In this post, you will learn:
- Fireplace brands
- The Majestic timeline
- The MagikFlame timeline
- Gas fireplace products
- MagikFlame products
- Heat output
- The MagikFlame story
- How MagikFlame is built
- How the two brands compare
- How to buy your MagikFlame
- MagikFlame reviews
The designs and technology of fireplace products have blossomed over the past few years. Whether you are upgrading a fireplace that came with your home or adding something entirely new, be sure to do your research. Comparing brands like MagikFlame and Majestic Fireplace side by side will help you make an informed purchase decision.
Fireplace Brands
Majestic Fireplace is one of the brands within the Hearth & Home Technologies group. It shares this designation with other fireplace brands such as Quadra-fire, Heatilator, Vermont Castings, and Monessen. In all, the parent company owns 14 fireplace brands. Its product selection covers wood-burning fireplaces, direct-vent gas fireplaces, gas stoves, and vent-free models.
Majestic fireplace timeline
The Majestic Fireplace story spans more than a century. From 1969 through the present, the company has undergone several makeovers as other firms bought and sold it. Below are some of the milestones in the company’s history.
- 1894: James M. Triggs founded the company in Michigan.
- 1907: Triggs moved the company to Huntington, IN.
- 1930s: The company begins manufacturing the heat circulating wood stove.
- 1954: Majestic introduces its zero-clearance, prefab fireplace.
- 1969: The company and American Standard merge.
- 1977: Majestic received a patent for its whole-home heat exchanger fireplace.
- 1995: Canadian Fireplace Manufacturer’s Corp. purchases the company and changes the name to CFM Majestic.
- 2008: Monessen Hearth Systems buys CFM Majestic.
- 2014: Hearth & Home Technologies purchases the company.
MagikFlame fireplace timeline
MagikFlame is a relatively young company in the fireplace industry. Howard Birnbaum founded MagikFlame in 2015. However, while Majestic has changed hands many times over the years, MagikFlame is still owned and operated by its founder.
In its comparatively brief history, several developmental highlights stand out:
- 2015: The unveiling of the first MagikFlame prototype
- 2015-16: Production of first commercial products and initial sales through Amazon
- 2016-2021: Direct sales of products through MagikFlame.com
- 2020: Introduction of MagikFlame 2.0 with HoloFlame technology
- 2020: Patent for HoloFlame technology
Majestic products
As the timelines reveal, the two fireplace companies have distinctly different histories. Triggs’ company, which began as a family-owned business, has undergone several changes in ownership and is now part of a corporate group of companies. in contrast, MagikFlame is still a family-owned business that focuses on the rapid innovation of industry-leading technology.
Majestic wood-burning fireplace
At the turn of the 20th century, Majestic Fireplaces manufactured coal and oil-burning heaters. In the late 1930s, the company branched out into wood-burning fireplaces, each of which had a steel shell with a brick-lined firebox and a blower to circulate heat. The manufacturer still makes modern versions of this heat-circulating fireplace, for example, the Majestic Biltmore or Ashland radiant wood-burning fireplace series.
Majestic gas fireplace
The manufacturer’s direct vent gas fireplace comes in several styles and sizes, including:
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Linear gas fireplace
- See-through gas fireplace
- Multi-sided gas fireplace
All the above feature ceramic gas logs with apertures where the fuel mixes with oxygen to create flames. They come with the company’s IntelliFire remote control or a wireless IntelliFire Touch wall switch. LED interior lighting accents the fire when the unit is turned on.
Majestic natural gas or propane gas heaters are direct-vent gas fireplaces. They need a chimney or vent pipe that provides access to the outdoors. They draw oxygen from outside for combustion, and then they exhaust the byproducts of combustion back outdoors.
A direct vent Majestic gas fireplace, such as the Echelon ii and Meridian, does not deplete your home interior of oxygen like a vent-free fireplace. It does not release significant amounts of harmful emissions inside your home. Even though the Echelon II, Meridian, and other gas fireplace models lose some fuel efficiency through venting, they are safe for inside use.
The manufacturer makes outdoor gas fireplace products too. Some models have glass on each side to provide an indoor-outdoor effect. The company’s outdoor gas fireplace line includes wood-burning fireplaces, a gas fire pit, and linear models.
The standard fireplace comes with a metal surround and no mantel. The company offers three tiers of surround material upgrades and mantels in wood and stone for an added cost.
The manufacturer sells several other add-ons too. Customers can purchase premium materials such as reflective black glass and natural stone.
MagikFlame gas fireplace
MagikFlame does not make or market direct-vent or ventless gas stoves. Instead, it concentrates on making the most realistic zero emissions, 100 percent fuel-efficient fireplace available.
Fireplace insert
Both home heating companies make fireplace inserts that fit inside an existing wood-burning fireplace. However, Majestic’s gas fireplace insert burns natural gas or propane. The MagikFlame insert is electric.
Majestic gas heater output
In the HVAC industry, the input and output of a heating appliance are expressed in BTUs or British Thermal Units. Technically, one unit is the amount of energy it takes to raise one pound of water one degree F. In this calculation, heat is equivalent to energy.
The manufacturer lists the energy input for each of its fireplaces on its website. This expresses how much energy the unit burns per hour of use. The amount of heat the unit produces from that energy is its BTU output.
Since gas fireplaces are only approximately 80 percent fuel efficient, the BTU output will not be as much as the input. Here are some examples with figures from the website:
Meridian 42” traditional gas fireplace:
- Energy input – 35,000 (natural gas) or 34,000 (liquid propane)
- Average fuel efficiency – 60 percent
- Heat output – around 21,000
- Heats up to 1400 square feet
Echelon II 60 Rev C gas fireplace:
- Energy input – 50,000 (natural gas) or 37,500 (liquid propane)
- Average fuel efficiency – 62 percent
- Heat output – about 31,000
- Heats up to 2,150 square feet
The Meridian 42” model can heat an open kitchen/dining area or a great room. Larger fireplaces, like the Echelon II 60-inch model above, must burn plenty of fuel to heat a 2,150 square-foot space. While larger units have a bigger viewing area through the glass door in front, the amount of heat they produce can be problematic.
If you intend to use zone heating with your fireplace, the amount of heat these units provide is much more than necessary. Furthermore, energy is wasted if you open windows to let excess heat escape. On the other hand, a direct vent gas fireplace is not designed to heat your entire house like a furnace.
Electric fireplaces
The gas fireplace manufacturer does not make vent-free electric fireplaces. MagikFlame makes nothing but electric fireplaces, so the two companies are very different. However, differences in technology, fuel efficiency, safety features, installation, and pricing are some factors to be aware of before making a purchase decision. Although Majestic’s gas fireplaces are only up to about 67 percent fuel efficient, the MagikFlame fireplace is 100 percent fuel efficient.
The MagikFlame Story
Howard Birnbaum, the creator and president of MagikFlame, didn’t set out to meet the industry’s standards. He aimed to raise the stakes to an all-new level.
Howard was dissatisfied with what was available for home use in electric heating. He decided to draw upon his experience creating Hollywood special effects to make a more realistic non-combusting fireplace.
He wanted a fireplace suitable for zone heating in room-sized spaces. It had to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. His number one priority was a fire that looked and sounded just like the real thing, although it didn’t actually use wood or gas.
MagikFlame released its prototype fireplace in 2015 to a receptive audience. It featured videos of a real fire superimposed on realistic ceramic log sets. It was unlike anything on the market at the time.
Still, Howard was not completely satisfied. It took a trip to the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion to inspire a true epiphany.
He wanted to bring Disney-style holographics to MagikFlame fireplace products. Howard tasked his team of top technicians to help him originate an all-new technology.
The result was the HoloFlame, which he patented in 2020. From then on, all MagikFlame products would have this groundbreaking, ultra-realistic technology.
How MagikFlame is built
The MagikFlame production facility is located in Nashville, TN. With the latest technology for cutting, assembling, and completing each MagikFlame fireplace by hand, quality control is a given.
Engineers create precise CAD blueprints for each component of each fireplace. Technicians use CNC computer-controlled laser cutting equipment to fabricate each firebox panel from stainless steel. Each piece is identical up to 1/1,000 of an inch.
After powder coating for a super-durable anodized shell, the techs assemble each firebox by hand. All the components fit together perfectly every time.
The brains of the MagikFlame is a custom-designed circuit board with proprietary microcontrollers. While MagikFlame does not make the exact programming public, suffice it to say that the circuit board brings the fireplace to life. Its patented HoloFlame technology is the secret to MagikFlame 2.0’s success.
Once the firebox is assembled and outfitted with cutting-edge technology, it has to pass the scrutiny of the quality control technicians. Then, it goes to the woodshop for framing. Elegant surrounds and mantelpieces made from high-quality hardwood add the designer flair that is purely MagikFlame’s.
How MagikFlame and Majestic fireplace stack up
When you compare the two companies’ products, you will see that the appearance, appeal, and value of a MagikFlame fireplace are superior in several ways compared to Majestic’s natural gas fireplaces:
Ease of installation – MagikFlame’s fireplace can go on any wall in any room your interior designer chooses. Because it does not need a gas pipe, chimney, or venting, it is much quicker and easier to install than a gas fireplace. It looks and works great in any location. All you need is an electric outlet.
Interior design value – Majestic’s base model fireplaces have stainless steel frames, adding little to your home décor. MagikFlame models come complete with furniture-grade wood surrounds with classic design elements. They add beauty and flair to your interior design.
Heat output – All MagikFlame fireplaces feature a heat output of 5,200 BTUs, which is ideal for an average-sized room. In contrast, gas models generate more than 30,000 BTUs, enough to heat 2,900 sq. feet. The more heat the appliance puts out, the more fuel it consumes, and the higher your utility bill.
Fuel efficiency – The MagikFlame electric fireplace is 100 percent fuel efficient. It converts all the electricity it uses into heating. The other company’s vented gas heaters range in fuel efficiency between 50 and 68 percent, depending on the fuel type. The rest of the fuel it consumes goes up the chimney, along with your utility dollars.
Risk of burns – The MagikFlame fireplace warms up when its infrared stove heater operates, but the exterior doesn’t become hot to the touch. It will not burn your family or pets should they brush against it. However, the other company’s gas fireplaces can become hot enough to burn someone who gets too close.
Also, according to the company, putting a TV on top isn’t safe. High temperatures from combustion could damage it.
Risk of toxic emissions – There are toxic byproducts when you burn wood, natural, or propane gas. Most of the CO2, CO, smoke, and particulates that result from combustion go up the chimney, but not all of them. Any remaining toxins in your home can irritate your respiratory system. MagikFlame doesn’t burn any fuel. Therefore, there is no health risk to your family.
Remote control – Majestic fireplaces have a patented IntelliFire remote control or wall switch that activates the unit’s IPI ignition system. The handheld remote has a range of about 30 feet. There is a remote app available for an extra cost.
Each MagikFlame electric fireplace comes with a standard touchscreen controller built into the fireplace. All models include a smartphone app for any time, anywhere control at no additional cost.
Options – Similarly, a MagikFlame fireplace is all-inclusive. It arrives with all of the premium features you’d expect without any add-on costs. The package includes a furniture-grade surround and mantel, 30 distinct flame styles, and a realistic log set.
In contrast, depending on the model number, Majestic products are basic, metal-framed fireplaces. Upgrades like tinted glass, wood surrounds, or mantels cost extra.
Availability – If you want to buy Majestic’s products online, you cannot do it on the website. It does not sell consumer-direct. Instead, it directs you to a dealership somewhere else that is authorized to sell Hearth & Home Technologies brands and replacement parts.
If you want to purchase a MagikFlame product, you can do it right on the website. You don’t have to hop in the car to track down a third party. In a few minutes, your MagikFlame purchase will be complete.
Price – Majestic fireplaces start at just above $1,700 for the Mercury model and range up to just below $9,800 for the Marquis II See-Through model. These are the base prices without any options.
MagikFlame electric fireplaces cost $3,795 complete. There are five models plus a fireplace insert to choose from.
Payment plans and financing – A company that does not sell directly to consumers does not typically offer financing, either. However, MagikFlame has invested the time it takes to make purchasing its products as stress-free as possible. Its buy now, pay later financing plan is built right into the shopping cart. You can get a quick answer about whether you qualify without leaving the website.
Maintenance/Service – Majestic Fireplaces does not sell, service, or maintain its products. Its dealer affiliates handle that. A gas fireplace does require regular maintenance of such parts as the gas orifices and blower. Otherwise, dust and debris can clog the works.
MagikFlame products do not require maintenance or service. Everything is built to last through many years of trouble-free use.
Warranty – The Hearth & Home Technologies warranty covers all its brands’ defective fireplace parts and replacement parts. The warranty is only valid for products purchased from an authorized dealer.
MagikFlame has a warranty for its own products. It also has a 30-day return window with a full refund. See the website for details. It does not typically replace fireplace parts because they last for the lifetime of the appliance.
Customer service – MagikFlame customer service is available 7 days per week. Knowledgeable answers to questions about installation, operation, and more are always available to purchasers.
MagikFlame electric fireplace buying guide
How do you know which MagikFlame works for you? The first step is taking a self-quiz to narrow down your choices. Ask yourself:
- How much space do you have?
- What style is your home décor?
- Where will you put your new MagikFlame?
If you live in a spacious house or condominium, you should consider two of the largest fireplace models: Athena and Trinity. Both fireplaces are 55 inches wide and 48 inches tall. They are each 18 inches deep.
The Morpheus model might work better if you are an apartment dweller or your house is on the small side. The Morpheus is tailor-made for compact spaces at 45 inches wide, 42 inches tall, and 15 inches deep.
Your architect or home builder is a great resource for advice when you are planning a new home. They can add your MagikFlame into the blueprints right where you decide it should go.
The style of your home is another topic you should visit before making your buying decision. While all of the MagikFlame models feature furniture-grade wood surrounds and mantels with classic design elements, each model has its own unique character.
For example, Churchill, a corner fireplace, features very clean lines and no ornamentation. It blends beautifully with understated, modern décor schemes. It also is a great choice for more ornate settings such as French provincial because the understated elegance of Churchill contrasts nicely.
If you want to make your MagikFlame the centerpiece of the room and set the tone for the décor, try one of the more decorative models. For instance, the Athena model features fluted side panels and lovely carved appliques at each corner.
Identify a couple of places in your home as potential Magikflame sites. Consider a Churchill corner fireplace with an extra-wide mantel for your TV if you have a neglected corner. It would transform a little-used nook into the focal point of the room.
Also, don’t worry if your exterior walls have a lot of windows. A chimney-free fireplace like MagikFlame doesn’t need exterior venting, so you can also put one on an interior wall.
MagikFlame reviews
It’s always helpful to see how actual purchasers rate a product. People who have bought MagikFlame fireplaces give wonderful feedback about their experiences.
An Amazon purchaser describes the unit as cozy and relaxing. He says that sitting in front of the MagikFlame is like gazing into a real fireplace, complete with the crackling sounds of wood sap. He also believes the fireplace compares favorably to other deluxe fireplaces in terms of the purchase price and cost of operation.
More than a few reviewers mention the excellent customer service at MagikFlame. Some give examples of occasions when the MagikFlame customer service person quickly helped them solve a problem by walking them through the solution step-by-step. In addition, the majority of customers reviewing their fireplace purchases mention researching other brands. By comparing products, they have concluded that MagikFlame provides the most realistic electric fireplaces on the market. They feel it’s a great value for the money.
