Electric outdoor fireplaces provide many benefits over other patio heating options. They are easy to install and add value to your home. They will also extend the patio season to an event throughout the year that your friends and family can enjoy with you. In addition to its practical uses, an outdoor fireplace is inviting and creates a beautiful aesthetic in your outdoor living space.
You can find plenty of style ideas on Magikflame.com for everything from traditional to modern. The design possibilities are endless, but there are some essential factors to consider before making a purchase.
Focus on straightforward establishment
Depending on the space you are working in, you will choose between a wall-mounted electric fireplace or a freestanding one for your patio or patio area. Wall-mounted fireplaces are popular for those with limited square footage, like a condo balcony, because they don’t require any floor space. Most come with brackets to mount the heater, making for a simple installation process.
For freestanding portable fireplaces, installation is even easier. As long as you have access to a 120V outlet to plug in the fireplace, simply set it in place on the patio. They are relatively light and easy to install between two people.
Must be outdoor rated
Electric fireplaces designed for indoor use should not be moved outside. When an electric fireplace is exposed to the elements, it must be weather resistant and rated for outdoor use. It is always important to check the model you are looking at and make sure its design can withstand the elements. Otherwise, you can expose yourself to a number of problems like rust or electrical failure due to moisture damage.
Get a guarantee
An electric outdoor fireplace is a significant investment, so choose a manufacturer with a limited warranty for peace of mind. You can find them from one to ten years old, so your new purchase is covered for the immediate future. Make sure you are using the product correctly to qualify for the warranty. Improper use, including using an indoor model outdoors, using the wrong power supply, or locating it in a hazardous location, may void the warranty.
Do not use an extension cord
Wherever you decide to place your electric fireplace, be it on the deck, patio, or balcony, make sure it’s within reach of the outlet you want to plug it into. Never use an extension cord to plug in your outdoor electric fireplace because the amount of energy that is transferred through the cord creates heat, causing the protective insulating layer to melt.
Overloading an extension cord like this can cause a fire, so you should always make sure you have a fireplace location near an electrical outlet.
Fireplaces and vents are purely visual
Unlike wood or gas stoves, you don’t need to worry about venting with an outdoor electric fireplace. It does not produce emissions, which is environmentally friendly and efficient. This means that if you want to get a fireplace for your outdoor fireplace, it is purely decorative, and you must make a selection for aesthetics rather than functionality.
Realistic flame aesthetic
If you hesitate to buy an outdoor electric fireplace because you will miss out on the romantic dance of traditional flames on a campfire or zero clearance wood stoves, don’t worry. Electric fireplaces use a refractor to reflect light from an LED bulb, creating the illusion of real flames. These flames are not only as beautiful as the real ones, but they do not produce harmful emissions, ash, or pose a threat to children or pets that might be playing in the garden.
Lights up fast, burns clean
An outdoor electric fireplace is an environmentally sustainable option for heating your patio or garden. It does not burn a fuel source, but instead uses an electric heater that produces zero emissions. The only factor to consider here is that your electricity bill will increase with the significant use of the outdoor fireplace.
Longevity of the electric fireplace
Electric outdoor fireplaces have a long lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment. Depending on the amount of use and how well protected they are from the elements, they can last from ten to twenty years. This is generally comparable to the life expectancy of wood-consuming ovens. Many manufacturers offer one to ten-year warranties, so your purchase can be protected for up to half its life. You can extend the life of your fireplace with regular preventative maintenance and an outer covering.
Research BTU ratings
A BTU is a British thermal unit and represents a measure of heat. The square footage and openness of your outdoor location will make a difference in the BTU rating you need from the electric fireplace you select.
A higher BTU means more heat production. For an outdoor electrical heat source, BTUs generally range from 30,000 to 100,000. Take into account the size of the space you will be heating. If it’s a small balcony, you’ll be fine with a lower BTU rather than trying to heat a large patio or garden. If space is partially enclosed, you can select a unit with a lower BTU rating. The benefit of heating with an electric fireplace is that you will quickly feel the effects in the immediate vicinity, and all it takes is the press of a remote control button.
There are endless benefits to a Wall Mounted fireplace as long as it is operated and installed correctly. Safe for entertaining the family and having children around, these artificial flames will warm your heart and hands while creating a welcoming environment for gatherings throughout the year.
