How to choose an electric fireplace: we understand the details

Without exception, everyone dreams of a warm and cozy atmosphere in their apartment or house. With the help of an electric fireplace, such an atmosphere can be created without any problems and costs, because the device of a real wood fireplace will cost a round sum and serious troubles, and its device in the apartment is simply impossible. Before buying an electric fireplace, you need to carefully familiarize yourself with its functions and characteristics and choose the most suitable model for you.

Varieties of electric fireplaces and their features

Electric fireplace is an electric household appliance, the main function of which is the additional heating of the room. In addition, it plays the role of a decorative element, in some models this function is the main and only, therefore it is impossible to heat the room with their help. The power of electric fireplaces varies from 0.5 to 2 kW, the device belongs to unprotected electrical appliances and its work must be organized under constant monitoring. Electric fireplaces have a long service life and require almost no maintenance during operation. In addition to the functional purpose, electric fireplaces can differ in the installation method, in the method of simulating fire and in the presence of additional functions.

By installation method electric fireplaces are divided into the following types:

Portable fireplace. This type of electric fireplace perfectly imitates a real wood cast-iron fireplace, its advantage is that it is absolutely mobile and there is no need to specially think over a place for it or prepare the surface, it is enough to put it in any free part of the room and enjoy the very realistic fire. In addition to an excellent design solution, he is able to heat the room, the degree of heating is regulated using a thermostat. Such electric fireplaces are equipped with a control panel on the body and have a remote control; various modes allow you to set a different degree of flame brightness. In addition, the effect of fire can be turned on without a heating function. Such a fireplace does not require special care and is designed for a long operating time. The power of fireplaces is about 1200–1800 W, while the surface of the fireplace does not heat up. Portable electric fireplaces are made in different sizes, they can be used without problems in residential and office premises, acting as a heating device, which, in addition, decorates the interior. Especially popular are the classic models that create a unique atmosphere of antiquity in the house.

Universal model for an apartment or a country house
Wall fireplace, the design of which is built into the wall or hung on it. Its main advantage is the saving of space, which implies the main disadvantage - the need for a box to be installed under the built-in structure and additional surface finish of the wall. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are mainly used in modern interiors in the style of minimalism, functionalism and high-tech.The prices for such fireplaces are approximately two times higher than portable fireplaces. Fireplaces are equipped with a remote control with the ability to adjust the heating mode and the degree of brightness of the flame. The heating power in different models varies from 1 to 2 kW, in some models the heating mode is completely absent. In appearance, wall fireplaces are not particularly different from each other, but the size range is unlimited. The fireplace can be chosen both small and large, which can occupy a significant part of the wall and become the center of attention in the room. The hinged or built-in electric fireplace creates a realistic effect of flickering firewood and perfectly creates the effect of a natural flame. Style and comfort are combined in such models.

Integrated design
Electric fireplace with a portal perfectly imitates a real fireplace with fire. The cost of such fireplaces is completely unlimited and depends mainly on the material from which the portal is made. The portal can be made of the simplest materials, such as MDF and plastic, as well as the most expensive: natural wood, natural stone, brass, ceramics, etc. Design ideas for the design of portal fireplaces can be very diverse, because you can use any materials, without fear for their fire resistance, as is the case with wood burning. The portal electric fireplace consists of a hearth (heating block) and the portal itself, which can be purchased as a set or equipped separately. Portals are performed in any style, even with their own hands, and the purchased heating unit is simply inserted into a pre-prepared niche. Therefore, it is best to decide on the purchase of a heating unit in advance so that it fits perfectly in size.

Classic version

An electric fireplace with a portal can be angular in addition to the classic design. This arrangement creates an unusually cozy atmosphere and atmosphere in the house.

Gantry fireplace

One of the latest variations of the portal electric fireplace is furniture with an integrated hearth. Most often, manufacturers offer a TV stand and a multimedia system; it has open and closed shelves for storing the necessary equipment. This design will be the perfect solution for functionality. The design and color of the electric fireplace is easy to match with existing furniture in your interior. In addition, the design is completely mobile, however, its price is not democratic.

Design is for storing multimedia equipment

By the method of simulating fire Electric fireplaces are classified as follows:

Flames made of cloth flaps. The visualization of fire is achieved by the fact that a small fan raises cloth rags made in the form of tongues of flame with streams of air, and the lamp from below illuminates them with warm light. This method is implemented in the most affordable models and is slightly inferior to others in terms of realism.
Flames broadcast on screen. With this method, the real image of the flame is transmitted on the liquid crystal screen. As a rule, the program contains several images that can be switched. The picture comes out very realistic, sometimes you won’t realize that you are facing an electric fireplace, and not a real wood burning one.
LED flame. The effect of burning fire is achieved by flickering LED bulbs mounted in a plastic dummy logs. LEDs glow in different colors and with different strengths, so the flame looks very natural. The method is the most economical, because the LEDs consume a minimum of electricity.
Smoke emitting flame - A relatively new feature implemented in some models of electric fireplaces. A steam generator is built into the heating block, in which, using ultrasound, water is sprayed onto small particles and creates a smoke effect.As a result, the electric fireplace, in addition to its main functions, also serves as a humidifier. Therefore, if there is a need for two devices, then such a model will save space in the room.
Sound accompaniment. Thanks to the digital device built into the fireplace, the effect of crackling firewood and the flashing of the flame is created. This option is inexpensive and can be purchased separately from the fireplace.

Before buying a fireplace, it is advisable to clearly see all the simulation options and choose one of them to your taste. All options, in principle, quite realistically visualize the flame, but there are individual features that one may like and not like the other.

How to choose

A wide range of electric fireplaces will allow you to find a model of the right size, which will heat, decorate the room or combine both functions. Various factors can affect your choice, so before buying an electric fireplace, you should consider all the features so that in the future the fireplace does not disappoint the consumer and is actively used. Typically, a fireplace in a room is always eye-catching, so its design should be linked to the overall design and style of the room. Designers are increasingly using this element in their projects, and portal design ideas can be the most unexpected and unique.

Place of installation. There are no restrictions at the place of use of the electric fireplace. Such a device organically fits into the premises of an apartment or a country house, offices or public buildings. The fireplace can be placed in the bedroom, kitchen and living room. The most universal model will undoubtedly be a portable electric fireplace, it can be transferred from one room to another and transported to the country. The wall-mounted fireplace is also very portable and can be easily integrated into any room.
Sizes. The size range of electric fireplaces is very diverse, but it is important to choose a fireplace so that its dimensions are proportional to the room in which it is placed. For small rooms less than 20 square oversized model is suitable. In a spacious room with a larger area, a small fireplace will be lost, so it is best to pay attention to fireplaces with a massive portal or wide-format wall-mounted models. The dimensions of wall fireplaces vary in width - from 400 to 1500 mm, and in height - from 400 to 900 mm.
Profitability. The most economical model of an electric fireplace is a fireplace without a heating function. If you do not pursue the goal of additional heating of the room, then such a model will be very useful. If it is necessary to heat the room in winter, the fireplace is turned on at full power, and in summer it is more advisable to use the fireplace in the log burning mode without heating, since most modern appliances are equipped with this mode. In the log burning mode, the fireplace consumes no more than 0.4 kW. All electric heating fireplaces have high heat dissipation and efficiency close to 100%, so they are often used as an additional source of heat in an apartment or in the country. In order to reduce energy consumption, fireplaces can be equipped with a temperature sensor that turns off the fireplace after the set temperature value has been reached in the room.
Type of instalation. The area of the room in which the fireplace will be placed significantly affects the choice of the type of installation. If the room is small, it is preferable to use wall mounted or wall mounted models. And also remember that the built-in model requires a small niche for installation. For large rooms, the type of installation of the fireplace is not essential.
Manufacturer. The leaders in the production of electric fireplaces are English companies, because the first fireplace was invented just in England.Very high quality is typical of English manufacturers' fireplaces; the price of such fireplaces is one of the highest on the market. Quality fireplaces in German and Scandinavian are produced by German companies. Large manufacturers of fireplaces are also American and Chinese companies, which are gaining immense popularity in our country, which offer prices much lower than European ones, and, accordingly, are slightly inferior to them in quality. In addition, there are several Russian companies that sell a variety of electric fireplaces with an affordable price.
Price. The price of an electric fireplace depends on many factors: on the size, manufacturer, a set of additional functions and finishing material. Prices for electric fireplaces start at $ 100 and can reach very high limits for luxury models. If you make high demands on the fireplace, then you should not save on it. It should correspond to the interior and meet all the requirements of the buyer, so the choice is always yours.

Efficiency in use, functionality, ease of installation and operation makes an electric fireplace a very popular element in an apartment or country house. A carefully selected model with the necessary parameters and design will certainly create coziness and comfort in any room.