When it comes to electric fireplaces, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. In over 20 years of working in the industry, there has never been total agreement on which model is the most life-like electric fireplace. Our experts work with them every day, and we have our favourites, but we can never assume that our clients will agree. That’s why we have 50 electric fireplaces on display, so our customers can decide for themselves. Using our own observations, and feedback from our clients, we can at least offer suggestions on finding the most life-like electric fireplace for your needs. There are many factors that combine to create an electric fireplace that feels authentic. Below, we’ve outlined some of the criteria to consider.
Life-like electric fireplaces with LCD vs LED flames
One of the newest electric fireplace flame technologies is the video flame, or LCD. In simple terms, the usual LED flames are replaced by a video of real fire. These show extremely well online, compared to photos and videos of other electric fireplaces. However, when you see them in person, you may find that a good LED flame beats out a not-so-great LCD flame. It’s important to note that fireplace manufacturers have had decades to perfect a realistic flame with LED lights reflecting off a flicker rod, while video flames are relatively new. The shape of the fireplace, the depth of the fireplace, and the media inside the fireplace can all affect the realism of the flames.
Life-like electric fireplaces that are Square vs Linear in shape
Traditionally, a fireplace had a square opening surrounded by stone or brick. The linear fireplace shape (short and wide) is a relatively new phenomenon, created to look good under our wall-mounted TVs. For some customers, only a more traditional square fireplace can possibly look realistic. However, we believe that it is possible to get a life-like electric fireplace with a linear shape, if you focus on flame quality, fireplace depth, and quality media inside. Generally speaking, most people find that a deeper linear fireplace looks more realistic than a shallower one. A deeper fireplace also allows space for larger, more realistic logs and other media, which enhance the overall impression made by the flames. If you prefer a traditional square fireplace, then opt for logs that glow from within, for the most life-like flame effect.
Life-like electric fireplaces that are Shallow vs Deep
Linear electric fireplaces have typically been quite shallow, and there was a trend toward making them as shallow as 4 to 6 inches. Now, as more clients seek the most life-like electric fireplaces, manufacturers are focusing on offering deeper linear fireplaces, as they typically look more realistic. A deeper electric fireplace allows space for larger, more realistic logs, which enhance the flames. Greater depth also means that the flames are pushed back from the glass, as they would be on a gas fire. This is one of the reasons that traditional square electric fireplaces have often been seen as more life-like. However, as linear fires go deeper, this is no longer the case.
Life-like electric fireplaces with water vapour flames
There is a group of electric fireplaces for which the flame effects are created by turning tap water into a fine mist, which is then lit up to look like flames. Because the mist moves like live flame, it creates a very life-like electric fireplace. Dimplex Optimyst is the leader in this area, and their technology can be incorporated into both traditional and linear electric fireplaces.
The Magic of Media Kits in life-like electric fireplaces
In addition to the shape and depth of an electric fireplace, the right media kit can make a huge difference in the realism of the flame effect. We’ve already mentioned that a deeper fireplace will have larger, more life-like logs. There is also a huge range of quality in the logs themselves. Some look quite fake, and others are made with molds of real logs. There’s even a trend toward real wood that has been dried and charred specifically for electric fires. Obviously, ugly fake-looking logs will detract from even the most realistic flames. It’s a challenge to get realistic logs in a slim electric fireplace, so many of our clients opt for natural stones instead, replacing the clear crystals for stones of the same size. While it has been pretty common for traditional square electric fireplaces to come with logs that light up from within, there are now deep linear electric fires that also have ‘plugged in’ logs. When the logs glow, they appear to be burning, which makes for a more life-like electric fireplace.
How to make any electric fireplace look more life-like
If you’ve been shopping for an electric fireplace, you’ve noticed that there is a huge range of prices. Generally speaking, a more expensive electric fireplace should be more life-like than a cheaper one. However, there are things you can do to make almost any electric fireplace look more realistic.
- Set the flames to their most natural colour, either yellow or orange, depending on the manufacturer.
- Set the ember lights to replicate a warm glow, like hot coals. This could be orange or red, depending on the fireplace. If these are too bright, use the dimmer to tone them down.
- Set the down lights, or accent lights, to a warm glow, or turn them off. These are generally used to highlight the logs, but sometimes they are overwhelming and are better left ‘off’.
- Swap out the clear crystals for semi-opaque crystals in grey, black or amber, to replicate burning coals. Or go with natural river rocks for a more zen feel.
- Install the fireplace where it makes sense architecturally. Ask yourself if you can imagine a chimney in that spot, if the fireplace were burning wood.
- Hide the cord. When hanging an electric fireplace on the wall, remove the cord and have the unit hard-wired. If you are sliding an electric insert into an existing fireplace, take the trouble to have the receptacle brought inside the fireplace.
Summary
A life-like electric fireplace is a combination of realistic flames, natural-looking media kit, and extra depth.