The Story Behind Electric Fireplaces

Once upon a time, way back before the very first written record of man's history, a primitive human got cold and hungry. So, he decided to do something about it and fire was born. There was no fancy edifice for fire, just a bunch of wood and sticks thrown together in a pit. That, my dear friends, is what you call the first fireplace.

Humans from different cultures came into being with their little fire sticks and put them into their homes. Smoke would escape through a hole in the roof, eventually; as man figured out they were choking on the fumes from the fire. Fast forward to the 17th century when Prince Rupert of England found that by raising the grate in the fireplace, the airflow was greatly improved, as well as the venting of the smoke. Turning into the 18th century, Ben Franklin discovered that a convection chamber for the fireplace increased the successful workings of the fire to heat the home. Old Ben also figured out that by pulling air out from underneath, and giving the smoke from the fire a longer shot out the roof improved the airflow. This type of fireplace actually became known as the Franklin Stove, whose design is still found in use today. Count Rumford in the same era designed what would be the grandfather to the modern fireplaces. The Victorian Era would bring fireplaces into the popular mainstream of society.

Those of position determined that the fireplace added status, grace, comfort, and appeal. Not only did they produce heat, but also you "were somebody" if you owned a fireplace. Opulence ensued as styles became extravagant in some of the mansions and castles. Sophistication arose with sand casting techniques allowing manufacturers to create beautiful works of art with the mantelpieces and fireplaces. Fast forward to the 20th century.

Vent-less fireplaces are all the rage now, as you needn't use a chimney or hearth. Brick and stone fireplaces are built in this manner. Traditional fireplaces can be made of masonry or prefabricated. They will burn wood or coal with fire. Gas logs can be used in gas fireplaces, with no fire burned. Gel is another alternative. One of the greener forms of fireplaces on the current market is electric fireplaces. They come in the form of electric inserts that can fit into an existing fireplace or freestanding fireplaces.

Electrical fireplaces can look like a traditional fireplace, until you realize that they are plugged into the wall outlet. The logs look and sound real and the heat is generated as if it was from fire. They can also be a little sneaky, appearing to be works of art hung on a wall. They can even be built to look like different styles of furniture. They can be set up anywhere you have electricity with corner units also available. So, no matter if you live in a small studio apartment or a larger home, you can find a place for the portable electric fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces are virtually maintenance free and work by way of fan blower motors directing the warm air outwards into the room. Cool to the touch, you will not be burned and you can leave the fireplace on its own to heat. Whatever your personal style, you will be able to find an electric fireplace to match your needs.