Do entertainment units with a built-in electric fireplace work well?

Question

There are a couple I've seen that look nice and was wondering your thoughts. Here are the two I like:

http://www.buhlerfurniture.com/item.php?selected_item=179819

http://www.buhlerfurniture.com/item.php?selected_item=28386

Answer 1

Good point Miguel. A 1500 watt heater pretty much maxes a 15 amp circuit.

I have another concern. When we design a system, we spend part of our time designing a way to dissipate heat. I don't think sticking a heater in the middle of your electronics is a good idea at all. It will effect their lifespan and possibly even their performance.

Answer 2

They are fine except for 1 thing. Electric heaters are typically 1500 Watts or so. Add that to the power the TV and the rest of your electronics are drawing and you have a greater chance of tripping your breaker when you use it. That is the only problem besides being an expensive way to heat. To see if it is going to be a problem buy an inexpensive ($20) heater from walmart and run it all day with the rest of your stuff on. If you have a surround system then play that too a  your normal listening level or maybe a little higher. If you have no problems then go ahead.

To Earth: The application negates the concern over heat. It will probably only be turned on when it is cold in the home so no heat issues.

Answer 3

Wow never knew they made those, but I don't see why they wouldn't work well. Just look at the quality each of the fireplaces.

Answer 4

haha

those are AWWWWSUM...........do they make those in the STATES?