If you're considering an Electric Fireplace this winter, you'll likely come across two key installation types: Wall hanging (also known as wall mounted), or Built-In (also known as recessed). Some fireplaces will come with the option to be installed as either a wall hanging or as a built in, but others will be designed for a specific installation type. Knowing this, it's important to know what style you're looking for when you come by our store. Of course, our experts can also help figure this out with you.
As a side note, this is our breakdown of wall hanging vs. built-in electric fireplaces. If you'd like to read about the pros and cons of electric fireplaces compared to gas fireplaces, you can click here! One quick benefit is that electric fireplaces, wall mounted or built-in, require no venting. This means they're relatively more portable and can be brought to a new home or switched into a different room. This makes the perfect addition for those apartments or condos where there are limits on what you're able to install.
Moving on, let's get into the particulars about what constitutes a wall hanging fireplace compared to a built-in fireplace.
Wall Hanging (Wall Mounted)
The wall hanging is the most simple of installation types (majority of the time). As you guessed from it's name, this is where your electric fireplace is mounted on the exterior of the wall (usually secured via wall mounting brackets) and your entire fireplace is visible. This often provides a quick and easy installation, and lets you see some of the full design elements.
The most convenient part about the electric wall hangings is that the only power source they need is the basic 120V outlet that we all have in our homes. However, this does mean the fireplace will need to be situated near an outlet, usually above, so the cord can easily be hidden from sight.
Here are a few of our most popular wall mounted electric fireplaces:
- Napoleon Stylus Cara Electric Fireplace
- Dimplex BLF 50 Wall Mount Electric Fireplace
- Napoleon Entice 60" Wall Mount Electric Fireplace
Built-In (Fully Recessed or Flush Mount)
A built-in or recessed fireplace is one that has had a designated area of the wall cut out so that the fireplace can be "built in" the wall, which results in the frame becoming flush with the wall. These installations often take a bit more planning to designate a specific area for the installation. So, they're a tad harder to install than a wall hanging, but they're still easier than a gas fireplace installation. Hitting that sweet spot in the middle, this type of installation will offer a cleaner look that modern designers love to display in show homes.
Here are a few great examples of built-in electric fireplaces:
- Dimplex Ignite XLF50 Electric Fireplace
- Amantii Symmetry Bespoke 60" Built-In Fireplace
- Amantii Symmetry Series 50" Built-In Electric Fireplace
*Note, some of the units listed above have multiple installation options, be sure to ask our experts about your options!*
All in all, wall mounted electric fireplaces offer simple installation processes, stylish designs to highlight the frame, and saves you a lot of time compared to gas fireplaces. Built-in fireplaces take more effort to install, but are still quick and easy compared to their gas fireplace counterparts. Built-ins also offer clean and modern designs that are often preferred by most people. They're also extremely effective at saving space.
Curious about some of the finer details of electric fireplaces? You can check out our FAQ page here!
If you have anymore questions regarding electric fireplaces or installation types, visit any of our 5 locations across Canada to talk to a fireplace expert. We have two locations in Alberta with our Calgary North and Calgary South locations, as well as 3 across the GTA: Burlington, Oakville & Etobicoke, Ontario.