Adding warmth to your home with an electric log burner
When we first moved into our studio one of the first things we said was how amazing it would be to install a wood burner. Sadly there’s no chimney or flue though and we aren’t allowed to make any structural alterations to the space, so we immediately shelved the idea.
But as it turns out Christmas has arrived a little early and I’m currently cosying up in front of our new Opti-myst stove from Dimplex. If you follow me over on Instagram you may have seen that I worked with them recently on a takeover of some of their social accounts and a couple of weeks ago they sent over one of their fires for us to try out.
The studio is a lovely white space but the room lacked a focal point so it’s been great to create this inviting little set up in the corner for those moments when we want to put the kettle on and take a break from work.
We chose the Auberry model which has a lovely creamy white enamel style finish – perfect for fitting into a clean contemporary or Scandi inspired interior. There’s also a similar model available in matt black.
If you’re wondering how we got around the issue of not having a chimney breast, well here’s the thing. It’s actually an electric log burner fire. So you can fit one almost anywhere – there’s no need for a chimney or flue.
No installation is required you literally just switch it on so we had it up and running within minutes. The flame and smoke effect is incredibly realistic. It’s honestly hard to tell that it isn’t a ‘real’ fire. You can read more about how it works here, but essentially the effect is created using ultrasonic waves which atomise water to create an extremely fine mist.
While part of me loves the idea of a log burner and the whole ritual of lighting a fire, there’s no getting away from the fact that wood burners can be messy and they require a fair amount of maintenance. Ash pans need to be emptied, grates need to be swept, sooty glass doors need to be cleaned and chimneys and flues need to be maintained regularly. So a free standing electric log burner is great as a simple to use and low maintenance alternative to a wood burning stove. It’s also a practical option for homes where there are very small children running around or where it’s not possible to install a flue – in rented accomodation for example.
And one of the things I really like about it is that you don’t have to have the heat on. We tend to use the flame effect on its own most of the time. You really do have to see this to appreciate just how mesmerising it is. With its cosy flickering glow it instantly creates the cosy atmosphere we all crave at this time of year and has completely transformed the space.
Looking to add some hygge to your home? An electric log burner effect fire might just be the perfect solution. If you’re thinking of buying one, here are some of the things you might want to consider.
Benefits of electric log burners
Unlike wood-burning stoves, modern electric log burners provide ambience and warmth without the messy clean up and labour. Plus, you don’t need to buy, haul or store wood in order to run them! Today’s electric log burners feature incredibly realistic LED flames and burning log effects that look so realistic, you’d swear there’s a real fire in your living room. With just the flip of a switch, you can enjoy instant heat and a warm, cosy atmosphere.
Electric log burners are much easier to install than real wood burners – they don’t require ventilation so you can add them to practically any room. And with built-in thermostats on some models, you can easily control the temperature. Just sit back and feel that welcoming warmth. Who wouldn’t want to cosy up next to the glow of flickering flames on a chilly night? Artificial log burners make it possible, without the hassle.
Key features to look for
When choosing an electric log burner, you’ll want to look for models with realistic, high-quality flame effects. The flickering and colour changes should mimic a real wood fire. Adjustable flames allow you to control the intensity to set just the right mood.
For ultimate convenience, look for burners with remote controls so you can operate the flames from across the room. Some even come with media options like crackling fire sounds or an audio connection to play your own music. Built-in safety features like auto shut-off timers provide peace of mind if you forget to turn it off. A good warranty is key too in case anything doesn’t work as expected. The more realistic the flames and controls, the more enjoyment you’ll get from your electric log burner for many cosy nights to come.
Installation Tips
Installing an electric log burner is much easier than fitting a gas or wood-burning stove. Freestanding models can simply be plugged into a standard outlet and moved whenever needed. For built-in fireplaces, professional installation is best to ensure proper framing and a secure fit.
Built-in electric wood burning stoves should have proper ventilation above to prevent overheating. Refer to the product manual for the recommended clearance. Make sure your electric circuit can handle the amperage too and leave ample space in front if the unit has heating capabilities. Consult an electrician if unsure. Proper mounting is key – secure to wall studs and use all provided brackets and supports.
Are electric log burners expensive to run?
Electric log burners are an affordable option for most homes. When used on a flame-only basis they are very cheap to run. The advanced LED flame technology creates a realistic fireplace effect for a low daily cost. Models without heat settings only use about 15 watts – similar to an incandescent light bulb.
On models with heat output, the operating cost is still relatively low. Thermostat controls allow the user to adjust the output to their preferred temperature to maximise efficiency.
Do electric log burners get hot?
While the flames produced by an electric log burner look extremely realistic, the units themselves do not get dangerously hot like real wood-burning stoves. Well-designed electric fireplaces are cool to the touch around the flame effects and exterior. However, models with electric heating elements will produce noticeable warmth in front of the unit.
Some electric log burners have fans to push heated air into the room. Rear and side vents get warm but not hot when the heater is running. Thermostat controls regulate the temperature so the unit won’t overheat a room. Safety features like auto shut-off prevent any potential overheating as well. With no open flames or combustion, properly installed electric log burners are cool enough to touch safely. But they’ll still infuse rooms with cosy ambient warmth all season long.
One of the best things about electric log fires is how they can instantly elevate almost any room. Add a warming glow to your living room, bedroom, basement, or office with just the flick of a switch. With an electric wood stove you don’t need to worry about installing a flue, making them perfect for rooms without existing fireplaces.
For cosy ambience and clean efficient heating, electric log burners are a great option. Give your space an extra dose of hygge this winter and stay cosy with the convenience of an electric fireplace.
All images © Design Hunter
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