Why Choose an Electric Fireplace insert
This is the first post in series on the different types of Fireplace inserts available to the consumer. IN this first post I will start with the electric fireplace insert. This has to be one of the original forms of inserts.
Typically this is on the cheaper end of the price range. With the fuel being electrical it makes for a very easy and cheap installation. There is no need to worry about installation of propane tanks which you get with gas systems.
So what do you get with an electric fireplace insert, three main components, the heat, the back flames and the logs.
The heat, this is generated by a heating element within the fire. Typically you will buy based on the BTU level. For information on BTU selection check my post on the topic. The elements are standard and their isn’t much difference between the various units.
The back flame, heres where you start to pay for what you get. The back flame is the image the fire projects to suggest a real fire. This is normally cast onto the back of the fire in a flickering manner that gives the impression of a real fire
The logs similar to the back flame, the more you spend the more realistic they look. Electric fireplace insert logs tend to have the bulbs inside them and are designed in such away to let light emit. This is done in such away that they look alight.
I’m not a big fan of this type of fireplace as I prefer a live flame. However for multiple reasons you may pick an electric format. My favorite of the ranges is the Arrowflame series, the log design and back flame give a good impression.
I also like the Drayton electric fireplace, this has a more subtle lighting effect that works better.
If you have questions or comment on electric fireplace inserts please post them below.