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Design DilemmaFireplaceKitchens
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Fireplace in kitchen diner

Coldwater
5 years ago

We need to install a radiator in our kitchen/dining area because of an condensation issue and that side of the room being very cold! The room already has one radiator.

Instead of a radiator, we are considering an electric fire to make more of a cosy, feature area. Something similar to the below.

The kitchen is a shaker style, but we will be looking to add a more contemporary one in in the coming years. This fire needs to fit in with this style and the rest of the house. The house is an old 1700 farmhouse, and we've been adding a contemporary stamp to it, and trying not to lose its charm.

Do you think this would look odd in the space? Are there other options? Please see photos below of the kitchen plus dining area as it is when it was up for sale. I've also included an example of the fireplace style we're thinking of.

Thanks.

Featured Answer
  • Danielle H
    5 years ago

    @Beano naughty google, you'd think typing in electric wood burner would bring up just that! I should have checked my link before posting!

    Thanks to @forzaitalia for confirming such a thing does exist!

    Comments (21)

    • Coldwater
      Original Author
      5 years ago

      It would go on the wall with the clock.

    • Daisy England
      5 years ago

      If it’s a farmhouse would a wood burner suit?

    • Sonia
      5 years ago

      It’s certainly a cheaper option than a wood burner to buy and install. Electric fires are more expensive to run than a radiator (or at least that’s what Martin Lewis the money saving expert says!), but I have an electric faux wood burner in my living room and it certainly is cosy and so easy to use. It isn’t enough to warm a room when it is very cold and icy outside, but fine on our British damp, drizzly days. I can’t have a wood burner as I have allergies and they make me ill. It’s quite a modern design, but if you’re wanting to become more contemporary then go for it.

    • maya
      5 years ago
      I really like it!
    • Emily
      5 years ago
      I like it but tbh your kitchen looks like a traditional dedicated kitchen dining space and not sure it seems right? Do these electric versions have a fan? If yes then that adds to the kitchen noise volume too. Seems to me the best thing about these electric fires apart from installation ease is the warm fire “light” relaxing ambience they provide which seems better suited to relaxing rooms with lower light levels?
    • Emily
      5 years ago
      A radiator would provide more reliable easier heat and I might fancy a radiator bench if it were mine, just did a quick google search
    • PRO
      MBH Carpentry and Joinery Ltd.
      5 years ago

      I think the one with the weathered grey cladding would look good, as you are planning to change the kitchen at some point I think this would be a good solution, the inset fireplaces are quite good and most are a similar output to a 2 KW fire. (like you used to get from the council when your heating broke down years ago) lol.

      You may be able to get some reclaimed timbers that could be used to give it that extra rustic feel and possibly could be bleached a little if needed.

    • Coldwater
      Original Author
      5 years ago
      Thank you for all of your comments and time.

      We had considered a wood burner, however not sure it would get signed off with an extractor in the same room and it also wouldn't provide the instant heat we need. It would look lovely though...!

      We now are wondering if a radiator is just the way to go. We are concerned that an electric style heater like one in the photos, won't warm the space enough and will just blast the space with heat in front of it rather than warming the whole room and keeping the wall condensation free. Also the space behind the boxed in area won't be able to breathe and will become more damp.

      Unless anyone has any other solutions (or knows different to the above) I think a radiator will be the way we go.
    • Pavan123
      5 years ago
      An electric fire isn't enough to heat that room as the only heat source, it would be for aesthetics. I'd go for a radiator if I were you. good luck!
    • Pavan123
      5 years ago
      An electric fire isn't enough to heat that room as the only heat source, it would be for aesthetics. I'd go for a radiator if I were you. good luck!
    • Jonathan
      5 years ago
      Firstly can you make the existing radiator better?- for instance some newer radiators give out more heat, you could go bigger or make it a double.

      If it were me I think a wood burner would look more appropriate. You are right about the conflict with the kitchen extractor so you need to speak to a wood burner supplier about the feasibility of having an external air source for the stove.
    • Danielle H
      5 years ago

      Can you not now get electric fires made to look like wood burners?


      https://www.glowing-embers.co.uk/ShopByBrand/FlavelMultifuelStoves/FlavelArundel4.9kwDefraMultifuelWoodBurningStove?m1track=googlebase&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItZ_equeX3wIV7p3tCh10Cg-dEAQYByABEgI6t_D_BwE#googleshopping

    • Anthony (Beano)
      5 years ago
      Think the one above is an actual wood burning stove! Think glen dimplex do some sort of electric fire fake smoke thing.
    • Sonia
      5 years ago
      last modified: 5 years ago

      I have an electric fake wood burner thingy. Fools everybody! However I use it more when it’s a bit nippy outside but not freezing cold. I don’t like it too hot indoors, but once the temperature hits 5 degrees or less outside we put the radiators on. The electric fire isn’t enough at these temperatures, think of it more as an addition to radiators, rather than a replacement. Only cost about £150 too!



    • richard1731
      5 years ago

      L B - The fireplaces you show look more like bio fuel fireplaces, these give out about 3kw of heat and you don't need any kind of chimney or flue. A friend has one in her living room and the real flames plus the bit of heat it gives out is very convincing. Lots of options, just search for bio fuel fire places - heres one to for info: https://www.biofires.com

    • PRO
      The Heating Centre
      5 years ago

      An electric fire would be a very easy option - clear too as you don't want to be having to empty ashes out . If you are trying to chose between a Gas or Electric fire - why not take a look at our blog : https://www.theheatingcentre.co.uk/gas-and-electric-fires/gas-or-electric/

    • Coldwater
      Original Author
      5 years ago
      Thanks again for all your comments. The bio fuel looks great, but probably not safe with a toddler and a bit fiddly if you have to add fuel each time.

      I think we'll be going with a radiator or possibly a wood burner, increasing the output of the existing radiator may mean that is an option.
    • Coldwater
      Original Author
      5 years ago
      Does anyone know how efficient, in terms of energy consumption and warming the room, an electric wood burner stove is compared to a radiator? Would that just blast heat directly into the space rather than warming a whole room. The kitchen is a large space...
    • Coldwater
      Original Author
      5 years ago
      Me again...
      I've discovered these today, gas wood burners.
      Are these any good at warming a whole room?
      https://www.ukstoves.co.uk/p/3.4kw-cl5-midline-balanced-flue-gas-stove
    • PRO
      The Heating Centre
      5 years ago

      Yes most definitely - they give off a tremendous amount of heat and they are super efficient as well as being really realistic to look at without the mess of a real fire. . . We sell a lot of these fires at our Showroom in Coventry. If you'd like to see the range of NEW ExDisplay fires and stoves we have why not take a look at our Facebook Album https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2003425699749279&type=1&l=c75abdffe0 or give us a ring on 024 7693 5212 to discuss your needs - we will be only too pleased to give you help and advice.


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