Electric water vapour fireplaces
A water vapour flame has depth and stays cold to the touch, because nothing burns. Electric water vapour fireplaces atomise water with ultrasound, and LEDs light the mist from below. Most models have a built-in fan heater of 1 to 2 kW that can be switched off, leaving just the effect. A socket and topping up the water tank are all they need to run.
Electric water vapour fireplaces
A fireplace with no flue, no fuel and no ash can still look real. The effect comes from water vapour, so it stays cold to the touch, and the fireplace can run where there are children and pets. It differs from cheaper electric fireplaces with a rotating reflector in that the flame is not projected onto the wall but rises into the room.
At its heart is an ultrasonic transducer submerged in the tank, which breaks water into fine mist. LEDs light the mist from below and a quiet fan lifts it, so the flame looks three-dimensional. On most models the colour and brightness can be changed, from orange to blue. Imitation logs or glass crystals complete the effect, and the mist settles over them. The water evaporates into the room as it works, so the fireplace raises humidity slightly.
The tank is filled by hand or through a removable cassette and lasts, depending on size, roughly eight to twelve hours. Manufacturers usually recommend distilled or demineralised water, because tap water leaves limescale on the transducer. The transducer is a wear part and is replaced after a few thousand operating hours. The tank is cleaned about once a month so that no deposits build up. The fireplace is unplugged before topping up.
Most models have a built-in fan heater, usually 1 and 2 kW across two settings. The flame effect also runs without heat and draws only tens of watts, so it can be used all year. At full heat output it is worth checking what else sits on the same circuit breaker.
They come as wall models, freestanding in stove style, as built-in inserts and as suites with a surround. They are operated by remote control, and higher ranges add a timer and a phone app. The fireplace stands on a level floor, must not be covered, and manufacturers advise against extension leads and multi-way adaptors.