How to choose an electric decorative fireplace for your home and apartment

Additional features to look out for

For someone, additional functions and features can become decisive in choosing a high-quality electric fireplace:

• Temperature regulation. Devices with this function allow you to adjust the temperature to your needs. Some devices have temperature control in the form of power control.
• Thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for maintaining the temperature at a certain level. When the room is warm enough, it turns off the fireplace, saving energy. It is always worth choosing a device with a thermostat (the same applies to portable heaters), as this is a real energy saving.
• Fan heater. In some devices, forced acceleration of warm air is provided by a fan.Thanks to him, the room heats up faster, and energy consumption is reduced. Relatively few models are equipped with a fan heater. If you need a good electric fireplace with a fan heater and a steam generator, take the Dimplex Danville model.

• Shutdown timer. This device allows you to set the operating time of the electric fireplace, after which it will turn off on its own. This function is very convenient when you need to leave the house, but the room has not yet warmed up. Or you can put it on a timer and go to bed calmly, and the device will turn itself off after heating the room.
• Air filter. Some fireplaces can be used to clean the air from dust and various impurities. Rare models can additionally remove odors. From relatively inexpensive, we can recommend the Royal Flame Majestic FX fireplace set with a portal from Lumsden.

• Adjust the brightness and intensity of the flame. This feature is purely aesthetic. You can adjust the visualization of coals and flames so that they are very bright or, on the contrary, dim, as when the fire is already burning down. You can also change the intensity of the flame, making it calm or vice versa very stormy. If you are buying a device more for aesthetic enjoyment than for heating, then these features are just right for you.
• Sound accompaniment. In addition to simulating fire, some models can reproduce the sound of firewood crackling. Thanks to this, the fireplace becomes even more like a wood burning one.
• Remote control. The remote control simplifies the management of the electric fireplace - switching functions can be done directly from the sofa. Plus, some models can be connected to a smart home system.

The best built-in electric fireplaces

Dimplex Viotta

The fireplace consists of a hearth and a portal, creates an imitation of burning in a classic wood-burning fireplace, works in heating mode and as a decorative one. The design has a hidden fan and thermostat. Silent operation, for management it is completed with the DU panel. The flame level is adjustable.

Advantages:

1. Work without heating.
2. Heat is supplied from below, the glass is not heated.
3. Remote control.
4. Heating regulation.
5. Independent hearth.
6. Classic design.
7. budget cost.
8. Easy installation.

Flaws:

1. The perceptible sound of the fireplace, quiet but noticeable.
2. During operation, there is a noticeable technical smell.

With a budget price tag - 14,500 rubles - the fireplace has good quality and characteristics. There is a flame adjustment, remote control. In terms of the quality of fire imitation, it cannot be compared with more expensive models using steam and LED, but the price tag for these models is higher.

But even if you compare it with other more expensive samples, it has advantages over them. For example, RealFlame 3D FireStar 33 for 49 thousand rubles has a power of only 1.5 kW versus 2 kW for Dimplex Viotta, RealFlame does not have flame level control, but Dimplex does. Therefore, the fireplace is very good value for money.

Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS

The fireplace is offered in 4 colors: white, black, red and orange. Real Fire Perfect technology is used to achieve realistic burning fuel. The kit includes two types of fuel - firewood and white stones for high-tech style. Firewood is dyed by hand to achieve maximum visual effect. During operation, the fireplace emits characteristic sounds of wood crackling, the volume of the sound is adjustable. You can adjust the brightness of combustion and the intensity of heating - 1 or 2 kW, you can turn off the heating. The remote control is used for adjustment.

Advantages:

1. Two types of fuel for the fireplace to choose from.
2. Adjusting the heating or turning it off.
3. Firewood crackling sound effect with the ability to turn it off.
4. Remote control.
5. High safety, the glass does not heat up, is resistant to shock, but even if it breaks, it breaks into pieces without sharp edges.
6. Overheating protection, shutdown when critical temperature is reached.
7. Convenient wall mounting, brackets included.
8. Variety of panel colors.
9. Thin, does not protrude noticeably from the wall, but the rounded shape visually increases its size, making the fireplace even more spectacular.

Flaw:

1. Users note that the sound of burning firewood is not realistic enough.

The price of the fireplace is 22 thousand rubles, so you should not expect complex functions from it, such as automatic adjustment of heating in accordance with the temperature in the room, parental locking of buttons, and the like. Don't expect the flame simulation to be very realistic. According to users, the picture looks like a real one, decorates the room, relaxes, creates a cozy atmosphere, but cannot be compared with a real flame. The fireplace copes well with the heating function, heats a room of 20 square meters. m to a comfortable temperature.

Compared to the Dimplex Viotta, the functionality of Electrolux is more interesting, as is the picture of a burning flame. There are two interchangeable types of fuel, the sound of burning with volume control, Dimplex did not give such a choice. Electrolux gives a two year warranty on its fireplaces. In general, for this money I recommend, you can buy. If the price seems high to you, I advise you to take Dimplex.

RealFlame 3D FireStar 33

3D flame simulation technology, 7 halogen lamps are used to create the burning effect. The height of the flame is controlled by the remote control. There is a burning sound. The fireplace humidifies the air and is equipped with a steam generator. Ability to work in decorative mode without turning on the heating. Heating is regulated in two levels. The remote control is used for control.

Advantages:

1. Overheat protection.
2. 3D flame simulation effect.
3. Air humidification.
4. Imitation of smoke by a steam generator.
5. Easy installation in standard niches.
6. Sound accompaniment.

Flaws:

1. Heating only up to 1.5 kW.
2. The fan heater spreads a technical smell.

Of the competitive advantages over the previous models from the rating - a steam generator for humidifying the air and simulating smoke, a 3D combustion effect with halogen lamps. The brightness of the flame is not adjustable, only its height, Dimplex Viotta has a flame adjustment. With an average price of 49 thousand rubles, this fireplace offers a somewhat meager range of options. But if such a price does not scare you, you can take it: the fireplace effectively heats a room up to 30 sq. m, although it works with a power of up to 1.5 kW.

How to embed an electric fireplace in a wall

For the full effect of a natural hearth, an electric fireplace can be built into the wall. To make future operation safe and achieve a good installation result, follow three recommendations:

1. Consider the type of wall.

Thinking about future cladding.

Take into account electrical safety requirements.

Built-in electric hearths, are installed quite simply. The manufacturer takes into account that most buyers will want to install the equipment themselves. Installation works are described in detail in the technical documentation.

What types of walls can a fireplace be built into?

Fireplaces designed exclusively for room decor are built into any wall, regardless of the material.

Fireplaces with an air heating function have some restrictions related to fire safety. During work, the installation depth and other characteristics are taken into account.

Work is carried out in accordance with the following recommendations:

• Electric fireplaces are produced with a minimum thickness of 15 cm. The body should not be close to the contour of the niche. The minimum wall thickness for installation must be more than 20 cm.

Fire safety requirements - the rules allow you to install an electric fireplace with a heater function in drywall, plaster, brick and other non-combustible material. A fireplace built into a wooden niche can easily cause a fire when heated.

Removable portal, attached to the wall with anchors, covering all irregularities. Fasteners are hidden by a special front panel.

How can I veneer the built-in electric fireplace

The electric fireplace can be overlaid with stone (artificial or natural), lined with ceramic tiles, imitation wood. In the interior, not only classic wall-mounted fireplaces look good, but also corner fireplaces with portals.

Facing is not purchased separately and, as a rule, is included in the price of the electric fireplace. So, a portal with an imitation of an artificial stone made of MDF will cost 20-25 thousand rubles. The cost for a model with natural veneer rises to 50-60 thousand rubles.

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Electrical safety requirements

A high-quality electric fireplace must have an electrical safety class of at least 2, is able to quickly heat the room and work stably during power surges. If the fireplace is installed in a city apartment or in a house, grounding is provided.The electrical appliance is connected to the network through a separate machine. Installation is carried out in accordance with PUE 7.

A heated fireplace is both an element of decor and an effective heater. Additional features provided in most modern models increase comfort during control and operation.

Decoration and style

When choosing, it is worth considering not only the features of the installation, but also the style of the space and the location in the room.

Neoclassic

In order to fit the device into this style, we suggest drawing inspiration from the photos of foreign designers; an electric fireplace in the interior of a living room with a TV is often found there. In neoclassicism, models that are as close as possible to the present will look good. These are built-in and attached

Particular attention is paid to the decoration of the portal. It is lined with light stone, brick, wood, can be decorated with stucco or tiles.

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Modern

In this style, the rules are not so strict. Therefore, you can enter almost any type of electric fireplace: wall-mounted, built-in, and attached model. For the latter, the question of the portal is important. It is not richly decorated: discreet wood, light brick or stone will suffice. You can use natural textures, pastel colors.

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Scandi

The Scandinavian style also involves a light palette.However, the walls here are not pastel, but in white shades: from white to warm milky or cold light gray. Plus, light wood is used in the decoration. It can be whole wall panels.

The design of the electric fireplace corresponds to the style. Models can be minimalist: wall-mounted and side-mounted, the main thing is to do without bright decor.

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Minimalism

In minimalism, designers often use wall and built-in models. In the photo of the apartments, electric fireplaces look interesting with absolutely no decor. The main thing in such an interior is the texture of the wall where the device is equipped. It can be just embossed paint, and stone finish (more modern option - marble or onyx, classic - large boulders), and wood.

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Device and classification

To understand how to choose an electric fireplace, you need to at least minimally understand what it consists of. The device of the electric fireplace includes:

• The case - it depends on it how much the electric fireplace with heating will look like a classic fireplace;
• The heating element - it depends on how the electric fireplace with heating will look and how much heat it will give. It can be a spiral between ceramic rods, a spiral with ceramic beads, a spiral on a ceramic base, a ceramic rod on which a wire is wound.
• Decorative details - it depends on them what style the heated electric fireplace will belong to.
• Protective screen - performs both a decorative and protective function.
• A control panel from which you can give commands to an electric fireplace with heating.

The combination is simple and remains unchanged, but the design can vary greatly, and it depends on the options which type the fireplace will belong to.

Mobile electric fireplaces are divided into several types:

• built-in electric fireplaces are mounted into the wall or installed close to it, they look very solid and look like classic fireplaces;
• portable ones, on the contrary, are easy to move from place to place and can be equipped with wheels for more convenient movement - very rarely these are electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire.

At the location of electric fireplaces can be:

• wall-mounted electric fireplaces are usually thin and can be used as an additional source of lighting - corner electric fireplaces stand out among them, which are mounted not just on the wall, but on its corner section;
• desktop electric fireplaces are usually very compact and light, they can be rearranged from place to place at will - these are never electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire;
• outdoor electric fireplaces are usually mobile and can be moved around the house at the request of the owner;
• built-in electric fireplaces are mounted in a niche specially hollowed out for this and are the least different from the classic ones - they can be designed so that at first glance the guest does not distinguish them from the real ones.

Also, fireplaces vary in size:

• mini-fireplaces are easily portable, can be installed in a car - these are electric fireplaces for summer cottages, for small rooms, for student dormitories;
• large-format ones are usually either mounted on a wall or move with difficulty - they are suitable for large rooms, the interior of which allows space.

Electric fireplaces can be made in various styles:

• classic electric fireplaces look like they have just been removed from an English house of the nineteenth century - simplicity, minimalism, a stone shelf, additional accessories like imitation fuel are included;
• retro electric fireplaces with heating are usually made of stone imitation, they look medieval and brutal;
• high-tech style electric fireplaces are made of glass and metal, very simple and elegant;
• baroque, on the contrary, abounds in stucco and ostentatious luxury;
• Provence looks like a fireplace removed from a village house in France - artificial stone, scuffs, roughness;
• the chalet combines warmth, simplicity and style - often these are wooden electric fireplaces.

In addition, we should not forget about the importance of the technical side.

Types of decorative fireplaces

Decorative fireplaces are suitable for any premises, they can be installed even in apartments. Determine in advance the amount that you plan to spend on the purchase of the selected model. You also need to select the preferred function of the fireplace and its type.

Of course, for decorative fireplaces, the heating function is in second place, and sometimes it is simply absent. But thanks to this, it is possible to place a fireplace anywhere in the apartment, without being distracted by the calculation of warm air flows. Such fireplaces are absolutely safe.

There are several types of decorative fireplaces that will make any room cozy and stylish. These are electric fireplaces, biofireplaces and gas specimens. All types of decorative fireplaces are very simple to operate, they do not burn, there is no soot during their operation.

Electric fireplaces perfectly imitate the flame, creating a cozy feeling in the room.Devices may contain a heating element, but often they are simply a piece of decor. You will be able to watch a picture of a flame, but you will not feel heat at the same time. These decorative fireplaces are ideal for installation in restaurants, offices or other public places.

Gas fireplaces explore heat in the same way that a conventional gas stove does. The devices run on propane-butane. The burner can be in the form of smoldering logs or a flame, this is what gives the illusion of a flame. It should be borne in mind that during prolonged operation, a gas fireplace makes the air in the apartment drier.

Biofireplaces have the highest cost among decorative fireplaces. They do not smoke, almost do not dry the air. At the same time, they are as close as possible to a real fire.

Electric fireplace in the interior of the living room

In most cases, a living room with a fireplace is made in a classic style, for which light colors are chosen for the walls. Stucco molding and wooden furniture fit perfectly into such an interior. The electric fireplace will also be great to combine with other styles, for example, hi-tech and country.

The fireplace itself can also be decorated with small interior items. Watches, photographs, figurines will look great on it. The fireplace in the interior helps to create a special atmosphere that will help you relax, take a break from everyday worries and troubles. On winter evenings, rainy or cold days, it is especially pleasant to be in front of the fireplace.

3. Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other technique, electric fireplaces have both obvious advantages and some disadvantages. Let's start with the positives:

First of all, it is safety of operation.The fireplace portal does not heat up during operation, which eliminates the possibility of getting burned if accidentally touched

This is especially important for families with small children;
Ease of operation. To ensure the operability of stationary models, it is enough to provide an outlet for their power supply;
The ability not only to decorate the room, but also to heat it in a short period of time;
Compared to some other climate appliances, for example with the same water heater, it can be concluded that the fireplace does not have the highest energy consumption

Especially if it does not work in heating mode;

The artificial origin of the fire completely eliminates the need to purchase fuel, regular cleaning of the furnace and chimney, and other procedures that are mandatory for real fireplaces. That is why, even those who live in a private house and have the opportunity to equip a real hearth, increasingly prefer an electrical analogue;
The possibility of installing a fireplace does not depend on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room. Indeed, due to the wide variety, you can choose both a compact corner model and a small appliance that can even be placed on a coffee table;
If you choose a model that is not built-in, then if you wish, you can easily rearrange the fireplace to another place or to another room;
No restrictions on the design, colors and style of the portal. A variety of models allows you to choose the most optimal fireplace model for your interior. And especially selective users can purchase a fireplace hearth separately and build a portal on their own, taking into account all their wishes;
Since the combustion process in an electric fireplace is created artificially, the possibility of emitting harmful carbon monoxide is completely excluded.

As you can see, there are more than enough advantages. Now for the disadvantages:

• Additional electricity costs. However, this is a rather controversial issue, since any technique works from the network. Is it possible to complain about the high consumption of electricity by high-power models that are purchased specifically for heating. But even in this case, if compared with a conventional oil convector, the difference will not be so significant;
• Opportunity to buy a fake. Due to the huge increase in popularity, cases of detection of cheaper fakes on the market have become more frequent. The characteristics indicate, for example, the country of manufacture, Great Britain, whose fireplaces are of high quality and durability, and in fact, for a lot of money, you will purchase a Chinese counterpart. Of course, Chinese products are of high quality, but only if it is factory production. Therefore, buy climate equipment only from trusted dealers and large stores;
• Unrealistic image transmission of some models. However, again, it depends on the cost of the product.

Where to install?

The location of the fireplace largely depends on its design and type. Large built-in fireplaces can be either wall or corner, regardless of whether they are active or have a purely decorative function. By placing such a fireplace in the corner of the hall, you can save space, while zoning the room by highlighting a small fireplace area, convenient for relaxation and contemplation.

In the case when the built-in fireplace is installed in the center of the wall, it is also customary to arrange upholstered furniture around it, placing a tea or coffee table in the center. In most cases, it is this arrangement of fireplaces that is considered a classic, but recently new trends have appeared in the presentation of this architectural element.

To install a fireplace in an apartment, partitions are erected with holes in which a spectacular alcohol-fueled fireplace is placed behind heat-resistant glass. Such a partition is often lined with stone, brick or tile, turning into an element that separates the territory of the kitchen and living room in the apartment. You can admire such an element of decor from two rooms at the same time.

In the case when it comes to a wall-mounted electric fireplace, it can be hung not only on the wall of the hall, but also placed in the bedroom. Due to the presence of an operating mode without heating, this model can also serve as a night light.

A suspended gas fireplace would be appropriate in a loft-style studio apartment or in a minimalist bachelor's den, and location in any of the rooms, from the study to the bedroom or bathroom, can be successful.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to classical ones, electrical devices have several advantages.

pros

• You do not need to obtain any permits for the equipment of such a hearth, you do not need to make expensive repairs. Plus, it can be installed in any room: from the kitchen to the bedroom.
• You can pick up a small device if you have a small apartment. It will not "eat" the usable area.
• Thanks to a wide range, it is easy to pick up any design: scandi, minimalism, hi-tech, country. And for any budget.
• In operation, it is much simpler: there is no ash, no soot around, no smells, and all the heat will definitely be released inside, and not go into the chimney.

Alvhem

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Minuses

• Anyway, it's an imitation. At the stage of building your own home, you should once again think about arranging a classic fireplace. The same applies to the classic interior, where there is no place for modern technology. In the photo, an electric fireplace in such a living room will catch your eye. Therefore, in such designs, a classic stove is chosen.
• In addition, it is not the most cost-effective installation. Power consumption when operating at full power reaches 2 kW per hour. On the one hand, this corresponds to the heater, but on the other hand, the electric fireplace will take more time to heat the room, so their efficiency is not equal. However, if it does not work for heating, but only to simulate a flame, the consumption will be reduced to 100 watts per hour - no more than a light bulb.