Almost everyone loves the warm glow of a fireplace, and if there were no downsides, we'd probably all have them in our homes. However, there are all kinds of problems with traditional wood burning fireplaces, from soot and ash to maintenance requirements, and a lot of heat is lost up the chimney. Gas fireplaces are pretty easy, but they're expensive to maintain. That means that a lot of use don't bother with having a fireplace in our home because, despite the memories, we just don't think it's worth the hassle. Electric fireplaces can change all that.

A portable fireplace is easy to use, requires no maintenance, can be moved around to heat every room, and provides quick heat with just the flick of a switch. Many people with traditional wood burning fireplaces don't use theirs often. After all, there's a lot of work in getting a fire started, especially in a cold fireplace. Then, after the fire is done, there's more work required to remove the ashes, sweep the floor and surrounding area, clean the fireplace itself, and other maintenance. That can make using your own fireplace a really annoying thing to do. Electric fireplaces provide most of the same benefits, but are preparation and maintenance free.

Another great thing about choosing an electric fireplace is that you can find one that fits just about any kind of decor, since electrical fireplaces now come with their own mantels. These can be in various wood tones, or in fiberglass or plastic. Surrounds for electric fireplaces can look like brick, wood, cast iron, or just about any other standard fireplace material. You'll be surprised by how realistic they can be, without the need to install a real, traditional fireplace. Nearly any home can use one of these easy portable fireplaces.

An insert inside the unit itself looks like real wood, though the lack of a real, flickering flame can disappoint some people. In general, electric fireplaces are designed to look more like glowing coals than a roaring fire. On the other hand, the benefits of not cleaning your own flues, not hauling ashes, and not cleaning the chimney can be well worth the slight difference in appearance. For many people, it's the warmth and beauty of the fireplace that's important, anyway.

Plus, an electric fireplace is much less expensive to install than a traditional fireplace. A few hundred dollars gives you the beauty and romance of a regular fireplace, without the need to do any remodeling or spend a lot. The cost of running it is relatively low, as well. While in some areas of the United States and the world, gas is cheaper than electricity, the opposite is true in most cases. Cheap electricity translates to cheap heat, and an electric fireplace that's cheap to operate.

Safety is a factor, as well. Wood burning fireplaces always come with a danger of chimney fires if they are not properly maintained, and gas fireplaces have a low, but present danger of explosion, due to the presence of gas. An electric fireplace should not be run when there's anything flammable near it, but is remarkably safe - much safer than wood burning and even than gas. The ability to simply switch the heat off without worrying about it makes for a fireplace that's simple and easy to use.

If you've always wanted a fireplace, but feel that traditional types are just too expensive or too much of a hassle, an electrical fireplace might be just what you've been waiting for. You'll be surprised by how realistic these portable fireplaces can be, all while being easy to transport, simple to use, attractive and safe. For just about anyone who loves a romantic fire, an inexpensive electric fireplace is well worth the investment.

Take the time to spend a little time online or in your local retail outlet looking at all the options available. There are plenty of different fireplaces on the market in a wide range of looks and prices. That means that there's certain to be one that's the right choice for you. You may be surprised by how much of a difference something as small as an electric fireplace can make in the look and feel of your home. Check out all the models and brands on the market and add a little bit of beauty to your home with a new electric fireplace.