Fires
Electric fires in Reading and Berkshire
Choose an electric fire that suits your room, from a compact inset model in a familiar fireplace to a wide fire built into a media wall.
Berkshire Fireplace Centre helps homeowners compare the options at home. We offer free consultations within 20 miles of Reading, with brochures and available samples to help you plan the fire and its setting.
Image: Wildfire Ravel 400E electric fire in a supplier room set. Illustrative supplier photograph; not BFC installation work.
Find the right format for your room
An electric fire does not require a chimney or flue. It still needs a suitable electrical supply, the correct fitting arrangement and the clearances specified by its manufacturer.
The useful first step is to look at the wall or fireplace you already have and decide how much you want to change.
Inset fires for an existing fireplace
An inset fire sits within a suitable opening or recess. This can work well when you want to retain the appearance of a traditional fireplace while choosing an electric appliance.
The depth behind the opening, the surround and hearth, and the cable route need checking before a model is selected. If you are considering a complete new feature, explore our fireplace surrounds alongside the fire.
Wall-mounted fires
A wall-mounted design is fixed to the face of a suitable wall. Consider its projection into the room, the position of the heat outlet and the route to the electrical supply.
The wall construction and the appliance’s mounting requirements need to be compatible. A clean finish starts with planning those details before fitting.
Built-in and media-wall fires
A built-in electric fire can create a wide flame picture or a view from more than one side, depending on the model. It needs a correctly designed recess and provision for ventilation and future servicing.
If a television is part of the feature, plan both appliances together. Our media-wall guide explains what to consider before joinery begins.
Explore the range
Our electric-fire collection includes different sizes, flame effects, finishes and fitting formats. Use the product photographs to begin a shortlist, then discuss the exact model, availability and installation requirements with us.
You can also explore our Gazco and Wildfire ranges. If you have seen a particular appliance elsewhere, bring its details to the conversation so we can confirm whether we can help.
Advice for choosing an electric fire
If you are comparing options, read our guides to fires for homes without a chimney, inset and wall-mounted electric fires and electric-fire running costs.
Brands in this range
The range
37 electric fires available through us
Explore the current collection, then ask us to confirm the exact model, availability and installation requirements.
Heat, flame effect and everyday controls
Think about how you will use the fire. You may want extra warmth on winter evenings, a flame effect when the room is already warm, or both.
Many electric fires allow the flame effect to operate without the heater. Heat settings, temperature controls and visual options vary, so compare the specifications of the models on your shortlist.
Running cost depends on electrical input, how long the appliance operates and your electricity tariff. We can help identify the relevant product information so you can make a comparison based on your intended use.
Advice in your home
Graham and Matthew bring the conversation into the room where the fire will be fitted. Berkshire Fireplace Centre has been helping customers choose fireplaces since 1998.
During a home consultation, we can discuss the appearance you want, the existing space and the practical options. Brochures and available samples help you compare finishes alongside your own walls and flooring.
Once a direction has been chosen, the necessary technical survey establishes suitability and the installation work before the final arrangements are agreed. Read more about how we work and our installation service.
Your questions
Questions about choosing an electric fire
Do I need a chimney?
No. An electric fire does not burn fuel in the room and does not need a flue. The electrical supply, recess or mounting arrangement and appliance clearances still need to be suitable.
Can an electric fire fit in my existing fireplace?
Sometimes. The visible opening, depth, surrounding materials and supply arrangement must suit the chosen model. An assessment is needed before confirming that the existing surround and hearth can remain.
Can a television go above it?
It may be possible, depending on the fire, television and wall design. Follow the current instructions for both appliances; there is no universal clearance that suits every combination.
Can I see samples without visiting a showroom?
We now work through home consultations. We bring brochures and available fireplace samples so that you can discuss choices in your own room. Let us know which finishes or models interest you when arranging the visit.
Book your free home consultation
We offer free home consultations within 20 miles of Reading. If you are unsure whether your address is covered, contact us with your postcode.
Bring your ideas, any appliance details and a photograph of the room. We will help you narrow the options and explain the next steps.
No showroom. We come to you.
Book a free in-home consultation
We visit your home with brochures and samples, look at the room and the chimney, and help you choose. No charge, no obligation, and no showroom to drive to.