Imagine sinking into your favourite armchair or sofa, soaking up the cosy vibes of a fireplace, but without turning your living room into a sauna – because it’s already warm out. It’s absolutely possible with a flame effect fire – or an electric fire with a 'no heat' option.

Whether winter or summer, these electric fires have got you covered. Need some heat? Just switch the heater on. Just here for the mood? Opt for the flame-only setting. And voilà! You have the serene environment you crave without the unbearable temperature.

Read on for more information from the Direct Fireplaces team on flame effect-only fire settings, including how they work and how you might benefit from them. Plus, we've included some of our favourite electric fires you can use with no heat for comfy vibes in summer.

Why would you need a fire in the summer?

A modern square fireplace with glass front installed in a panelled wall. The flame effect is turned on to look like a real fire.

Our busy lives filled with buzzing screens and never-ending to-do lists make the gentle flames of a fireplace pretty appealing. Sitting before a fire is a chance to rest your eyes, breathe, and chill out. Plus, the mesmerising dance of the flames can help you stay mindful, improving your mood as you relax and unwind in the peaceful glow.

Feeling stressed out? Whether it’s been a long day at work or running around after the kids, turn your living room into a peaceful sanctuary with the rhythmic flicker of a flame effect fire. And the best part? Even if we’re in the middle of one of the UK’s rare but blazing heatwaves, you can have the best of both worlds. Switch on the electric fire with no heat, position your desk fan next to you, and you can cool down and chill out simultaneously.

When might you use an electric fire with no heat?

When else might you find an electric fire with no heat flame effect useful? Here are some ideas you might like.

  • Summer parties: When hosting a summer soirée, the flame effect can add a cosy touch that enhances the party vibe. Even without any added heat, the flickering flames can transform your space into a homely, inviting gathering spot. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!
  • Quiet evenings: Are you planning a quiet evening? Maybe you’re settling down with a great book, or you’ve decided to binge-watch that new series. Lighting up the flame effect makes your space feel more relaxing and inviting, adding a dash of charm to your peaceful nights at home.
  • Romantic date nights: Planning a romantic evening at home this summer? An electric fire effect with no heat can set the perfect ambience. It provides a soft, flickering light that’ll wrap your space in a warm, intimate glow. Pair it with soft music and a delicious home-cooked meal for the perfect date night.
  • Meditation and mindfulness: When it’s time to slow down, take some deep breaths, and practice mindfulness or meditation, the mesmerising flame effect can be a great aid. The dancing flames and soft light provide a calming visual focus, helping you achieve inner peace.
  • Background for virtual meetings: The flame effect can be a great addition if you work from home and want a warm, visually appealing backdrop for Zoom or Teams meetings. It adds a touch of sophistication and comfort to your virtual environment.
  • Celebrations: Whether celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or a promotion, turning on the flame effect will add a festive touch. It brings a heart-warming glow to your space, making the day feel even more special.

So, how exactly does a flame-effect fireplace work?

A modern white fireplace with an electric flame effect over realistic looking logs. The fireplace is installed on a light grey wall. The floors are wooden. Above the fireplace there is a large screen TV with a purple backlight.

Flame-effect fireplaces are multi-talented marvels of technology. They can heat up your space in the winter and provide a stunning visual of a roaring fire with or without heat. When you don’t need that extra warmth, your fireplace doesn’t need to be out of action for months. Turn it into a relaxing, decorative feature in your home. It’s like watching a constantly changing painting, always capturing your attention and helping to calm your busy mind.

Simply put, these fires are electric heaters but with a twist. They come packed with LED lights that flicker and vary in intensity, mimicking the movement of real flames. So, even when you’ve just returned from a busy family day out at the beach on the hottest day of the year, you can enjoy the comforting vibes of a fireplace without cranking up the heat.

What’s the secret behind the electric fire 'no heat' flame effect?

An electric fire effect with no heat is a smart combination of design and technology. Many electric fires use tiny mirrors and crystals to create a 3D flame effect, making the fire look incredibly real.

Plus, you can get models with faux logs and even a crackling sound effect for that extra authentic touch. All the good vibes of a real fire, minus the smoke, soot, and extra heat when it isn’t needed.

Electric fires with 'no heat' and flame-effect-only settings – our top picks

Legend Nero 780 Slim Electric Fire

A living room with wooden floors and a white checked rug featuring the Legend Nero 780 fireplace. The walls are white and there is a grey chair next to the fire. Above the fireplace there is a round mirror and other decorative items.

If you’re looking for a fire that can boost your room’s warmth in the winter and provide a comforting visual display in the summer, you’ll love this one. It’s got all the charm of a traditional fireplace without any maintenance. Plus, it’s a Legend product – so top-notch quality is a given.

The magic lies in the REAL log fuel bed. You can enjoy the flickering flames over bark chippings without any work involved in chopping wood or cleaning up. What’s more, it’s even got a handy remote control, so you can switch between the settings from your favourite spot on the couch.

The best part? Installation is a breeze. It fits perfectly on slim walls, within a fireplace, or even as part of a media wall setup. With everything you need included for easy installation, you’ll be enjoying the mesmerising flicker of flames in no time.

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Evonic Murano Electric Fireplace Suite

A living room with a large Evonic Murano fireplace in neutral and white colours. There is a black round coffee table on a floral rug in front of the fire and two leather sofas in cream and brown. There are bookshelves filled with books on either side of the fire and a large plant.

This fireplace is for you if you’re looking for pure luxury. With a gorgeous, modern design that’s sure to impress, it can’t help but become the centrepiece of any living room.

The eye-catching flame effect is second-to-none. Plus, you can pair it with heat during the colder months or enjoy the tantalising dance and flicker during the summer. What’s more, the SCHOTT® CLEAR FLOAT front glass offers a crystal-clear, up-close view of the flames.

The best part? It’s compatible with your favourite smart home device. That's right - just connect it to Amazon Alexa or Google Home and control your fireplace using only your voice. And if you don’t have one of these devices, don’t worry. The smartphone app is just as easy to use, giving you full control at your fingertips. Learn more about the e-Smart app and Evonic's fabulous range in our handy guide here.

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Flamerite Telisa Free Standing Electric Fireplace Suite

A living room with a grey wooden floor and light grey walls, with a Flamerite Telisa Fireplace Suite lit up with purple ambient lighting and the flame effect turned on. There is a framed picture above the fire and a candlestick on the fire. The room features a black comfortable chair and a large decorative plant.

With this fireplace, you get a special blend of elegance and practicality. It comes in white or grey so that you can choose the perfect fit for your room.

The Cinderwood log effect and gorgeous multicoloured downlights create a rich reflection that will mesmerise you for hours. With the added OmniGlide glass and concealed fan heater, you get full control of your fireplace all year round, whether you need warming up or are just here for the cosy atmosphere.

Plus, you can use the smartphone app to switch between features while sitting comfortably on the sofa without missing any of your Netflix show. What more could you need?

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Katell Cento Deep Italia Wall Mounted Fireplace

A close-up image of the flame effect on the Katell Cento Italia fireplace in concrete grey. The flames are over a bed of realistic looking logs with red, yellow and purple colours.

Looking to give your home a fabulous facelift? You can’t go wrong with the Italia Cento from Katell. With a chic, sleek design, this modern marvel is the ultimate scene-stealer for an open-plan living space. The broad, deep landscape format has a “wow” factor that’s impossible to ignore.

And that’s not all! The extra depth comes with larger logs and a supremely lit fuel bed for a super striking experience. Plus, the Ambilight flicker feature brings this fireplace to life, creating the homely, comforting vibe you crave.

What’s the weather outside? Doesn’t matter! This fireplace plays by your rules. On frosty days, crank up the heat (up to 2kW) and let the integrated thermostat help keep you toasty. You can turn on the flame effect on warmer nights and bask in the relaxing glow.

With the Italia Cento, you get a smorgasbord of customisation options. Choose between logs, ember effects, or icy crystals for your fuel bed. It’s your fireplace, and you can style it your way. Plus, with flat-to-wall installation, it fits snugly in any home.

There’s even more to love, too! The smart remote control is like a personal assistant for your fireplace, handling your daily or seven-day timer settings and tweaking the heat or flame effect as needed. But the genius part? There’s even a clever draft detection feature that senses a sudden dip in room temperature and switches the heat off to save energy. How cool is that?

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Celsi Ultiflame VR Adour Aleesia Illumina Electric Fireplace Suite

The Celsi Ultiflame VR Adour Aleesia fire in white with a roaring flame effect and three warm downlights. The wall has a marble effect and there is a large, round decorative mirror hanging above the fire. An ornament sits on the mantel. There is a plant next to the fire just visible.

Imagine a home décor accent that’s stunning to look at and keeps you warm in the winter while creating cosy vibes without the heat in the summer. Meet this gorgeous fireplace suite from Celsi. Combining elegance and top-notch functionality, it features premier-quality materials and instantly adds a touch of class to any room. The integrated natural warm LED Illumina downlights set the mood for relaxation and winding down.

The 30-inch U-VR electric fire is at the heart of this suit, and it’s no ordinary electric heater. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology for a “Virtual-flame-Real-fire” experience, this fire offers a touch of realism like no other.

What’s more, it’s all about convenience. The plug-and-play setup makes installation a breeze. Just place it where you want it, plug it in, and switch it on!

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Get comfy and cosy all year round with Direct Fireplaces

Ready to turn up the summer heat (without the extra heat)? Then check out our range of stunning electric fireplace suites, electric media wall fires, and smart control electric fires. With hundreds of models available featuring stunning flame effects and no heat options, you're sure to find the perfect choice for year-round use.

Don't let your fireplace become a forgotten feature covered in dust in the summer months. With an electric fire with a "no heat" setting, you can make the most of it come rain or shine.

At Direct Fireplaces, we offer free next-day delivery to the UK mainland, 14-day no-hassle returns, and a range of finance options to help you spread the cost of your new flame effect fireplace. Order today, and transform your living room tomorrow!

Plus, we're always just a call or an email away if you have questions or want help choosing the right fire for you. You can reach our friendly, expert team on 0161 376 4181 or drop us an email at [email protected].

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Joanna Humphreys

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