How to choose an electric fireplace: we understand the details

Fireplace installation method

There are at least four options for installing electric fireplaces:

• Separate attachment. Such a fireplace is installed close to the wall directly on the floor. This is one of the most popular designs, since no fasteners are needed for its installation. Attached devices lead the rating of electric fireplaces and account for almost 60% of all models sold.
• Wall. Such fireplaces are mounted on the wall with brackets. Due to this installation, you can free up space on the floor. However, it should be borne in mind that heating will be carried out only at the level at which we hang the device (the legs will not be heated, since the hot air goes up). Also, wall options may not be suitable for everyone, since, in principle, we are used to seeing fireplaces on the floor, and not on the walls.But if a suspended structure is the best option for you, you can take, for example, Electrolux EFP / W-2000S with sound and remote control.

Embedded. Here the device is completely mounted in a pre-prepared niche in the wall. This saves a lot of space in the room. On the other hand, the installation of such a unit is not simple and requires time and money. One of the most popular built-in electric fireplaces is the Royal Flame Vision 60 FX model with flame simulation, sound effects and area heating up to 20 m2.

Angular. These are, in principle, the same attached models, only with an angular design. Sometimes corner placement is the most optimal for practical reasons, when there is space in the corner and you do not want to take up any other space. Some models have a movable back wall, which becomes flat when folded, and the fireplace can simply be pushed against a regular wall. A cool option is the Real Flame Stone corner fireplace with remote control. By the way, it's on discount right now. on Yandex Market.

How to choose a fireplace for the house according to the method of installation? If you have the opportunity to cut a niche in the wall or there is room in the corner, take a built-in or corner model. If you don’t want to bother with the installation, then it’s better to buy a floor mounted electric fireplace, of which there are a huge number for every taste and budget.

The most important question

We all tend to prepare for a serious purchase for a long time, so we tirelessly collect information. In order to dream of a fireplace, it is not necessary to know everything about it.This is where frequent questions from potential buyers arise: “Do electric fireplaces heat up?” In order not to bring consultants to white heat, read a couple of lines about this.

The manufacturer treats you so carefully that position on this issue depends on your desire. One movement of the hand can make the fireplace heat up the room. You can just as easily disable this feature.

But from scratch the question is, do electric fireplaces heat or not? - would not have arisen. This is due to the fact that some models are completely devoid of heating elements. When choosing, this fact must be taken into account so as not to get disappointed instead of enjoying. From the point of view of economy, a fireplace without heating will be the best solution both in terms of cost and expenses during its operation.

Choosing the right electric fireplace

If you take electric fireplaces that were produced some five to ten years ago, then what were they like? Graphic screen with a fairly flat image of fire and embers. Such fireplaces could never be confused with real fireplaces. Although they looked pretty, there was no smoke or heat from them, so this little thing was purely decorative. Modern manufacturers of electronic fireplaces have stepped far ahead and come up with many interesting technologies that allow you to create a very realistic image.

live flame effect

The first fireplaces with imitation live flames looked like small braziers, over which a realistic fire hovered, but upon closer examination it became clear that this was just an optical illusion.Then manufacturers began to use LED lighting, which allowed the firewood to be painted in various colors from bright scarlet to ash gray. The firewood in this case looked really cool, but there were some problems with the flame.

Currently, the most realistic electronic fireplaces are fireplaces with 3D smoke and live flame effects. Such fireplaces are equipped with the function of turning the heating on and off, a live flame imitation unit, as well as the soundtrack of comfortably crackling firewood.

The living flame simulation unit is nothing more than a built-in air humidifier, which is a special water tank from where steam comes out under pressure. This steam is colored by illumination in yellow and scarlet light so that visually it all looks like a real live fire (if you want to have a fireplace with real fire in your apartment, then take a look at my article on biofireplaces).

Thus, a fireplace with an imitation of a living flame can not only heat the room and delight you with its appearance, but also humidify the air. Heating of the room in the warm season can be completely turned off - in this case, the energy consumption will decrease significantly.

Electric fireplace power

If not only the appearance of the electric fireplace is important to you, but also how well it will heat the room, then pay attention to such an indicator as its power. The higher the power of the fireplace, the larger the room it is able to heat.

A power of 2 kW will be enough to heat a spacious room up to 25 sq.m.

But here lies the paradox - the higher the power of the electric fireplace, the more electricity it will consume.Of course, in most electronic fireplaces, the space heating function can be turned off, and then it will consume only about 200 watts in decoration mode.

Electric fireplace portal material

The body of the electric fireplace can be made of brick, stone, cast marble, plastic, cast iron, steel or a combination of materials. Naturally, painted molded plastic should cost a lot less than natural wood or marble, but sometimes it's not so easy to distinguish between them, especially when buying a fireplace online.

Cast marble is a material that consists of marble chips, resin and dyes. It is quite durable, can be dyed any color and molded into any shape. Portals made of cast marble do not have seams, are distinguished by excellent wear resistance and spectacular appearance. This material is a great alternative to natural marble, and its cost is quite affordable.

If you like a portal made of natural wood or stone, then you can make it yourself. It will cost you an order of magnitude cheaper than buying a finished frame. In almost all models of fireplaces, the hearth and portal can be purchased separately.

How to install an electric fireplace

According to the installation method, all electric fireplaces can be divided into several groups: floor, mounted, built-in and island.

With floor, hinged and built-in fireplaces, everything is less clear - they are installed on the floor near the wall, hung on the wall or built into a niche specially designed for them. But island electric fireplaces deserve special attention, which imitate metal baskets made of iron rods, in which rubbing logs or coals are placed.Such fireplaces can be easily moved around the apartment from one room to another and they look very impressive.

Pros and cons of wood burning fireplaces

Any fireplace, both wood-burning and electric, is an attribute of luxury and wealth. Previously, fireplaces were found in many houses where they lived. rich and not so rich people. The burning logs gave warmth and created an incredibly cozy and serene atmosphere, allowing you to take a break from everyday life full of problems. It is especially pleasant to sit near the blazing hearth on snowy days when there are bitter frosts on the street.

Classic fireplaces, unlike electric ones, have several important advantages:

• Nothing compares to burning wood - it is simply impossible to recreate the atmosphere they create in other ways;
• A living fire cannot compete with an artificial electric flame that does not give heat;
• Wood burning fireplaces are less expensive to operate than their electric counterparts – electricity costs more than wood;
• Wood-burning fireplaces, unlike electric ones, give a pleasant smell of burning wood;
• Each kindling of a wood-burning fireplace is a sacred act associated with the stacking of firewood and its regular tossing, which many people like. It is enough to simply connect an electrical device to a power outlet - and that's it, no romance.

But they also have disadvantages, and large ones:

Firewood located next to the fireplace will give the whole picture additional comfort and authenticity. You can buy fake logs in any store that sells decorative fireplaces.

• You can’t just take and install a wood-burning fireplace in a house or apartment - for this you need to make room, lay out brickwork, equip a chimney. An electric fireplace wins in this regard;
• For the operation of a wood-burning unit, a chimney is needed - it will not work to install it in an apartment in a multi-storey building;
• The fuss with firewood and coal cleaning can be a little tiring - there is no getting around it;
• Fire hazard - even if all fire prevention measures are taken, there is always a risk that the operation of the fireplace will lead to a fire;
• Labor-intensive to assemble - if you want to assemble the fireplace yourself, you will need experience in bricklaying. The problem is solved by buying a store sample, but you also need to manage to build it beautifully.

It is easier to install a fireplace in a private house, especially when it is planned at the stage of building a home ownership. In a high-rise building with installation, obvious problems will arise.

Fireplaces in high-rise buildings are found only in new residential complexes of business class and elite class. Electric models can be installed anywhere, without any restrictions.

The fuss with cleaning coal and ash is partially solved by gas fireplaces. Here the flame is mostly maintained by burning gas. But in this case, another problem arises - to connect to the gas pipeline, you need to obtain the appropriate permission from the regulatory authorities. If you are too lazy to do this, take a closer look at electrical samples - they are easier to install and operate.

Pros and cons of electric fireplaces

Decorative fireplaces for apartments and private houses differ in elementary design and comparative simplicity in installation.They do not need any permissions and can be installed anywhere, even in the bedroom, even in the kitchen, even in the hallway. In fact, they are not full-fledged heating units - to a greater extent, this is the most common decoration designed to enliven the home interior.

An electronic fireplace does not burn gas, not biofuels, and not wood - combustion is simulated here in one way or another. Somewhere water vapor is used for this, and somewhere a conventional video projection is used. Let's see what are the advantages of electric artificial fireplaces:

You can beat the location of the electric fireplace in a lot of unusual ways.

• A chimney is not needed - combustion products are not formed here, so there is nothing to remove here;
• Compact design - on sale there are samples with full sizes and mini fireplaces, which are simply hung on the wall, in the manner of a picture;
• High level of fire safety - like any electrical appliance;
• Home electric fireplaces do not need wood or any other type of fuel - they only need an electrical outlet;
• Safety for young children - given the absence of high temperatures, accidental burns are excluded;
• Some models can heat rooms - for this they are equipped with infrared emitters, heating elements and fan heaters;
• No special care is needed - only wiping from dust and adding water is required (for models with illuminated water vapor);
• The ability to use in the warm season - these electric fireplaces compare favorably with wood-burning ones.

There are also some disadvantages:

• Like it or not, but artificial fireplaces are dummies. It is unlikely that they are able to create the atmosphere that their classical counterparts create;
• High electricity consumption when the heating mode is on - electric heating is famous for its high cost;
• Good electrical wiring is required for the operation of the equipment.

Each of the varieties of electric fireplaces is not without its own drawbacks, which will be discussed later. Despite the obvious disadvantages, electric fireplaces are in demand among those who want to make the home environment more lively, cozy and comfortable.

7. Where is the best place to install an electric fireplace?

Based on the fact that the fireplace is not only a source of additional heat, but also, first of all, a decorative item, it must be installed in the most visible place. Most often, fireplaces are located under one of the walls. The arrangement of the remaining pieces of furniture, in the direction from it, will be correct. Just imagine that the fireplace is the focal point of the layout, and not vice versa. Thus, a sofa or bed should be opposite. So that during the rest you can enjoy your hearth.

If you plan to mount a TV to the wall above the fireplace, then do not forget that this is still a source of heat. Therefore, do not place video equipment in the immediate vicinity. The distance from the mantel should be at least 50 cm. Also, if we are talking about a hanging model, then in order to emphasize this feature and protect the appliance from overheating, the distance from the floor should be at least 10 cm.

To make the interior of a room with a fireplace look not only aesthetically pleasing, but also neat, you should consider the location of the outlet. If this element is not provided in advance, an additional extension may be required. The sight of wires leading across the room to the nearest outlet is, to put it mildly, not very attractive.The wire going from the fireplace to the outlet, which is located on the same wall, but at some distance, will look exactly the same.

Therefore, immediately think about whether to have a fireplace in your house or not. If yes, equip the outlet as low as possible, according to the permitted standards, to the floor and use special floor plinths, inside of which there is a special groove for laying wires. With the help of such simple actions, you will have the opportunity to hide communications as much as possible.

Chimney

The chimney must be provided at the planning stage of the building, otherwise it may be difficult to install it. If you already have a house, you need the help of a specialist who will carefully check the chimney channel. Most often, the chimney is laid out from fired clay bricks and fireclay with a shell of lightweight concrete. Another option is a steel pipe with thermal insulation (sandwich chimney). The chimney should not freeze in winter, so it is recommended to install it on the inner wall of the house.

Tip: before installation, be sure to check that the diameters of the chimney and the fireplace insert pipe match.

To choose a quality fireplace that meets all your requirements, you need to carefully study the products on the market. When purchasing this device, you need to clearly understand - for what purpose you are buying a fireplace. If this is an aesthetic element of your interior, then more mobile fireplaces will suit you. And if you want to heat the house and cook food on the stove, then ceramic-lined cast-iron fireplaces with excellent heat transfer properties will be able to fulfill your requirements better than others.

In order to calculate the required power of the furnace and have a high efficiency, it is advisable not to make a decision on your own, but to seek help from professionals. Experts will help you to pick up the furnace fireplace and a flue at reasonable prices. You can get acquainted with our assortment on the website: https://teplo-izba.by/

Give us a call and we will find the best solution for you!

Types of electric fireplaces

An electric fireplace works by heating a tubular electric heater. Modifications are produced using heating elements of open and closed type.

Varieties of open type

• a spiral stretched between ceramic rods;
• a spiral on which ceramic beads are attached;
• a spiral on a ceramic base;
• a ceramic rod on which nichrome wire is tightly wound.

A heating element with a heat shield and ceramic strips are assembled into a heating block. Heat shields simultaneously act as retainers.

Varieties of the closed type

They consist of a spiral sealed inside a glass tube made of quartz sand. The glass tube can be transparent, translucent or frosted.

The device consists of the following elements:

• frame;
• heating element;
• decorative details;
• protective screen;
• remote control.

Structurally, in electric fireplaces, a portal and a hearth stand out. Portal - a frame made of building material, a place to place the hearth. Framing is made of metal, stone, plastic, wood, ceramics, drywall.

The hearth (firebox) is of two types:

• built-in. The cassette made for each model is controlled by a remote control.
• Removable. A range of different sizes is available.

The illusion of live fire is created by a built-in silent fan heater. It takes in cold air, passes the flow through the heating segment and blows the heated air into the room. The heat and intensity of the flow is determined by the power of the fan.

Mobility classification

• Built-in appliances (wall and fireplace portals) - are arranged against the wall, with an emphasis on the back of the fireplace. Models consist of a frame, an electric block of decorative logs and a flame.
• Portable devices. The compact body looks like a fireplace, equipped with a roller for moving and a hearth with imitation of fire. Models are characterized by ease of operation, do not require stationary placement.

Location classification

• Suspended (wall-mounted) - body thickness 8-13 cm, placed on the wall in a convenient place. Aesthetically attractive appearance, decorative flame. Low heat dissipation. Ultra-thin models are also available.
• Desktop - compact devices, installed on the table. Many modifications are produced.
• Floor models - simplicity of design is complemented by elegant execution. Mobility, move around the room.

Classification by type of accommodation

• Semi closed. Built into the wall.
• Open. Installed in the desired location.
• Corner - mounted in the corner of the room.

Dimensions

• Mini electric fireplaces - compact dimensions and minimum thickness of the product allow them to be placed on bedside tables and tables, built into furniture. Suitable for small apartments, corridors, cottages.
• Large-format devices - a large heating area, an exquisite look. Designed for large houses and apartments.A harmonious combination is achieved by the correct ratio of the size of the fireplace and the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

How to choose

A wide range of electric fireplaces will allow you to find a model of the right size that will heat, decorate the room or combine both functions. Various factors can affect your choice, so before buying an electric fireplace, you should take into account all the features so that in the future the fireplace does not disappoint the consumer and is actively used. As a rule, the fireplace in the room always attracts the eye, 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 on the place of use of an electric fireplace. Such a device will organically fit 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 versatile model, of course, will be a portable electric fireplace, it can be moved from one room to another and transported to the country. The wall-mounted fireplace is also very portable and can easily fit into any room.

Dimensions

The size range of electric fireplaces is very diverse, but it is important to select a fireplace so that its dimensions are proportional to the room in which it is placed. For small rooms less than 20 square meters, an oversized model is suitable
In a spacious room of a larger area, a small fireplace will be lost, so it is best to pay attention to fireplaces with a massive portal or large-format wall models.

The dimensions of wall-mounted fireplaces vary in width - from 400 to 1500 mm, and in height - from 400 to 900 mm.

Economy
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 expedient to use the fireplace in the mode of burning logs without heating, since most modern appliances are equipped with this mode. In the mode of burning logs, the fireplace consumes no more than 0.4 kW. All heating electric fireplaces have high heat output and an efficiency close to 100%, so they are often used as an additional source of heat in an apartment or country house. In order to reduce energy consumption, fireplaces can be equipped with a temperature sensor that turns off the fireplace when the room reaches the set temperature.

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, then it is preferable to use wall-mounted built-in or hinged 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 critical.

Manufacturer. English companies are the leaders in the production of electric fireplaces, because the first fireplace was invented just in England. Very high quality is characteristic of English fireplaces, the price of such fireplaces is one of the highest on the market. High-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, offering prices much lower than European ones, and therefore slightly inferior to them in quality. In addition, there are several Russian companies that sell a variety of electric fireplaces at an affordable price.

Price. The price of an electric fireplace depends on many factors: on the size, manufacturer, 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 must match the interior and meet all the requirements of the buyer, so the choice is always yours.

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

Designers vs.

Professionals warn against this tempting idea: not every room, fireplace, TV will allow the idea to be carried out. And those who have realized their dream are not always satisfied with the result. Why is this happening?

• When we imagine a room with a fireplace, we imagine a large and wide hearth, lined with stone, with a massive shelf on which goblets, figurines stand, an impressive canvas or a complex decor in the form of a stuffed animal hangs on the wall above the mantelpiece. In a modern interior, much is simplified and the place above the fireplace is often occupied by a TV ... But a person can look either at the fire or at the screen.When both work, vision gets very tired from the constant change of the “picture”, instead of relaxation, we get stress and fatigue, even a headache.
• This problem can be partially solved by a decorative hearth (electric fireplace, for example), where the heating of the room does not depend on the fireplace. If you want to admire the fire, turn on the hearth, watch the broadcast, turn on the TV.
• Another problem that faces the owners of stove heating is the safety of the premises. It is highly undesirable to place electrical appliances and sockets on the wall behind which the chimney passes - they can get very hot. Both burning fuel in the fireplace and faulty wiring can lead to a fire. Both factors will only exacerbate the danger. And how to hide the wires is a separate issue ...
• Inconvenient screen placement. In a familiar interior, the TV is placed at eye level so that the seated person is comfortable. In a room with a fireplace, you have to build on the size of the hearth, and the monitor is placed quite high. When viewing, you have to lift your head strongly or lean back.
• There is another superstitious explanation: fire is a living subsidence. Therefore, no other forces and elements can be placed on its side. And electricity is also a kind of modern force, although related, but just as energetic. Both a burning fire and a working screen will "argue" on the wall, creating an unfavorable and heavy aura.
• Experts and firefighters are against such placement also because of the products of combustion. With poor draft (and this happens over time), carbon monoxide can accumulate in the room with the firebox, causing serious poisoning and suffocation.Therefore, it is dangerous to spend long evenings in front of the TV and the fireplace - you can burn yourself, and you should not doze off in such a room.
• Ethical side - not to save on space? The clumsy combination of fire and plasma makes the interior look cheap, as if you were trying to put on your best clothes all at once. They are advised to allocate different zones, balance or immediately highlight one thing. A fireplace and a TV of different sizes and styles will definitely not be able to be friends.

However, such categoricalness is rebuffed, and many decide to combine a fireplace and a TV. How to do it safely and functionally?

Electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces

Do you want to add something unusual to your interior? Do you want to make your home a little more comfortable? Do you want your guests to feel comfortable and relaxed, or are you just a creative person and you lack something fabulous in your ordinary apartment?

The online store of electric fireplaces will help you make the right choice. But first, let's figure out what is an electric fireplace and how does it differ from a conventional wood-burning fireplace? The first and most important difference is that you do not have to redo your interior to install a chimney, constantly clean it and look for firewood. This option is too troublesome even for the most sophisticated lovers of fireplaces and it is almost impossible to do this in a modern apartment. But electric fireplaces are very popular nowadays because they are very easy and convenient to use.

An electric fireplace is a heating device with an imitation of a real fire, which is absolutely easy and simple to install, turn on and operate almost silently. The electric fireplace is lightweight, depending on the model and configuration. You can control it with the help of the remote control, without getting up from the sofa, enjoying the game of flame in a cozy home environment. You will not worry about firewood and fuel, while you can adjust the brightness of the fire.

Also, in addition to technical qualities, electric fireplaces differ in design. The spectrum is so huge that anyone can choose a fireplace to their liking. An electric fireplace is not just a heater, such as a fan heater or radiator. Unlike them, it has a picture of live fire and a pleasant shell in the form of a portal, which can be chosen for absolutely any interior. At the same time, the power of the electric fireplace can reach up to 2 kW and this is enough to heat almost 25 m2.

There are several types of electric fireplaces:

1. Electric fireplaces built into portals. They are installed against the wall and resemble an ordinary wood-burning fireplace. These can be assembled from a hearth and a portal, or you can immediately buy a ready-made fireplace set.
2. Portable electric fireplaces or electric furnaces. They are small in size and easily transported around the room. For frequent movement, wheels can be installed. This type of electric fireplace is the most economical.
3. Wall electric fireplaces. In another way, they can be called "suspended" or "mounted". They are commonly used in classrooms and offices. They look like TVs and have a small thickness.
4. Electrofireplaces-baskets. Outwardly, they resemble ordinary firewood baskets, inside of which there are rods filled with smoldering logs.

Exploitation

Care after installation of the equipment is the same as for any electrical device. The only thing worth remembering is the ban on cluttering the surface of the fireplace during work. Also worth remembering:

• do not put flammable objects, liquids with alcohol, perfumes and lotions on top of the fireplace. Even if it is finished with ceramics, tiles, wood;
• do not use alcohol or abrasive, chemical detergents when cleaning the surface;
• clean not only surfaces, but also internal boxes where dust can accumulate;
• do not leave the device turned on at night, and also if you plan to leave home;
• before operation, check the operability of the RCD or circuit breaker.

Additionally, it is recommended to install an uninterruptible power supply and an RCD, a remotely controlled sensor socket on the fireplace.

Which brand of electric fireplace is better to choose

Among the huge variety of brands and models of goods, it is difficult to immediately decide how to choose an electric fireplace for your home. An overview of different offers confuses the consumer even more, in connection with this, it was compiled rating of the best manufacturers and modifications from them. Several global companies broke into the leading positions at once:

• Electrolux is a Swedish company founded in 1919 and is a leading manufacturer of professional and household appliances. Every year, more than 60 million products are sold in 150 countries around the world.
• Endever is another leading Swedish brand that develops and produces modern types and modifications of household appliances, kitchen accessories, household appliances, hair and body care and much more. Today, the range includes more than 1500 types and names of goods.
• GardenWay is a leading company in the development and sale of climate and heating equipment on the market. The main feature of the brand is a wide range, maximum quality and minimum prices.
• Dimplex is an Irish brand founded in 1973, its specificity is aimed at developing innovations in the field of electric heating. This is the first company in the world to put on sale electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire, which you can buy today.
• RealFlame is a Russian manufacturer of electric fireplaces, equipment and related accessories, offering a wide range of products for over 20 years.
• Glenrich is a domestic manufacturer that has been producing stoves, fireplaces and other climatic devices since the 2000s in the best Russian traditions.
• Royal Flame is a young company from China that has been producing electric fireplaces and accessories since 199. Initially, it was a blacksmith's workshop, and today it is a respected and well-known trademark in many countries.