Do you like looking at fire? There are probably few people who would answer such a question in the negative. What could be more pleasant than evening gatherings by the fireside with a glass of wine or a cup of aromatic coffee.
But what about those who cannot afford to install a real fireplace in the house and enjoy the real warmth and bright colors of a living flame? The answer is obvious. Electric fireplaces with a live fire effect come to the rescue. Such devices have many advantages and can be accommodated in any, even the smallest apartment. How to choose the right quality pseudo fireplace and what should you pay attention to? You will find out about this by reading this article.
Types of electric fireplaces
An electric fireplace that imitates tongues of living flame can be found today in many apartments and private houses. Such a device allows you to give real home comfort to any, even the most minimalistic interior.
The first "living" fireplaces had a rather unassuming appearance. There was not much to choose from. Most often, the hearth was a strip of light flowing red fabric, which, under the influence of warm air, took off and wriggled vertically, imitating the tongues of a real flame.
The modern electric fireplace with 3d flame effect is an amazing embodiment of engineering ideas. They are so realistic that some manufacturers' models simply cannot be distinguished from real "live" fire. One just wants to reach out to him or turn the coals with a curved forged poker.
All models of fireplaces with a 3d effect can be roughly divided into small groups. For example, depending on how and where the hearth will be located, the devices can be mounted, floor-standing, built-in, or free-standing. Having carefully studied the features of each type, you can choose the best option for yourself.
Floor
These are pretty good and most common models. You can use them immediately after purchase. You do not have to think about how to additionally decorate the device and equip a special place for its placement.
Floor-standing fireplaces are great for small spaces and can be placed wherever needed at the moment. If necessary, it can be completely removed into the closet as unnecessary.
Depending on the location, floor pseudo fireplaces are of two types:
- Attached. Such a device is placed close to the wall and can be secured with additional fasteners for security purposes. There are corner and frontal models. The former are most often used in very small rooms to save space, the latter are placed in the center of the wall and decorated with additional shelves for storing trinkets dear to the heart.
- Portable freestanding devices. This fireplace can be installed anywhere of your choice. A small drawback of such models is their low weight. In case of careless handling, it can be accidentally turned over. And this has a very negative effect on such a fragile device.
Wall mounted
As the name implies, such models are mounted on the wall. Visually, they resemble a small picture or a plasma TV hanging on the wall. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces can be used for their intended purpose and emit a small amount of heat.
There are also models that do not have a heating function. They have a purely visual effect and can be used as sources of additional lighting. This option is chosen most often by those who want to bring a little "flavor" to the decor of the room and do not need additional heating.
Embedded
These fireplaces are a good way out for those who want to get the most natural effect. They are as similar to a natural hearth as possible, but there is no smoke and smell from them.
Built-in fireplaces require framing. Most often, it is made of natural stone, wood or tiled with ceramic tiles. This fireplace does an excellent job of its intended purpose and is an excellent additional source of heat.
One of the varieties of built-in fireplaces are double-sided models. They are mounted in a partition between two rooms. These fireplaces play an important role in decorating and zoning space. Moreover, they are very convenient, as they are built into the existing space and do not require additional space for installation.
All types of electric pseudo fireplaces can also be conditionally divided into groups, depending on the method by which the imitation of live fire is realized:
- LCD monitor integrated in the housing. These devices work like a TV. They do not give much light and do not radiate heat. It is like a GIF image that continuously reproduces the movement of flames.
- Electromechanical. Here, the design provides for the presence of a small motor, and this is its main drawback. During operation, the motor makes a small noise, so that the effect of a natural fire is leveled.
- With a steam generator. These designs provide the most realistic 3D effect. As a working tool, cold steam is used here, which is specially highlighted with the help of special LEDs.
- Illusory effect. It implements a unified model of a stationary model with a moving picture of glare, sparks and flame.
As you can see, the choice is striking in its variety. Therefore, to decide what exactly I would like to see in my living room can be quite difficult. Each of the options has both advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on where exactly you are going to install such a device and what you need it for.
Benefits of 3D Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces with imitation of a live flame are radically different from traditional devices. They are completely safe and in the event of an emergency immediately shut down. In addition, such devices do not have open flames, so the risk of fire is minimal.
Advantages:
- Absolute compliance with fire safety requirements. A smoldering ember that can lead to a fire will never fall out of such a fireplace.
- The operation of such a device is not accompanied by the release of harmful substances. Your home will never be filled with smoke from a clogged chimney.
- Since the pseudo-fireplace does not burn real fuel, there is no emission of carbon monoxide and other combustion products.
- There is no need for a chimney equipment, because there is simply nothing to divert.
- To install such a device, you do not need to re-equip the ventilation system or obtain a special permit.
- Installation is simple, even an inexperienced owner can handle it.
- Maintaining an electric fireplace in working order does not require special costs. You do not have to clean the chimney twice a year or scrape off soot from the walls of the furnace. To ensure a beautiful visualization, it is enough to replace burnt out bulbs in time.
- The 3D electric fireplace is easy to install even in a very small room. You just need to choose the right model.
- The electric center does not require special care. The owners will only have to periodically clean the dust from it during cleaning.
- Some models have a built-in steam generator, which means that they can be used as an additional humidifier.
- Almost all designs are equipped with a thermostat. It will turn off the heating function when the set room temperature is reached. If desired, the heating can be completely turned off. For example, in the summer you can enjoy the tongues of a virtual flame in a cool room.
It's worth remembering! If you want to use an electric fireplace specifically for heating your home, then its power may not be enough for a large room. In this case, you will need an additional heat source.
How to choose the right 3D electric fireplace
Companies launching electric fireplaces with 3d flame effect on the market delight consumers with more and more new models. How to choose the most favorable option? This is not difficult to do. You just need to correctly select the parameters of the product and determine for yourself a list of necessary functions.
In order not to be disappointed in your purchase, you need to understand that electric fireplaces with a flame effect are a combination of two systems:
- actual heating of the room;
- imitation of a real fire bonfire.
There are models commercially available that can combine the two functions or use them separately. The latter are much more convenient, because they allow you to enable only the function that is needed at the moment.
When choosing a 3d electric fireplace, you should pay attention to the following factors:
Dimensions and dimensions
They need to be selected depending on how the device will be placed. Stones should not occupy half a wall or room. Otherwise, you will very soon get tired of stumbling through it.
Registration
There are many options and designs. Before you go to the store, you must at least have a rough idea of exactly how your hearth should look like.
Device power
It is selected depending on the area of the room and the functional purpose of the device. If an electric fireplace becomes the only source of heat, its power should be sufficient for full heating. In the case when the pseudo-focus will have only a decorative purpose, you can stop at the device of minimum power. It will not bring much heat, and it will save electricity significantly.
Functional content
Modern models of electric fireplaces are equipped with a steam generation system, have a soundtrack in the form of crackling firewood and rustling ash. In them, you can manually or automatically set the temperature and brightness. Such models cost much more than traditional ones. So it's worth initially deciding if you need it.
The amount of electricity consumed
Depending on the power and the number of available functions, you can choose a model with optimal parameters.
Cost
Prices for 3d electric fireplaces are very diverse. In some models, it is possible to first purchase the basic configuration, and later purchase a variety of additions in the form of sound or visual accompaniment.
Since an electric fireplace with the effect of a living flame is not a necessity, it is not worth saving on its purchase. Otherwise, you risk spending money and not getting the expected pleasure.
Inexpensive models most often have only a basic set of functions, and, as a rule, consume more electricity than their “fancy” counterparts. The audiovisual image created by devices of the price category “above average” is much brighter and more realistic. So if you have already decided to pamper yourself with such an acquisition, you will have to fork out.
How to choose an electric fireplace for the interior style
Portable electric fireplaces with a live flame effect can be installed in almost any room: in the kitchen, bedroom or living room. The only exceptions can be balconies, open terraces and bathrooms. Like other electrical appliances, electric fireplaces are afraid of high humidity.
Decorative pseudo fireplaces can differ not only in style, but also in the material from which they are made. Thanks to these qualities, you can easily choose the right model for any interior.
Design options:
- If your home is decorated in a high-tech style, an electric fireplace of an original shape with spotlights and metal details in the design will suit you. For placement in the inter-wall space between rooms, you can choose a cube-shaped transparent glass fireplace or open models with decorative gratings.
- Models made of wood or imitation of wild stone are perfect for a classic or country-style interior. They will perfectly distract the attention of guests from some of the flaws in the interior, if any.
- Granite, stone or marble fireplaces are appropriate in Provence style. They will be an excellent choice and add solidity to the interior.
- For the interior in the Japanese style, wall models are most often chosen. They provide traditional Japanese minimalism and add coziness and harmony to the room.
- Unpretentious style of shabby - chic will decorate a plastic fireplace with a decor from floral patterns.
- Inhabitants of cottages and wooden country houses most often choose traditional models decorated with brickwork. Such models look very “home-like” and make the style traditional.
Electric fireplaces with a live fire effect add comfort and sophistication to any interior. Dancing tongues of flame and the soft crackle of logs will help you relax after a hard day, and even the smallest heating element will give you a drop of warmth on a chilly autumn evening.
If you still haven't found a fireplace with a suitable design, you can buy a built-in option and create an original cladding with your own hands. Whichever model you prefer, an electric fireplace will be a great addition to your home interior.
