Electric Fireplace Buying Guide

Deciding on the ideal electric appliance can be a big deal. With all the many brands in the market you can’t be blamed for not being able to settle on the right one. When it comes to electric fireplaces, it’s no different. Though there might not be many brands available in the market as there are with some of the other electric appliances you find, you still want to get the right one. It is on the basis of this that we want to share this electric fireplace buying guide to help you make an informed decision when buying one.

Electric fireplace buying guide- what to consider before buying

Size

When buying an electric fireplace, you need to determine which size would be ideal for you in relation to the size of the space you intend to put it in your house. Is that space big enough to fit in the fireplace? Is there room enough to ensure that the distance between the fireplace and other items in the house as well where people sit does not cause risk of burning?

This is very important to determine especially when you have set it on high heat level because the heated air might be uncomfortable to humans or even damage light plastics. As a rule of thumb, do not place anything very close to the heated air vent. Also the electric fireplace should be far enough from where people sit but also a distance where they can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace.

Power consumption/energy efficiency

This electric fireplace buying guide would not be sufficient without talking about power consumption. The Kenyan Government through EPRA came up with a standards and labelling program to help consumers determine the most energy efficient electric appliances when purchasing one. The labelling is in 5 star model with 5 being the best and 1 the poorest.

While not all electric appliances have been given the rating by EPRA especially the electric fireplaces, you should still ensure you buy an energy saving electric fireplace. In case you are worried where you can get an electric appliance that is energy efficient get in touch with us today.

Safety features

Safety in the course of using the appliance is key. For that reason an electric fireplace must have sufficient safety features to ensure risks that might be involved in case of an emergency are reduced or eliminated altogether. Some of the safety features that you should look out for include the following:

1. Overheat protection- the unit should be able to ensure a certain heat threshold is not exceeded and when the maximum heat level is reached it’s able to auto shut.
2. Good insulation- the power cable must have the best insulation to ensure the wires don’t get easily damaged by external stuff. It should also ensure the wires don’t at any point come into contact to avoid short-circuiting.
3. Fused socket plug– a fused plug is very important for any electric item. It ensures that the appliance is not damaged in case of excess current flow by melting to breaking point by stopping flow of current.
4. Remote control- a remote control can come in handy when you need to switch off the fireplace immediately in case of an emergency. Since it’s easier to reach than the socket switch or power switch on the unit itself, it can make a big difference.
5. Strong/durable body- a strong durable body protects the internal parts of the electric fireplace from damage from external factors. Do not go for one that is made up of poor body material. It should be metallic because it’s strong and lasts.
6. Heat regulator- a heat regulator is very important because you are able to set the right temperature depending with the condition. Sometimes you don’t need high heat but on the other hand you need some warmth at a level that is just right. A heat regulator helps you achieve this because you are able to set just the right level.

Ease of operation

Another aspect to consider when buying an electric fireplace is the ease of use. It should not be complicated to operate even by someone uneducated or low understanding of how to operate electronics and electrical appliances.

Power voltage

There is no one standard voltage for electric application in the world. Different countries have different voltage standards. In Kenya the standard is 240V and 50KHz. Therefore when buying an electric fireplace ensure it uses this rating otherwise it will not be useful for you.

Heat settings

Heat settings are important in that they enable you set different heat levels according to the prevailing temperatures. Sometimes it’s very cold and you need a higher heat level but sometimes it’s a bit cold and you only need a lower heat level.

Are you in the market for an electric fireplace and don’t know what to look out for? The above electric fireplace buying guide will help you make an informed decision when buying.

Where to buy an electric fireplace in Kenya

Styleloft is the market leader in supply of electric fireplaces in Kenya. If you are in need of one, get in touch with us today. All our electric fireplaces adhere to the above guidelines to ensure we sell what is right and suitable for our clients.

You can WhatsApp us, send us an email, fill the contact form or leave you message on the message box. We will respond to you soonest possible.