A wall-mounted fireplace is gradually becoming an increasingly popular alternative to bulky structures installed near walls and in the corners of a room. Changes in the lifestyle and well-being of citizens affected the attitude towards the interior and style of housing. A hinged electric fireplace has become an indispensable item in many city apartments. The role of the heater in relation to these products becomes rather auxiliary or reserve, design and aesthetics come to the fore. In order not to get confused in the abundance of products offered by manufacturers, you should familiarize yourself with the varieties of wall-mounted electric, gas, solid fuel fireplaces and other interesting design solutions.
Types of wall fireplaces for fuel use
The industry produces fireplaces that operate on different energy sources. Thanks to this, the consumer can choose the option that is best suited for the arrangement of his property.
The trade network contains products that run on the following types of fuel:
- Firewood. The most popular design for owners of private houses and summer cottages. There is a lot of wood there, it is obtained inexpensively. However, equipment is required for a reliable chimney through the ceiling and roofing system. The fuel itself burns out quickly and is a fire hazard.
- Electricity. A suspended electric fireplace does not need a chimney and a base. The products are lightweight, compact, and efficient provided they have a heating element. The only negative is the large energy bills. In the presence of central or autonomous heating, an excellent option is electric fireplaces, where instead of a firebox there is a monitor, and the flame is simulated.
- Bioethanol. Denatured vegetable alcohol is used as a fuel and a source of decorative lighting. The fire creates beautiful overflows and warmth, which is enough to heat a small room. Considering that oxygen burns out in the firebox, forced ventilation is required for the room.
- Gas. A burner is installed inside the hearth, which is closed with glass and fake wood. The furnace can be operated from an industrial line or from cylinders. An efficient exhaust hood is required to remove combustion products.
According to the results of the analysis of the sales market, the mounted electric fireplace is in the greatest demand among the population due to its versatility, reliability and safety.
Technical properties and characteristics
When choosing a wall-mounted electric fireplace, you should pay attention to the following product characteristics:
- The size. The fireplace portal can be 60-150 cm in width and 50-80 cm in height. A hearth is selected, the dimensions of which are proportional to the parameters of the room.
- Power. In various models, it varies between 1.0-2.5 kW. On average, high-quality heating of a room requires 1 kW / 10 m².
- Weight. It can be 10-100 kg, depending on the design and size of the hearth. A reliable supporting base is required if the electric fireplace is built into a plasterboard wall.
- Remote control. Its functionality starts from on and off and ends with the ability to adjust the temperature and intensity of the flame.
- Additional options. The most expensive models are equipped with speakers, air purifiers and smoke simulators.
An electric fireplace built into the wall looks more natural, but you will have to spend more time and effort on installation.
Advantages and disadvantages
Considering the unusual decision to place a horizontal electric fireplace on the wall, this product can become an interesting accent for rooms of any style. It is enough to choose a suitable portal for it.
Advantages of wall models:
- ease;
- compactness;
- originality;
- grace;
- autonomy, independence from chimneys;
- ease of maintenance, it is enough to periodically wipe the dust;
- a wide range of products of any design, shape and size;
- the ability to do it yourself.
It cannot be argued that wall hearths are ideal in all respects. Wood-burning products cannot be installed in city apartments, and a permit is required to connect gas equipment. The counterparts working on electricity and biofuel have no restrictions on placement, but are expensive to operate. Electricity and denatured alcohol have an impressive cost, subject to active use of the devices.
Arrangement and installation of wall-mounted fireplaces
Wall-mounted fireplaces, with external differences, have a technologically identical device.
Products consist of the following parts:
- Frame. It is usually made of a steel profile, less often of a bar. Designed for fastening external and internal parts.
- Portal. The outer shell of the hearth. It is made of natural or artificial materials that imitate brick, stone or stucco.
- Firebox. Serves to accommodate fuel or props illuminated by a real flame or lamps. In electric fireplaces, fan heaters are installed under the fireboxes, generating a stream of hot air.
Wall-mounted fireplaces can be square, round and rectangular in shape. The material of manufacture is metal, drywall, glass, laminated boards and plastic.
Regardless of the type, the foci should be located at a distance of 40-80 cm from the floor. So they will look organic, the generated heat will evenly fill the volume of the room. For suspended models, hooks 8 mm are used at the rate of 1 hardware per 20 kg. For built-in products, an installation is made, around which a decorative box is arranged. The wiring is brought into it in advance and hides in the gates or baseboards.
Application area
The scope of use of wall-mounted fireplaces is limited only by the type of fuel used.
For gas fireplaces, the best place would be a spacious kitchen or hall, where you can secretly lead a high pressure hose. At the same time, one should not forget about the hood, which should fit into the interior.
Wood stoves are made stationary, placed in living rooms and halls right next to the wall or in the middle of the room. Here, the determining factor is the chimney laying technology and the features of the supporting structures.
Fireplaces that run on electricity and biofuel can be placed wherever there are no small children and people with mental disabilities. The hearths look great in living rooms, bedrooms, on staircases in a private house.
Popular manufacturers of wall mounted fireplaces
Rating of the most popular manufacturers of wall mounted electric fireplaces:
- Dimplex (Ireland);
- Premi (Germany);
- Althon (Italy);
- Gyrofocus (France);
- Arion (Belgium);
- Electrolux (Sweden);
- Real Flame (Russia);
- Royal Flame (China).
You can purchase goods in specialized retail outlets or on certified Internet portals. You should pay attention to the presence of accompanying documents in order to purchase an authentic high-quality fireplace, and not a fake.
