Electric fireplace

[sisterpine]

Now that I have moved to the desert and it is winter I find myself really miss having morning beverage while watching the flames in the wood stove.

Don't really need a wood stove here in the city and Lord knows the city does not need any more air polution! I am wondering about putting one of those small exectric fireplaces in the family room. The room is an add on and does not have a furnace vent of its own it is cooler in there than the rest of the house. I could put in a gas one but that seems like a great deal of work for something I would use only a few minutes at a time and not very often either.

Does anyone have one of these things that looks like a little flame in a fireplace or a wood stove looking thing? sis

[weedlady]

I have one in my office at work. DH bought it for me at Lowe's several years ago. It does a really nice job of keeping me warm if I need it(I have no control over the office thermostat). It does make noise when the fan kicks on. The "flames" are ok, not all that realistic, but still kind of soothing to watch. It makes my office look cozy and homey. I'm very happy with mine.
Martha

[plowjockey]

We have one of the fireplace heaters.

It puts out a reasonable amount of heat, but really just warms a chilly room, that already has another heat source.

It woulds not heat a cold room very well here, IMO, but might in AZ.

[Helena]

Our daughter has one with her TV that sits on top..of the entertainment center. It is electric and does put some heat out and makes the room cozy. Looks nice and don't think it's a big expense for the few hours they use it once in a while. I think they are neat and I would certainly get one.

[Pearl B]

I got this little electric stove from walmart for $99. Its okay to heat one room. I do like watching the flames in the dark.

[sisterpine]

Cool, thanks for all the information! I shall begin my search. sis

[Ken Scharabok]

Essentially these are the 'Amish stoves' which were so highly advertised on TV and newspapers. Sister & BIL bought a unit at Lowe's and are quite happy with it. Basicaly little more than a glorified electric space heater though.

[YuccaFlatsRanch]

Think twice about installing a woodstove - better yet read Thomas Sherry's 'Deep Winter'. It is very helpful to have a back up heating system that can be used to cook on too if electricity goes away. My stove is part of my preps.

[Ross]

Gel alcohol fire places might suit you better. Pretty to watch but not expensive or difficult to hook up/use.