Buyer's Guide


A new fireplace is an exciting addition to any home, and at Fireplace World, we believe that everyone should have the fireplace they love, for a price that they love too.

With over 600 unique combinations available, we're confident that we have something that you'll love. From easy to install electric fireplace suites through to our brand new bio ethanol range, our fires and fireplaces are available in attractive and varied styles that will add class, character, sophistication and style to any interior.

Don't know where to get started? Don't worry if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed - that's where our handy buying guide comes in! We'll give you a brief overview of the benefits of the different products we do to help get you started.


Fires



Fuel Type Electric Gas Bio Ethanol
Pros 1. Easy to install 1. High heat outputs available 1. All the beauty of a natural flame, without any of the hassle
2. Completely safe - great if you've kids and/or pets 2. Satisfying, real flame 2. No chimney or flue required, can be installed in any setting
3. Compatible with any material fireplace, and doesn't require a chimney or a flue 3. Looks very impressive as made from higher grade materials 3. Simple to operate and maintain, no costly servicing required
Cons 1. Smaller heat outputs available 1. Can be costly to run 1. Less heat than a gas fire
2. No "real" flames - only an effect 2. Can be dangerous with young children/pets around 2. Need to remember to buy fuel!
3. Electrical components can break 3. Regular maintenance and servicing required 3. Once lit, the flame takes a few minutes before burning bright and hot
Servicing Required? No Yes No
Chimney Required? No Yes No
Installation Required? No Yes No
Fireplace Compatibility Suitable for use with fireplaces of any material Suitable for use with marble, cast iron, stone or granite fireplaces only. (Also, be careful to check the heat tolerance of your fireplace as well) Suitable for use with marble, cast iron, stone or granite fireplaces only.
Portable? No No Yes
Typical Heat Output 1kW - 2kW 3kW - 5kW 0.5kW - 3kW
Typical price range £79 - £239 £199 - £599 £59 - £199


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Fireplaces



Material Wood Marble Stone (Limestone & Granite)
Pros 1. Easy to install - simply push up against a wall 1. Impressive and grand look 1. Suitable for use with higher heat outputs
2. Wide range available, and can be customised by painting or lacquering 2. Able to withstand high heat outputs which gives larger range of fires 2. Truly unique, as each natural stone fireplace will have slightly different markings and finishes/textures
3. Replaceable - easy to change after a few years if you'd like something new. Wooden fireplaces are also fairly easy to take with you if you move house! 3. Sturdy and durable - marble is easy to maintain and will continue to look great for years to come 3. Same high quality as marble, but a much more contemporary finish and look
Cons 1. Not as majestic as marble or stone 1. Retailers can often push the price up quite high because of the quality material. (Top Tip - always buy direct from a manufacturer as they will have the best prices) 1. As with marble, the price can be considerably higher than other options
2. Limited suitability - can only be used with electric fires 2. It can show up stains and spills if they're not dealt with straight away 2. Granite can sometimes darken the room its in, and limestone needs to be properly sealed to ensure you're protected against stains
3. Can be susceptible to damage 3. If you pair it with a fire that is too powerful, it could crack the marble. Always consult the manufacturer's recommendation 3. Limited choice - granite and limestone fireplaces are much less common, which does hamper your options
Installation Required? No Yes Yes
Fire Compatibility Suitable for use with electric fires only Suitable for use with electric, gas and bio ethanol fires. (Always check the maximum heat output before purchasing) Suitable for use with electric, gas and bio ethanol fires. (Always check the maximum heat output before purchasing)
Easily Moveable? Yes No No
Typical price range £99 - £199 £349 - £729 £399 - £599


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Mantelpieces



Material Wood Solid Wood Marble and Stone
Pros 1. Easy to install - simply push up against a wall 1. Combines the natural look of wood with the suitability for higher heat outputs 1. Suitable for use with higher heat outputs
2. Wide range available, and can be customised by painting or lacquering 2. Wide range of finishes, colours and designs 2. Brings an extra level of quality
3. Replaceable - easy to change after a few years if you'd like something new. Wooden fireplaces are also fairly easy to take with you if you move house! 3. More variety and intricate designs available 3. Sturdy and durable - will stay looking great for years
Cons 1. Not as majestic as marble or stone 1. Can be susceptible to damage - which would be hard to conceal 1. Can carry a significantly higher price tag
2. Limited suitability - can only be used with electric fires 2. Natural wood can contain knots and other marks which may be undesired 2. Stone often needs to be sealed to protect against staining
3. Can be susceptible to damage 3. It can show up stains and spills if not dealt with straight away 3. Need to be installed by a professional, which can further increase the cost
Installation Required? No No Yes
Fire Compatibility Suitable for use with electric fires only Suitable for use with electric, gas and bio ethanol fires. (Always check the maximum heat output before purchasing) Suitable for use with electric, gas and bio ethanol fires. (Always check the maximum heat output before purchasing)
Easily Moveable? Yes Yes No
Typical price range £109 - £259 £249 - £499 £179 - £649


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