Focus on…Electric Fires

Feeling chilly this winter? It might be time to look into buying an electric fireplace.

Also known as electric fires, these handy appliances are the heating solution you’re looking for if you live in a flat or anywhere else without a chimney. They’re also a wonderful option for those who want the charming appeal and cosy warmth of a traditional fireplace, albeit without the open fire and eco-unfriendly wood smoke.

We’ve put together this brief guide to help you through buying your next (or first!) electric fire. Read on…

What is an electric fire?

An electric fire is basically a heater with an LED display and the ability to heat the air in the surrounding room. It mimics the looks of a traditional fireplace with its flickering electric flames, offering a warm, comforting ambience while remaining pet, child and environmentally-friendly. If you have an old fireplace space that isn’t being used, you can place an electric fire there instead.

That being said, electric fires are not meant to replace your home’s primary heating system. Unless you live in a small one-room flat, an electric fireplace won’t heat your entire home up. However, they are more than enough for heating up a single small room, especially if you plan on snuggling up near it.

Now that you know what an electric fire is, let’s dive into the features to look out for when shopping for one.

Wall Mounted Versus Freestanding

The first thing to consider when buying an electric fireplace is whether you want it wall mounted or freestanding. A wall mounted electric fire is just that: it’s installed on your wall so it’s suspended off the ground. This type of electric fireplace has a sleeker, more modern look to it, but getting it mounted on the wall can be a bit of a hassle.

On the other hand, a freestanding electric fire is one that sits atop a pedestal. Unlike a wall mounted electric fire, this type requires little to no assembly. Another pro of a freestanding electric fire is that it’s fairly portable, so if you find yourself needing to move it for whatever reason, it’s not difficult at all.

Different Flame Patterns

While you won’t be able to get the same joy from stoking a real fire, you’ll be glad to know that most electric fires give you the option to change the pattern of their realistic-looking flames. In the mood for a big, roaring bonfire? Or perhaps you’d prefer a more mellow flame, perfect for chatting over a cuppa? Whatever you’re craving, there’s a setting to change that. And it’s usually as easy as pressing a button on a remote. Say goodbye to fire pokers!

Adjustable Heat

One of the cons of a traditional fireplace is that you can only control the heat by changing the size of the fire. However, with an electric fire, you can adjust the heat however you’d like, depending on the weather. You can even do so independent of the flame effect, as some electric fires give you the option to use the heat without the flame, and vice versa. This is great if you want to get a comfy, winter-like ambience in the summertime, minus the extra heat.

We hope this short guide serves as a helpful starting point for buying your next electric fire. Before you go, don’t forget to check out the ultra-modern, feature-packed electric fires available here on the My Appliances website.

Until next time!