Do electric fireplaces crackle?
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The sound of crackling wood is one of the key features that allow traditional wood-burning fireplaces to create such an ambiance. Not to forget that the sound of live fire is usually relaxing and comforting. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible or convenient to build a live fire in your home, especially if you don’t have an existing wood-burning fireplace. As a result, most homeowners are leaning towards electric fireplaces as an alternative to traditional fireplaces. But do electric fireplaces crackle?
Let’s find out!
Do electric fireplaces recreate the crackling sound effect?
Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, all types of electric fireplaces do not generate actual flames. Therefore, electric fireplaces do not crackle in the traditional sense since no real wood is burning to create a crackling sound.
However, some electric fireplace models are equipped with sound effects that imitate the crackling sound of a real fire, while others do not have any sound effects at all. For instance, some units have an inbuilt speaker system that plays recorded sound effects of crackling fires. As a result, the sound effects on different electric fireplaces tend to vary widely from one model to another. Also, some electric fireplaces allow users to turn the sound on or off.
Can you add a crackling sound effect to an already-installed electric fireplace?
As already mentioned, some electric fireplaces don’t have any audio effects at all. Fortunately, if that’s the case with your electric fireplace, there is a way to add sound effects to the unit. That is; buying a separate sound system like the Adagio fire crackler sound system that simulates the pop and crack of actual wood burning. Due to their small size, you can discreetly put these sound systems near your fireplace or anywhere within the room without drawing too much attention. In addition, these units have a convenient on/ off switch and include other adjustable features like low, medium, and high volume settings.
Why add a crackling sound effect to your electric fireplace?
Although not all electric fireplaces crackle, adding a crackling sound effect to your unit can offer several benefits. More importantly, the crackling sound effect will create a more inviting atmosphere and enhance the overall experience of homeowners.
Other notable benefits of crackling sound effects in electric fireplaces are;
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Enhanced ambiance
Campfires are known to provide the best fire experience due to the warmth and soft glow of the flames that help you relax. In addition, they slowly drain your stress away, while the crackling sound from the fire helps you go to sleep.
Luckily, you can now replicate this experience in your house with an electric fireplace that produces a crackling sound. Specifically, the combined effect of flames, warmth, and crackling sound from your electric fireplace will create a cozy and warm atmosphere, which is particularly helpful for stress relief and relaxation.
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Realism
In addition to creating a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, an electric fireplace with a superior sound system adds to the realism of the flame effect. This crackle and pop sound will combine with the warmth produced by an inbuilt heater in electric fireplaces to create the same relaxing ambiance as a real wood-burning fire.
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Improved Health
The cracking sound effect of an electric fireplace can help mask other sounds in the environment, creating a more peaceful & relaxing atmosphere. At the same time, the feel, look, and sound effects of an electric fireplace can be beneficial to your health. According to a study (Link: ) conducted by the University of Alabama, crackling sounds can lead to a consistent reduction in blood pressure.
Best Electric Fireplaces with cracking sound
1. Puraflame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
The Puraflame Western electric fireplace insert is a great option for those who want a unit that produces the crackling sounds of a real fire. To be precise, it has 6 crackling sound effects that are relatively easy to turn on and off.
In addition, this fireplace has realistic flames that are further enhanced with life-like logs that sit on the grate above the glowing ember bed. Even better, this fireplace model has 3 flame settings with adjustable brightness and intensity levels. At the same time, you can use this flame effect, with and without the heater.
Talking of the heater, this unit has 2 heat settings (750 & 1500W) and an adjustable thermostat. And although the actual BTU output of this unit is not listed, 1500 W converts to about 5100 BTUs. This makes it ideal for providing supplemental heat to any living room of about 400 sq ft. As for installation, you can either put this unit into an existing fireplace directly on the floor as it only requires a standard 120V outlet.
Benefits
- Extremely realistic crackling sound effect
- Includes a multi-function remote control
- Can heat a room of up to 400 sq ft
- Measures 35” W X 22.4” H X 8.9” D and weighs 43.7 lbs
- Available in different width size options (23, 26, 30 & 33”)
- Works with a standard 120V outlet
Drawbacks
- No auto shut-off feature
2. Duraflame Infrared Juniper Electric Fireplace Log Set
Instead of buying an entire fireplace unit, you can simply opt for this Duraflame electric log set and use it to convert your wood-burning fireplace to electric. Thanks to its compact log-style design that allows it to fit inside any existing fireplace.
On top of that, this unit comes with an infrared quartz log set heat that warms the room in no time. More importantly, the infrared heating technology makes it ideal for warming larger spaces. At the same time, this electric fireplace is equipped with LED lighting effects to create the look of an inner glow and 5 brightness adjustment options.
To add to the realism of the flame effect, this unit has integrated crackling sounds that give users an experience of richness, while creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. Moreover, this unit comes with a remote and manual control to adjust the temperature, flame, heater, and sound effects. That way, you can easily turn off the heat or sound effects completely to suit your needs.
Benefits
- Overheat protection
- Heats a room of up to 1000 sq ft
- Includes remote control with batteries
- 5 brightness adjustment options
- Can be operated with or without heat
- Fits into any existing fireplace
Drawbacks
- No cons
3. MagikFlame Electric Fireplace with mantel
The MagikFlame electric fireplaces have the most realistic flames due to its award-winning & patented HoloFlame holographic technology. Specifically, this technology projects an authentic real flame recording onto a 3D log, creating lifelike flames while keeping them looking natural. In addition, this unit has 30 different flame effects, helping you find the right style to fit the ambiance and mood of your home.
However, what I like most about this MagikFlame fireplace are the highly-detailed and lifelike sounds that are recorded from the actual sound of a real fireplace. As a result, you will hear every popping and crackling of the log, taking your whole experience to another level. Moreover, you can play relaxing nature sounds or adjust the volume to complete the mood. In short, you’ll have full control over the sounds produced by this electric fireplace.
On the same note, this unit even comes with an app that you can use to adjust its settings from anywhere within Bluetooth range. In addition, the back-lit screen on the fireplace makes it easy to navigate the menu options.
Regarding the heat output, this unit has an inbuilt 5200 BTU infrared heater that provides enough warmth to heat large rooms of up to 1000 sq ft. Better yet, this allows it to deliver optimal heat without drying the air.
As you would expect though, this electric fireplace doesn’t come cheap. However, if you’re looking for the most realistic electric fireplace on the market, it’s a worthy contender!
Benefits
- Highly detailed and lifelike sounds
- Comes with an app for controlling the fireplace
- Replicates the sounds and styles of 30 different types of flames
- Back-lit touch screen for convenient menu navigation
- Ideal for heating a large room
Drawbacks
- Pricey
4. Dimplex Opti-V Solo Electric Fireplace
The Dimplex Opti-V solo electric fireplace resembles a wood-burning fireplace and even has a nice spark flying out from the flames, something you’ll rarely see from other electric fireplaces. In addition, this 30” wall-mounted fireplace will instantly make any living space much cozier, and leave most of your guests thinking it’s real. However, its glass front stays cool to the touch, making it a great option for families with small kids.
To make the flames look even more realistic, this unit uses a 3D log set, HD TV, and LED technology. In addition, it’s equipped with a quality audio system that produces the sound of logs crackling. On the same note, you’ll get a convenient remote control that you can use to adjust the volume of this audio system.
In terms of appearance, this electric fireplace has a gorgeous and eye-catching design that doesn't take up too much space in your home. The only issue with this electric fireplace is that it is purely for aesthetics as it doesn’t have an inbuilt heating system. Other than that, it’s a good option for anyone looking for a thin realistic fireplace with a crackling sound.
Benefits
- Comes with a multi-function remote control
- High-quality crackling audio
- Can be installed just about anywhere in your home
- Realistic flames & 3D LED logs
- The glass front stays cool to the touch
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t produce heat
Conclusion
Do electric fireplaces crackle? Yes, some electric fireplaces have audio systems that produce the popping and crackling sound effects of a real fire. However, there are other models that do not produce crackling sounds as they’re only designed to deliver heat and realistic flames. Luckily, if you already have an electric fireplace that doesn’t produce crackling sounds, you can always buy a separate sound system to use. Alternatively, you can just look for the best electric fireplace with a crackling sound that suits your needs.
