The built-in electric fireplace is a device for creating comfort and a modern element of the interior of any room. Fireplaces decorated in a classic style are very popular. They can also be made in the fashionable directions of hi-tech and minimalism.
Types of electric fireplaces
Depending on the installation method, electric fireplaces are divided into several groups.
Suspended or wall-mounted
Suspended models are characterized by compact dimensions, small dimensions, which do not require a lot of space for placement. Hanging fireplaces are attached with special brackets. They look great in spacious living rooms and small rooms. Most often they have a narrow rectangular or square shape.
Mini
Compact devices, which, due to their dimensions, are excellent for placement in small apartments. Such fireplaces can be built into TV cabinets, cabinets. These are desktop devices that can be installed on any horizontal surface.
No framed
Such models look like open-type electric furnaces. They are distinguished by their modest design and can be installed in the center of the room and against the walls.
The structure includes a portal and hearth. The portal is a frame made of various types of building materials, resulting in a niche in which the equipment is mounted.
Electric fireplace styles
Ready-made portals for electric fireplaces are offered in a variety of styles. You can choose the most suitable option depending on the interior of the room.
Classical
Variants of the classic design are characterized by the presence of curly carvings, cornices and porticos. Such portals are made of MDF or wood. The majesty of the style is emphasized with the help of rich colors.
Country
Country style combines home comfort and warmth. Electric fireplaces presented in this direction are unpretentious. They are characterized by large sizes. Traditionally, structures are made using sandstone, limestone, artificial stone frames.
Loft style
For interior decoration in the loft style, fireplaces with stone portals are perfect. The surface texture can be smooth or porous. Preference should be given to a smooth one, as it is easier to care for it.
Right choice
To choose the right built-in electric fireplace, you need to take into account a number of criteria:
- Installation site - focusing on this item, you need to select a device that is suitable in size.
- Installation type - the fireplace can be wall-mounted or installed in a special niche.
- Price category - you can buy the fireplace itself at a higher price, and make a portal for it yourself, which will save you money.
The functions of the fireplace play an important role. Some models are only decorative. If the device is planned to be used as a heater, this fact must be taken into account.
Advantages and disadvantages
The built-in electric fireplace has indisputable advantages and a number of disadvantages. The positive aspects include the following points:
- Safe operation - the fireplace portal does not heat up during operation, therefore such a device is safe in a house where there are small children.
- Ease of use - the fireplace only needs to be connected to the mains to function.
- By installing an electric fireplace, you can decorate the interior and provide an apartment or house with heat.
- The artificial origin of fire eliminates the need to prepare firewood, clean chimneys and furnaces.
- A large selection of compact models allows you to find a fireplace for any room, even the smallest room.
- Variety of portal finishes.
- Since the fire is not alive in the fireplace, the risk of carbon monoxide emission is excluded.
There are far fewer disadvantages of built-in models than positive aspects. The disadvantages of purchasing an electric fireplace are:
- Additional costs for electricity consumption. But this only applies to models that work for heating. The electricity consumption of decorative devices is much lower.
- Due to the high popularity of electric fireplaces, many fakes have appeared on the market.
To purchase quality equipment, you need to contact only trusted manufacturers.
Installation rules for built-in electric fireplaces
The installation of electric fireplaces built into a niche is not very difficult. Installation consists of several stages:
- Choosing a suitable place for installation, it should be near the outlet.
- Creation of a profile structure for drywall, based on the dimensions of the equipment.
- The structure is installed in a manufactured niche, all wires are removed into it.
- The front part is finished with the selected material.
After completing all the work, you can connect the equipment to the mains.
DIY framing
Stationary portals can be stone and plasterboard. Their difference lies in the fact that the first option is made at the stage of finishing the premises. The plasterboard base can be installed after finishing work is completed. It can be made independently from a metal frame sheathed with sheets.
The frame manufacturing technology is the following types of work:
- creating a sketch in accordance with the dimensions of the equipment;
- drawing basic lines on walls and floors;
- mounting a frame from profiles;
- fastening it to the wall and floor.
Plasterboard can be decorated in any way, depending on the requirements of the interior. For cladding, you can take ceramic tiles or paint a portal. One of the effective finishing methods is MDF sheathing. They can be matched to wood or stone. The material does not deform when heated, therefore it is well suited for fireplaces.
If the owner of the fireplace has decided to make the frame of the fireplace on his own, it is recommended to pay attention to the ready-made portals made of polyurethane. This material is used to create decors in various styles. Parts made of polyurethane can be easily attached to the portal with glue or self-tapping screws.
The method of decorating the decor with polyurethane has many advantages:
- unlike gypsum structures, the elements are resistant to mechanical stress;
- the material is resistant to high temperatures, it can even be used to frame fireplaces with a live flame;
- a large selection of elements allows you to finish for any style.
It is necessary to try on the equipment for the portal regularly in the process of work in order to avoid alterations.
Electrical safety requirements
Before using the electric fireplace, you need to carefully study the instructions for the device. Failure to comply with safety requirements can lead to a fire hazard.
The electric fireplace heats up during operation. To prevent burns, do not touch the heating surface.It is important that all flammable objects stand at a distance of at least one meter from the device. It is strictly forbidden to cover the fireplace.
Cleaning the equipment is permissible only when it is disconnected from the network. If the device is not used for a long time, it is also recommended to disconnect it from the outlet.
Special precautions must be taken when using the fireplace in a home with children. Games must not be allowed to be played near the appliance.
The built-in fireplace can only be used inside the living room, it must not be installed in rooms with high levels of moisture, such as a bathroom.
Do not connect the electric fireplace immediately after transportation. It should stand for at least one hour.
Popular brands
Built-in electric fireplaces are very popular due to their space saving. They fit effectively into any design solution. They can be built into a wall, wardrobe, cabinet. The most popular models are:
- Dimplex Viotta are fireplaces from a manufacturer from Ireland. A distinctive feature is the arrangement of the device with a realistic flame. The device can work with or without heating function. Thanks to the split-mode option, electricity is saved. Simulated fire consumes no more than 120 watts per hour. The fireplace is completely safe for children and animals, as the front wall does not heat up. No toxic substances are emitted during work. The control is carried out remotely.
- RealFlame 3D FireStar 33 is a model with 3D flame display technology. Its height can be adjusted using the remote control. Halogen lamps create a flickering effect of coals. The power of the device is 1500 W, which is enough to heat a room of at least 30 square meters. The device is equipped with two heating modes. A big advantage is the presence of a protective automatic shutdown function.
- Glenrich Premier S14 is a model of built-in electric fireplace of Russian production. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, manufacturers have managed to achieve a realistic effect of living fire. With a power of 2 kW, the device can heat a room of 20 square meters.
The built-in electric fireplace is a good addition to any interior, capable of efficiently heating the room.
