What models of electric fireplaces can be called the best? What are the advantages they have and how to install them? You will learn the answers to these and other frequently asked questions, as well as useful information about the most important product characteristics such as the number of levels of fire, heat range and others.
The performance characteristics of electric fireplaces are inefficient for heating large areas. However, in the fireplace there is something homemade, nostalgic and elegant. They have a romance, the charm that really can not create any other element in the interior.
Unfortunately, traditional fireplaces are not always suitable for apartments, as they are difficult to install and limited technical capabilities of the premises. Burning wood is also dangerous and expensive.
What can we do to those who love the warmth and comfort of home, if they can not simply be a real fire? Fortunately, the second half of the last century, electric fireplaces have become a reality, and different designs allow to install them in almost any room. Today, some of these fireplaces, at first glance, are so realistic that you can not even guess what they are not "real".
CONTENT
- 1 Pros and cons of the use of electric fireplaces
- 2 The principle of operation of electric fireplaces.
- 3 Types of electric fireplaces and how they differ
- 4 What to look for when buying a fireplace?
- 5 TOP 5 best electric fireplaces
- 6 Comparative table of electric fireplaces
- 7 FAQ
Pros and cons of the use of electric fireplaces
Electric fireplace can provide efficient heating of small premises, as it works on the principle of conventional home heater. However, he may look like a real fireplace with crackling wood and the illusion of smoke from the fire. Another added advantage - if you move, you can pick from the fireplace itself. In fact, this furniture, so you can place it anywhere in the room, which gives you the ability to transform your home without installing this fireplace.
Lack of electric fireplace is that it can not serve as a complete source of heat in the room and, in the case of unforeseen shutdowns of central heating in the cold season, it can not give the required amount of heat for heating.
The principle of operation of electric fireplaces.
Electric fireplaces - a simple technology. In fact, this heater, which consists of a heating element and a fan for generating silent actual heat. The effect of the fire and coals achieved in various ways.
In most cases, the coals are lit thanks to fiber-optic technology and focusing of light on glass, directing it from certain parts of the wood. Changing light or rotating mechanisms for their blackout create a look of smoldering coals. They are not hot, although it seems otherwise.
Fire effect is achieved by the projection or the use of LEDs, lenses and fiber optic technologies.
There are exceptions as fireplaces working air that produce real heat and flame. These fireplaces are not widespread and are presented in this article will be rejected. Others have used digital technology to flame imaging to create three-dimensional effect of the flame presence.
Types of electric fireplaces and how they differ
The technology, which creates a flame effect, in fact, is not as important as the end result is generally the same. We want to consider four main types of products.
wall
These fireplaces are mounted on the wall and a lot of them, in fact, does not produce heat, but only create the illusion of a flame and sometimes sound effects crackling embers. If you do not have real warm, then this option is convenient because it takes up less space in the room.
built-in
I personally do not see any reason to built-in electric fireplaces. But if you really want to complete the illusion of the fireplace, complete with brick or stone finish, this is the option that you want.
Electric fireplace inserts
They are installed in an existing fireplace, for those who want to achieve the desired effect without burning with the wood. Such an embodiment requires sealing the chimney.
Floor
This is the most common type of fireplaces, which basically is a piece of furniture with an electrical component located in the center. They are often used as a stand for television, with shelves and cupboards and, as a rule, the preferred solution for most people because of the mobility and the opportunity to take it with you if you You decide to move. An additional advantage - you will not have problems with the installation.
What to look for when buying a fireplace?
There are several points to consider when buying an electric fireplace. Of course, the requirements for such a purchase is less than the acquisition of a "real" fire, but you want to consider them before making a choice.
Heat. You want a fireplace produces real effective heat for room heating, localized heat to effect, or you do not such important characteristics? This is an important factor to consider, because any heat source of electric power consumption.
The convenience of use. Want the fireplace was the center of attention of your room? Then you need a model with room for TV, electronics, cabinets and so on. D.
Portability. You plan to move in the future? Then you need to be sure that it's a compact model or wall-mounting device that you can take with you or sell.
TOP 5 best electric fireplaces
Below you will find an overview of the top 5 best electric fireplaces. Fireplaces differ in the number of layers of fire - from 2 to 5, while the heating range, usually the same and is 300 square meters. There are also various options for the size, some of which reach 127 cm.
Simple electric fireplace to great room | Lifesmart
This is a simple fireplace. However, do not let its simplicity fool you. Attractive polished oak - a timeless elegant style that produces a good level of heat. The fire could be more realistic, but the glowing coals are made really well, they are compact, but not too small to be effective.
Characteristics
- Form: Stand Alone, a single block.
- Finish: polished oak.
- Heat source: Quartz.
- Thermal power: 1.5 kW.
- Heat range: 92.9 sq.m.
- Remote control: yes.
- Noise factor: very quiet.
- Optical: projection / fiber optic.
- Size: 71 cm
- Levels of fire: 2 glow level.
Efficiency
This model highlights a bit of heat, and with elements of the quartz is very energy efficient. Fireplace is attractive, it fits perfectly in a classic or modern furnishings and has a very good level of customization for the flame and glow. The model is quiet, but it seems to me that the effect of the fire in her less convincing than in other models. Oak also are fragile, so if you move the fireplace - be careful.
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conclusion
This fireplace looks beautiful, but, again, the flame can be more convincing. However, I am a supporter of good visual effects, so it may just be my whim. I recommend this model for those who need a larger heater.
Electric fireplace with a 3D effect flame | Duraflame
This model is more like a wood-burning stove. Constituents glass panels provide flame 3D effect. This is achieved with a thin reflection similar to Pepper illusion used for holographic concerts and magic tricks. It is easy to produce an effect that makes it possible to achieve the effect of verisimilitude.
Characteristics
- Form: standalone, single block.
- Finish: steel.
- Heat source: quartz.
- Thermal power: 1.52 kW.
- Heat range: 92.9 sq.m.
- Remote control: no.
- Noise factor: very quiet.
- Optical: flat / fiber optic / illusion technique.
- Size: 71 cm
- Levels of fire: 2 glow level.
Efficiency
This fireplace emits a lot of heat from the quartz infrared radiation, which, again, is very efficient as compared with tungsten heating elements. He's a really cool 3D-effect of the flame. In spite of the illusory nature of this effect, it gives the impression of a real fire. However, some people may not like the appearance. I myself am not a fan of rustic decor, so that this factor is of great importance to me.
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conclusion
If you do not mind this style (I do not colonial projects a fan), then you'll love this fireplace.
Modern Electric Fireplace | Touchstone 80001
This wall-mounted fireplace really cool, although the flame effect is not super-realistic. It looks like a large flat-screen TV.
Characteristics
- Form: Wall
- Finish: wood.
- Heat source: quartz.
- Thermal power: 1.46 kW.
- Heat range: 92.9 sq. m.
- Remote control: yes.
- Noise factor: very quiet.
- Optical: projection / fiber optic.
- Size: 132 cm.
- Fire Levels: 5 glow levels.
Efficiency
It's really a neat fireplace, despite the fact that the flame does not seem so realistic. Flat, wide screen and really beautiful coal to create a modern, elegant solution for the room, which perfectly complements the wall-mounted fireplace.
He identifies a lot of heat, quiet and efficient. However, it should be borne in mind that the wall unit is usually thinner, so they do not have the technical means, to distribute the heat away from yourself, so take some time to heat the declared volume.
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conclusion
If you want something modern, then this is definitely the solution for you. Just know for mounting studs are needed, because the model is quite heavy.
Electric Fireplace Deluxe | Dimplex DFI2310
This model-insert into the fireplace. These fireplaces are not popular, but worthy of attention. Despite the fact that the projection of flame seems unlikely, embers look fantastic. In addition, the fireplace releases heat decent, equipped with remote control and plugs into a standard wall outlet.
Characteristics
- Form: Paste.
- Heat source: quartz.
- Thermal power: 1.46 kW.
- Heat range: 92.9 sq.m.
- Remote control: yes.
- Noise factor: very quiet.
- Optical: projection / fiber optic.
- Size: 58.9 cm.
- Levels of fire: 2 glow level.
Efficiency
Fireplace insert is designed pretty well, but the flame looks unnatural, that is a common problem of these models. Correctly adjusting the angles of light, you can see a focused image only when you It is located directly in front of the fireplace, what not to do, since you will overheat because it highlights many heat.
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conclusion
If you already have a fireplace, or you want to build a facade for him, it is the ideal solution. I do not like the look of the flames, but I have a special vision - they should surprise me. To be honest, most people do not mind such decisions.
Electric Fireplace with TV Console | Ameriwood Home
This fireplace is presented as a TV stand. In our time, this model is very popular and it was probably the decision I would choose if I was now in a process of finding the fireplace. I like the dark espresso finish, strength of the product, realistic flame effect and nice embers.
Characteristics
- Form: TV stand.
- Finish: Espresso (wood).
- Heat source: quartz.
- Thermal power: 1.46 kW.
- Heat range: 92.9 sq.m.
- Remote control: yes.
- Noise factor: very quiet.
- Optical: projection / fiber optic.
- Size: 78.7 cm (127).
- Fire Levels: 4 levels of luminescence.
Efficiency
It's a great model, because in addition to the fireplace, it is also very beautiful TV stand. Even if you do not want to use the fireplace, its space continues to be useful.
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conclusion
I would recommend this model because it is effective to use: and as the fire, and as a TV stand. Connect your TV, the player or game console, and enjoy the pastime in the home.
Comparative table of electric fireplaces
Product | Characteristics |
Lifesmart | Heat source: Quartz. Thermal power: 1.5 kW. Heat range: 92.9 sq.m. Remote control: yes. Noise factor: very quiet. Optical: projection / fiber optic. Size: 71 cm Levels of fire: 2 glow level. |
Duraflame | Heat source: quartz. Thermal power: 1.52 kW. Heat range: 92.9 sq.m. Remote control: no. Noise factor: very quiet. Optical: flat / fiber optic / illusion technique. Size: 71 cm Levels of fire: 2 glow level. |
Touchstone | Heat source: quartz. Thermal power: 1.46 kW. Heat range: 92.9 sq. m. Remote control: yes. Noise factor: very quiet. Optical: projection / fiber optic. Size: 132 cm. Fire Levels: 5 glow levels. |
Dimplex | Heat source: quartz. Thermal power: 1.46 kW. Heat range: 92.9 sq.m. Remote control: yes. Noise factor: very quiet. Optical: projection / fiber optic. Size: 58.9 cm. Levels of fire: 2 glow level. |
Ameriwood Home | Heat source: quartz. Thermal power: 1.46 kW. Heat range: 92.9 sq.m. Remote control: yes. Noise factor: very quiet. Optical: projection / fiber optic. Size: 78.7 cm (127). Fire Levels: 4 levels of luminescence. |
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FAQ
What is the electric fireplace warms the best?
Ameriwood.
Is it possible to bring the device to the gas?
No.
As set fireplace inserts?
Remove the palm logs, close the ash pit, clean and simply insert.
Can I install a fireplace in the carpet?
No, it produces hot air and it could be dangerous.
These fireplaces are safe?
Yes, it's just an optical illusion with electric heaters.
conclusion
If you want to install a fireplace at home, but the current model does not suit you, then the electric version will be a great solution. Personally, I would have bought Ameriwood.