1. What Is a Media Wall Electric Fire?
A media wall electric fire is an integrated heating unit built into a purpose-built wall or entertainment unit. It features an electric fire insert that serves as both a heat source and a decorative element. These fires often have a stylish, modern design, and their landscape style allows for easy integration with other elements like televisions or shelving.
2. What types of Media Wall Electric Fires are available?
There are several types of media wall electric fires, each designed to blend heat, aesthetics, and convenience—while integrating seamlessly into your media wall setup (usually beneath a mounted TV). Here's a breakdown of the most popular styles:
1. Inset (Built-In) Electric Fires
- Most common choice for media walls
- Recesses into the wall for a clean, flush finish
- Available in various widths:
- 600mm / 700mm / 800mm / 900mm / 1000mm / 1200mm / 1250mm
- 1300mm / 1500mm / 1600mm / 1800mm / 1900mm / 2400mm
- Often include panoramic glass fronts and realistic flame effects
- Great for a modern, sleek look
2. Wall-Mounted Electric Fires
- Fixed directly onto the surface of the wall (not recessed) similar to a TV
- Easier and cheaper to install than inset models
- Ideal if your wall isn’t deep enough for a built-in fire
- Still compatible with media walls, but sticks out more than inset versions
- Widths: 1070mm / 1270mm / 1500mm / 1800mm
3. One Multi Box Fire, 3 Glass Configurations
- 1 x single sided front glass panel [GF1]
- 2 x sided front glass panels ideal for corner set ups [GF2]
- 3 x sided front glass panels
4. Two-Sided Electric Fires
- Flames are visible from the front and one side
- Ideal for corner installations or angled features
- Offers more design flexibility than single-facing units
5. Three-Sided / Panoramic Electric Fires
- Flames are visible from front and both sides
- Create a luxury, high-end feature
- Best when installed in custom-built media walls with deeper cavities
6. Freestanding Electric Suites
- A complete unit that includes the fire and surround
- Sits in front of the wall rather than inside it
- Not ideal for media walls but a quick alternative with minimal installation
7. Features to Look For
- LED flame effects (often colour-changing)
- Remote & app control
- Adjustable heat settings
- Thermostat & timer functions
- Flame-only mode (for ambiance without heat)
3. What brands of Media Wall Electric Fire have the best flame effect?
- British Fires Electric Fires
- Dimplex Electric Fire
- Dru Electric Fire
- Ellere Electric Fires
- Ezee Glow Electric Fires
- Henley Aurora Electric Fires
- Iconic Electric Fire
- Ilektro Electric Fires
- Solution Electric Fires
4. Benefits of a Media Wall Electric Fire
5. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Media Wall Electric Fire
Here are some key points to think about before purchasing a media wall electric fire:
a. Size and Shape
- Width: The size of your media wall fire should fit well with your room and existing furniture. Make sure the width matches the intended wall space.
- Depth: Since media wall electric fires are built into a wall unit, their depth is also an important factor. Ensure the fire can be fitted into the wall without protruding too much.
- Height: Most media wall electric fires are landscape-oriented, but check the height to ensure it complements your design.
b. Heat Output
- The heat output of the fire will determine how effective it is at heating your room. Most media wall fires have a heat output range between 1kW and 2kW.
- Consider the size of your room: A larger room will require a higher heat output. A 1kW fire is sufficient for smaller rooms, while larger rooms may benefit from a 2kW fire for optimal warmth.
- Adjustable Heat Settings: Some models allow you to control the temperature, which helps save energy and ensures comfort.
c. Flame Effects
- LED Flames: Look for models with LED flame effects that are both energy-efficient and offer a realistic flame appearance. Many modern media wall electric fires offer customizable flame colors and effects, such as blue, orange, or purple.
- Brightness Control: Some units offer adjustable brightness for the flame effect, allowing you to set the ambiance to your liking.
- 3D Flames: High-end models offer 3D flame technology for a more realistic and dynamic visual experience.
d. Remote Control and Smart Features
- Many media wall electric fires come with remote control functionality, allowing you to easily control the heat and flame effects from a distance.
- Smart Controls: Some models offer app control or integration with smart home systems, allowing you to adjust settings using your phone or voice assistant (e.g., Alexa or Google Home).
e. Installation Options
- Built-In vs. Freestanding: Some media wall fires are designed to be built into a purpose-made wall unit or media cabinet. Others can be mounted on a wall, allowing more flexibility in installation.
- Professional Installation: If you’re opting for a built-in unit, professional installation might be needed, especially if you’re incorporating it into a custom-designed wall.
f. Aesthetics and Style
- Choose a media wall electric fire that fits your home’s decor. They come in a variety of finishes, from sleek black or silver frames to more traditional wood or stone effects.
- Surround Material: Consider the materials of the unit, such as glass, stainless steel, or even marble, which can complement the overall style of the room.
g. Safety Features
- Child Lock: If you have children, look for a model with child safety features like a child lock to prevent accidental use or tampering.
- Overheat Protection: A safety feature that turns off the unit automatically if it overheats.
- Cool Touch Surface: Some models have a cool-touch surface for extra safety, especially in households with pets or young children.
6. Heating Options
Electric stoves come with different heat output levels, typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Common outputs range from 1kW to 2kW, allowing for effective heating in most rooms.
- 1kW: Suitable for smaller rooms or for use as a supplementary heater.
- 2kW: Best for medium-sized to larger rooms and can be used as a primary heat source.
When purchasing, consider the size of the room you want to heat. A higher output is ideal for larger rooms, while a lower output is sufficient for smaller spaces.
7. Energy Efficiency
Electric stoves are generally very energy-efficient since nearly all the energy used is converted directly into heat. With no combustion, there’s no wasted heat or smoke, making them safer and cleaner than traditional wood-burning or gas stoves.
Most models also come with thermostat control and timer functions, allowing you to regulate the heat output for energy savings and maximum comfort.
8. Additional Features to Consider
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Timer Function:
Some electric fires allow you to set a timer so they automatically turn off after a certain period.
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Air Purification:
High-end models may include air purifiers that help improve the air quality in the room while you enjoy the warmth and ambiance.
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Multi-Function:
Certain models combine heating and ambiance with additional features such as built-in speakers or LED lighting for enhanced room effects.
9. Cost of Media Wall Electric Fires
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Budget Range: £300-£500
Basic models with minimal features start at around £300-£500.
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Mid-Range: £500-£1,000
For a more stylish, feature-rich media wall fire, expect to pay between £500-£1,000.
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High-End Models: £1,000+
Premium models with smart technology, advanced flame effects, and larger sizes may cost upwards of £1,000.
10. Running Costs of a Media Wall Electric Fire
The running cost of a media wall electric fire depends on a few key factors, including the power output, how long you run it, and your electricity tariff. Here's a quick breakdown to help you estimate what it might cost:
Average Power Usage
- Most media wall electric fires have a heat output of 1kW to 2kW.
- 1kW setting = uses 1 unit (kWh) of electricity per hour
- 2kW setting = uses 2 units (kWh) of electricity per hour
Typical UK Electricity Cost (as of 2025)
- The average price per unit (kWh) of electricity in the UK is around 27p per kWh (Always check your energy provider for the exact rate)
Example Running Costs
Let’s say you're using the fire on its 2kW setting for 3 hours per evening:
- 2kW x 3 hours = 6 kWh
- 6 kWh x 27p = £1.62 per day
If used every evening for a month:
Using the 1kW setting cuts this roughly in half.
Good to Know
- Flame effects only (no heat) use very little electricity (typically around £1–2/month if run daily).
- Many units come with thermostats or timers so you're not heating unnecessarily.
- Smart models can be scheduled to heat rooms just when needed—saving more in the long run.
11. Conclusion
A media wall electric fire can be a beautiful and practical addition to any room, providing warmth and ambiance with minimal hassle. With the wide variety of models available, it's essential to consider factors like size, heat output, flame effects, installation options, and style. Whether you're upgrading your living room or creating a new focal point, a media wall electric fire offers a modern, efficient solution for your heating and aesthetic needs.
By taking into account the key factors and your specific preferences, you can confidently choose the best media wall electric fire to suit your home and lifestyle.
