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The Ultimate Guide to Electric Fires

The Ultimate Guide to Electric Fires

Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Fire for Your Space

Electric fires are an excellent choice for modern homes, offering style, efficiency, and versatility. This guide will help you understand the different types, how to choose the right one for your needs, and key considerations like BTU calculation. Whether you're looking for a panoramic electric fire, slimline electric fires, built-in electric fireplaces, or a wall mount fireplace, this guide has you covered.

Types of Electric Fires

Understanding the types of electric fires is crucial to finding the perfect fit for your home. Below are the main categories with a summary of their unique benefits and suitability:

Three-Sided Panoramic Electric Fires
  • Definition: Designed with glass panels on three sides, offering a wide, immersive flame view.
  • Benefits:
    • Ideal for open-plan living spaces.
    • Creates a striking focal point.
    • Often customisable with various flame colours, downlighters and ember settings.
  • Suitability: Works great in larger rooms or within media walls where visibility from multiple angles is desired.  Provides stunning panoramic views, and also works with faux chimney breasts or within partition walls.  The options are endless to craft unique, immersive experiences that really make a statement.
Slimline Electric Fires
  • Definition: These are shallow-depth fires, perfect for tighter or narrower areas where space is a premium.
  • Benefits:
    • Fits into smaller wall cavities or shallower builds.
    • Provides the illusion of space without compromising on style.
  • Suitability: Great for compact rooms or where depth restrictions apply, whilst still delivering a stunning 'real fire' experience.
Corner Electric Fires
  • Definition: Fires that fit into corner spaces with two glass sides.  Consider these as L-shaped fires, where the fire can be viewed from both the front and either the lefthand or righthand side.  The other side remains blocked off by the chimney breast or media wall.
  • Benefits:
    • Maximizes space utilisation.
    • Adds a cosy, corner-specific focal point.
    • Choose left or right corner fire options to fit your space perfectly.
  • Suitability: Perfect for rooms with unconventional layouts or where wall space is limited.
Built-In Electric Fireplaces (Flush or Recessed)
  • Definition: Installed directly into the wall for a sleek, seamless look.
  • Benefits:
    • Saves floor space and integrates beautifully with modern designs.
    • Choose from single view (front) or multi-sided options.
    • Works with almost any set up, the exception being open hearth or chimney stacks where freestanding fires are a requirement
  • Suitability: Ideal for media walls and any part of the room suitable for a cavity to install the fire inside, such as false walls and faux chimney stacks.
Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplaces
  • Definition: Mounted directly onto the wall, similar to a flat-screen TV.
  • Benefits:
    • Easy to install without significant structural changes.
    • Portable and perfect for renters.
  • Suitability: Great for apartments, contemporary homes, or spaces without traditional fireplaces that still want a realistic fire experience. Not suitable for rooms where depth and floorspace are limited, as (non-built-in) wall mounted styles protrude from the wall.

 

 

Understanding Electric Fire Logs: Ceramic vs. Real Effect Logs

Electric fire logs come in two main types: ceramic logs and real effect logs, each offering distinct benefits in terms of appearance and functionality. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences:

Ceramic Logs
  • Material: Made from ceramic, sometimes painted to mimic the look of real wood logs.
  • Appearance: Provides a good visual representation of traditional wood, with textured details like bark and colour variations.
  • Functionality: Primarily aesthetic—ceramic logs do not burn or produce real flames. They create the illusion of a wood fire without the maintenance.
Real Effect Logs
  • Material: Made from more detailed and high-quality materials like moulded resin or composite materials, sometimes including real wood pieces for added realism.
  • Appearance: Closely resembles actual logs found in a traditional wood fire, featuring intricate shapes, sizes, and colours.
  • Functionality: Like ceramic logs, they do not burn, but they offer a higher level of realism in terms of appearance. They are ideal for those who prioritize an authentic fire look.

Both types enhance the visual appeal of electric fires, providing a cosy ambiance without the hassle of real flames or smoke.  

 

How to Choose the Right Electric Fire?

Choosing the perfect electric fire involves evaluating your space, installation options, and heating preferences.

Step 1: Identify Your Space

Which electric fire is the best for my home?

  • For Media Walls: Opt for panoramic or built-in electric fireplaces for a modern, integrated look.
  • For Small Rooms: Slimline electric fires are compact and efficient.
  • For Traditional Chimney Breasts: Built-in or inset fires fit perfectly into existing cavities.
Step 2: Choose Your Installation Option

Many designs offer multi-configuration options: 

  • 3-Sided: A panoramic view for open spaces.
  • Corner: Perfect for maximizing unused corners.
  • Wall-Mounted: Quick and easy setup without structural changes.
  • Built-In: Seamlessly integrates into the wall for a polished look.

Almost all our fires offer multiple configurations, meaning these models can offer all the above in one - simply install following the instructions to create a 3 sided, corner, built-in or wall mounted.  The beauty of this is that you don't have to decide right away and commit to a style you prefer - this can be done closer to installation, allowing you play around with what works best for your space.

Step 3: Consider the Heating Source

How are electric fires heated?

  • Ceramic Heaters:
    • Pros: Provide efficient, consistent heat; ideal for larger spaces.  Built to last and cost-effective to run.
    • Cons: May have higher upfront costs 
  • Fan-Based Heaters:
    • Pros: Affordable and quick to heat smaller rooms.
    • Cons: Can be noisier.
  • Infrared Heaters:
    • Pros: Energy-efficient and perfect for spot heating.
    • Cons: Best for targeted warmth rather than whole-room heating.
Need Help Choosing the Right Electric Fire?

Still unsure? Contact us today, and our team will guide you in finding the perfect design to match your style, space, and heating needs.


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