Sitting room fire ?

If it's any help, I have friends who had an open fire for years but, being impressed with the heat given out by our multi fuel stove, bought one for themselves. They are very impressed with how much heat it gives out for the same amount of coal and logs. Perhaps that's something that you could consider - you already have the fireplace and chimney and, perhaps, the fuel to burn on it. Even with the legislation maybe changing there are many smokeless fuels on the market and it is perfectly possible to buy well seasoned, dry logs too.

Edit - should have said 'if you already have the fireplace and chimney'

Have only just read this thread, but last year, when it was so cold, our central heating decuded to play up. We tried for ages to get an electric fire, but everyone else had the same idea. Eventually we bought a D...n fan heater. It cools as well, and so far have been pleased with it, although the central heating is now behaving!