Contrary to what many people assume, most electric fireplaces have built-in heaters. Unlike their gas-fired counterparts, electric fireplaces may be operated without the heaters turned on. When the heater is turned on, the heat output may be controlled, often by a built-in thermostat. Even so, there are situations where people would prefer not to have a heater in their electric fireplace. Most often, we get this request when the fireplace is being installed in a rental suite, or in a commercial area or lobby. For those situations, here is our guide to Electric Fireplaces without Heat.
Dimplex Opti-V linear
Opti-V is one of the most realistic electric fireplaces without heat, because it combines video projection with inner-glow logs and crackling sounds. It comes in two sizes – Solo, which is 27 inches wide, and Duet, which is 54 inches wide. The sight and sound of real fire is mesmerizing, which makes it popular for bedroom installations. Because there is no heater, there is no risk of fire or burning glass, making it perfect for commercial applications where a safe, low cost, no-maintenance, attractive fireplace is desired.
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Dimplex Opti-myst cassette
The Opti-myst cassettes create realistic electric fireplaces without heat in a completely different way than Opti-V. Opti-myst flames are created when tap water is ultrasonically turned into a fine mist, which is then combined with light to create the illusion of real flames. The mist even moves and reacts to air currents as an open flame would, further enhancing the illusion of fire. Because it is a cool mist, and not steam, it’s safe to touch and won’t burn curious fingers. Opti-myst cassettes may be combined end-to-end to create fireplaces in any size, in 20 and 40 inch increments. There is an optional heater attachment for those who want heat.
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Dimplex Ignite with Heat Disable
The Ignite series does have an integrated heater. However, the ‘heat disable’ function means that these units can technically be considered electric fireplaces without heat. Ignite comes in 50, 60, 74 and 100 inch widths, with a depth that fits into a 2×6 wall. The realistic flames are accented with LED coloured ember lighting, and the optional driftwood and river rock kit is very popular. This is an easy-to-install option for tight spaces.
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Napoleon Alluravision with Heat Lock
With a profile similar to Dimplex Ignite, and even more sizes, the Napoleon Alluravision series also has an integrated heater. However, they, too, have a ‘heat lock’ feature that qualifies them for one of the best electric fireplaces without heat. For people who like to change flame and ember settings, Napoleon Alluravision offers lots of options with 3 flame colours, changeable down lighting, and multiple ember-bed colours.
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Stylish Fireplace & Interiors specializes in electric fireplaces and custom designs. Their Toronto-area showroom features over 50 electric fireplaces in complete wall displays, including all the finishing materials and add-ons that you need to complete your project. They are NFI Certified Hearth Design Specialists, and can advise on any fireplace project.