Electric fireplace TV stands are truly an ingenious invention. They are appliances that combine an electric fireplace and a TV stand into a single unit. In addition, electric fireplace TV stands come with open spaces or spaces behind cupboard doors, which can hold other media devices.
Interestingly, most individuals are unaware of the existence of electric fireplace TV stands. In this article, we have provided a complete guide on electric fireplace stands, including what they are, their features, and more.
What are electric fireplace TV stands?
As the name suggests, it is a TV stand combined with a built-in electric fireplace in one unit. They come in different designs, including linear and corner units. Electric fireplace TV stands allow you to place a TV on top of the unit and store other media devices or decorative appliances in the open shelving or inside the cupboard spaces.
Do electric fireplace TV stands generate heat?
Like every other electric fireplace unit, some electric fireplace TV stands can produce heat while others only offer the display of flames on the front screen. Hence, when shopping for an electric fireplace TV stand, you need to check for ‘heating’ as part of its features to use it for supplemental heating.
Electric fireplace TV stands that generate heat use an internal heater. The heater in an electric fireplace TV stand is either an infrared or a fan-forced heater, which uses a heating element and a blower fan. In most cases, a unit with a space heater generates approximately 5000 BTUs, sufficient to heat spaces of up to 400 square feet. On the other hand, an electric fireplace TV stand unit with an infrared heater can heat up to 1000 square feet.
What are the types of electric fireplace TV stands?
Electric fireplace TV stands come in several designs. However, the most common types include the following:
- Linear- These units look rectangular when viewed from their front side.
- Traditional- These units are square or taller than they are wide.
- Corner versions- These units have their rear end shaped to fit perfectly in the corner of a room or space.
What features do electric fireplace TV stands have?
Electric fireplace TV stands have additional features that make them more pleasant and useful. Other features usually include the following:
- TV-holding space
- Open spaces
- Cupboard spaces
- Electric fireplace flame effects
- Heater
- Remote control
TV-holding space
Electric fireplace TV stands are primarily TVs; therefore, they will always have a space at the top for holding a TV. All electric fireplace TV stands differ in terms of the TV size they can fit. When shopping for an electric fireplace TV stand, you should choose a unit capable of holding your TV size.
Open spaces
The majority of electric fireplaces have open shelves above the electric fireplace. The space is usually for housing other media appliances or decorations.
Cupboard spaces
Electric fireplace TV stands often provide space to store cutlery and crockery. The area can be either alongside open shelving spaces or on its own.
Electric fireplace flame effects
As part of the electric fireplace insert, electric fireplace TV stands always have flame effects on the screen. You can turn it on/off or adjust the flame settings independently.
Heater
Some electric fireplace TV stands also come with an internal heater as part of the electric fireplace insert. The heater can be either infrared or a conventional fan heater. The heater operates independently from the flames. Hence, you can have the heater on, and the flames turned off concurrently.
In addition, electric fireplace TV stands have a thermostat to regulate the temperature, a timer function, and an auto switch-off feature that accompanies the heater.
Remote control
For convenience, most electric fireplace TV stands come with a remote, which allows you to control different features. The features include:
- Switching the unit on/off.
- Adjusting the flame color.
- Adjusting flame intensity.
- Adjusting flame speed.
- Adjust heat output and temperature and set the timer.
Electric fireplace TV stands pros and cons.
In all honesty, like any other appliance, electric fireplaces have their advantages and disadvantages,
Pros
- Electric fireplace TV stands, integrate a TV stand and an electric fireplace into one unit.
- They provide extra storage space
- They are easy to install and operate
- They offer instant supplementary heating and flames
- They create a soothing environment
- They are a focal point for the living room
- They save on space
- They have little to no maintenance
Cons
- Electric fireplace TV stand units are typically large and heavy
- electric fireplace TV stand units with a conventional fan heater tend to be noisy
- They have a limited TV size in that they can only hold up to a certain extent.
How to install and use an electric fireplace TV stand?
Depending on the unit you opt for, electric fireplaces can be either assembled or unassembled when purchased. You should always check on the status of an electric fireplace unit before purchase to identify the amount of work required to have the electric fireplace TV stand unit fully assembled and ready for use.
Once you have sorted out the unit’s assembly, the next step to using it is plugging it into a power source. Electric fireplace TV stands manufacturers advise the unit should always be plugged directly into the power outlet and not on an extension cord or similar appliance. That is to prevent fire breakout from the extension cord overheating after drawing in large amounts of electricity.
When installing an electric fireplace TV stand, it is necessary to choose a location near a power outlet to avoid needing an extension cord. Once you install and plug in the electric fireplace TV stand unit to a power source. Mount your TV on top of the unit, turn it on with the remote control and enjoy its services.
Are electric fireplace TV stands safe?
Yes, electric fireplace TV stands are one of the safest home appliances. That is because they do not use real flames and are not hot to touch during operation. Nevertheless, electric fireplace TV stands are still electric appliances, and therefore there is always an inherent danger with using them. To maximize their safety, you must adhere to their manufacturer’s guidelines.
As for TV safety with electric fireplace TV stands. When properly installed, and the TV you place on it is of the required size, electric fireplace TV stands do not threaten your TV.
Do electric fireplace TV stand units use a lot of electricity?
The amount of electricity used by an electric fireplace TV stand entirely depends on how you use the unit. For instance, if an electric fireplace TV stand runs with the flame effects only, it will consume less electricity than one running with the flames and heater. However, in terms of cost, it is cheaper to use an electric fireplace TV stand for heating than using your home’s central heating system. If everyone is in the living room, you can switch off the central heating to avoid energy waste in unoccupied rooms and instead use the heating from the electric fireplace TV stand.
What should you consider when buying an electric fireplace TV stand?
Identifying a suitable electric fireplace TV stand is challenging for most people. Here are some key factors you should focus on to help you find the right unit for your home:
- The function and storage considerations
First, you should look for an electric fireplace capable of accommodating your expensive TV safely, with features to increase functionality, such as cable management ports. Furthermore, since electric fireplace TV stands take up much space in a room, the unit you opt for should provide enough storage space in the form of open shelves, lockable enclosed cabinets, or secret compartments.
- The size, style, and finish of the unit
Pick an electric fireplace with a room it will end up in, in mind. You would not want to buy an electric fireplace TV stand only to find out it is too big or small for your room or does not match its existing theme, style, and interior décor. The TV stand you pick, furniture, finish, and room style should all complement each other. Additionally, the TV stand should be capable of effectively heating your room.
- Your budget and value of the unit
When picking an electric fireplace TV stand unit, you need to ensure it ticks all the boxes in terms of utility. Nonetheless, it would be best if you settled on an electric fireplace within your budget.
- The heating and flame effect considerations
The intention of having an electric fireplace TV stand is not to have to choose between a TV and an electric fireplace to be the focal point in the room. Hence, an electric fireplace with a subpar flame effect is no good. The electric fireplace you opt for should have realistic flame effects and matching heating capabilities.
- Additional convenience features
Other convenience features in an electric fireplace TV stand would make it even more satisfying. The additional elements can be in the form of a thermostat, cool-to-touch feature, low assembly difficulty, or all of the above.
Conclusion
In this article, leaving no stone unturned, we have expounded on every aspect of electric fireplace TV stands. We have explained what they are, how they operate, their types and features, their pros, cons, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use an electric fireplace unit as a TV stand?
Yes, but only if it is an electric fireplace TV stand. That is because electric fireplace TV stands are designed to hold the weight of a TV. The weight of a TV might damage a normal electric fireplace.
Are electric fireplace units tacky?
Brief answer, No. However, it depends on the specific electric fireplace you purchase. Nine out of ten times, a cheaper electric fireplace from an unestablished manufacturer will be tacky, while a more costly one from an established manufacturer will be the real deal.
Are TV stands with a fireplace worth it?
Yes, especially if you currently have a traditional fireplace in your house. A TV stand with an electric fireplace will hold your TV in place and eliminate the hassle and mess that comes with conventional fireplaces.
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