Electric fireplace buying guide

In order to choose the best electric fireplace for your home, consider the following factors:

1. Type: freestanding, fixed or insert – the choice is yours, depending on your own tastes and the layout of your home.

2. Size: to be decided based on the amount of space you have for the fireplace.

3. Power: factor around 1 kW for every 10 m².

4. Design: the number one criterion when it comes to picking an electric fireplace!

Electric fireplaces: an additional heat source with style

Electric fireplaces give the illusion of a real fireplace – complete with false logs, false flames and even false embers – while providing a similar type of heat as an electric radiator. Although these fireplaces are more powerful than a bioethanol fireplace, electric fireplaces are typically considered a supplementary or additional heat source.

As the name suggests, electric fireplaces can simply be plugged into an electrical outlet, meaning they do not require the use of a flue. These fireplaces provide the perfect solution if you're looking for an electric heating source with a flame that generates a gentle form of heat and doesn't involve the tedious cleaning and maintenance tasks that come with a traditional wood fireplace.

There are a few different types of electric fireplace, with each model offering its own set of advantages.

Freestanding or portable electric fireplaces

These electric fireplaces are often very compact in form (meaning they take up minimal space) and come as a fully independent unit. They can be either be attached to a wall or placed on a flat surface. Freestanding fireplaces are very easy to match to your existing décor as they come in a range of designs. The only downside is that they do not provide a lot of heat and are generally only recommended as an additional heat source.

Advantages: these units are very affordable and easy to use.

Electric fireplace inserts

Electric fireplace inserts are designed to fit into an existing chimney that cannot no longer be used and are great for adding a decorative touch to your space. It is possible to personalise your insert by opting for a custom-made model that fits perfectly into your chimney space.

Advantages: there's no need to modify your chimney structure; these units are usually fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Disadvantages: they do have limited heating power.

Electric fireplaces boast one major advantage: they are incredibly easy to use! Simply plug in your device, press the on / off button and switch on your fire with a remote control. The heating power and flame size can even be adjusted remotely.

As soon as the fireplace is switched on and lit, the temperature will start to rise. Another bonus is that it is possible to put your fireplace on heating or flame-only mode. This means you can enjoy the look of a fireplace but save on power when you don't require any heating (as the flame-only function uses much less power).

Most electric fireplaces are equipped with a fan that disperses heat throughout the room and come with a choice of two power settings (usually 1000 W or 2000 W), giving you more control over your heating. The biggest advantage, however, is that there's no need to pile on the wood and wait for your fire to get going: a simple press of a button on the remote control and you can choose the size of your flame!

Advantages of electric fireplaces

• Electric fireplaces are easy to install and do not require the use of a flue. They can be mounted or fitted into an existing chimney space very easily.

• They are cost-effective: these fireplaces are inexpensive to buy and you can easily control your energy consumption.

• Decorative: electric fireplaces create the illusion of flames and embers thanks to a system of LED bulbs.

• No maintenance is required and there is no risk of fire as no actual flames are produced.

• They are more environmentally friendly than other types of fireplaces as they don't emit CO2 or harmful greenhouse gases.

• They come in a wide range of designs: stylish, colourful, traditional wood-burning stove effect, contemporary... some even come with wheels for transportation!

Disadvantages of electric fireplaces

• Heating power is limited (additional heating source only).

• The flame effect on cheaper models can be disappointing and they can look a little tacky. The more high-end you go, the more convincing the effect!

The amount of power you need from your electric fireplace will depend on where it will be set up.

If your electric fireplace is freestanding and you plan on using it in a number of rooms, you'll have to find a good compromise to make sure it has enough power for each space. Remember that 10 m² requires 1 kW of power, so if the average area of your room is 15 m², choose an electric fireplace rated at 1500 W. Of course, if it's an insert or fixed model, there's only one room size to consider.

Be careful not to overestimate the heating capacity of these appliances – electric fireplaces are more decorative than anything else. As already mentioned, electric fireplaces are designed to be used as supplementary heating devices.

If you're still on the fence, it might interest you to know that, in addition to providing warmth and a pleasant aesthetic, electric fireplaces are safe to use around children! The flames of these fireplaces are fake and they usually come with a thermo-safety system, which automatically shuts down the appliance if it overheats (if you accidentally leave it on, for example). In short, if you're looking for a cost-effective, safe and cosy fireplace to use throughout the year, an electric fireplace can be a great option!