Best Electric Fireplace Reviews for 2017 and Beyond
Sitting quietly by the dazzling flames of a fireplace on a snowy evening is a feeling only a poet might describe in words. In old times, open fire heating was common in many western countries but the increasing number of residential fire accidents lead to the diminishing of this trend. Yet, having a fireplace in house continues to be a dream for many. Electric fireplaces are one of the most interesting accomplished of modern technology. It combines the beauty of traditional fireplaces with the safety and easy operability of up-to-date space heaters.
Best Electric Fireplaces of 2017
Picture | Product | Brand | Class | Review | Editor's Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dimplex | |||
| Southern Enterprises | High End | |||
| Moda Flame | Mid Range | |||
| Touchstone | Mid Range | |||
| Duraflame | ||||
| Southern Enterprises |
Dimplex DFI2310
Editor Rating:
Dimplex is synonymous to quality and reliability. The DFI2310 series electric fireplace models are have been chosen by thousands of customers who have unused fireplaces in their homes.
The state-of-the-art visual effects, hi-tech features and heat output are all you need to give a jaw-dropping make-over to your boring living room. The equipment is 23 inches in width and provides a 1375 watt output.
The dancing flame backdrop and faux logs create authentic traditional wood-fire effect right in front of your comfy couch. It offers flame only options along with half and full flame settings for optimal convenience. When the weather turns chilly, switch on the silent oscillating fan to distribute soothing warmth in all directions. Operation is highly user friendly and pocket-pinch won’t make you cry.
SEI Narita Media Console with Electric Fireplace, Espresso
Editor Rating:
The ultimate visual treat for the home decoration aficionados. This deluxe fireplace cum media console has been sculpted from the finest quality wood, MDF and PB along with oak veneer complemented with an espresso finish featuring antique bronze plated metal tile tapestry.
The open shelf right above the centerpiece can easily accommodate a 50 inch flat screen TV. Add to that, the sides have adjustable shelves geared with doors.
The specially designed media console is bedecked with energy saving LED lights for a stunning illuminating effect. Adjustable thermostat allows you to regulate the flame brightness and speed. The outer casing never gets dangerously hot, plus, it is an eco-friendly means to warm up the ambience without exposing the housemates to toxic fumes or any other pollutants.
Moda Flame Houston 50-Inch Electric Wall-mounted Fireplace
Editor Rating:
Electric fireplaces are a wonderful blend of aesthetics and room heating technology. Houston 50-Inch Electric Wall-mounted Fireplace is a high end wall-mounted piece, an artistically built focal point for richly furnished homes and offices.
The black and white casing has a contemporary touch coupled with a shining glass front to enhance the quality of flame display. But the goodness isn’t skin deep.
This electric fireplace offers there heat settings-high, low and flame only mode for maximum convenient operation. A remote-controlled quiet fan uniformly distributes the generated heat in every inch of the room. It also incorporates a built-in timer letting the users set a shut-off time for 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. Use the 36 inch clearance as a stand for your television set instead of purchasing a separate media console and save a few grands and some space too.
Touchstone 50-inch Onyx Electric Wall-mounted Fireplace with Heater
Editor Rating:
The Touchtone is a luxurious piece of art packed with a bundle of practical features and a kickass design for master bedrooms and family rooms.
Installing this wall-mounted appliance liberates the space surface from being occupied. What’s even better is that even a non-professional can set up the device just by pertaining to the step-by-step guide provided by the manufacturer.
The versatile heating options are another major highlight. There are 5 different radiance settings to help to create an ambience according to your mood. Another excellent feature to be appreciated is the heat thermal overload protector switch that lets you convert the equipment into a recess mounted fireplace instantly. There’s also a 36 inch free space to help you modifying the fireplace into an entertainment centre.
Duraflame DFI02ARU Freestanding Electric Log Set with Heater
Editor Rating:
Duraflame DFI02ARU come with life like fire glow and faux logs guarded by iron effect holder to make your dream of relaxing by the fire true, that too without putting you through the chore of burning the wood or clearing out the combustion by-products.
The fan forced system does its job in pin-drop silence, the heating power is capable of raising the temperature of a 400 sq.mt room effortlessly. Ease of mobility is another positive aspect of this model. All the functions can be accessed and controlled through a remote control from any corner of the house.
Southern Enterprises Claremont Convertible Media Ivory Electric Fireplace
Editor Rating:
When you don’t have enough room to spare for a fashionable electric fireplace, opt for a slim and sexy model like Claremont Convertible Media Ivory Electric Fireplace which has separate slot (a large mantel) acting as a media stand, easily able to house a 50” wide screen LED TV .the beautiful ivory glass finish could go with any kind of house décor and enhance the glamour quotient of it in an instant.
With a lifelike flame display, studded with numerous energy efficient LED nights and log replicas, the artificial fireplace really comes to life. Setting up the components won’t require a smattering knowledge of hardware.
What is an Electric Fireplace?
Heating a room with an electric fireplace is delightfully economical. There’s no fuss of procuring venting the fume gases or logs to ignite a flame, no flying ashes to contaminate the indoor air. Today’s highly energy-saving electric models produce sufficient heat at an exceptionally low power output which makes them even more irresistible. Installation requirements are almost nothing, the unit is a plug and play device, and so, a power outlet and availability of electricity are all you need to get started. Apart from the sheer variety of styles, there are plenty of technical add-ons such as remote control access, heat settings and solid safety features for maximum convenience of operation.
Types of Electric Fireplaces
Wall mounted
This kind of fashionable, attractive, sleek and compact electric fireplaces does not occupy an inch of the living space, instead they are mounted or recessed on the wall. These are permanently fixed fixtures. Wall-mounted fireplaces can be further divided into 2 categories. One is wall-hung and another is flush mount fireplace. The first kind is more common and suitable for average house and office spaces. Wall-hung pieces are secured in wall mounting brackets which are adhered to the wall. The main equipment allows the freedom of portability. Flush mount fireplaces require expert professional help for installation. The fireplace is recessed into the wall, creating a stunning visual effect but there are certain difficulties in releasing the heat outward to the room.
Freestanding
Freestanding fireplaces are highly portable and super convenient to install. Some top notch models come with fireplace mantel casing in case you relish vintage style home decor. If you want a more contemporary look, there are a few brands offering freestanding models transformed into media centre and even bookcases to act as an attractive focal point of the room. Installation of these models is virtually hassle-free. No wall mounted brackets or professional assistance is required here, just plug the device into a power outlet nearby and enjoy.
Insert
People who already have an existing fireplace area could consider buying an electric fireplace insert to make the most of the vacant space. These sort of electric fireplaces are great whole room warmers. The realistic design and beautiful log display are a treat to the eyes.
TV Stand
If you have issues with space allocation, purchasing a classy electric fireplace integrated into a TV stand would be a really smart decision. Most of these equipments are fully remote controlled and allow a number of settings such as temperature and flame brightness control to endow with a truly memorable experience during the coldest days of the year. The design of this type of fireplaces is simple. The crystal clear, life-like flame screen is the centerpiece surrounded by a TV stand consisting of a couple of shelves.
Fireplaces with Mantel
Electric fireplaces with mantel helps you capture the true essence of cozying up by the fire without putting the house at fire risk. These electric fireplaces have a metal finish mantel frame wrapped around it. The frames are large and wide enough to provide room for a television set or home theatre.
Corner Electric Fireplace
Corner electric fireplaces are most authentic replica of traditional fireplaces.It’s narrow structure makes it a swift fit into a small corner of the wall. Setting process is as easy as taking a walk in the park.
How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace
Equipment Size
Each type of electric fireplace mentioned and described above has a unique appeal. The shortcut method to figure out the right fireplace size for your home is to keep in mind the dimension of your room. Wall-mounted and corner fireplaces are super space savers. They not to bring the artificially ignited flames to life but also generate pleasant warmth to sooth the room occupants when the outside temp stoops to minus.TV media stand and mantel pieces are pretty large. If you have enough space and money to spare, you know where to head to.
Heating Power
Electric fireplaces serve as whole room heaters apart from creating a fine ambience. You can turn off the heating and enjoy the flame-effect or use both options when weather turns chilly. The best electric fireplaces come with two to 3 different power setting such as half-power and full-power mode. Larger rooms demand more heat output while smaller rooms and cubicles can do well with limited power. You can find accurate BTU calculators on the internet or refer to the manufacturer’s guide for assistance pertaining to this aspect.
Features to Look Forward to
Flame Speed Control and Flame-only Operation
Electric fireplaces are cool because it allows the user to customize the flame-effect. Another great feature is flame-only operation which allows you to flicker realistic flames without producing heat, burning gases or ashes. This is a nice add-on if you wish to use the fireplace for purely decorative purposes.
Thermostat Control
An adjustable thermostat helps you to control the heat level while keeping the glow of the flame unblemished. It is also a welcoming safety feature as you can set a desirable temperature and leave the fireplace on and not worry about overheating at all. The auto-shut off functionality of thermostat will turn off itself when the room heat reaches the preset level and when the temp decreases, it will start on its own.
Remote Control
All A-listed models have a digital circuit broad displays all the settings such as brightness control, flame speed, thermostat, blower fan, on/off which can be tweaked through a remote control right sitting on your couch or leaving your bed. Just a press of a button and you’re all set for a romantic evening by the scintillating flames.
Word on Safety
Electric fire places are easy on your pocket and share an amicable relationship with the environment. Since theirs is no real fire business, there’s no risk of fire accidents as well. However, all electric fireplaces aren’t miraculously hazard-proof. While evaluating the product specifications, make sure the model you’re interested to buy has thermal overload protectors to manage overheating situations like a pro. The housing of the equipment should maintain a touchable operational temperature regardless of how long it has been in use.
The Final Thoughts
As you can see, electric fireplace manufacturers have more varieties in terms of design and technology than you could imagine. While it’s true that artificial flames and finery of looks can’t replace the evergreen charm of actual wood-fired fireplaces, the best electric fireplaces can totally transform the interior of any house, giving it a classic Victorian appeal, sought after by every interior decoration enthusiast. Researching thoroughly about every tiny detail on these equipments individually could take hours. Here I have done the hard yard for you and tried to present to you only the useful pieces of information that’ll help you choose the best electric fireplace for you house without breaking a sweat.