Canon freestanding gas heater
Canon Canterbury Classic freestanding gas heater

Winter is drawing to close, but for home builders and renovators the fireplace is a design feature to keep in mind about all year round.

Designed and manufactured in Australia, Cannon’s freestanding gas log heaters are a stand-alone design element, suited to the needs of large family rooms, open plan dining and kitchen areas and well-ventilated lounge rooms within modern Australian homes.

Distributed by Sampford IXL, there are two new freestanding gas models — offered in a choice of natural gas or LPG — the Canterbury Classic Freestanding Gas Heater (CANTFS-SDEEB) and the Fitzroy Profile Freestanding Kit (FITZFSKITX-B) which converts the Fitzroy Profile Inbuilt heater (FITZIB-SDENB) into a freestanding heater.

Cannon says the heaters are energy efficient, easy to operate with an LCD dispaly and have the capacity to heat spaces up to 80-square metres. Standard features on both models include electronic ignition and controls, three heat and fan speed settings and four continuously monitored safety systems. A double glazed window provides an unobstructed view of the flames and faux eucalypt logs.

Cannon Canterbury Classic Freestanding has a curved front CANTFS-SDEEB RRP$3799
Cannon Canterbury Classic Freestanding has a curved front RRP$3,799

Both models have a standard flue arrangement which allows installation against a combustible wall in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended clearances. No fixing of the heater to the floor is required; the base can simply sit atop all floor surfaces.

Cannon_Fitzroy Profile Freestanding_FITZIB-SDENB & FITZFSKITX-B_RRP$4399_DE
Cannon Fitzroy Profile Freestanding RRP $4,399

The Fitzroy model is slightly bigger than the Canterbury Classic and has an energy rating of 3.6 stars compared to 4 stars for the smaller appliance.

Glem Dimplex offers another style of faux fire with the Alameda Optimyst 3D Electric Fire (ALAMEDA, RRP $1,999), with glowing logs, a 3D flame and smoke effect.

Glen Dimplex Alameda Optimyst 3D Electric Suite
The 2-kilowatt Alameda Optimyst 3D Electric Suite from Glen Dimplex (ALAMEDA, RRP $1,999) replicates the look of a real fire.