Reviews of the Best Electric Fireplaces

Over the last ten years electric fireplaces have taken over original wood burning fireplaces and stoves, which have proved difficult to maintain at times; wood burning fireplaces, are not only costly, but they are potentially dangerous and contribute to air pollution. Modern technology presents many alternatives to these archaic methods; whether for aesthetic reasons or typical heating purposes, electric fireplaces are a safe, beautiful, low-maintenance solution for homes. There are a myriad of shapes, sizes and styles to fit any environment.

There are free standing oak stoves offering quaint country styles and colors including: red, cocoa, mahogany, and an assortment of antique models. For example: the mahogany foyer creates the exact look of a wood burning fire, with an eighteen-inch flame length and heat option. For merely aesthetic purposes, the mahogany foyer captures a cozily unassuming and peaceful environment for those that require less showiness. The bulbs are easy to replace and the stove can be placed anywhere in the home. For those with lighter colors in the home, a cream colored elegant stove may be a perfect enhancement: remote control, a one-year warranty, and an air filtering device are just a few of the perks that come with this Celeste cream unit. This particular fireplace looks as if the fire is burning beautifully, giving off tremendous heat, yet the glass surface is cold to the touch; moreover, automatic temperature control is available for this model. There are also smaller wall mounts that can easily replace the bulkiness of some of the larger units, and offer a subtle picturesque type of atmosphere. However, these types of units resemble large pieces of wall art and appear less real than standard fireplaces. Many of these models come in stainless steel, metal, and wood, as well. Interestingly enough, the prices on the petite wall units are not necessarily less than the larger ones, and they offer less warmth, yet unrivaled ingenuity and craftsmanship. Moreover, wall mounts save space and are often ideal for condominiums and lofts: also, they allow multiple angle views, whereas, standard units can only be seen from typically one direction.

The electric fireplace inserts are perhaps the most realistic because the units are housed in various backgrounds of rocks, bricks, metals, wood and a host of others; these backgrounds may require additional parts and perhaps pairing of materials. These larger beastly units demand attention and come closest to impersonating the real thing. However, the price reflects the robust naturalness of these creatures, and they are not for the faint-of-heart. Most of these offer an air filtration system as well. It behooves of the potential buyer, to take a look at different styles to find out which ones go with a particular fireplace. Many buyers make the mistake of purchasing an insert and then hastily buying a background style that may conflict with the insert. Again, heating is an option like all of the other models mentioned thus far. Some inserts are dual sided, which is perfect to place in a thick wall, thereby illuminating and heating both the living room and the kitchen at the same time. Besides the inserts aforementioned, electric fireplace packages offer size, durability and realism comparable to the myriad of inserts. These fireplace packages often come with extended large surfaces, or shelving that allows the unit to happily serve more than one purpose–storage, heat, and aesthetics.

For some, owning a fireplace may just be a welcomed addition to an entertainment system or media console. For example: the espresso colored firebox, with a variety of special effects, sits within the larger cabinet of the console directly in the center; on each side are two smaller glass cabinets–and the mantel top is perfect for a television. This unit tips the scales at roughly two thousand dollars, but this is maybe a small price for those that value the warmth and beauty of a fireplace nestled within their entertainment area. This particular fireplace package offers a ten-year warranty. Also, unique to this model is the fluctuating dimmer flame that can be set for a variety of settings. For living areas that are competing with other objects for space, perhaps a corner unit is the best bet. These handy units fit snug in the corner of the room, thus adding life, art and elegance, while saving space for other possibilities.

A recent trend has been seen in the influx of outdoor stone fireplaces, which are weatherproof and safe for every location. Families can gather outside in the yard or near the pool, and as the sun begins to fade, the luminous giant fireplace attracts many gatherers to its warm and embracing splendor; it’s perfect for friends and family. Many come equipped with mp3 players, speakers, and hidden shelving compartments. These units also have variable flame rates and a one-year warranty.