How2Day: Electric Stoves That Heat Instantly

If you live in an apartment or townhome or simply don't want to spend the money to install a gas, wood-burning or pellet stove in your home, several brands of electric stoves are manufactured to resemble traditional stoves. Because these stoves merely need a standard 120-volt electrical outlet to operate, you don't need to install venting or gas supply lines, and they're easily portable from room to room. Although instantly heating a room when it's switched on is difficult for any type of stove, many electric models do instantly begin heating when they're switched on.

With a modern design that includes a faux glass-panel front door and a wrought steel structure, the DeLonghi SFG1031 is designed to look stylish as much as heat up a room. With flame simulation and hidden electronic controls, the DeLonghi effectively simulates a traditional wood-burning stove. Its style doesn't get in the way of its function, though, and two heat settings provide varying levels of instant heat. Its relatively small size -- about 20x22 inches -- makes it easy to shift from room to room, adding the convenience of a space heater.

This 1500-watt electric heater begins blowing heated air as soon as you turn it on and brings enough BTUs to efficiently heat a room up to 400 square feet in size. Thermostat controls allow users to fine-tune their heat preferences although the unit only heats at its maximum setting. Coupling a faux-flame display, which can be operated independently of the heating coils, with a simulated cast-iron body, this electric stove was built to bring the charms of a classic wood-burning stove into the convenience of the electric age.

With a design that's not as traditional as the Dimplex or as modern as the DeLonghi, the Duraflame Electric Fireplace Stove offers a middle-of-the-road design that can fit in nearly any room. Like its competitors, Duraflame offers flame simulations to accompany its no warm-up heating function. Although manufacturers don't indicate a maximum square footage size for the room this stove can effectively heat, they recommend it for use in apartments and condominiums, and the unit's size makes it modestly easy to shift from room to room in lieu of a space heater. With the manufacturer's estimates setting operation costs at $0.08 an hour in November 2010 -- less than half that of gas stoves -- this electric stove won't cripple your heating budget.

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