As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best Electric Fireplaces
You don’t have to completely remodel your home to have a beautiful fireplace. Thanks to modern technology, you can have a realistic-looking fire crackling and flickering as it brings a sense of warmth to your home. The best electric fireplaces not only have realistic flames but also add a sense of style to your home’s aesthetic. This could be a rustic farmhouse look, a Scandinavian feel, or an ultra-modern style. We found the best electric fireplaces on the market to do the hard work for you, so all you have to do is decide where in your home you’ll install it.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Albee Electric Fireplace
Specs:
Dimensions: 16.75” H x 30.5” W x 5” D
Orientation: Wall Mounted
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
The elegant design of this unit makes it one of the best electric fireplace heaters on the market. It’s where design meets function with a gloss black or brushed silver frame and 13-color backlit accent. Use the included remote to set the heat from three available options of high, low, or off. A standout feature is that you can run the flames without having the heat on. When on, the heating function can effectively warm a space of up to 400 square feet, thanks to the built-in blower. Use the remote to set the timer for 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. The display on this realistic electric fireplace is impressive with modern flames and decorative stones.
One drawback of his fireplace is that it only has two heat settings. They are also not specific, so you can only choose high or low, not a specific temperature. It also plugs in, so you’ll need an outlet directly behind the fireplace, or you’ll have an ugly black cord hanging down below the fireplace.
Check PriceBest Budget Pick: Ophelia & Co. Electric Fireplace Insert
Specs:
Dimensions: 17.05” H x 18.82” W x 5.12” D
Orientation: Inserted in Existing Hearth Space
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
If you already have an existing fireplace in your home, you can convert it from wood or gas burning to electric. This is one of the best electric fireplace inserts because it’s easy to install and looks beautiful. It mimics the look of a real fire with a glowing ember bed and realistic logs. It has a realistic feel with translucent fire glass. It also has a heating element that is capable of warming a room up to 400 square feet in size. You’ll appreciate its energy efficiency thanks to LED technology.
The downside of this fireplace insert is that it doesn’t come with a remote. It also doesn’t have multiple display options, so only have one display to choose from. You will also need to have an electrician do the installation because it requires an outlet to plug into. Fireplaces don’t have outlets inside of the firebox, so this can make installation more complicated.
Check PriceBest Wall Mount: Wrought Studio Allmar 36” W
Specs:
Dimensions: 22” H x 36” W x 3.75” D
Orientation: Wall Mounted
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
This modern-looking wall mount electric fireplace features two sleek stainless steel bars above and below the fireplace. Its real standout feature is the quality of the realistic flame effect that is superior to other modern electric fireplaces. There is a stone fire bed with what looks like real flames flickering in a combination of reds, yellows, and oranges. It also comes with a simple remote for operating the fireplace. This fireplace is capable of warming a space up to 400 square feet with the included heater and built-in blower.
One drawback of this fireplace is that the flame brightness isn’t strong. You’ll need to darken the rest of the room to really be able to see the flames. This makes it better for adding subtle ambiance than being the focal point in the room. It’s also a plug-in, so you’ll need to place it near an outlet and hide the cable running down the wall.
Check PriceBest Traditional Look: Boston Loft Furnishings 44.5-in W Espresso
Specs:
Dimensions: Freestanding
Orientation: 40.25” H x 44.5” W x 14.5” D
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
If you want to create a traditional fireplace look in your living room, then this electric fireplace will be the perfect option. It features a large firebox and rich wood mantel and surround. The intricate scrollwork gives this fireplace a traditional Victorian feel that you would find in a historical home. If the dark wood isn’t your taste, it also comes in white. The mantel is large enough to safely support a flat panel TV that is up to 42.5 inches in width. The adjustable fireplace comes with a thermostat with a temperature range of 50-70 degrees. It can effectively warm a space that’s up to 1,500 square feet.
Unfortunately, the white isn’t a true white, it’s more like yellowed ivory with a semi-gloss finish. This can make it harder to integrate into your home. It also needs a flat wall with no molding so that it can sit flush against the wall for a realistic look.
Check PriceBest Freestanding: Xbeauty Fireplace Heater with Realistic Flame
Specs:
Dimensions: 26 x 22.8 x 15.2 inches
Orientation: Freestanding
Heating Coverage Area: 500 square feet
This freestanding vintage stove acts as an infrared heater that can provide supplemental heat to a room. This unique electric heater features a display on three sides, making it stand out from the other single view fireplaces on this list. The realistic flame colors flicker and dance over realistic-looking faux logs. This gives you a classic flame look as if you had a real antique stove in your home. It comes in two sizes, a 16 and 23-inch unit, making it perfect for smaller spaces. There are two heating modes and come with a built-in auto shut-off if the unit reaches an unsafe temperature. You can effectively warm a space 400-500 square feet. While there’s no remote, there are easy-to-use controls located on the unit. Place this heater in your bedroom or living room for a rustic farmhouse or vintage feel.
Unfortunately, this warming heater of this fireplace could be better. You won’t feel it unless you are standing directly next to or in front of it. There is also some assembly required that isn’t mentioned by the manufacturer.
Check PriceBest Included Display: Home Decorators Collection Edenfield Electric Fireplace
Specs:
Dimensions: 42.25” H x 70.25” W x 14” D
Orientation: Freestanding
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
Instead of having a separate fireplace, combine the fireplace and TV console. This one stands out from other electric fireplace models because it features two large glass front cabinet doors. This gives you plenty of space for displaying decor or as storage. It also has a large fireplace box, giving you the best of both worlds. It also has one of the best electric fireplace heaters with 13 heat settings that are capable of warming space of up to 1,000 square feet. You also have control over the flame size, with three options to choose from. An 8-stage timer ensures the fireplace’s safety during operation and is certified by the CSA for safe operation.
The downside of this electric fireplace is that the blower fan can be louder than other models. This can be annoying when trying to watch TV. You will also need to assemble the unit before use. While the instructions state that you can use hand tools, power tools are better suited.
Check PriceBest Rustic Design: Walker Edison Furniture Company
Specs:
Dimensions: 25” H x 58” L x 16” W
Orientation: Freestanding
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
This rustic electric fireplace TV stand is the perfect addition to your farmhouse-inspired living or bedroom. It comes in several colors, including barn wood, gray wash, rustic barn wood, stone gray, and white oak. This many color options give you the freedom to gif the perfect piece for your interior design theme. The attention to detail is impressive with rustic hardware. The cabinet is large enough to support TVs that are up to 65 inches. On either side of the center fireplace, there are two cabinets that are perfect for storage. Dispute the fireplace being small, it’s capable of warming a space up to 400 square feet at 89 degrees. This fireplace is safe for use around children and pets thanks to the safety shut-off, cool-touch glass, and the option to run the fireplace without heat.
Unfortunately, this unit requires assembly, which can be quite difficult given the additional part for the fireplace. It can also be difficult to get the cabinet doors correctly adjusted.
Check PriceBest Modern Design: Northwest Wall-mounted 54-inch Electric Fireplace
Specs:
Dimensions: 20” H x 54” W x 4.75” D
Orientation: Wall Mounted
Heating Coverage Area: 400 square feet
This recessed electric fireplace will give your home the sleek look of a downtown upscale restaurants or trendy bar. It’s 4.5 feet in length, making it a statement piece on your wall. This wall-mounted unit is durable with a black steel frame and tempered glass screen. Instead of logs or stones, there are decorative crystals. For the flame effect, you can choose from amber or blue flames. While it has a heating element that can warm up to 400 square feet, you don’t have to use it. An alternative mounting option is to do a recessed mount so that it’s flush with the wall. However, you won’t be able to use the heating element with this method. A long 71-inch cord gives you a lot of freedom in where you install your fireplace.
Unfortunately, while it does come with a heating element, it isn’t as strong as other units on this list. This isn’t the ideal fireplace if you are looking for an alternative heat source for a cold room. The small vent on the top isn’t ideal.
Check PriceBest Contemporary: Silverton 48” W Electric Fireplace
Specs:
Dimensions: 41” H x 48” W x 8.75” D
Orientation: Free Standing
Heating Coverage Area: 1000 square feet
Give your living room, bedroom, or dining room a warm and welcoming feeling with this contemporary styled fireplace. It comes in white, black, or dark mahogany, so you can easily match your fireplace to the rest of your home. This helps it to blend in and look as if it were an original structure in the home. Use the included remote to adjust the thermostat to your chosen warming temperature. It’s capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet, making it the perfect addition for larger rooms. While the flames could be more realistic, there are several color options to choose from for the flames.
One thing to consider about this fireplace is that it’s a freestanding box. This means it will sit on the floor in front of the wall. If you have baseboards or molding on the bottom of the wall, it will prevent the unit from sitting flush against the wall. This will detract from the realistic look.
Check PriceBest Corner Design: Chateau 40.9” W Electric Fireplace
Specs:
Dimensions: 37.6” H x 40.9” W x 25.3” D
Orientation: Free Standing
Heating Coverage Area: 1000 square feet
This unique corner electric fireplace is triangle-shaped and fits into a 90-degree corner. It comes in three colors, espresso, dark walnut, and white. It’s a convenient plug-in setup, giving you the freedom to place it in any corner of your home. Its contemporary design helps the fireplace to look timeless while also giving you a mantel for displaying decor. This fireplace is perfect for larger spaces, capable of warming a space up to 1,000 square feet. It also comes with a thermostat for precise heating settings at 72, 75, 78, 82, 86, 99 °F. A blower helps to circulate the heat into the room.
Unfortunately, the fire and log display doesn’t look realistic, which can be disappointing to some. However, it does have multiple color options, which lets you tailor your display to the season or your design style. Another issue is that the heater blower is located on the top. This directs the heat up into the room. Given that warm air rises, this design makes it take longer to heat the room space that you occupy.
Check PriceHow to Choose a Perfect Electric Fireplace?
Type
The type of electric fireplace you buy will depend on where you plan to use it. Fireplace inserts are designed to fit directly into an existing traditional fireplace. Fireplace mantel designs look like a traditional fireplace with a surround and mantel around the fire feature. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces come in two styles. They either hang on the wall in front of it or get recessed into the wall to sit flush with it. The final type is freestanding stove electric fireplaces. These look like an antique stove with a vintage charm. They tend to be smaller than the other types but work well as space heaters.
Heating Element
You will need to decide if you want your electric fireplace to warm the room it’s in. A purely decorative fireplace will have no heating function. A small fireplace will be able to warm a space up to 250 square feet. Medium fireplaces can warm a space up to 400 square feet. Large fireplaces are effective in rooms that are up to 1,000 square feet. Finally, extra-large fireplaces can warm over 1,000 square feet. This warming effect is subtle, so don’t expect it to replace your home’s HVAC system. Units with a fan that directs the warm air forward, directly into the room are more effective at warming a space. High-quality fireplaces come with an adjustable thermostat that lets you choose the level of heat it outputs.
Flame Quality
The most considered feature is the quality of the flames. LEDs are a must for producing the most realistic-looking flames that have color depth and flicker. If you are looking for realism, this is the way to go. There are also fireplaces that offer multiple color options. This may not be realistic but is perfect for creating a color scheme or seasonal aesthetic. If you are unsure of what you want, look for a fireplace that offers you both.
Style
The style of your fireplace should match the architectural and design aesthetic. If you have a modern home with sleek decor, then a traditional fireplace will look out of place. A freestanding stove style of fireplace will look best in a rustic, country, cabin, or farmhouse home. A mantle fireplace with a simple design will look beautiful in a contemporary home.
Safety
This is the most often overlooked feature. Because they use electricity and have a heating element, there is a possibility of it overheating. This can make them potentially dangerous if they don’t come with safety features built-in. The fireplace you buy should have an automatic shutoff feature that turns the fireplace off when it reaches an unsafe temperature. It’s also good for it to have a timer that prevents the fireplace from endlessly running.
Conclusion
Our top pick for the best electric fireplace is the Albee Electric Fireplace with its easy wall-mounted design and additional LED accent lighting. The modern design looks sleek while the flames look realistic as they flicker over the decorative stones.
If you already have a fireplace that you want to convert, the Electric Fireplace Insert is a great affordable option. It fits neatly into your existing firebox to give you an emissions-free fire display with subtle warming. Both of these options stand out because they have multiple temperature options, realistic-looking flames, and built-in safety shut-off functions.