The fireplace insert distributes an even heat over a wide area by means of a silent fan-forced heater. It will produce approx 4692 BTU's of heat. The flames and heater operate independently of each other so you can have just flames or flames and heat. The fireplace is 100% efficient (like any electric heater). All of the energy supplied to the unit is converted into heat, which stays in the room to keep you warm. Many gas fireplaces advertise 70-80% efficiency. This means that 20-30% of the energy supplied to the unit is vented outside. The fireplace insert operates for pennies a day. The flames use slightly under 120 Watts of power with flames only. With an average electricity rate, the unit operates for a remarkable 2¢/hr. When you choose to activate the heat feature along with the flame, the unit uses approximately 1500 Watts. The total cost to operate the flame and heater is approximately 8¢/hr* (gas fireplace manufacturers regularly advertise running costs of 17¢/hr or more)! *Electricity rates vary. 8¢/hr based on the heater cycling at 50%. Unlike gas fireplaces, which require venting, fuel pipelines, the Dimplex fireplace just needs to be plugged in. When you need a change, you can move it to a different room and when you move to a new home you can take your investment with you.
The fireplace insert distributes a warm, gentle, even heat over a wide area by means of a silent fan-forced heater. Since it will produce about 4692 BTU's of total heat, when working in conjunction with the home's primary heating system, the fireplace is capable of taking the chill off just about any size room, when required. Most gas fireplaces produce over 20,000 BTU's of heat in a single room while the average size home requires only 90,000 BTU to heat the entire house. So there's a good chance you will be heated right out of the room your in with a new gas unit even when it's set to low heat. And what about conventional wood-burning fireplaces? As most of us already know, most wood fireplaces are difficult to start, smoke, create unpleasant cold drafts, and cause a number of other unseen problems. In most homes, they are between -10% and +10% efficient. They supply little if any heat to the house, particularly with cold outside temperatures. Bottom line: Conventional wood-burning fireplaces are extremely inefficient. They can lead to indoor air quality problems, and can result in life-threatening situations. Hence they are incompatible with modern housing, or with housing which has undergone energy retrofit/renovation
The fireplace insert plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet and does not require a dedicated circuit. It is as easy to install as plugging in a lamp! In addition, the fireplace does not require any venting pipelines for fuel or expensive professional reconstruction to your home. The fireplace has full electrical certification throughout North America and no combustible energy sources are used to produce the flame. This means that you never need to worry about oxygen depletion or carbon monoxide poisoning in your home and the unit employs an over-heat safety cut out with reset control as a back up safety feature. The only maintenance involved is done every 2 to 3 years by changing a couple of light bulbs, readily available at any hardware store and you can do this easily yourself. Most gas fireplaces require ongoing, costly maintenance, which must be performed by a qualified service technician on an annual basis. Figure on paying up to $300. dollars a year for this required service.
My personal experience with the Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert came about some time after my wife and I moved to our new house. Soon after, she decided she had to have a gas fire log like we had in the old house. So, in order to keep the boss happy, I decided to go all out and buy one of the new efficient models that not only looked great, but also give off tons of heat, the only problem, the price. They wanted more than $6,000. for the log set including instillation. Ouch! I then stumbled on to the Dimplex DFI2309 Electric Fireplace Insert. For a price of under $200. I was a little skeptical that this thing could even come close to the expensive gas one, but after reading so many rave reviews on Amazon, I decided to go for it. I figured if it ever turned out to be a mistake, I could always return it anyways. Since I was saving a ton of money, I also splurged on the optional trim kit (Dimplex DFI23TRIMX Expandable Trim Kit for Electric Fireplace Insert) for an additional $160. bucks.
My next job was getting the existing fireplace cleaned out and prepared. I stuffed fiberglass insulation up against the flue door and cut a piece of Styrofoam board to fit the damper opening slanting to the rear of the firebox underneath the insulation so any possible water entering down the chimney would flow away from the unit. At the time, I was surprised at how poorly the damper closed and actually had been designed with a few open holes in it. I had to be losing all kinds of heat right up the flue before the fix. In less then a couple of days the unit arrived and within minutes I had it out of the box and set up in the center of the fireplace. I measure the cord of the unit to be almost seven feet and just made it to my electrical outlet, but a little elevated off the floor, so I purchased a heavy duty six foot 14 gauge extension cord to give it a little more length. The directions only call for a 16 gauge cord, so I'm way ahead of the game. Be advised, the cord runs from the right side of the unit (as you face it). Now the trim package is a little different story and took a little more than a few minutes to put together. It's kind of a one size fits all type thing. (Make sure it's big enough to fit the measurements of your fireplace opening). There are 15 pieces and a whole bunch of screws involved, but the finished product was very much worth it, for me. It frames off the insert and I think makes it look more realistic and complete. My fireplace opening is surrounded by a one of a kind type tile and I did not care to cover it, but the trim unit framed it exactly without any blockage. My only gripe, the screen is not designed to completely close and leaves a 3 inch gap or so in the middle.
Update: Yes, I still love my electric fireplace insert and the longer I own it the more realistic it seems to get.
I have read in a few other reviews, some were disappointed with the mirrored half moon shape at the rear of their insert unit. Well, I finally figured out what it is designed to do. It reflects the back of the front logs with their reflective embers with the flames between the two sets of logs giving a pretty good holographic 3d effect and the grayed out portion of the mirror simulates smoke. Altogether, it makes for a pretty realistic looking fire. I guess you could call it the use of "smoke and mirrors" to get the desired effect.
Update: I have found that this 3d/holographic effect can be increased by placing ambient light near the front of the fireplace insert. I have two lamps, a table and a floor lamp, with one placed on one side and one on the other side of my fireplace about four feet away from the center of my fireplace opening. This extra ambient light helps illuminate the rear reflected log that creates the 3d effect. Though one light is sufficient, I have found that two low watt lamps works even better. (one a 40 watt bulb and the other a 3-way 60 on low)
I would like to address some reviewer complaints regarding the remote control. The first being that the remote has something to do with the plug. Readers are lead to believe that if the plug is blocked by something (furniture) the remote will not operate. Not so. The remote will turn the unit on and off from anywhere in the room regardless of whether the plug receptacle is blocked. For what it's worth, the remote turns the insert unit on and off from anywhere in the house-the remote reception is that powerful. I suppose you could always turn it on while in the bedroom in the morning and get up to a warm living room when you finally decide to get out of bed?
Which leads me to complaints regarding the remote not controlling the heat function. This is only partially true. Once a heat setting is chosen with the switch (high or low) on the insert unit, the remote will turn that heat setting on or off along with the fire display. Yes, it would be nice to make all the heat changes with the remote, but this is not a problem for me. Basically, in the warmer months you would turn off the heat setting at the insert and in the colder months you would turn the heat setting on at the insert unit. No big deal hitting the switch either way.
Finally, to make the simulated fire "feel" even more realistic, I've added the additional senses of sound and smell. First, I ordered a sound effects download from Hypnosis Health Care (on line for $6.95) to my laptop and then copied it to a 512 MB SD card I already had. I then purchased a Satechi SD Mini Portable Pocket Speaker Mp3 player from Amazon for around $29. and I put it in the fireplace. The Satechi unit is the size of a golf ball and is black which makes it very easy to hide and it puts out excellent sound and it has great battery life. It plays for more than ten hours on a full charge, so no interruption in the mood. Additionally, it works great with the Kindle Fire too. Second, I purchased some pinon pine incense from Amazon and also hid it in the fireplace. Now with the look, feel (heat), smell, and sound of a real fire, all that's left is to enjoy!
I'm writing this review because of how helpful I found other reviews before buying this fireplace. I did my homework, reading some 150+ reviews and watching Youtube videos of people's Dimplex fireplaces, before deciding on this model and it paid off! This is probably the best electric fireplace out there for the money (if there's a better one I can't afford it anyway!) I very happy with it and everyone who comes to my house thinks it looks very real (they all knew I bought a fake one so I'm still waiting to "fool" someone who doesn't know!) CSN (the company that provides the fireplace) has the BEST customer service dept to call. Whenever I called, I got someone different and they were ALL very nice and helpful.
The fireplace flames look as real as you can get, so real sometimes you think you hear crackling! It does make a slight whirring kind of sound (motor?) but you can only hear it in a quiet room (no TV, etc) and only if you're really listening for it. But it is an electric product so I guess you can expect SOME kind of sound to come from it! Like I said, it's very faint.
Overall, I'm very pleased. I used to use about 10 candles in my fake fireplace and always worried I'd start the house on fire and had to deal with dripping, etc. so it's nice not to have that worry anymore! The logs look very realistic (this model has the ceramic logs, not the styrofoam ones) and I don't know how they do it but it's pretty cool the way they make the flames (there's nothing you can "stick your hand in to see if it's real", it's done with a mirror somehow). Plus, don't be put off by other reviews that say they don't like the "half moon" effect on the background. I was worried about that but when I got it, it looked perfectly realistic to me! I've tried the heater to make sure it works, but it's still hot in Florida so I won't be using it for a while! It seems to work great, I just can't tell you how well it heats up a room at this point because it's not cold outside! I had no problem with the cord but then my outlet is next to my fireplace.
I checked out the fireplaces at the home stores and their flames looked so fakey compared to this one's and they were the same price or more. So trust me, I did my homework and researched to get the best at the best price, so you can trust my review!
1/12/11 update: I've had this fireplace for a few months now and absolutely love it! Everyone who comes over thinks its real! As for the heat, well, it's been pretty cold here in Florida and I have to say, you really can only feel the heat if you're standing right in front of the fireplace! It may "warm" the room up a bit, but if you're sitting on the floor in the room you can't really feel it blowing on you. It sort of blows up and out instead of directly forward and I don't know if this makes a difference or not. It's still a heat source but I use my central heater (mostly because I just had to buy a new one last year and it works great) the majority of the time.
9/02/13 update! I STILL LOVE this fireplace. It's incredibly realistic and fools a lot of people who come to visit! The bulbs finally burned out (after nearly three years of constant use) and we thought "Uh oh" what happened? Here comes the hard part!" But it turned out to be so easy to replace them - just remove the front cover (below the logs) and reach in (carefully - someone with small hands!) and replace the bulbs! Easy peasy! They take normal candlebra type bulbs. If you're thinking of getting one of these I can honestly tell you they are as close to the appearance of a real fire as you can get!
Searching for the Best Electric Fireplace Reviews
In our attempt to provide our readers with the best choices in heaters, Best Electric Fireplace Reviews went on a hunt for the top products on the market that are not only energy savers but decorative as well. Let’s face it, fireplaces serve for two very important purposes – for heat and comfort and for aesthetic reasons as well.In this particular case, we are focusing on electric heaters that also function as fireplaces. Since these are plug and play devices, you really don’t need to bother about complicated installation procedures. Moreover, these are energy efficient and affordable units; so you can enjoy the ambiance of having a fireplace in your home without really having to spend a lot of money for it.
Top 3 Electric Fireplaces Today
Dimplex DFI2310 Fireplace Insert Deluxe
This particular electric fireplace is an insert model; it can therefore be used for already existing fireplaces that are no longer functional. It’s a 23-inch unit, so it will fit most standard sizes of masonry fireplaces.With 1.375 watts of power, the Dimplex DFI2310 has a BTU rating of 4,574; it can therefore provide for efficient heating for spaces up to 400 square feet. And since it comes with a thermostat control, you can adjust the temperature in any given room easily. The built-in fan also facilitates even distribution of heat.
As you can tell by the design of the unit, this electric fireplace has a very realistic appearance when installed in a fireplace slot. Best Electric Fireplace Reviews really likes this model because aside from benefiting from the heat that it produces, you will also enjoy having it in operation while inside a room. It even has pulsating embers which are powered by LED light bulbs.
The best thing about this Dimplex model of heater is that you can operate it the whole year round. The reason for this is that you can turn of the heating functionality if you want to. That’s because this unit can operate on full heat, half-heat, and no heat when you simply want to enjoy the view.
Click here for a full review of the Dimplex DFI2310.
SEI FA9287E Cartwright Convertible Electric Fireplace
If you want a really realistic looking fireplace that comes in an electric model, look no further than the SEI FA9287E. This versatile fireplace/ heater can be placed on a flat wall or on a corner so as to provide your family with heat while enhancing the overall look of your living room too.Powered by 12.5Amps and 1,500 watts, this model has a BTU rating of 5,000. It can heat up a room of 400 square meters or more easily. It even comes with an overload protector so as to ensure safety during operation.
Its design is really impressive too. The mantel can support objects up to 85 pounds, so you can choose to place a flat screen TV on this electric fireplace. As for the actual fire design, you will benefit from a realistic dancing and flickering flame when you turn this unit on. And that’s also one of the things that we look for here at Best Electric Fireplace Reviews .
You can also adjust the brightness and height of flame to suit your preferences. And since the lights are powered by LED technology, it’s long lasting and environment friendly as well.
In spite of its elegant and sophisticated appearance, this model of heater is very easy to assemble too. And with the accompanying remote control device, operating and managing it is very convenient too.
Learn more about this electric fireplace by reading our in-depth SEI FA9287E review .
Dimplex RWF-DG Sahara Wall-Mounted Fireplace
Best Electric Fireplace Reviews found another model of heater from Dimplex that’s also impressive as a heater. And it’s really not surprising as this company is really known for making great looking and efficient models of fireplaces.The RWF-DG Sahara has 1,400 watts and 4,780 BTU rating. It is recommended for use in rooms and spaces of up to 400 square feet. This is a wall-mountable unit, and the heat from said appliance is emitted from the bottom part of the device.
The model is called Sahara for a reason, as the design includes a fire pit behind a sandy landscape. The sand is sculpted from foam materials, while the fire dancing and flickering effects are made possible by light bulbs. Its overall ambiance comes out as a 3 dimensional fireplace, making the whole set up look so real to the naked eyes.
Notice that this unit’s design is considered to be modern and contemporary when compared to other models of electric fireplaces. It would therefore look good in homes with the same motif and decorations. And since it can be operated without the heat, you can enjoy a beautiful fireplace ambiance all throughout the year.
See our Dimplex Sahara Review to know more about this electric fireplace.
Did You Find the Best Electric Fireplace for Your Home?
We hope we were able to assist you in your search for an electric heater in the form of a fireplace. Fireplaces are just beautiful, aren’t they? And if our heaters can come in this design, it will really make our surroundings cozier, more comfortable, and even quite romantic.Obviously, we are big fans of fireplaces here, and we like them in different models – inserts, electric, gas, and more. We just focused on the electric models right now because we found it to be the most practical device when we consider the cost, assembly, and installation procedures involved. And most of all, these are all good looking fireplaces!
Best Electric Fireplace Reviews presented you with the top models of electric fireplaces today. Rest assured that these units can provide your home with great heating and great ambiance as well.
The Bottom Line: I love my new fireplace and would recommend them even if you don't need the warmth. They are terrific.
After reading a review of the Dimplex Electric Fireplace on epinions. I just had to have one. The model I have is DS2205. I quickly learned that there are many styles and ranges of prices for these stoves. Mine is the smallest they come and the least expensive. I paid $199.00 for it at Target.About the fireplace:
I really think of this as a fireplace (You will find it called a stove as well.) because that is really what it looks like. We bought it for out basement but in spite of having a real fireplace upstairs, I have been keeping this in my computer area upstairs because it is so cute and sheds so much heat.
It is 23.5 inches high (30" with the legs), 20.3 inches wide and 13 inches deep. This is a very sturdy piece of material. You shouldn’t have to worry about it falling over. Although it doesn’t get hot to the touch, children should not be playing with it.
It opens and closes easily with a 3 inch handle that juts slights out from the stove making it easy to grab. Nothing locks on this stove.
When opened there are three switches on the inside bottom of the stove. There is a "main on/off switch/flame on/off." The on/off switch supplies the power to the unit. When this switch is in the on position the flame effect operates without heat! So you can have the affect of a fireplace without being warm if you live in a warm climate.
There is a low heat switch. This supplies power to the heater fan and the heater element. When the switch is in the on position the heater operates on low. There is a high heat switch. This operates the heater on the highest setting and provides the most heat. The low heat on/off switch has to be in the on position for the high heat to work. This is the simplest little piece of equipment to use and one of the cutest things I’ve seen.
There are 4 “fake” logs that sit on a base that look like logs. Even when the stove is off, there is a slight glow inside. As soon as you turn on the switches, “fake” flames erupt from the logs. Although you aren’t supposed to touch the inside when it is on, I just had to find out what it feels like. It feels like nothing.
There is a mirror in the back panel of the fireplace giving the illusion of more logs. It appears that the flames are coming up from the mirror. Actually the way it works is with lightbulbs. (I gave away the magic trick.) There are 2 bulbs under the log set which generate the flames and embers. You can use 2 clear chandelier or candelabra type bulbs with an E-12 (small) socket base and a 25-watt rating. The log assembly is actually one unit and held into place with screws. You just have to remove 4 screws located on the ember bed and remove the logset to get to the bulbs. It is easy to do. A 15 amp, 120-volt circuit is required.
The Dimplex is very safe too. The unit, inside or out does not get hot. Although, again, it is advised not to play around with it while it is on. The heat comes from a fan under the stove that really can’t be seen unless you are on your hands and knees looking. The heat works immediately. So as soon as you plug it in and turn it on, the heat will come out. The room I have it in is about 20’ by 15’ and it heats the room really nicely in about 15 minutes. It is on one side of the room and I am on another. If I know I am going into this room I will turn the stove on so my side will be nice and warm when I go in. I could sit very close to it and not even have to wait. The heating capacity is terrific.
The door has a glass panel so you can see into it. The door can be cleaned of any dust particles with a clean dry cloth. For other marks or fingerprints it can be cleaned with a damp cloth but don’t use anything abrasive especially on the painted surfaces, which is most of the stove. Really if I didn’t have a fireplace, I would have wanted this years ago. Even though I have one, I love, love love this Dimplex. I can’t rave about it enough.
There is no installation or venting required for the Dimplex Fireplace. If you are interested in the next size up you will pay about $297.
Other things to know and my final thoughts:
This unit will automatically shut off in the case it overheats.
It costs less than 2 cents an hour to run (based on North American electricity rates).
It is 1500 watts; 500 BTU
Obviously I am a huge fan of this Dimplex Fireplace. I think everyone should have one! If you don’t need the heat you’ll love the affect. It is so real looking that I’d like to put one in every room. They take up very little space and can fit almost anywhere.
Please feel free to leave me a question or comment.
Awesome! No words. You always go one step beyond.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much great, useful information here. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
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Thanks again :)