Attention! For a more up-to-date rating of electric fireplaces, see here.
Many home owners dream of a real fireplace, around which it is so cozy to spend an evening. Most often, the idea is rejected because of the possible difficulties associated with installation and maintenance. In an apartment building, fire safety rules and other requirements do not allow installing a fireplace.
Meanwhile, do not rush and cross out the dream! Because electric fireplaces come to the rescue - equipment made of high-tech materials with a thoughtful design. It performs many of the functions of a wood burning hearth and has a number of other advantages.
Content
The design is an infrared electric heater of directional radiation. The fireplace consists of a body, a heating element, decorative parts, a protective screen and a remote control. The principle of operation is to heat a tubular electric heater. After turning on the equipment, the air is reflected from the inner walls, due to which the heating effect is created.
Therefore, the heat is directed forward, and not dissipated to the sides. Electric fireplaces are available in different sizes, shapes, textures and colors. Not only these characteristics made the equipment so popular. On sale you can find models made in different design styles:
If the thought of an electric fireplace does not let go, it is important to find out all the advantages and disadvantages of the design. This will help you understand which one is better to buy from a wide range offered by manufacturers.
The type of heating element is open or closed. Each of them has its own subspecies. For example, open-type fireplaces are easily recognizable by the spiral stretched between the ceramic rods. In closed type equipment, the heating element is sealed inside a glass bulb, which can be frosted, transparent or translucent.
The main parts of the structure are the portal and the firebox. The first is a place to place the hearth, made of metal, wood or ceramics. The firebox is built-in, specially made for a particular model. It is controlled by a remote control. The second type is a replaceable firebox, which is available in various sizes.
The electric fireplace with the effect of live fire is powered by a built-in silent fan heater.Its principle of operation is as follows: the fan drives cold air through the heating element and releases it into the room. How warm and strong the airflow will be depends on the power of the fan.
The equipment differs in mobility, location and type of accommodation. The electric fireplace is built-in and portable. The first group includes a wall-mounted type, which is installed with its back against the wall. The second type of electric fireplace is distinguished by the presence of rollers and compactness. It does not require stationary placement and is easy to operate.
Manufacturers offer hanging, floor and even desktop models that differ in size and design. Thanks to a large selection, you will be able to find a fireplace that will organically fit into any space. For example, a corner device is useful for those who have a very small apartment.
The equipment is available in various sizes. Among the assortment of manufacturers there are mini-models, as well as large-format devices. When deciding which one to buy for an apartment, you should focus on the correct ratio of the size of the electric fireplace and the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
The device is equipped with sensors that allow you to maintain the desired temperature and reduce energy consumption. Thanks to the thermostat, the fireplace will automatically turn off when the air in the room heats up to a certain point.
The main difference and benefit of an electric fireplace from a real one is the ability to adjust the power and mode of operation with a remote control. Therefore, the owners of the house do not waste time cleaning the firebox from coal. If desired, you can turn on the live fire simulation mode without heating or at half power.
The power consumption is indicated in the equipment passport and depends on the device model. It is determined by such technical characteristics as:
Popular electric fireplace models are equipped with various special effects. Manufacturers have come up with the following decorative functions: imitation of a flame with stripes of fabrics, reproduction of fire on a liquid crystal screen.
On sale you can find electric fireplaces with a 3D hearth, water vapor or sound effects. A multimedia unit or device is also produced that simultaneously humidifies and purifies the air.
Given the variety of models produced, everyone who dreams of a fireplace will be able to find a suitable option. Manufacturers offer both budget electric fireplaces and premium ones. The main advantages of the equipment are:
The installation of an electric fireplace is allowed in apartment buildings. The device complies with fire safety requirements, has a realistic resemblance to a real hearth. The disadvantages of the equipment include the reduction of oxygen due to the operation of the device, which is eliminated by the arrangement of good ventilation. Maintenance and operation of the electric fireplace is possible only after carefully studying the instructions. Keep in mind that equipment will make more noise as parts wear.
Everyone has individual selection criteria, someone judges a product by price, others are more interested in special effects. Below is a rating of high-quality electric fireplaces that have proven themselves well.
This electric fireplace is one of the best devices with live fire imitation.Thanks to the modern system, the artificial flame is indistinguishable from the real one. The device is either built-in or wall-mounted. The thickness of the equipment is 11 centimeters.
The electric fireplace is made in a rounded shape, controlled remotely. There are two heating modes and overheating protection. Consumes a minimum amount of electricity.
Average price: 16,499 rubles.
The Real Flame brand has been producing fireplaces for over 30 years. All its products comply with international safety standards and satisfy any consumer needs. If you are interested in an electric fireplace with legs, then you should take a closer look at the Real Flame Saturn.
The peculiarity of the model lies in the safety and beautiful design, so it will complement any interior. In summer, the product can serve as a decorative element, and with the onset of cold weather - a real heater.
Average price: 15,590 rubles
The Master Flame brand presents a ready-made electric fireplace kit with infrared heating. These are inexpensive devices consisting of a portal and a hearth. Thanks to a wide range of portals, which are made in different styles, the set looks organic in any interior.
The infrared heater is located at the top. Management is carried out using the remote control. Imitation of firewood is done perfectly, a status indicator and a timer are provided.
Average price: 43,400 rubles.
The product from the Finnish company is easy to use and very durable. The device belongs to the standard type, is made of carefully selected materials. The electric fireplace is suitable for a sauna, mostly at home.
It has a large compartment for stones, thanks to which the steam is of excellent quality and in large quantities. You can install the equipment without the help of specialists. During installation, you should choose which side the switches will be located on - left or right.
Average price: 13,000 rubles.
Dimplex is one of the largest manufacturers of electric fireplaces. The Opti-Myst Juneau went through a lot of testing and verification before being made available to consumers. A feature of the electric fireplace is that the firebox can be used separately or together with the portal.
It can be installed in a wall niche. An electric fireplace with a steam generator will be an excellent addition to the interior of a country house. The model is distinguished by its compact size, the real effect of a living flame. There is a humidification function. There is a special container for water.During the operation of the electric fireplace, it turns into steam, which is similar to the smoke from a real fire.
Average price: 95,900 rubles.
The best device manufacturers are Dimplex, Real Flame, Classic Flame. Equipment companies have passed the test of time and operation in different conditions. The brand name is not everything for buying a device. You can ask several people which company's electric fireplace is better, and get completely different answers.
How to choose equipment? Learn its functions and characteristics.
The first rule to remember is that the more opportunities an electric fireplace has, the higher the price.
The popularity of models is also affected by the type of placement, the level of noise emitted during operation.
The purpose of the equipment should also be taken into account, because an affordable electric sauna stove cannot be placed in an apartment. If we briefly describe the algorithm for choosing an electric fireplace, then it consists of studying the following characteristics:
How much the equipment costs is also an important question. Considering the types produced, it is not difficult to buy a suitable electric fireplace. Having decided on the technical characteristics, you should pay attention to the design.
When choosing a device, the area and interior of the heated room are taken into account. In accordance with this, a place for equipment is already being selected. It is important that the portal is combined with the decoration of the room.In small apartments, a narrow electric fireplace is often installed, which will take up little space and become almost invisible.
For an apartment, it is better to choose equipment with automatic temperature maintenance, power and brightness adjustments. It will not be superfluous to turn off the backlight. Humidification and air purification functions are welcome, but more designed for an amateur. Everyone chooses an electric fireplace for an apartment, cottage or country house in accordance with individual taste and preferences.
Do not just forget about the safety and quality of operation, so you should not save and buy suspiciously cheap products. With the right choice, an electric fireplace will last for many years, warming and soothing thanks to special effects.