Is there such a thing as a nice electric fire suite??

[Whereareyouscooter]

We've just bought a new house and really want a fire as a focal point to the living room. The problem is we don't have a chimney or a flue so are realistically looking at electric fire suites & they're all hideous. We were thinking of getting a Dimplex Optymist but have read they can cause condensation problems. Are there any electric fires out there that look even vaguely realistic? I'd really like something classic with a stone surround but they seem to be just for gas fires only. Can anyone help?

[TattyCat]

We put an electric fire in and I hate it with a passion and never use it, except for the light.

You can have a multifuel or woodburner if the fireplace is on an outside wall - you don't have to have a chimney.

[TattyCat]

Oh, meant to say - I've never seen an electric fire I actually like. We did loads of research but they are a compromise.

[helenatroy]

Why not have a gas one with real flame.

[titchy]

Gel fire? https://www.gelfireplaces.com/index.php?page=shop.productdetails&categoryid=17&flypage=flypagedefault.tpl&productid=%20339&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=57

[DoubleCarrick]

We have the dimplex. Not really noticed any condensation problems but our salt on the table is getting claggy so it must be having some impact. I'm not worried as our house isn't particularly damp and we open the windows a lot.

It's also really fun to design and build your own fire place. We just had a flat wall and DH build our chimney breast, hiding the tv and the alcohol cupboard in it in the process.

[shanghaismog]

Bioethanol has a lovely real flame. Nice and cosy looking but doesn't generate much heat, mind you I don't suppose an electric one will either.

[Whereareyouscooter]

I like the look of the bioethenal ones but am a bit concerned about breathing in the vapour...I guess it must be safe!
Yours looks lovely DoubleCarrick but wouldn't match our house. I've seen lots of lovely gas ones, it's so frustrating. I know we could have a balanced flue but we have windows either side of where the fire will go and I'd worry fumes could get back in.