Can cheap electric fireplaces look good?

Hannimal

I'm leaning toward something like suggested by twopenny & Rosa_Damascena. I quite like the log burning look - I'd maybe go for a black one and then a white + wooden mantel. Something like this https://www.wayfair.co.uk/diy-plumbing/pdp/belfry-heating-electric-fireplace-bfht1422.html

But I am still worried that I am going to end up with a tacky centre piece. Ideally I'd like for it to heat a bit too, even though the heating in the house is fine. I just like the idea of sitting in the living room cozied up under a blanket with the fire on while looking at the grey december rain outside. 

Emmia

Hannimal said:

Emmia said:

I was going to suggest an inset fire like this one from B&Q - although I've not seen this in the flesh, so I'm not sure how realistic it looks...
 https://www.diy.com/departments/focal-point-columbus-glass-effect-electric-fire/1950800_BQ.prd
You can also get gas fires with a similar look, but these would be more expensive. The big plus though of the solid front type inset fire, is that it stops chimney draft even if the fire isn't on.

Thanks - I have to say though that to me this and the lights at the background look quite tacky though. I am Nordic and I like quite Nordic boho or modern Nordic, I think this one is very.. hmm.. how can I put it nicely..

You asked for "cheap"! I suspect that how realistic the fire is and the cost may directly correlate.

I've seen very realistic ones (similar built in inset style) for £1k+ mark in specialist fireplace showrooms - but that's not "cheap".

theonlywayisup

Have you looked at bioethanol fires?  No fumes, no mess, no flue.   A friend has just installed some in her holiday cottages, they look superb and give out 3kw of heat.  Cheap as chips to run too.

https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/burford-bioethanol-fireplace?gclid=CjwKCAjwmrn5BRB2EiwAZgL9ot6OsTpLvug8hLNXMkByZEfcFsfVcsyJ6KSBwmF7EIiTbYnxxGPtkRoCFZgQAvD_BwE

sol2017

I have an electric fireplace and while I love it and it perfectly suits my needs - I only turn it on occasionally - it's not realistic at all despite being quite expensive and beautifully designed. It's still just a picture but more importantly - it's quite noisy when heating is on. That's something to watch out for with most if not all electric fires.

twopenny

That is the problem. Like Hannimal I miss a fire to make the room cosy in winter even though I don't need one for the heat. Gas fires were good in my last place but the regulations have changed and it would mean having an open vent in the living room which defeats the object.

The electric ones I've seen installed look good. But I'm still looking for one that isn't noisy and that doesn't seem to be dependent on price. If you see someone in a show room bent over these listening that's me.

I have the only 2 bar fire I could find on the market. It looks awful but is warm and doesn't make a sound.

Rosa_Damascena

theonlywayisup said:

Have you looked at bioethanol fires?  No fumes, no mess, no flue.   A friend has just installed some in her holiday cottages, they look superb and give out 3kw of heat.  Cheap as chips to run too.

https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/burford-bioethanol-fireplace?gclid=CjwKCAjwmrn5BRB2EiwAZgL9ot6OsTpLvug8hLNXMkByZEfcFsfVcsyJ6KSBwmF7EIiTbYnxxGPtkRoCFZgQAvD_BwE

 Interesting and looks good but where does it state the cost of 1L of fuel? I can see it needing to be replaced frequently in rental properties.

Eta: I did see it elswhere on the website but still think its expensive vs GCH.

Hannimal

Emmia said:
 You asked for "cheap"! I suspect that how realistic the fire is and the cost may directly correlate.
I've seen very realistic ones (similar built in inset style) for £1k+ mark in specialist fireplace showrooms - but that's not "cheap".

Certainly. I think you can still get cheap that doesn't come with blue neon lights...

Hannimal

theonlywayisup said:
Have you looked at bioethanol fires?  No fumes, no mess, no flue.   A friend has just installed some in her holiday cottages, they look superb and give out 3kw of heat.  Cheap as chips to run too.
https://www.imaginfires.co.uk/burford-bioethanol-fireplace?gclid=CjwKCAjwmrn5BRB2EiwAZgL9ot6OsTpLvug8hLNXMkByZEfcFsfVcsyJ6KSBwmF7EIiTbYnxxGPtkRoCFZgQAvD_BwE

Amazing, thank you. I had not heard of these before, will have a look!

Neadledrop

here is the place I bought my bioethanol fireplace from. It turned out surprisingly well and after having a wood burning fireplace for 10 years, I am definitely happy with this change.

RedFraggle

I have one of these and love it
https://www.klarstein.co.uk/Heaters/Electric-Fireplaces/Brixen-Electric-Fireplace-900-1800W-InstaFire-Thermostat-Black.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7JOpBhCfARIsAL3bobdWOL8SFaC66vQo9ze5OJrZoWdo6XzeW_hmXRlLqFy1VYNbZ3f5gkAaArH0EALw_wcB

They do some really nice ones
https://www.klarstein.co.uk/Heaters/Electric-Fireplaces/