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There are some people who will tell you that electricity is the best ‘invention’ of all time; they could well be right, as to how would we do without it? In the home, at work, and even out and about, we see things every day that are powered by electricity – whether that means by mains or by battery – and we simply take it for granted.
At home we use electric power for light, to cook, and – perhaps most important of all – to heat our homes and keep us safe in the colder months. That’s why, in a moment, we are going to give you reviews of some of the very best electric fires on the market today.
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The great thing about electric power, whether for heat or otherwise, is that it is instant; switch on your light or electric fire and, within a few moments, you have what you need. In past times it was often the case that electric heating was expensive; these days the source of electricity is so varied – and often green and renewable – that it has become one of the most economical forms of power, hence it is becoming more popular for heating.
Best Electric Fires Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
1. Dimplex CHT20 Cheriton Freestanding Optiflame Electric Fire  |
| Check Price |
2. Co-Z Electric Fire  |
| Check Price |
3. TruFlame Electric Fire  |
| Check Price |
4. Dimplex Yeominster  |
| Check Price |
5. NETTA Electric Fire  |
| Check Price |
6. Dimplex Castillo 2 KW Freestanding Optiflame Electric Fire  |
| Check Price |
7. Warmlite Rochester Portable Electric Double Door Fireplace  |
| Check Price |
8. Adam Blenheim Electric Inset Fire  |
| Check Price |
9. Warmlite Lavenham 1.8kW LED Log Effect Fire  |
| Check Price |
10. Dimplex CVL20E Courchevel Electric Stove  |
| Check Price |
The electric fire has come a long way in the past few years and, while the basic concept remains the same, you will find the modern version to not only be efficient and effective, but also to be an attractive item of furniture that will sit nicely in your room, and complement your other furniture. A lot of these that we mention below are electric fires that look real.
Some of the models reviewed are designed to be integral, others are stand-alone, so before we go on to have a look at the ten best models available right now, let’s have a quick look at what an electric fire does, how it works, and why you might need one.
Best Electric Fires
1. Co-Z Electric Fire
The CO-Z fireplace can be wall-mounted or free-standing. You can choose from three flame effects and alter the thermostat and heat settings to suit your needs.
It makes great wall decor in a bedroom or living room, and you can control its settings using the remote control from anywhere in the room. Not only are there three heat settings to choose from, but there are also three flame brightness levels that are interchangeable.
This fireplace is CE and ERP-certified safe, which is far safer than having an open fire fireplace. The temperature ranges between 15 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius, which is more than enough temperature choice for your home.
PROS
- Great temperature control
- Wall mounting and free-standing options
- Remote controlled
- Safety approved
CONS
- The design will only look good in a modern home
2. TruFlame Electric Fire
This is a very new model that is unavailable from anywhere else. This fireplace is very thin and sleek and has a seven-color flame effect controllable via remote control.
The TruFlame electric fire has wall mounting features different from other electric fire models on the market. All of the firrings are covered by a 12-month manufacturer warranty, so enjoy the shopping experience with confidence!
PROS
- Wall-mounted
- Seven flame colors to choose from
- Good customer service
CONS
- It does not look realistic
3: Dimplex Yeominster
Back to the more traditional designs with this one, another from the Dimplex brand (see number 1), and this one is a very neat old-fashioned fire with a nice look that will especially fit older properties.
Heat is provided by simple bar-type elements that can provide as much as 2kw of power in a radiant fashion, and you get a very simple yet stylish backplate that is designed to make it look like a proper fireplace, yet without the fuss or mess that comes with such a device. We should say it is one of the more simple designs here, but that’s no bad thing.
This is a fire that is designed to look good and to heat; it’s efficient and effective, and has a very nice flickering log lighting effect, and you can choose your heat level easily.
It is free-standing so there is no expensive or complex installation required, and it is compact enough to suit any room, small or large. We like the black finish as it is neutral, and the detailing is a nice touch, and it comes with all the required safety features.
PROS
- Traditional design
- Choice of heat settings
CONS
- A touch old-fashioned (Maybe?)
4. NETTA Electric Fire
There is no denying that this fireplace is incredibly stylish. It displays a realistic flame with a cozy glow and has outstanding safety features. The fire will automatically cut out if it overheats, so you can feel comfortable enough to sleep while the fire is on.
Although the fireplace is powerful, it is incredibly eco-friendly too. The 1000W option will warm your home while keeping your electric bills low, while the 2000W option should be saved for those super cold days.
Make sure you take advantage of the 365-day warranty and excellent customer service provided by the manufacturer. Of course, when it comes to electrical appliances, there are always going to be faults, but the most important thing is how a manufacturer responds to issues.
PROS
- Great customer service
- Free-standing or built-in options
- Automatic thermal cut-off
- Two heat settings
CONS
- Made out of plastic
5. Dimplex CHT20 Cheriton Freestanding Optiflame Electric Fire
If you are looking for a classic fireplace that will suit any room in your house, this might be the one for you! Its design is simple and attractive, making it aesthetically pleasing in most rooms in the house.
Its simple black display and brass effect fret and trim are understated, and its real coal fuel bed adds to its realistic look. Buy this model with confidence as it comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty. This is a great bonus for every customer!
PROS
- Looks good in any room in the house
- Convenient remote control
- Very functional
- Great quality
CONS
- Not suitable for everyday use
6. Dimplex Castillo 2 KW Freestanding Optiflame Electric Fire
This is a free-standing modern-style fireplace with a satin silver finish. The fireplace displays an Opti-flame effect and can be placed flat against a wall.
If you want to use the flame effect independently of the heat source, then you can. It looks great inside a fireplace, up against a wall, and the white stones and coal base are striking and unique.
PROS
- Looks great in modern homes
- It can be placed against a flat wall
- Great Opti-flame display
CONS
- Not enough white coals
- The black cable is very noticeable
7. Warmlite Rochester Portable Electric Double Door Fireplace
The panoramic 180o degree view and double door display look premium and unique. If you wish to control the heat settings, you can simply open the fireplace doors and adjust the settings as you wish.
This model features a realistic LED fire effect that flickers like a real flame. If you want the display to work but don’t need to have the heating on, this fireplace will display the LED fire without turning on the heater.
Control the fireplace using the convenient remote control, or take advantage of the eight-hour timer setting. The timer can be set to turn on or turn off the fireplace.
PROS
- Great heat control features
- Realistic LED display
- LED display can work with the heating off
CONS
- Very noisy
8. Adam Blenheim Electric Inset Fire
The Adam Blenheim electric inset fire is traditional and eye-catching. It has a brass frame that looks classic and suits a more traditional interior design.
A combination of realistic LED flames and a molded coal effect fuel bed make for an attractive-looking fireplace that looks very realistic. It is lightweight for an electric fireplace and weighs only 8.5 kilos, so you can easily move it around the house to see which room you want it in.
Choose between the 1KW and 2KW heat settings depending on your home’s temperature and heat your home to the perfect temperature. The instructions are easy to follow, and installation can take as little as 10 minutes to complete.
PROS
- Good fake fire effect
- Great customer service
- Easy to install
CONS
- Not very warm
- Sharp corners and edges
9. Warmlite Lavenham 1.8kW LED Log Effect Fire
This electric fireplace has a calming log fire effect that is soothing and realistic. The large panoramic window display adds to a cozy ambiance on those cold winter evenings and looks stylish and inviting.
Although there are only two heat settings to choose from, the thermostat is adjustable and can be tweaked and altered to suit you. Finally, you will be pleased to learn that the bulbs are replaceable, so as soon as one runs out, you can easily change it for another.
PROS
- Two-year warranty
- Adjustable settings
- Realistic log flame effect
- Replaceable bulbs
CONS
- Short flames
- Free-standing design in unstable
10. Dimplex CVL20E Courchevel Electric Stove
This mid-sized cast iron electric stove has a 2KW fan heater with two heater settings to choose from. You can control the stove using the remote control from your sitting area’s comfort and enjoy the look of the soft faux flames and warm air.
The most important feature is its safety cut-out switch that makes it very user-friendly and reliable. Users won’t have to worry about the competency of the oven’s safety features as this oven has been tried and tested, and rendered safe.
PROS
- Safe for everyday use
- Modern look
- Good size for large or small homes
CONS
- Very heavy
Which One is For You?
As we have shown there is plenty of variety available when it comes to choosing an electric fire, so you need to make sure you know what to look for. All of those featured give enough heat for an average-sized room, and all come with similar features including safety cut off and full adjustability.
The choice, then, is largely down to what you want in terms of design – and do you prefer a traditional look, or the modern wall-mounted style, or an inset electric fireplace?
If you need some more ideas, we would recommend checking out Pinterest.
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How It Works
The electric fire has its roots in ideas that came about a long time ago; the basic principle, without going into too much detail and boring you readers, is one of radiation.
Electricity is used to heat a simple element that then radiates heat from it – much in the way a light bulb does with light – and while this was once a method that led to much waste, nowadays the technique has been carefully developed to enable the element to act in a manner that is highly efficient.
That’s why electric fires are now becoming more popular.
Of course, the simplicity element is also a bonus; you do away with the hassle of, for example, lighting a real fire – and many electric fires have a ‘mock flame’ look that is equally attractive – and you don’t need gas supplied to the house if you do not already have it (great for homes, then, that are not on the national grid for gas supplies).
Also, some of the models we have reviewed are portable and can be moved around, so you can take the heat to wherever you want it to be.
So, what do you look for in an electric fire?
This is the question we are going to try and answer for you with our reviews; the obvious answer is, of course, effective heat, but there is more as you may have other criteria that influence your decision – your budget, for one!
We have included a wide selection of different designs of electric fire, covering all the prices we can find, and hope that these are of interest to you. So, let’s have a look at the top 10 best electric fires available today, and see if we can help you find the one that suits you best.
FAQ
Q: How do you set up an electric fireplace?
A: All you need to do is to plug in the fireplace in an electric outlet and choose the settings that work for you.
Q: Can I place a TV on top of an electric fireplace?
A: Check to see if your fireplace blows air out of the unit’s front and not upwards. Once you have established where the heat is coming from, you can place your TV above the fireplace as long as the heat isn’t blowing upwards and onto the television.
Q: Does an electric fireplace give off heat?
A: Yes, but they do not give off a lot of heat.
Q: Will an electric fireplace raise my electricity bill by a lot?
A: On average, electric fireplaces cost about $0.03 power hour. If you keep the fireplace on for a long period of time, as well as other heating sources at home, your electricity bill will be much higher than in previous months.
Q: Can I put an electric fire on a carpet?
A: Yes, they are usually safe to put on carpets and rugs. If your electric fireplace is not suitable for carpeted floors, the instruction manual will state it clearly.
Q: How long do electric fireplaces last?
A: A high-quality electric fireplace could last up to 20 years!
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