Free-standing electric fireplace. Tell me about them.

[AnneOfAvonlea]

We have no fireplace currently. We're thinking about one of these but I've never seen one.

I see that they go flat against the wall. Are they ok on carpet?
Or does it have to be a wooden floor type thing?

Do they fix to the wall at all? They wouldnt fall over with boisterous kids would they?

They look nice in the pictures I'm seeing. Do they look nice in RL?

Do any of you have any recommendations?
Thanks

Anyone? It's very cold at the moment. Think warm thoughts...

Not sure what you mean. My DB has an electric fire and it was quite good when we were over last night.

We have central heating, a real fire and an electric radiator and the radiator is v useful for when we need a quick burst of warmth and heating is not on and can't be bothered to make a fire.

We also have lovely blankets to snuggle under!

Yes they can go on carpet if it is the complete suites I am thinking of. Some of the newer ones have very realistic flame effects or just nice pleasing effects.

Don't know how expensive to run.

You would probably be best to secure it to the wall, but not likely to topple.

Thanks.

Yes skramble it is one of the complete suites I'm thinking of. Like this I just couldnt see how it wouldnt fall over unless you attach it to the wall but they dont say anything in the desciptions about fixing it.

Yes I agree one like that will need fixing to the wall, I was thinking of the ones with big hearths, perhaps it has hidden fixings you screw to the wall then slide it down onto, either that or you can get plates you screw to the fireplace first then to the wall, hidden would be better of course.

Thanks skramble. I guess we just need to go and look at one really.

Anne we have been looking at them too - but a word of warning they are often just blow air heaters, so not very efficiant or cost effective. they are often just for show really.

Oh and they often have wall fixings

I have a similar one to the one in the pic, although mine isn't as nice.

Anyway, imo yes they need to be fixed to the wall, mine is.

Tbh mine is just for show. I never actually use the fire at all.

Thanks. I like this here and it is really not expensive. It wouldnt be used much tbh and will mainly just be for show so I could live with the inefficiency.