Electric fires have been getting more and more popular recently, and considering the amount of style and functionality they pack, it's not hard to see why.
Unlike solid fuel fires, electric fires do not use wood or coal, but rather generate their heat through electronically heated metal coils, which is then spread throughout the room by a fan. This is then combined with a flame effect, providing you with an authentic fireplace feel without the installation and maintenance bug bears that usually plague gas and solid fuel fires.
Our standard inset electric fires comprise of both a fret and trim that are usually made of either chrome, brass or black and brushed steel.
There are a number of things to consider before purchasing one of these fires, so make sure to read on to find out everything you need to know before going electric.
Pros and Cons
There are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing to go electric. Make sure you bear the following in mind as you decide:
Pros:
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Virtually no installation cost – simply plug in and switch on.
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Electricity is 100% efficient.
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The flame effect has a low energy consumption rate.
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Very easy to uninstall and change.
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An on/off switch means instant heat.
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Generally a lot cheaper than other fireplaces.
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You have a huge variety of shapes, colours and styles to choose from.
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No servicing cost means they are cheaper and easier to maintain.
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Often includes variable heating/flame only settings.
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Safety - other heaters carry a risk of toxic fumes if installed incorrectly.
Cons:
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Flame effect is not real.
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Durability not quite as good as other fire types.
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Fan heater results in some slight noise.
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Heater is usually limited to 2kW.
Models
We have three main types of electric fire:
Inset Electric Fires
Our inset fires are designed to sit within a standard sized cavity (22H x 16"W). Their advantage is a very clean appearance, as all the cables and technical bits are hidden within your wall cavity. Many of our inset fires come in brushed steel, black steel, chrome and brass varieties, and often come with spacers on the back to allow the fire to sit flush against your back panel/wall.
Electric Stoves
Stoves are back in a big way, and we have a great selection of both Adam and Dimplex varieties for you to choose from. Coming both freestanding and with a suite, most of our stoves feature a black cast effect and realistic log fire. Simply plug in to give your interior a snug, homely vibe.
Wall Hanging Electric Fires
Don't have the floor space for a fire? Not a problem. Our wall hanging electric fires are a great way to spice up your home without cluttering your floor. Their sleek design and natural pebble beds make them perfect for the more contemporary home. Best yet, most of our fascias are interchangeable, meaning you can update your fire's style without having to invest in a whole new fireplace.
Be sure to bear in mind that different fires have different heating settings, ranging from 1kW and 2kW to flame only effects and cool blow features. Some even have a remote control so you don't have to move from the comfort of your sofa! Always be sure to check the technical details to find the exact specifications of each fire.
Flame Effects
When all is said and done, it's the fire effect that really defines your fireplace. Whilst gas fires may have the upper hand with this aspect, you'll be surprised by the amount of options an electric fire can afford. Here is a breakdown of the three main fire effects that we offer:
Ribbon Flame
One of our more common effects, and definitely a favourite. Air is blown into strips of red ribbon, that dance and wave in a wonderful simulation of a fire. This is then amplified by a bulb underneath, casting a warm, red glow across your interior. A simple but effective flame effect.
Ambient Glow
These fires will have loose pebbles and coals bundled so you can create your own fire bed. The effect is simply created by the ambient glow of a light bulb beneath, whose light shines between the bed's spaces and engulfs your interior with a soft glow.
LED Flame
The newest addition to our fire-family, and d
efinitely the most high tech. This effect utilises LED bulbs and a rotating mirror to achieve a stunningly realistic flame simulation. Best yet, the bulbs are incredibly long lasting, meaning you will never have to change them
Fuel Beds
Okay, so you have your flame effect, but without a realistic bed it won’t count for anything. Here are our two main types of fuel bed:
Coal/Log
First of all, the classics. Our coal and log beds are perfect for creating that traditional, winter evening vibe. Most of our fires have a pre-moulded bed, however some of them come with loose coals, meaning you can arrange them however you wish. Some of our fires also come with a log basket, furthering their traditional effect.
Pebbles
If you’re looking for something a little more modern, then a pebble bed might just be up your street. Simply place the loose natural pebbles in the grate or bowl, then sit back and enjoy their clean, contemporary effect. If you require more pebbles, you can buy some extra ones in the accessories section.
