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- sales@fakenhamfires.co.uk
- 1-3 North Dr, Fakenham NR21 8HA
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When the Norfolk winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and ambience of a beautiful fire. But what if you don’t have a chimney? What if you’re renting? What if you want instant heat without the maintenance of logs or gas?
This is where electric fires shine, and as Norfolk’s fire experts, we’re seeing more homeowners discover why electric heating solutions have become so sophisticated.
At Fakenham Fires, we’ve installed hundreds of electric fires across North Norfolk, from period cottages in Wells-next-the-Sea to modern apartments in Norwich.
What we’ve learnt is that electric fires aren’t just a “second choice” anymore. For many Norfolk homes, they’re the smartest choice.
No time to read the full guide? Here’s what matters:
✓ No chimney needed – Electric fires work in any Norfolk property, including rentals and modern builds
✓ Installation takes hours, not days – Most models just need a plug socket
✓ Running costs: £0.68/hour for a 2kW fire (cheaper than heating your whole house)
✓ Modern LED flames look remarkably realistic – You’ll be impressed
✓ Zero maintenance – No chimney sweeps, no gas safety checks, no ash removal
✓ Perfect for supplementary heating – Warm the room you’re in, not the whole house
Best for: Rental properties, homes without chimneys, anyone wanting instant heat without the hassle of wood or gas fires.
Visit our Fakenham showroom to see 10+ electric fires operating in realistic room settings. See the flames, feel the heat, and get honest advice from Norfolk’s fire experts.
Norfolk’s housing stock is wonderfully diverse. We’ve got listed buildings that date back centuries, Victorian terraces, post-war semis, and contemporary new builds. Each property type presents different heating challenges, and electric fires solve many of them elegantly.
Around 40% of modern Norfolk homes lack a traditional chimney. Whether your property was built in the 1960s onwards or you’ve had your chimney removed during renovations, installing a wood burner or gas fire means expensive building work. An electric fire requires only a standard electrical socket. We can install one in your home within hours, not days.
If you’re a landlord in Norfolk or a tenant looking to add heating, electric fires are ideal. They don’t require building regulation approval, HETAS certification, or annual servicing. You can install them without permanent alterations to the property, and they provide immediate, controllable heat. We’ve helped numerous Norfolk landlords transform cold rental properties into warm, attractive homes that command better rental rates.
Norfolk’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. One April afternoon might see temperatures plummet from mild to freezing. With an electric fire, you simply press a button. No waiting for logs to catch, no lighting procedures, no building up heat. Within seconds, you’ve got warmth. The thermostatic controls mean you’re never wasting energy heating an empty room.
Here’s something most people don’t realise: electric fire technology has undergone a quiet revolution in the past decade. The electric fires we’re installing in 2026 bear little resemblance to the bar heaters your grandparents might have used.
Modern electric fires use LED technology to create remarkably realistic flames. At our Fakenham showroom, customers regularly mistake our display electric fires for gas models. The secret lies in sophisticated LED arrays combined with rotating reflectors and screen technology.
Some premium models, like those from British Fires, use patented flame effects that mimic the random, organic movement of real fire.The flames can be adjusted for height, speed, and intensity. You can run the flame effect without the heater, creating ambience on those mild Norfolk evenings when you want the look of fire without additional warmth.
Electric fires typically use one of two heating methods: fan heaters or infrared. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right model for your Norfolk home.
Fan-forced heaters work by drawing cool air over heated elements and blowing warm air into the room. They’re excellent for quickly heating smaller spaces (up to 20 square metres). The fan creates air circulation, distributing warmth evenly. Most models offer two heat settings: typically 1kW and 2kW.
Infrared heaters work differently. They emit infrared radiation that heats objects and people directly, rather like standing in sunshine. This method is more efficient in draughty Norfolk properties because it heats you, not the air around you. Infrared models are quieter (no fan noise) and particularly effective in period properties where air circulation can carry heat away.
Electric fires convert 100% of electricity into heat, so they’re technically 100% efficient at the point of use. However, electricity costs more per kWh than gas or wood, so running costs differ. Here’s what we tell Norfolk customers: electric fires excel when used strategically rather than as whole-house heating.
Use an electric fire to:
For a typical Norfolk living room (20 square metres), running a 2kW electric fire costs approximately £0.68 per hour based on 2026 electricity prices. Compare this to central heating, which might cost £1.20 per hour to heat your entire home. When you only need one room warm, electric fires make economic sense.
Walk into any fireplace showroom and you’ll encounter various electric fire styles. At Fakenham Fires, we categorise them by both aesthetic and installation method to help Norfolk customers navigate their options.
Inset models sit within your existing fireplace opening or a purpose-built recess. They’re designed to look like built-in fires, creating a seamless, integrated appearance. These work beautifully in Norfolk’s period properties where a fireplace already exists but the chimney is no longer functional.
We’ve installed inset electric fires in countless North Norfolk cottages, particularly in villages like Holt and Burnham Market. The fire occupies the original opening, maintaining the room’s character whilst providing modern heating. Many inset models include realistic log or coal fuel beds, ornate trims, and adjustable flame brightness.
Installation considerations: You’ll need access to a power socket within the fireplace cavity or nearby. The recess must meet minimum depth requirements (typically 140-160mm). Most period properties easily accommodate these specifications.
Wall-mounted models have revolutionised electric fire design. They’re essentially large, flat panels that hang on your wall like artwork, but they produce both flames and heat. These suit contemporary homes or anyone seeking a modern aesthetic.
In Norfolk’s newer housing developments around Fakenham and the outskirts of Norwich, wall-mounted fires have become increasingly popular. They work particularly well in open-plan spaces where a traditional fireplace might look out of place. The ultra-slim profile (often just 100-150mm deep) means they barely protrude from the wall.
Advanced models offer customisable features: flame colour changes (orange, blue, purple), adjustable intensity, and even smartphone control. Some include ambient LED backlighting that creates a gentle glow around the fire’s perimeter.
Installation considerations: You need a suitable wall (preferably an internal, load-bearing wall). The fire must be securely mounted using appropriate fixings. Ensure a nearby power socket, though many electricians can recess a socket behind the fire for a cleaner look.
Electric stoves replicate the appearance of traditional wood-burning or multi-fuel stoves, complete with cast-iron styling, viewing windows, and realistic fuel beds. They’re free-standing units that require no installation beyond placing them and plugging them in.
These prove popular with Norfolk renters and anyone who loves the aesthetic of wood burners but doesn’t want the maintenance. At Fakenham Fires, we stock electric stoves from brands like Gazco are virtually indistinguishable from their wood-burning cousins at first glance.
Electric stoves work well as focal points in Norfolk cottage living rooms or farmhouse kitchens. They provide that cosy, traditional fire aesthetic whilst requiring zero commitment to fuel sourcing, chimney sweeping, or installation complexity.
Installation considerations: Minimal. You need floor space (typically 400-500mm width) and a nearby socket. Some customers place electric stoves on decorative hearths for added authenticity, though this isn’t necessary.
Media walls have emerged as one of the hottest trends (pun intended) in Norfolk home design. A media wall is essentially a feature wall incorporating an electric fire with integrated shelving or space for mounting a television.
We’re installing more media walls in North Norfolk than ever before. They solve multiple design challenges: they create a focal point, provide storage, house entertainment equipment, and deliver heating. The electric fire typically occupies the central position, with the TV mounted above or beside it.
Modern media wall fires are exceptionally wide (up to 2000mm) and shallow, creating a stunning contemporary look. Many offer multi-colour flame options, allowing you to match the fire’s appearance to your room’s mood or décor.
Installation considerations: Media walls require more planning than simple electric fires. You’re essentially building custom cabinetry around the fire unit. Most Norfolk homeowners work with carpenters or fitted furniture specialists. The fire itself still just needs power, but cable management for TV, soundbar, and other equipment needs careful consideration.
You’re not alone. With dozens of electric fire models available, choosing the right one for your Norfolk home can feel complicated. That’s exactly why we’ve created our Fakenham showroom.
Come and see the difference in person. We’ve got inset fires, wall-mounted models, electric fires, and media wall fires all operating. You can:
No pressure, no hard selling. Just straightforward expertise from people who’ve installed hundreds of electric fires across North Norfolk. We’re open Monday to Saturday, and you’re welcome to browse, ask questions, or just warm up with a cup of tea.
