.
How to Make Your Fireplace Stand Out
Whether you select a freestanding electric fireplace or you opt for an electric fireplace stove, you likely want to draw attention to it to ensure it stands out and complements the surrounding decor and furnishings. Although most electric fireplaces have an attractive style and design, there are still extra details and decor items you can add to make it stand out and become one of the main focal points in the room when showcasing the feature.
One of the best ways to get started is to install a fireplace mantel if you don’t own a freestanding electric fireplace. The mantel will draw more attention to the electric fireplace heater and can allow it to look larger and like it’s built into the wall. Mount the mantel about 12 inches over the opening of the fireplace to ensure it looks balanced and isn’t too high or short on the wall. If you don’t have a tape measure, you can hang it where it’s at eye level. The mantel will prove to be extremely functional because you can use it to display some of your favorite items in the home.
You can change up the style and design of the mantel throughout the year, depending on the season and the different holidays you’re celebrating. It can be useful for hanging garlands, banners, and streamers when you want to create a festive environment. When you want to personalize your interior setting, opt for displaying framed photos of your family, home decor, or awards you’ve earned.
Some people also choose to mount their television above the infrared electric fireplace to ensure they can have both features become the main focal point in the room. The flat-screen TV should be mounted at a slight angle to make it easier to view the screen while sitting from across the room.
If you’re building a new home, work with an interior designer to get more inspiration and ideas to ensure it complements your home decor.
Ways to Maintain Your Fireplace
After you discover which electric fireplace heats the best, you’ll need to learn a few tips on how to maintain it to ensure it lasts long-term. The level of care you give to the electric fireplace will influence how well it works in the coming years and how often issues develop.
Fortunately, Touchstone Sideline and Magikflame fireplace models require a lot less care and attention than other types of fireplaces available. Their simple design means you don’t have to spend a lot of time cleaning the parts to keep them working. Once or twice a year, you can wipe down the interior of the electric fireplace to remove any dust that is present. Shut off the power supply to avoid electrical issues or burning yourself on the parts. Remove the access panel with a screwdriver to access the inside of the fireplace.
Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the different surfaces and the electric log. You can use a small amount of moisture, whether you use a natural cleaner or water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners with many chemicals, which can remove the finish on some of the features in the firebox. Use glass cleaner on the glass door or panel to remove dust that has accumulated. Allow the cleaner to completely dry before securing the access panel back onto the electric fireplace.
Maintaining your electric fireplace also includes scheduling an inspection with a professional to ensure the blower and all the parts are carefully examined. A professional technician or electrician will be qualified to check out the mechanisms to ensure everything is working correctly.
Replacing the light bulbs in the electric fireplace is also necessary. Although real flames aren’t used, the LED lights will last an average of two years before they need attention to ensure you can enjoy the look of the lifelike 3D flame. Use gloves while handling the bulbs to avoid damage to the glass. Discard the old bulbs by wrapping them in thick material like paper or cloth to prevent the glass from breaking or shattering in the trash can.
Always remain in the room as the electric fireplace is in use. You can also unplug it whenever you’re done using it for the day.
What to Expect During the Installation Process
There are a few important facts to understand about installing an electric fireplace in your home to ensure the process is completed correctly. Fortunately, a freestanding electric fireplace or wall-mounted electric fireplace is easy to install because it has a plug-in design.
Some electric fireplace inserts can be hardwired into the wall, depending on what you’re seeking. Other types of electric fireplace inserts can still be plugged into an electrical outlet to ensure it’s easy to put in c.
An electric fireplace TV is also easy to install because you don’t have to cut into the drywall or perform hardwiring. The product is easy to hook up in minutes and can be moved to another room at any time. You don’t have to add a gas line, vent, or chimney because the product doesn’t burn real wood, which prevents it from emitting any smoke.
Can an Electric Fireplace Save You Money?
Electric fireplaces are known to be cost-effective because they only use 1,500 watts. They can also be set on a timer to ensure they shut off at a specific time to ensure you only use it when it’s needed. It will also prevent you from leaving it on for too long if you forget about turning it off.
An electric fireplace can also heat the room in five to 10 minutes, which means you don’t have to have it running for long to enjoy the benefits and increase the temperature in the space.
You can also save on the cost of real wood, fireplace tools, and a fireplace screen. The lack of a real flame in the fireplace means you don’t have to tend to the fire or tame it.
Where to Install Your New Fireplace
Once your new fireplace arrives at your home, you’ll need to decide where you want to install it to ensure it blends in well and doesn’t overcrowd the setting. Most electric fireplaces can add extra drama with their bold design, making it necessary that the feature is visible and easy to spot the moment you walk into the room. Consider placing it on the wall that is opposite of the door to the room to make it the main focal point. You can also place it close to a TV stand to ensure it’s within view as you watch movies.
There’s more flexibility that comes with installing your quartz fireplace because it doesn’t require installing vents or gas lines. You don’t have to think about where configurations need to be made to the building. However, you need to place the electric fireplace within a few feet of an electrical outlet to ensure it’s easy to plug into the wall. Many people make the mistake of using an extension cord, but this can cause too much power to surge through the cords and can lead to a fire.
Measure the fireplace in advance to ensure it fits on a specific wall in the home and doesn’t look too cramped with where you place it. There should be enough room on the walls on the sides of the fireplace. The electric fireplace you select will likely be smaller than a wood-burning fireplace, making it easier to find more places to install it.
You can also consider adding an insert into an existing fireplace to convert your current masonry fireplace into a more energy-efficient feature. This project is easier than it sounds and only requires inserting the electric fireplace into the opening of the existing fireplace. Gently shimmy it in and use a trim kit to get the perfect fit. Plug the feature into an outlet that is on the outside of the masonry fireplace or inside of the fireplace. You may also need to hire an electrician to install the outlet to ensure it’s easy to hook up. The outlet can be installed inside of the fireplace if you don’t want the cord to be visible.
Comparing Gas Fireplaces and Electric Fireplaces
Gas and electric fireplaces are popular types of fireplaces because of how easy they are to use compared to using wood. Although both options are increasing in popularity among consumers, it’s important to review a few of the main differences to learn how they operate.
A fireplace that uses natural gas relies on a fuel source to heat the home, which has an impact on the environment. Electric fireplaces are considered to be more eco-friendly and are a green option for those who still want to enjoy the benefits of having a fireplace in the home.
There are also many different styles and designs of electric fireplaces available, whether you want one with different rocks in the ember bed or you prefer to install a product with pink flames. A fireplace with gas has a real flame, which means you’re limited with the look that you can create. You can change the style and design of the flames when you’re ready for a different look.
There’s also more safety that comes with electric fireplaces because they don’t use real flames or natural gas. If a gas fireplace isn’t properly ventilated, it can lead to incomplete combustion and increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There’s also the risk of a gas leak that can occur, which can be hard for residents to detect.
Gas fireplaces also require gas lines to be installed, making them more complicated to install than an electric fireplace that has a simple plug-in design.
Building a Surround for Your Electric Insert
When you want to enhance the look and style of your quartz fireplace, you can build a surround to make it look like it was a feature that came with your home. A custom-made surround can look beautiful and classy with unique details that are added. They also protect the surrounding materials and items in the home from the heat that the fireplace emits.
Start by deciding what type of material you want to use, depending on the look you want to achieve and your budget. Stone is an upscale choice that will pair well with the realistic flame effects if you want something that looks high-end. Brick is another option that is more traditional and can be painted to make it look more modern. If you want a modern and industrial look, opt for using concrete, which is heavy and durable. Wood is another popular material because it can create a shiplap look that blends in well in rooms with a farmhouse style.
If you plan to build a wood surround, you’ll need plywood, woodgrain trim, wood screws, and pocket screws. Use the plywood to create the frame while covering the base to get more stability. Add markings on areas where there’s too much material to ensure you can trim it off. The mantel can now be installed on the top of the frame while applying wood filler onto the nailhead holes.
The next step of the process requires sanding down the spots where all of the joints meet to make the parts fit together seamlessly. Apply one or two coats of primer before applying paint to the materials. Once the paint dries, apply one coat of finish to protect the color shade and prevent any blemishes from forming on the paint. The finish will also prevent the paint from getting nicked or chipped as it’s in use.
Once you discover which electric fireplace heats the best, it can allow you to have confidence in your purchase and rely on it for many years to come. You’ll not only enhance the quality of the setting but can invest in something that increases the level of comfort in the building.
