How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace With Mantel
Electric fireplaces add warmth and ambiance to any room. When choosing a fireplace, consider factors like flame realism and heat output.
Consider the size of your room and ensure that the heater's BTU rating matches the heating capacity. Also consider the kind of flame technology you prefer mechanical fireplaces are less expensive but not as realistic, whereas gel and water-based fireplaces offer an equilibrium between cost and realisticity.
Aesthetics
There's nothing quite as a warm, glowing fire to create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere in a room. Electric models can create the similar warm and inviting environment like a gas or wood-burning fireplace, with greater ease and flexibility.
The best electric fireplace that has a mantel comes in various styles that can be matched to any decor and satisfy your specific heating, cooling, and aesthetic requirements. If heating is your priority look for compact infrared heaters with a high BTU output. If ambiance is more important you should consider high-end models with modern flame effects and contemporary or traditional designs that fit your home's style.
Electric fireplaces can mimic flames with LED lighting, but some rely on LCD or holographic technology that make them appear like real fires. The latter category, while more expensive, has the most realistic fire effect of any electrical fireplace.
Aesthetics plays a significant role in how an electric fireplace that has a mantel is perceived, but you'll also want to make sure that the design and controls are user-friendly. Find touch panels that are simple to use or remote controls that allow you to adjust the temperature and flame settings quickly and efficiently. Ideal electric fireplaces will be certified by CSA and have an adjustable thermostat, safety features such as a tip-over shutoff, a preventative overheat and a timer.
If you want a minimalist but elegant look, opt for this wall-mounted model by R.W.FLAME. It's slim and light so you can mount it flush to the wall and save floor space. The frame is neutral enough to work with virtually any color palette, and it can even be hidden into a wall cutout to allow for an additional custom-designed installation.
Festivo also offers TV stands with an integrated electric fireplace. Its sleek, contemporary style is perfect for a modern living room and is also ideal for home offices and bedrooms. This TV stand with fireplace has an expansive top surface to store your electronics, and plenty of storage underneath. It also has an integrated firebox that can cover when it's not in use. The model also comes with the ability to control the remote with five flame display settings, and a timer that can be set between 30 minutes and six hours.
Safety
Nothing gives a cozy style, hygge-like look to a room like an ethereal fire. Installing a gas or wood fireplace is costly and might not be feasible for renters. That's where an electric fireplace with a mantel could be useful.
Some of these units are free-standing, but most are hung on the wall. They typically have a heat-producing insert that provides the warmth you need, and they may also have a fan for cooling purposes. The majority of them are controlled by an on/off switch and a remote. If you're looking for a more advanced model, choose one that lets you adjust the flame color and brightness.
Electric fireplaces are convenient, but they can be risky, especially if unattended. Be sure to utilize a remote control or a shut-off feature that automatically switches off. Also, keep it away from any flammable objects like blankets and curtains. The good news is, they don't produce real flames, smoke, or carbon monoxide like traditional fireplaces and don't carry the same fire hazards as space heaters.
Overheat protection and tip over protection are the most crucial security features of an electric fireplace with mantel. It is also recommended to look for models that have been inspected by UL or ETL. Those that have both can meet stringent North American electrical and environmental standards. They will also likely come with other essential features such as overheat, timer, and power-off protection. A quality electric fireplace is also cool to touch the top, which means you can put electronics or decorative items on it without worry of burning or melting. This is a crucial aspect to consider for families with pets or children.
Ease of Use
The best electric fireplace with mantel will be simple to operate and control that lets you enjoy the look of a real flame without worrying about heat or smoke. Most models have at least a few flame brightness and color options, and smart ones can also be controlled via an app or voice commands. Depending on your preferences you may also opt for a model with extra features like adjustable thermostats or timings.
The best electric fireplace with mantel depends on a variety of factors that include the purpose that you're looking to purchase it for as well as the size of the space it will be positioned in, and the level of ambiance you'd like to achieve. The most important thing is to choose an electric fireplace that offers the realistic look you desire. This can be judged by the size and color of the flames, as well as the brightness of the fireplace.
Think about your level of expertise with regards to installation or assembly, and whether you prefer a freestanding or wall-mounted unit. Create a list of the features you require or would like to have in an electric fireplace mantel. These features might include remote controls, timers built in adjustable flame settings, and safety certifications such as CSA or ETL.
Some of the best electric mantel fireplaces can also provide additional heat for rooms of up to 1,000 square feet. This makes them a great choice for many living spaces. For instance the Dimplex Featherston is a stone-look fireplace with wood offsets that can be affixed on the wall or propped up on its legs to create the convenience of a portable model. It comes with a CSA certificate as well as an automatic shutoff to provide security. However it isn't equipped with tip-over protection nor overheating detection.
To narrow your options, you can visit a fireplace retailer that sells these units or browse online for more options. These stores usually have showrooms with display models you can test out in person, along with detailed product descriptions and reviews to help you make a more informed decision. It is important to take the time to think about all your options will ensure that you will end up with the perfect electric fireplace that fits your home and lifestyle.
Installation
Many homeowners (or renters) do not have the choice of installing a gas or wood-burning fireplace. Choose an electric fireplace that has an elongated mantel to increase warmth and visual appeal. Consider an electric fireplace that you can connect and use right out of the package. It will come with pre-set heating settings so you can enjoy the comfort of flames and warmth right away.
A quality electric fireplace will feature a realistic flame and many models offer different heat settings to fit your space. Certain models come with thermostats that maintain an appropriate temperature for your room and basic controls for heat level to control how warm your room is. Others are more decorative, but they provide an inviting glow that can help you relax.
Some models can be set on a mantel or table, such as the Real Flame Crawford, which includes resin logs and allows you to alter the color, brightness, and flicker speed of its LED flames. It is a sturdy piece that isn't likely to fall over and comes with a wall anchor kit to hold it in its place. large electric fireplace with mantel fireplacesandstove indicates that it's been tested for safety and although it lacks a tip-over shutoff or overheat protection feature however, it has a UL-listed firebox and is backed by a one-year warranty.
Some types of electric fireplaces are more akin to contemporary pieces of furniture, with modern, wall-mounted models that look like flat-screen TVs and can be mounted on a finished 2 x 6 wall using brackets (usually included). The Dimplex Featherston, for example has an impressive faux stone exterior, and a solid-wood mantel that's built for durability.
If you're looking for a super-convenient model, go for an electric fireplace that is recessed with a built-in display, such as the Touchstone Sideline recessed electric fireplace. Its Wi-Fi and mobile app control capabilities allow it to sync up with your existing smart home system and offer you various power options.