How to choose your electric fireplace for winter 2019-2020?
Fireplaces are the stuff of dreams for most of us. When we visit an apartment or a house with a fireplace, it’s a key factor in our choice. We can already imagine ourselves reading a book by the cosy flames when it’s cold outside, or drinking aperitifs with friends by the fire. But electric fireplaces make dreams come true. You don’t need a real fireplace to enjoy evenings by the fire. Electric fireplaces offer real comfort in simplicity. So why deprive yourself? Here’s a guide to choosing the right one, so you can finally have your own fireplace this winter.
The advantages of an electric fireplace
Both decorative and practical, electric fireplaces offer all the advantages of traditional fireplaces, such as ultra-realistic flames and gentle, constant heat, while avoiding the disadvantages of traditional fireplaces, such as the need for regular cleaning, ash removal, permanent smoke smell, regular maintenance and bulky wood storage…
The subtle marriage of the fireplace and the electric radiator, a true innovation in the art of living, the electric fireplace is today the flagship of modern comfort, guaranteeing optimal well-being and convivial moments by the fireside.
What’s more, installation is quick and convenient, as all you have to do is plug it in.
An electric fireplace adapted to the configuration of the room
An electric fireplace is first and foremost a heater. It can be the main heating system, or a complementary, supplementary heating system for the off-season (a nice summer evening by the fire, why not!).
It is generally designed to heat an area of up to 30 m2. This makes it ideal for rooms such as the living room, dining room, bedroom or library. But also for small apartments and studios.
Electric fireplaces can be wall-mounted, mobile or floor-standing. Careful consideration of the room’s layout and fittings is essential to making the right choice.
Three basic selections are available: :
- a log-burning fireplace, designed to replace an old chimney that is no longer functional;
- a wall-mounted electric fireplace that’s quick and easy to install;
- a mobile electric fireplace that can be adapted to your needs (wall-mounted or placed on a flat floor).
An electric fireplace: a choice based on technical features
Electric fireplaces are chosen on the basis of the technical features they possess and which we need. Here are the ones to consider:
- heating capacity, to be chosen according to the surface area to be heated. An area of 10 m2 is equivalent to a heating capacity of around 1 kWh.
- various heating modes selectable from the fireplace and featuring an energy-saving option;
- a safety thermostat to prevent overheating and other electrical hazards.
- the type of adjustment for flame intensity, color and height. This can be done via remote control or LCD screen.
- the technology used: LED technology is the most advanced
- quick and easy installation and control, such as the Plug and Play system;
- Decorative options: pebbles, logs or red crystals, LED spotlights;
An electric fireplace to match your home’s style
Because decoration and design have become a must, electric fireplaces today feature classy, elegant and contemporary designs. They are sleek and skilfully crafted for an inimitable look.
You can choose a front that matches your wall, or one that stands out and adds a touch of pizzazz. You can then change your fronts, as they are often interchangeable and adaptable to current moods or changes in décor. This means they can fit in with any decorative style…
Many models, many desires
To help you out, here is a small selection of unpretentious decorative electric fireplaces from Chemin’Arte, one of the benchmarks for modern, aesthetic electric fireplaces of fine French quality:
Fire Glass fireplace
Available in white or black, for an irresistible retro touch;
The Black Fire fireplace
It is deep black, for a resolutely modern and sober style;
The Empire State fireplace
It’s a real work of art, the perfect match for an industrial-inspired decor;
The White Loft fireplace
It produces a pure ambience of incomparable whiteness;
The Megève fireplace
It reproduces a warm, comforting chalet atmosphere;
What is the price range for an electric fireplace?
You can find prices on the market ranging from simple to triple. In fact, you’ll find electric fireplaces from around a hundred euros upwards. But beware before you buy.
Here are a few tips:
– Buy quality products
– Favour French brands
– Avoid first prices
– Choose a brand with good after-sales service
– Look at customer reviews
If you follow these recommendations, you’ll find the quality electric fireplace that will transform your winter.
The little extras of an electric fireplace
– Electric fireplaces are resolutely innovative
– A significant advantage of electric fireplaces is that they save energy for guaranteed comfort
– They are quick and easy to install; no basic equipment is required: all you need is an electrical socket.
– They’re easy to use, and so accessible to everyone: the “fire” is lit by a remote control or a simple button.
– Added to these qualities are ecological principles: electric fireplaces, unlike traditional fireplaces, produce no CO2 emissions or toxic gases harmful to the environment or health.
To sum up, we’ve seen in this short guide that electric fireplaces for the winter have many advantages. To choose the right one, however, you need to identify the room and wall on which you want to install it. You also need to determine the features you want it to have. Then we need to define the style we want it to give to our interior. And last but not least, set a budget without neglecting quality. You now have all the keys you need to make your choice.
