If you want your own fireplace, but don’t want to leave the comfort of your apartment, then an electric fireplace might be the right alternative for you. It simulates the effects of a real fireplace, but there is no need for you to chop wood or get your hands dirty. It’s a win-win, right?
So, if you are hooked, let me tell you about several safety features on how to handle these wonderful inventions, so none of your family members will accidentally get hurt.
5 Most Important Electric Fireplace Features
Here is my list of the most important safety features. I believe that some of them are no-brainers, but I felt obligated to point them out as well since that’s what this article is about.
1) Automatic Shutoff: Because We All Have Better Things to Do
- Overheat Protection: We know you want to feel warm and cozy, but no one likes a house that’s hotter than a sauna. That’s where overheating protection comes in. This feature ensures your fireplace won’t turn your living room into a scene from Dante’s Inferno by shutting off automatically when it gets too hot.
- Timer: Let’s be honest; we’ve all fallen asleep in front of the TV at some point. But with an electric fireplace, dozing off could be a fire hazard. That’s why a built-in timer is a must-have. Just set it and forget it, and your fireplace will shut off after the designated time. Because who needs a babysitter for their fireplace, right?
2) Cool-to-the-Touch Glass: Because No One Wants to Get Burned
The last thing you need is your electric fireplace to become a literal hot spot in your home. A cool-to-the-touch glass front ensures that even when the fire is blazing, the glass stays cool. So, you can rest easy knowing that your curious toddler or overly-affectionate cat won’t get singed.
This is a feature not every electric fireplace comes with, simply because some models try to emulate the feeling of an actual fireplace so they are warm to the touch. Make sure to check what exactly you want from your electric fireplace before making a purchase.
3) Tip-Over Protection: Because Accidents Happen
- Weighted Base: We all know that one person who’s a bit clumsy (in my group of friends, that’s me). To protect your home and loved ones, look for an electric fireplace with a weighted base. This will help prevent the fireplace from tipping over and starting an impromptu bonfire in your living room.
- Tip-Over Switch: Like a guardian angel, this feature has your back. If your fireplace somehow tips over, the tip-over switch will shut it off immediately. Because who wants to play firefighter when you’re just trying to relax?
4) Child Lock: Because Kids Will Be Kids
Children are natural explorers, and your new electric fireplace might look like a fascinating toy to them. That’s why a child lock feature is essential. It’ll prevent your little ones from accidentally turning on the fireplace or changing the settings.
Now, if only there was a child lock for your refrigerator. Oh damn, that’s a million-dollar idea, I’m gonna be rich.
5) Remote Control: Because We’re All a Little Lazy
You’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is get up from your comfy spot on the couch to adjust the heat or turn off the fireplace. That’s where the trusty remote control comes in. With just a click of a button, you can control your electric fireplace without moving a muscle. Now that’s what we call modern-day convenience.
In Conclusion
In my opinion, these are the five most important safety features you can expect from an electric fireplace. The very best electric fireplaces on the market come with at least four of these features, so make sure to check them all before making your final decision.
Now, if you will excuse me, it’s time to make my cocoa and snuggle by my fireplace. Peace out.