Fireplaces for Sale: The Complete Guide to Getting Fireplaces Online
Are you in the market to buy a fireplace? Whether you are building a new home from scratch, renovating existing construction, or deciding you’d like to add a fireplace to a residence that’s never before had one, you’ll be able to find the right fireplace for you at an online retailer. Shopping online for a fireplace will allow you to immediately access to technical specifications for the models and styles you are drawn to, and will let you easily comparison shop to get the best possible price. What’s more, many online retailers have partnership agreements with installers and technicians in major cities and can assist you in finding someone who can professionally install the fireplace of your choice. With these benefits in mind, let’s see what’s out there in the world of getting fireplaces online.
What Types of Fireplace are Available Online?
The same types of fireplaces on display at your local showroom are also all available for sale online. In terms of fireplaces for sale, the main types are freestanding and fireplace inserts. Both of these types are further differentiated by the type of fuel they burn. The main kinds of freestanding fireplaces and inserts tend to use one of these fuel types:
- Wood
- Wood pellets
- Gel fuel
- Coal
- Natural gas
- Propane
- Electricity
Factors to Consider when Buying a Fireplace Online
Since a fireplace, particularly an installed gas fed one, is not a purchase you’ll want to repeat every six months, it pays to take your time and consider your needs carefully before you invest your funds. Here are the main things you need to think about before you make a final purchasing decision; in most cases you should keep these things in mind even during the initial stages of your shopping foray.
- Do you have an existing fireplace structure in your home? If so, you must decide whether you wish to replace the entire fireplace or if you prefer to use an insert into the existing structure.
- How large is your existing fireplace? You will need to choose a compatible size. Too large will not fit, but too small will present an unattractive appearance and will be less efficient in terms of heating.
- What fuel source do you prefer to use? Bear in mind that while electricity rarely poses a challenge, choosing gas will involve additional steps during installation. On the other hand, choosing a fuel that is not continuously self fed from a main supply means assigning yourself a chore. Wood fireplaces as well as those that use wood pellets and coal will require you to refill a hopper at the very least. If you are not physically able to lift heavy loads or if you simply prefer to not fuss over your fireplace in that manner, gas or electricity would be better for you.
- If you prefer a freestanding fireplace, how much floor space do you have free to devote to it? Bear in mind that you need to allow for clearance — placing items too close to a freestanding fireplace creates a fire hazard.
- Will the online outlet you purchase from help you to find a professional installer, should one be needed? (usually one is not needed for freestanding electric fireplaces. For all other types it is recommended to use a properly licensed and trained installer.)
Advanced Features of the Top Models of Fireplaces
The days are long gone when a fireplace was just a box that contained fuel as it combusted and produced heat. Today’s fireplaces offer a wide range of advanced features to help make them easy to use, efficient, and pleasant to watch. Some of the most advanced features now available include:
- Artificial logs and embers that glow in a realistic manner
- Thermostats with programmable digital displays and timers
- Protective features to avoid overheating, including circuits that will turn electric fireplaces off should they be tipped over
- Remote controls
- Noiseless fans to distribute heat without dispelling the illusion that the heat is generated solely by the fire
- “No heat” options that allow you to enjoy the visual impression of the fireplace in summer, but without the heat normally produced.
- Energy efficiency that far exceeds the traditional fireplace used for centuries
Top Recommended Fireplace Options, All Available Online:
1. Bionaire BFH5000-UM Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote Control
This electric fireplace offers a warm glowing appearance despite the lack of traditional fuel — nothing is truly being burned up, but you wouldn’t guess that from looking at it. Designed to be installed into an alcove area in a wall or to stand freely on its own stand, the Bionaire Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote Control provides an excellent level of heating without any of the mess associated with wood or coal fireplaces.
More like a heater than a fireplace in terms of ease and functionality, the Bionaire comes standard with an on and off timer that can operate on a cycle as long as twelve hours, allowing you to “set it and forget it.” Your home can be pre-heated when you arrive home from work, something that will never happen with a traditional wood burning fireplace. A thermostat allows you to determine the precise temperature you prefer, and a programmable digital display makes controlling the unit simple to learn. Overtip protection is built in, as automatic shut off in the event of overheating; the Bionaire comes standard with a one year limited warranty.
Since the unit is electric and involves no combustion, you will never have to worry about fumes escaping into your home or depletion of oxygen from living spaces. The overall design is sleek and modern, perfect to fit in with today’s minimalist architecture and emphasis on leaving a smaller “footprint” on planet Earth. This angle is emphasized through the use of a fan to quickly distribute heat so that less overall fuel is needed to maintain a comfortable interior temperature.
This unit does have a few drawbacks I noticed:
- The fan is noisy and can disrupt the illusion of fire; the fan, for safety reasons, continues to run for a time even after the fireplace is switched off.
- The “wood crackling” sound effect is not realistic (but it can be turned off if it annoys you).
- The model is shallow enough that when freestanding, it does not appear to be a true “fireplace.”
2. Dimplex CFP3920BW 20-Inch Electric Fireplace
The Dimplex Electric Fireplace includes not just the appearance of glowing logs, but also a three dimensional artificial flame that has been patented. I personally find the flame very lifelike and was surprised at how realistic an artificial fire could appear. Available in burnished walnut, the unit fits in with traditional architecture and yet avoids the traditional dangers associated with burning wood indoors: dangers such as open flames and toxins such as carbon monoxide being released into the home. The Dimplex has a fan forced heater and a thermostat, but also offers a “no heat” option that allows you to gaze in enjoyment at the fireplace even during the warmest months of the year.
Complete with a remote control for your comfort and convenience, the fireplace also offers something many electric fireplaces lack: a full thirty-six inch wide mantel so that you can display keepsakes or treasured photographs in style. Installation is a snap, with no need to arrange pipes or vents to the outside. Within minutes you can have it installed, switched on, and producing enough heat for rooms small and large alike, even though it consumes less than 1500 watts of power even with the flame and heat both turned on.
Points I especially like:
- This fireplace, unlike some electric units, is very quiet.
- The glass panel fits very snugly, giving me peace of mind that it won’t fall and shatter.
- The unit is very attractive.
Improvements I’d like to see:
- The remote could have more features than just an on/off button.
3. SEI Contemporary Wall Mount Gel Fuel Fireplace
This fireplace is different from both of the above because it uses gel fuel instead of electricity. While that does mean that you need to lay in a supply of the special gel fuel (representing an additional cost and hassle factor), it also means that in a blackout you won’t be without your fireplace for heating. Depending on how cold your winters get and how unreliable electricity can be in your area (it’s quite chancy in mine) this could be an important consideration. Each insertion of fuel typically lasts about 3 hours if burnt continuously, producing more than 3,000 BTUs of heat.
Things I liked about this model:
- It can be used indoors or outdoors, adding style and elegance to living room or patio alike.
- Needs no installation, although it can be wall mounted if desired.
- Contemporary silver color is very stylish.
Issues I had with this model:
- Purchasing fuel separately is a bit of a pain; fuel seems to be available mainly online. If it were in stores as well, that would be more convenient.
- Doesn’t produce as much heat as I’d like — raises temperatures less than ten degrees, and that’s in a small room.
The Final Word
Fireplaces are available online in every style and design imaginable, and the internet allows you to comparison shop from the comfort and convenience of your own home. My personal recommendation for a fireplace is the Dimplex Electric Fireplace. I like the security of knowing it runs on electricity and the fact that it operates very quietly. The minor inconvenience of a limited function remote control is not enough to detract from the other very positive and strong features this model possesses.