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When the moon hangs low across the horizon, and the stars seem a little too bright, know that winter is right around the corner. Winter is a season that has its own beautiful festivals and events, mainly Halloween and Christmas. It’s that time of the year when you stay indoors; warm clothing and a nice cup of coffee are your true companions throughout the season.
Some parts of the world undergo harsh winters while some enjoy the moderate weather to the fullest. The fireplace is another vital factor that keeps you going throughout the winter season. Some people use the conventional/traditional fireplaces to warm their houses, while others use the technology by getting electric fireplaces to maintain ambiance and aesthetics.
An electric fireplace is a great way to tackle winters without the hassle of chopping woods, lightning the chimney, getting maintenance done, and expensive installation. Hence, it’s quite fair to say that the best electric fireplace has made life much easier. Without further delay, let’s get into the details.
Best Electric Fireplace
What is an Electric Fireplace?
An electric fireplace is a heater that creates an impression of a conventional fireplace with wood, coal, and realistic flames. The best electric fireplace concept was introduced in 1912, whereas the flame-effect was introduced in 1981.
The best electric fireplace works as a heater, easily attached to a wall, and can be turned on via plug-in. A safe and easy-to-use best electric fireplace is capable of heating up a 400 sq ft room. The electric fireplace kept on evolving with new features and techniques. In 1995, the realistic wood-burning effect was brought into the market. Similarly, in 2008, an electric fireplace was launched with yet another feature known as the opti-myst effect, which created flame and smoke for a more realistic look.
In 2013, yet another feature was added to the best electric fireplace as the Opti-V effect, which provided a flickering-flame effect with 3D-LED logs along with fire crackling audio. Such features became successful in drawing people’s attention, and hence, ever since, the product made its way to the spotlight.
How does an Electric Fireplace work?
The best electric fireplace has the same outlook as a conventional wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace. However, the working principle of the electric one is a bit different. The best electric fireplace takes in cool air from the atmosphere and heats it internally with heating coils. Once the air has been warmed, it is forced back into the atmosphere with the help of a fan, which heats up the room. The LED lights create real flames impression in a random manner. Thus, giving it a realistic look. The best electric fireplace can heat up a 400 sq ft room with quite an ease.
What features does Electric Fireplace have?
Infrared Technology: Best electric fireplace varies in features depending upon different models. Some electric fireplaces use infrared technology to directly heat up a certain object in the room without the involvement of any dangerous fumes, smoke, or mess.
Customize and control: Almost every best electric fireplace allows users to control and set the heat according to their needs. The flame setting can also be customized, controlled, and set according to one’s style and aesthetic sense.
2-in-1 fireplace: Electric fireplaces are not only used as heaters on a chilly night but can also be used throughout the year on the flame-effect setting only. Meaning; you can easily disable the heater via settings and switch to only flame-effect settings to level up a room’s interior.
Flame setting: Best electric fireplace has either one three-dimensional LEDs or two strips, each at top and bottom, to provide a more realistic flame. It’s your choice to enable both the strips for deep amber flames or simply stick to the single LED. Flame colors can also be changed as one’s desire via remote control.
Touch-screen panel: Best electric fireplace provides a touchscreen panel that has all the options available on the screen. Once a specific option or setting has been selected, the option-panel disappears.
Brightness level: Best electric fireplace offers five brightness levels, which can be set according to your mood.
Energy Saving mode: Best electric fireplace has energy-saving mode 750W-1500W models come with energy saving modes that let you work in style as well as efficiency.
Auto-heat safety: This feature ensures heat up without making the room too dry by maintaining the required moisture and humidity.
Sleep timer: Best electric fireplace comes with a sleep timer, which is either pre-set or can be customized according to one’s need.
Bluetooth-Audio speaker: Some modern electric fireplaces support Bluetooth connection and audio, which can turn on the fireplace by voice-input.
WiFi and smart-home connect: Smart fireplaces can be connected to smart homes to be activated and deactivated via voice input.
Our Top Recommendation
TURBRO Suburbs TS23-C Electric Fireplace Infrared Heater with Curved Door
- TOASTY FIREPLACE: There’s no better feeling than relaxing by the fireplace on a cold, winter evening as you sip a steaming cup of hot cocoa. Stay warm this winter with the efficient 4,777 BTU heat output of a TURBRO Suburbs electric stove.
- ADJUSTABLE FLAMES: Create an enchanting fireside environment without the mess and smoke of a real fire. The 3 brightness levels of the flame effect can be turned on separately from the heat to really help you set the mood.
- EASY TO USE: Simply flip the switch to turn on the heating element, set the thermostat from 62-82℉, and wait as your room instantly begins to heat up. The remote control can be used to make adjustments from the comfort of your couch.
- OVERHEAT PROTECTION: Overheating protection automatically shuts the heater off if the internal temperature gets too hot or if the heater gets tipped over. The TURBRO Suburbs heater is CSA certified to be safe for use in North America
How many types of Electric Fireplaces are there?
A best electric fireplace is of different types, which include:
Wall Mounted
Wall mounted electric fireplaces can be great for those who have space issues. Such a fireplace can be mounted on a wall instead of having installed permanently. Wall mounted best electric fireplace can easily be taken off and carried along when moving out. The wall-hanging brackets come with the fireplace package. The installation is easy and can be done by reading the instruction manual. No technical background is needed.
Built-in
Built-in best electric fireplace has a more finished look to it because it is installed in a hollow area, rather than sticking on a wall. Such a fireplace looks more like a conventional one. However, built-in fireplace installation is a little on the complex side. A niche is built where you want the fireplace to be installed. Hence, some serious technical background and skills are needed to install a built-in fireplace.
2”x4” wall-fit
Such fireplaces can be fit in a niche having 2″x4″ space without it sticking out. Most models are 4″ slim, which make them stick to the wall with great ease and finish.
3-sided fireplace
The three sided best electric fireplace is from the built-in category, which can fit into walls with three sides. This enhanced look provides the view of multi-colored flames from three different angles. Such a fireplace can be installed in a corner with only two sides exposed or with all three sides exposed. It’s entirely up to you. The installation is flexible.
See-through fireplace
Only one best electric fireplace has been made with see-through style as Napoleon fireplaces. Such fireplaces can be installed on a dividing wall between two rooms. The temperature can be controlled from both sides and can heat up to 800 sq ft room. This is one phenomenal fireplace.
Firebox insert
Firebox insert is a type of electric fireplace which lets you place the firebox inside your actual fireplace area if it isn’t used in years. This can make your old, no-longer-in use fireplace a new one with a firebox insert. Easily installation requires cleaning the area and simply insert the firebox. There, you have a new electric fireplace.
Standing fireplace
Also known as the free-standing fireplaces come with stand-alone units or TV stands with a built-in area for a fireplace. Such fireplaces are ideal for moving around and serves a double purpose. If you have a space issue, go for standing fireplaces.
Does Electric Fireplace produce heat?
Best electric fireplaces produce heat that can be controlled, set to low- medium or high, depending on your choice. Also, the heat factor can be disabled, which leaves you with only flame-effect for the sake of aesthetics. Most fireplaces have a built-in thermostat, which maintains a set temperature of the room. Also, fireplaces come with only flame effect and no heater. This can be your call if you live in a hot climate but enjoy watching the amber glow of flames from your big, comfy rocking chair.
Size
The best electric fireplace can come in various sizes. The right size depends on how you will use the unit and the size of the room you it is intended to heat up. Forced-fan is ideal for 400 sq ft rooms.
Infrared electric fireplaces are ideal for heating up a much larger room, i.e., 1000 sq ft.
The maximum size for all heaters is 1500 sq ft. However, keep in mind that the heating element is directly proportional to the room’s ceiling and windows.
Price
Price can vary depending upon the best electric fireplace type and features. However, the rough estimate can be around $150 starting figure to $1,500. It all depends upon which type you want and which features you are signing up for.
Is Electric Fireplace worth buying?
Electric fireplaces are definitely worth buying due to several plus points. The best electric fireplace comes at an affordable price. These can be used as heaters as well as for aesthetic purposes. Safety feature with electric fireplace provides great safety if a household has children and toddler running loose. An electric fireplace is the safest option to go for as it doesn’t get heated even while the heater is on.
Another option to consider is energy consumption. With the flame and heater on, an electric fireplace will cost you around 18 cents for an hour. Installation is another factor that makes the electric fireplace worth buying. With conventional wood-burning or natural gas-burning fireplaces, installation takes about a fortune. However, with electric ones, the case is the opposite. The easy and cheap installation makes it the best investment.
The maintenance cost is zero. I repeat, ZERO maintenance cost with electric fireplace. Just install it and enjoy long-lasting LEDs. Occasional dust-off would do the entire maintenance.
Safety Guide
Though an electric fireplace is safe, it is always good to be extra safe. Hence, always make sure that the outlet you are going to connect with is only dedicated to a single circuit breaker, which serves only the fireplace. Never connected your fireplace with an extension cord. Also, make a new connection by a professional electrician to be precise with the wiring.
Always make sure you read the instruction manual of the electric fireplace. Keep other objects such as a blanket or clothes at a safe distance from an electric fireplace. Always unplug the unit when it is not in use. Never modify the existing unit. Always consult the manual or respective company.
Best Sellers in Electric Fireplace
1. e-Flame USA Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove
The classic design highlights the realistic wood burning effect and dancing flames. This hearth is lightweight, and stays cool-to-the-touch. Transporting from room-to-room is easy. This is a fashionable heating solution for any space. Perfect for your guest room, basement, garage, apartment, office, or motorhome/RV. Safe to set on all flooring types
2. e-Flame USA Jasper Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove – 3-D Log and Fire Effect
This unit can reduce your electric bill by using over 90% less energy than gas. It heats up quickly, and has two heat setting options so there is no need to pay the high cost of heating your entire home.
3. Tangkula 36 Inches Recessed Electric Fireplace, in-Wall
More Engaging & Practical: The thickness of the upgraded electric fireplace is reduced to 3.86 inch and won’t be obtrusive on the wall. And the location of switch is changed for convenient operating. In front of electric fireplace, we add two air inlets to ensure fast incoming air.