Heat to Go - Portable Fireplaces

Recently I wrote an article about space heaters. With winter upon us, we've cranked up the heat and watched our utility costs rise. While a space heater may work well in a small area, if the area you want to warm is fairly large, you may have to look elsewhere. A portable fireplace might be just what you need.

If you’re anything like me, there are probably numerous times, each fall and winter, when you think how nice it would be if you had a fireplace. Well, now you can. With modern technology, it is now possible to have a fireplace even if you don’t have a chimney. If you live in an apartment and have room, you can have a fireplace and when you move, you can take it with you. It’s amazing what time and ingenious thought can do! If it weren’t for Santa Claus, chimneys might one day go by the wayside.

There are two types of portable fireplaces I will cover here, each offering its own benefits. A little research can help make your decision a more educated one and the purchase an easier one. And while neither of these will take the place of a traditional fireplace, especially if you enjoy the smell of the wood burning and the flickering of the flame, they can be enjoyed by those of you who may otherwise have to do without. Now you, too, can curl up in front of the fire on a cold winter’s night.

Portable fireplaces are more convenient, as there is no longer a need to chop wood or purchase cords of wood from someone else. No time has to be spent loading up the truck, driving it home, unloading and putting those logs away. No more money has to be spent on those artificial logs that make the job easy, but are only a substitute. When the night is cold, you don’t have to bundle up and go outside to gather up new logs to keep the fire going. There’s no need to get up from that comfortable spot you just got settled in to stoke the fire.

These fireplaces are cleaner and easier than the traditional fireplace we all know so well. There is no longer the need to sweep and no more ash means cleaner air to boot! Your new portable fireplace will give off no unpleasant fumes. There will be no more smoke and no more soot. And whichever fireplace you choose, it will be more cost-effective and energy-efficient, as none of that heat will escape out the chimney.

The first option I’ll talk about is the electric fireplace. All you need is a place to put it and an available outlet. There is no need for a gas line which, as many of you know, is no longer the default source of energy in today’s homes and apartments. There are no expensive installation fees and some electric fireplaces may use no more energy than that of a space heater. And the electric version is not harmful to the environment. Not only are there no carbon emissions produced, there is also no consumption of commonly used fuels, such as coal, gas or wood. And because there is nothing being burned, most models are cool to touch and therefore, safer around children and pets.

A fireplace can add the finishing touch to a home, creating warmth and depth in a space where maybe there was none. A glowing fire can provide an ambiance to a room. It can create a romantic atmosphere or a friendly beacon. People tend to gather around a fire, like moths to a flame. With that in mind, an electric fireplace gives you the option of turning off the heater and enjoying the mood it creates year ‘round.

When it comes to design, the choices available are endless. Whether you are in love with a traditional wood mantle, a modern take on the same or something more unusual, there are styles, colors and shapes bound to fit anyone’s taste.

The second type I will discuss is the gel-fuel fireplace. Once again there is no need for a chimney and no gas lines needed. Unlike the electric model, with a gel-fuel fireplace, there is no need for electricity, making it even easier to bring into any room of your house. And like the electric version, there is no clean-up required.

This type of fireplace uses an eco-friendly fuel source, which is a jellied alcohol compound. It is non-toxic and odorless. This gel-fuel comes in a canister and each one usually holds enough fuel to burn a good three hours. It is not quite as efficient or cost-effective as an electric fireplace, but some seem to think it has a more “romantic” feel to it.

Just like the electric fireplace, the gel-fuel edition has an abundance of models and colors. Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your new fireplace, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste and fits your lifestyle.

You can also get a free-standing, ventless gas fireplace or one that runs on propane. And while you can put these virtually anywhere with no need for a chimney, they really aren’t too portable, as they run off of a gas line.

So, there you have it...my take on portable fireplaces. If you’ve always wanted a fireplace, but live in a house or an apartment without one, now’s your chance. If you’ve been thinking about it, I hope this information is helpful.

If, like me, you don’t have room or are on a tighter budget, maybe a space heater is the answer. ..

Is A Space Heater The Answer?