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You finally want to make a dream come true: to sit comfortably by your fireplace in the living room in the evening after work with a cup of tea or a glass of red wine. The fire crackles and roars and you can watch the flames play while you relax with a good book or a film. Unfortunately, installing a real fireplace is not possible for structural reasons. But things are different with electric fireplaces. They run on electricity and are an attractive alternative to conventional fireplaces. In this guide, you will find out which electric fireplaces are available, how they differ, how much power they use and what you should look out for when buying one.

Comfortable, clean and permit-free

A fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere in your own four walls. However, installing a real fireplace that is fired with wood or coal is complex and expensive. You also need a free flue in the house. You will also have to pay annual visits from the chimney sweep. The purchase and running costs for an electric fireplace are much lower. You can simply set up an electric fireplace in a free spot on the wall in any room. Then you just need a free socket to connect the fireplace to.

Unlike a real fireplace, electric fireplaces are also free of smoke and other emissions that can pollute the air we breathe in enclosed spaces. If you still want to see some smoke, there are variants that heat water and let it rise as steam. Some models also imitate the crackling sound of real fireplaces. The heat generated is not lost. It is released into the environment like a radiator. In addition, there is no risk of fire from an open fire when using an electric fireplace.

The different designs of electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are available in different versions. They range from marble and sandstone fireplaces to models made of solid cast iron. The key difference is the suitable location: either free-standing in the room or on a wall like a classic fireplace.

Electric fireplaces for a free wall

Most electric fireplaces are based on traditional fireplaces. You need a free space on a wall to set them up. This creates a beautiful atmosphere that is reminiscent of a cozy English living room.

Freestanding electric fireplaces

Some electric fireplaces are particularly small and lightweight and can be placed in the middle of a room or on a table, for example . You can usually easily lift such a fireplace and place it wherever you want it. Some models are even designed to resemble a real campfire that burns in an iron fire bowl.

Technical features of modern electric fireplaces

In addition to the desired design, which is primarily a question of personal taste, electric fireplaces differ in some technical features.

height and weight

The size of an electric fireplace is usually given in three values for width, depth and height (W x D x H or W / D / H). Smaller models are just over 30 cm wide, just under 20 cm deep, around 25 cm high and usually only weigh between 3 and 4 kg. Larger models are more than 1 m wide, just under 1 m high and over 30 cm deep. Some of them weigh more than 50 kg.

Performance

Electric fireplaces require a conventional 230 volt power connection to operate. The consumption or output is usually between 1,000 and 2,000 watts (W) if the fireplace is also to give off heat. If, however, it is only to act as a cozy fire, the consumption drops to less than 200 W. You can usually adjust the desired output continuously from a weak glow to a strong flicker.

Special effects

Some models generate steam to recreate the smoke produced by a normal fire. They also imitate the cozy crackling of the fire. High-quality models also offer a special 3D flame effect called “Optimyst”, which creates spatial flame images and better smoke effects .

Tip: Some electric fireplaces are equipped with a remote control so that you can control the desired burning effects and heating output from the comfort of your sofa or armchair.

The right electric fireplace for your home

Of course, an electric fireplace can be installed not only in the living room, but also in other rooms, such as the study. However, the style of the electric fireplace should match the rest of the furnishings. Here you will find tips on choosing the right model.

To try out and when space is limited

If you don’t have much space for an electric fireplace or want to see how such a device works at home, you can go for a smaller model. Electric fireplaces with a small footprint of around 30 x 20 x 25 cm (W x D x H) are available from €55. These fireplaces weigh a maximum of 4 kg and can therefore be easily moved around the home.

More space and comfort

If you have a little more space and don’t want to move around much in the evening, you can go for a medium-sized model with a remote control. These electric fireplaces, measuring around 60 x 30 x 60 cm (W x D x H), can be conveniently controlled from anywhere in the room.

Realistic fireplace imitation

If you particularly value large electric fireplaces that simulate a realistic 3D fire, choose a device with 80 x 40 cm. This technology offers high-quality flame and smoke effects.

Conclusion: Cozy fireplace atmosphere without smoke

An electric fireplace can be set up flexibly and only requires a power connection, but no firewood. In addition, it does not pollute the air in the room with smoke. The purchase decision depends on the space available and the features of the electric fireplace. The following recommendations provide you with guidance:

• If you’re just curious or have limited space, then opt for one of the smaller entry-level models. These don’t take up much space, are flexible in their setup.
• If you want a larger model with a little more comfort , then go for an electric fireplace with a remote control. With these models, you can conveniently control the power of the fireplace from a distance.
• If you value the flame effects in large fireplaces , then an electric fireplace with a width of 80 cm or more with function is a good option.