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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to think this design is rubbish

47 replies

belimoo · 06/05/2021 23:25

I would really appreciate any advice from DIY experts or home renovators with this.

We recently had a new fire/fireplace installed in a previously bricked up fireplace. We aren't allowed to burn anything here so we had to opt for an electric fire to add warmth to an otherwise cold room.

The electric fire kept cutting out when we turned it on and we realised it was because of the grate/grille situated in front of a part which was labelled 'do not cover'. The company have now said that we have to remove the grate anytime we want to put the fire on but that looks awful! I will try to attach pictures to show what I mean.

Is this a normal design? Do other people on here with electric fireplaces move a grate around every day and expect to see a warning sign at the bottom of their fire every time they want to use it as a heater?

I've never seen anything like this before but happy to be told AIBU and many people live like this. Apparently they've never had a complaint before...

OP posts:
Original poster
belimoo · 06/05/2021 23:27

Sorry, here are the photos. Would you be happy to have to remove the grate like this? Is this usual?

AIBU to think this design is rubbish
AIBU to think this design is rubbish
AIBU to think this design is rubbish
OP posts:
PhatPhanny · 06/05/2021 23:39

I cant see any photos

coffeemonster23 · 06/05/2021 23:46

Sorry that's terrible! I don't have one but I have seen fake fires before in friends houses. the heaters have been integrated into the design of the fireplace.

Geppili · 06/05/2021 23:50

That's awful! Did they make this clear in their promo material?

RedAzalea · 06/05/2021 23:51

Which brand is the fire?

SaintVal · 06/05/2021 23:53

It's like they've used a gas fire surround for an electric fire. Can you just move it out a little bit to create a bigger gap or are they saying you have to move it right away and completely keep that area clear? Either way, I think it's a bit odd.

Flowers500 · 07/05/2021 00:12

I still can’t see the photos

BlackDaffodil · 07/05/2021 00:42

Not good

sbhydrogen · 07/05/2021 07:09

I've never seen nor heard of that before!

Wilkolampshade · 07/05/2021 07:13

Nope, that's not a thing.
Could you use a bunch of LED warm white fairy lights in the grate instead to give the illusion of warmth? Or a couple of church candles lit in the evening?

Beebumble2 · 07/05/2021 07:15

We’re they sold as two different items and not as a complete working electric fire ensemble?
If they were supposed to compliment each other and work as one item, they don’t and you should get a refund for the electric fire bit.

Jumpers268 · 07/05/2021 07:16

That is so bad and I would be so annoyed!

SaltAndVinegarSandwiches · 07/05/2021 07:18

I agree OP it looks really shoddy that you can see the electric fire thing. I'd expect the whole thing to be integrated.

balzamico · 07/05/2021 07:25

that's not acceptable op. we put in an electric fire this year and it works great ( ours is a fake wood burner). if you bought both parts from one fitter they need to put it right.

AIBU to think this design is rubbish
denverRegina · 07/05/2021 07:35

YANBU

IamMaz · 07/05/2021 07:58

So you have a fan heater???

Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:05

@Geppili

That's awful! Did they make this clear in their promo material?
I'm so glad people agree with me! No, they didn't make it clear at all. We wouldn't have bought it if we'd known.
OP posts:
Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:07

@RedAzalea

Which brand is the fire?
It's a Gallery Collection. I'd never heard of them before but we liked the look of it in photos.
OP posts:
Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:08

@SaintVal

It's like they've used a gas fire surround for an electric fire. Can you just move it out a little bit to create a bigger gap or are they saying you have to move it right away and completely keep that area clear? Either way, I think it's a bit odd.
It is odd isn't it! I complained to the company and they said this is normal and nobody else has complained. We have to move the bottom piece away completely otherwise the heater overheats and shuts off.
OP posts:
ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 07/05/2021 08:10

Is that actually correct? It doesn't look as if the curved front of the grate would touch it. Doesn't 'do not cover' mean not to chuck a blanket on it?

Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:10

@Wilkolampshade

Nope, that's not a thing. Could you use a bunch of LED warm white fairy lights in the grate instead to give the illusion of warmth? Or a couple of church candles lit in the evening?
Thanks for the suggestions. There is an option to just turn the lights on and not use the heater element, so we can make it look like the fire is on when it isn't but we really need it for the warmth too.
OP posts:
Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:13

@Beebumble2

We’re they sold as two different items and not as a complete working electric fire ensemble? If they were supposed to compliment each other and work as one item, they don’t and you should get a refund for the electric fire bit.
The fireplace was sold with various options but this was an option we could choose as part of this fireplace, so it was sold together as though it would work. There was no indication that we'd have to remove part of it to use the heater.

I did complain and said we wouldn't use the heater element if it had to look like this so it was a waste of money but they said they would only refund if it was faulty.

OP posts:
GoddessKali · 07/05/2021 08:13

If they have photos of it switched on, on their website with the cover in place then you’re bang to rights. What a bloody stupid design!! Don’t let them fob you off, I can guarantee you that others would of complained too!

Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:13

@balzamico

that's not acceptable op. we put in an electric fire this year and it works great ( ours is a fake wood burner). if you bought both parts from one fitter they need to put it right.
I am very jealous of your beautiful and functioning fire!
OP posts:
Original poster
belimoo · 07/05/2021 08:14

@IamMaz

So you have a fan heater???
Yes ☹️
OP posts:
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