Ortal

Choosing an Ortal fireplace

Depth is what separates the two series

This is the number to settle first, because it decides the series before taste does. An E-Lectra needs roughly 11-3/4 inches of depth, which sits comfortably in a standard framed wall or a shallow chase. A Holographic needs about 17-1/4 inches, because the projection system and its dual screens sit behind the log media. That five and a half inch difference is trivial in new construction and decisive in a retrofit. Measure what you actually have before you fall for the flame.

LED or holographic — they look genuinely different

The E-Lectra uses an LED flame effect behind glass, with eleven animated flame patterns to choose from and ceramic log media in front. It is a well-executed version of what most premium electric fireplaces do. The Holographic works differently: it projects flames in three dimensions using two screens, with 3D log media, producing depth in the fire that a flat LED effect cannot reproduce. If you have only seen electric fireplaces you were unimpressed by, this is the one worth looking at in person.

One, two or three sides — unusual at this level

Both series install as single-sided, corner or three-sided, which is rare in electric and opens up placements that would otherwise need gas. A peninsula between a living room and dining room, a corner that has to be seen from two directions, an island wall — all are achievable without a flue, a gas line or any combustion at all. The configuration affects the opening you build, so decide it at the framing stage rather than after.

It plugs in

Both series run on 120V at 1,200 watts and ship with a 78-inch cord, so no gas fitter and no dedicated high-voltage circuit is involved. What you do need is an outlet inside the opening, positioned so the cord reaches without being visible. That is a five-minute conversation with an electrician at rough-in stage and an awkward problem afterwards, so raise it early.

Treat the heat as a bonus

At 1,200 watts these produce in the region of 5,000 BTU, which takes the chill off the room they are in and will not heat a house. That is normal for electric and not a shortcoming — it is what allows the fireplace to go anywhere, vent nothing and cost almost nothing to install. Both also run the flame with the heat switched off, so the fireplace still earns its place in July. If you need the fireplace to be a heat source, look at gas instead.

The media is part of the design

The E-Lectra offers ceramic log media in Continental or Split styles, in Silver Birch or Woodland finishes, plus three ember bed choices including amber crystal, vermiculite and husk. Swapping media changes the character of the fireplace considerably without touching the appliance, and it is the cheapest way to move the look between traditional and contemporary. Media is sold separately, so decide the combination when you order.

Smart control, and what that actually means

Both series include a remote handling flame modulation, on/off, thermostat and timer, and both add a mobile app plus Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. In practice the useful part is not voice control but scheduling and the thermostat — setting the fireplace to come on in the evening and hold a temperature, without anyone touching it. The Holographic app also controls flame speed, height, ember bed lighting, colour and animation.

Get the framing drawings before you build

Every model publishes a product drawing and a framing and clearance document, both linked on the product pages. They give the exact opening, the clearances and the cord routing for that size and configuration. Because these are built-in appliances finished flush into a wall, a framing opening built to the wrong dimension is expensive to correct. Download the drawing for your exact model and configuration and hand it to whoever is building the wall.

Ortal fireplace FAQs

What is the difference between the E-Lectra and the Holographic?

The flame technology and the depth. The E-Lectra produces an LED flame effect behind glass with eleven animated patterns and needs about 11-3/4 inches of depth. The Holographic projects three-dimensional flames using dual screens and 3D log media, which is far more convincing in person but requires about 17-1/4 inches. The E-Lectra also comes in five sizes against the Holographic's two.

Do Ortal electric fireplaces need venting?

No. There is no combustion, so there is no flue, no liner, no gas line and no chimney work of any kind. That is what allows them to be installed on interior walls, in corners, in condos and in places a gas fireplace could never go. They need only an outlet inside the opening.

How much heat does an Ortal electric fireplace produce?

Around 5,000 BTU from 1,200 watts on a standard 120V supply — enough to take the chill off the room it is in, not enough to heat a house. Both series also run the flame effect with the heater switched off, so they work as a year-round feature rather than a winter one.

Can an Ortal fireplace be installed in a corner or as a three-sided unit?

Yes, and it is one of the better reasons to choose the brand. Both the E-Lectra and the Holographic support single-sided, corner and three-sided configurations, which is unusual for electric and normally requires a gas appliance. The configuration changes the framing opening, so settle it before the wall is built.

Does an Ortal fireplace plug in or need hardwiring?

They plug in. Both series run on 120V and ship with a 78-inch cord, so no high-voltage circuit or gas connection is required. The practical requirement is an outlet inside the framed opening, placed so the cord reaches and stays hidden — worth arranging at rough-in.

Can I change the logs and ember bed on an E-Lectra?

Yes. The E-Lectra range takes ceramic log media in Continental or Split styles and Silver Birch or Woodland finishes, along with three ember bed options. Changing the media noticeably changes the character of the fireplace without altering the appliance, and the log sets and media are sold separately here.

Where are Ortal fireplaces made, and what is the warranty?

Both series are made in Britain, built from galvanized steel and tempered glass, and manufactured under ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certification. The Holographic series carries a five-year warranty. Check the individual product page for the warranty terms that apply to the model you are considering.

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