7 Best Electric Fireplaces for Your Home

Wouldn’t it be nice to curl up on the sofa with a warm drink, a throw blanket, someone you care about, and a roaring fireplace? Well, we are here to help you achieve this goal with a look at the best electric fireplaces on the market and all the information you need to know to make the right decision.

For people who have a fireplace, this dream is possible. But for the rest of us, we have to make do with the fireplace video on the TV. This isn’t ideal, though. While it looks nice, you are stuck watching the fireplace and can’t watch a movie. There’s also no heat coming from the fireplace, which kind of takes away from the experience.

The solution is to install an electric fireplace. These slimline, wall-mounted fireplaces come with several features and can produce heat. This list of the best electric fireplace heaters will help you out.

1. R.W. Flame 36 Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

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2. Homedex 36-Inch Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace

This wall-mount electric fireplace comes in a range of sizes, from 36 inches to 68 inches long. A nice feature is that it’s less than four inches deep, making it easier to place in the wall where there can be little room.

You’ll also appreciate the placement of the power box and main cable that make it easier to mount in the wall. Use the touchscreen or remote control to select from 12 flame color modes, five flame speed modes, and five brightness levels.

This recessed electric fireplace is also an electric heater. You can use it as a supplemental heating source to warm up to 400 square feet. Thanks to the ETL Certification and auto-heat kill safe, feel safe using this fireplace.

One drawback of this fireplace is the remote. The signal is weak, and you must stand right in front of the fireplace to get it to work. This can be frustrating if you install it in a large room. There is also no realistic wood fire option for a traditional look.

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3. Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove With Remote Control

This vintage-inspired wood-burning fireplace can give your living room or bedroom an authentic farmhouse feel. It comes in eight colors, so you can choose the perfect shade that blends with your decor or adds a pop of color.

It measures 24 x 13.07 x 23.4 inches so that you can place it in a nonworking fireplace or a dead corner. Because it’s a freestanding electric fireplace, you can move it around your home as needed, making it useful as supplemental heating.

The 5,200 BTU quartz infrared heater can warm a space up to 1,000 square feet. Should this unit overheat, it will automatically shut off. There are five adjustable brightness levels to choose from for the advanced 3D flame effects.

The potential problem with this electric fireplace stove is that it uses infrared heat, which isn’t as effective as other heating elements on this list. It also doesn’t get as hot as other fireplaces on this list.

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4. Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace

This real flame fireplace heater comes in a range of sizes from 28 to 100 inches in length. It has five flame settings that have an unmatched realistic flame effect.

It will trick people into thinking there’s a real fire going. This is helped by the faux-fire logs and crystals that come with it. There are two heat settings to choose from, along with multiple modes for creating your desired aesthetic.

A timer will automatically turn off the fireplace at your set time, which can be between 30 minutes and 7.5 hours. All features and settings are operable through the included remote.

Be aware that you’ll need a lot of clearance for this wall-mounted fireplace. Not only do you need over five inches of depth, but you also need eight inches of clearance around it.

This means you can’t install it too close to your fireplace mantel or TV. This electric fireplace is best left for installing into an existing fireplace space that you no longer want to use for burning actual logs. It would also be nice if there were more than two heat settings as this is quite limiting.

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5. PuraFlame Alice 40 Inches Recessed Electric Fireplace

Choose from either 40 or 50 inches for your wall-mounted fireplace. You have the option of plugging it in or hardwiring it. It uses ultra-high-intensity LED lights that can create four different flame effects. You can also choose between wood logs or ice-like crystals.

Choose from 13 colors for the LED lighting of the fuel bed. You also have the option of using the heat setting or leaving it off for the year-round enjoyment of your electric fireplace.

Use the timer to turn on the heat blower for 30 minutes or up to nine hours. It’s safe to use as a supplemental heating source. Choose a temperature setting between 60 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.

This realistic electric fireplace leaves a bit to be desired with the quality of the flames. They aren’t as realistic as other fireplaces on this list. However, you get a nice glow from this one, making it ideal for setting the mood and atmosphere.

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6. Silverton 48-Inch Electric Fireplace

Unlike other electric fireplaces on this list, this one looks like a real fireplace. Instead of being narrow and long, this one is square and comes with a fireplace surround. It will sit in front of the wall instead of getting mounted flush with the wall.

You can choose from white, black, and dark mahogany for the fireplace surround. You can play the fire or use the heat feature that’s capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet.

Choose from temperature heat settings that range from 72 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire unit measures 19.875 inches high by 23.375 inches long by 8.75 inches deep.

Unfortunately, the logs could look more realistic, which is a dead giveaway that your fireplace is electric and not real.

This fireplace also takes up significantly more space because it sits in front of your wall and cannot be mounted in it. Finally, the construction could be better with gaps in some of the seams where the pieces don’t sit flush with each other.

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7. Antarctic Star 30-Inch Electric Fireplace

You will find the flame brightness impressive on this electric fireplace insert. The lifelike flames use innovative electric fireplace technology that mimics the look of real fires in traditional fireplaces. Choose from sizes that range from 30 to 68 inches.

The depth is less than four inches, making it easier to install than other fireplaces on this list. There are 12 colors to choose from for the ultra-high-intensity LED light and 12 colors for the crystal flame bed. This gives you countless color combination options.

The remote control works from up to 26 feet away, or you can use the integrated touchscreen. There is also a timer that can automatically turn off the fireplace after one to eight hours. Two heating modes can warm a space up to 400 square feet.

Unfortunately, you may find the flames to look faint or not be as big as you’d like. So if you’re looking for a roaring fire, this may not be it. You also can’t use the heating function without the fireplace feature.

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How Do Electric Fireplaces Work?

These modern fireplaces use LEDs and a mirror element to mimic the look of real flames. Simple fireplaces have a single line of LEDs, while more upscale models can have multiple rows for a more dynamic and realistic display. They typically use 120-volt outlets for the power source.

Many of them also come with a heating element, which lends some authenticity to the fireplace. These units have either heating coils or infrared quartz. These elements are located inside the fireplace and heat up to the desired temperature.

Then there is a blower fan that moves the warmed air out of the fireplace and into the room. When this happens, cold air gets sucked in and subsequently warmed.

How Much Space Do Electric Fireplaces Heat?

The amount of space your electric fireplace can heat will depend on the size and strength of your fireplace. Typically, an electric fireplace about 30 to 36 inches in length and mounted flush with the wall can warm a 400 square-foot space.

Freestanding electric fireplaces can emit warmth from all sides to warm slightly larger rooms, typically around 1,000 square feet. If you choose a large electric fireplace, it could help warm a space over 1,000 square feet.

However, keep in mind that all electric fireplaces are designed and intended to be supplemental heating. You should never solely depend on your electric fireplace as your source of heat.

Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?

Yes, they are safer than a traditional fireplace because there is no actual flame. There is nothing to burn someone on. There are also no toxic emissions, so you don’t have to worry about air pollution.

Because these fireplaces are electric, you should check to ensure the fireplace you buy is certified safe. You don’t want your new fireplace to cause a real fire because unreliable wiring causes a short or spark that started a fire. As long as your fireplace is safety certified, you don’t have anything to worry about.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Under a TV?

Yes, you can! Many people don’t realize this, but the chimney above a real fireplace gets incredibly hot, and this is damaging to your flat-screen TV mounted over your fireplace. Instead, an electric fireplace doesn’t have this problem, so you are safe to install your TV over it.

However, you’ll want to give the electric fireplace plenty of clearance, so don’t mount them too close to each other.

Additionally, your fireplace should have front or bottom vents for the heating element. This directs the hot air away from the TV and reduces the heat exposure to the delicate electrical components in the TV.

Can You Install an Electric Fireplace Outside?

This is a common question as more people turn their backyards into outdoor living spaces. If you want to create a living room feel, a fireplace is a must. You can use an electric fireplace for your outdoor living room, bathroom, patio, or anywhere else outside that you would like to create ambiance.

You should only use electric fireplaces that are outdoor rated. This means their construction is sealed to prevent moisture from coming into contact with the electric components, as this would create a safety risk.

Never install an indoor-only electric fireplace outside. Where it can be exposed to the elements.

What Features Should I Look For?

The number of features your electric fireplace has will depend on your budget. If you have a small budget, then look for the basic must-have features that provide satisfactory functionality. If your budget has some flexibility, then consider the nice-to-have features that can elevate your user experience.

Basic Must-Have Features

• You should be able to control your fireplace with a remote to turn the flames on and off when you want.
• On-demand heater functionality is also a must.
• A timer is also a must because this ensures your fireplace isn’t left running for an endless amount of time.
• You should also look for safety features like an auto shut-off should the unit get too hot.
• Finally, some level of temperature and flame display adjustability is also a must. This lets you choose how hot you want it to heat and the type of fire you want it to produce.

Nice To Have Extra Features

While having a remote is excellent, a touchscreen is even nicer. Modern high-end fireplaces come with a touchscreen that makes it easy to choose your settings. These fireplaces also have a lot more settings to choose from. For example, instead of one or two heat temperature settings, they can have five or as many as 10.

The same applies to the flame display. There will be size, brightness, and color options to choose from. Many high-quality fireplaces also have multiple flame bed options, such as crystals or wood logs.

Innovative Features

Electric fireplaces have come a long way since they were first introduced. These days manufacturers are looking for better ways to replicate the look of fire for the most realistic display.

They are also adding innovative features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. These will let you control your fireplace from your phone, sync with other devices, and integrate the controls into your smart home system. Some fireplaces also have speakers built into the unit.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

When buying an electric fireplace, think about where and how you plan to install it in your home. This will help you decide which type of electric fireplace is best. Similar to traditional fireplaces, you want the one you choose to complement your home’s architecture and design. In addition, it should look purposeful and as if it was always a part of the home.

Wall Mounted

These flat electric fireplaces are perfect for apartments or rental homes. They hang on the wall like a flat-screen TV. This is good because there’s no permanent damage to the wall.

Someone with little experience can install them, and they only require an outlet to run. This gives you a lot more freedom in where you install your electric fireplace, such as over your bed, in the kitchen, bathroom, or home office.

You can easily take down the fireplace and brackets and take them with you when you move. The downside of these fireplaces is that they don’t look as authentic because they are hung on the wall. They also don’t produce heat or as much heat as larger units.

Built-In

A built-in electric fireplace has an authentic look because it sits flush with the wall. They are a great alternative to gas fireplaces. These units require more knowledge, skill, and experience because you will need to create a hole in the wall where the unit will sit.

They also require hardwiring. It’s best to have a professional assist with this part of the installation.

Once your fireplace is installed, you won’t take it out when you move as it’s now a part of the house. If you want a realistic square shape for your electric fireplace, these are great options.

Keep in mind that some of these models are over five inches thick. This can create installation issues, and you may need to build out the wall on the backside.

Recessed

These fireplaces have a shallow depth because they are meant for installation in an already-built wall. They are called 2×4 installs because you can recess them into a 2×4 wall without having to build out on the other side of the wall to accommodate the depth of the fireplace.

The majority of these models are under four inches in depth. Some are slightly deeper, but they stick out from the wall on the front side.

Recessed units can come with a plug, but they are typically designed for hard-wiring them into your home’s existing electrical.

Three Sided

A three-sided electric fireplace can work with your architecture if you have unique architecture. It makes a bold statement as you can view the flames from three sides. If needed, you could make it two-sided by only exposing two of the three sides.

You could recess it into the wall with only one side exposed for a more realistic flame display than what you can get with other recessed fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces with three sides are perfect when you have a more open floor plan or two rooms that connect with a wall between them. The fireplace is then viewable from both sides so that you can have warmth and ambiance in both rooms.

Two-Sided

Instead of three sides, there are electric fireplaces with two sides. These get mounted in the wall in the same fashion as a recessed fireplace, but it is flush-mounted on both sides. This is ideal when you have two rooms that share a wall but are closed off from each other with a wall.

For the most functionality, look for one that has a privacy screen. That way, you can prevent people in one from looking into the other.

Inserts

If you have an existing wood or gas-burning fireplace in your home, you can easily convert it into an electric one with an insert. These units are shaped to snugly fit into the firebox of a traditional fireplace.

The other insert type is electric log inserts. Instead of being a large box that looks similar to other electric fireplaces, these are a grate with logs that you place in your traditional firebox.

This looks the most realistic since you have an actual fireplace, blending the electric elements in with it.

Free Standing

If you are looking to upgrade the furniture in your home, a freestanding electric fireplace is a great option. The most common type of freestanding electric fireplace is a media cabinet.

You place the cabinet under your big screen TV in your living room or bedroom. These units are nice because you can move them around, they serve multiple purposes to reduce the number of furniture pieces in the room, and you won’t have to sacrifice features. Their downside is that you tend to be limited when it comes to size.

With Mantels

This type of electric fireplace combines the charm of a traditional fireplace with the convenience of a modern electric one. Unlike other types on this list, you don’t mount this one into the wall.

It sits in front of the wall, but unlike one that hangs on the wall, this one is mounted in a frame that mimics the look of a real fireplace with a surround and mantel.

This gives you the look of a real fireplace without having to make any major changes to your home. You can arrange decorative items on the mantel as you would with a real fireplace.

Conclusion

If we had to pick just one electric fireplace to recommend, it would be the R.W.FLAME 36-Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace because it comes in a wide range of sizes, has plenty of options for customization, and can effectively heat a small room. In addition, the shallow depth of the fireplace helps to make it easier to install in smaller spaces. You’ll also find the remote convenient.

Electric Fireplace FAQs