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While traditional fireplaces require maintenance and constant attention, an electric fireplace takes the chill out of the air without the work or smell.
“You’re not really constrained by any limitations,” says Chris Davis, the owner of HomeFlame in Durham, North Carolina. “You can put it in the bedroom, you can put it in the corner, you can put it in the bathroom. You can put it anywhere in the house, so it offers a lot of versatility.”
We researched dozens of the best electric fireplace models available to find the best ones on the market. For most homeowners, we recommend the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, a beautiful wall-mounted unit that you can control with your phone or smart device.
Typically, you can expect to spend anywhere between $150 to upward of $400 on an electric fireplace, though the price will vary depending on the design, the heat capacity, and the size of the unit. We also offer picks at different price points.
Best Electric Fireplaces: Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Overall: Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
- Best Fireplace Insert: PuraFlame Klaus Insert
- Best Electric Stove: Duraflame 3D Infrared Stove
- Best Value: R.W.FLAME Fireplace
- Best Open Fireplace: TURBRO Eternal Flame Logs
- Best Large Fireplace: Touchstone Onyx
- Best Fireplace Console: Ameriwood Home Chicago
Compare the Best Electric Fireplaces
| Product | Installation | Size | Heating Capacity | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace | Wall-mount | 50 inches | 400 sq. ft | 59 pounds | 6.2 x 21.5 x 50.4 inches |
| PuraFlame Klaus Insert | Insert | 22 inches | 400 sq. ft | 31.3 pounds | 24.8 x 10 x 21.5 inches |
| Duraflame Infrared Stove | Freestanding | 24 inches | 1,000 sq. ft | 28.6 pounds | 13.1 x 24 x 23.4 inches |
| R.W.FLAME Fireplace | Insert or wall-mount | 36 inches | 400 sq. ft | 36.3 pounds | 3.9 x 36 x 18.1 inches |
| TURBRO Eternal Flame Logs | Freestanding | 23 inches | Not listed | 12.2 pounds | 9 x 23 x 13 inches |
| Touchstone Onyx Fireplace | Wall-mount | 50 inches | 400 sq. ft | 46 pounds | 50.4 x 5.5 x 21.7 inches |
| Ameriwood Home Chicago Console | Freestanding | 47 inches | 400 sq. ft | 94.2 pounds | 47.2 x 15.9 x 31.8 inches |
| Product | Installation | Size | Heating Capacity | Weight | Dimensions |
Best Electric Fireplace Overall
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
- $499
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who were impressed with this fireplace liked that it featured a stylish flame design and had a straightforward installation. Several others commented on its versatility, noting that it could be controlled via a remote or app. However, there were some customers who felt this fireplace’s heater was ineffective, and others said the remote was difficult to use.
“This fireplace is awesome. It looks great and has a realistic flame effect. It has lots of color combo options for the flames and logs. I used the heat option the first couple of cold days before having to turn on the heater and it took the chill out of the air in a large open room with vaulted ceilings. The wifi and app so I can control with my phone is great, but so is the remote that came with it. I took a chance on this one after looking at many and reading reviews. I am glad I chose this one. It’s perfect!” — dwn1720 via Amazon
“The product is of good craftsmanship and straightforward to set up. Connecting it to both WiFi and the app is a breeze. Regrettably, the heating performance is nearly non-existent.” — Tangz22 via Amazon
Best Fireplace Insert
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
- $329.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this fireplace said it was bright, easy to control, and simple to install. However, we also encountered some unsatisfied customers who claimed that the heater stopped working after minimal use and that the thermostat was inconsistent.
“[…]Everyone who comes in our house has no idea it’s electric until we tell them, and even then, they often treat it like it should be hot inside. It’s absolutely beautiful and perfect. We love it so much! It’s all in the details — the mesh, opening doors, smoke look in the back, bricks, flickering coals, etc. I don’t think you could get a more real looking electric fireplace. The [heater] feature also works great, and the sound effects are nice when for a background ambiance. We built the surround for it with mantel and hearth.” — Sarah via Amazon
“We had a space heater with a thermostat that we were using in our family room. When we replaced it with the electric fireplace we were surprised to find that the only way to use the heating part of it was a timer (which I still can’t figure out) it just runs endlessly. And when it gets too warm you have to shut it off. Once the room starts to get a chill again, you have to turn the heater back on.” — siobhan osborne via Amazon
Best Electric Stove
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace
- $229.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
We saw that several customers said that this electric fireplace was durable, had realistic flames, and heated large rooms. However, we also saw that some dissatisfied customers said that it died quickly and created a harsh burning smell.
“This was a replacement for an older model that stopped heating. I was very happy to see the quality of the unit with glass door and realistic flames. The heat is impressive, and the fan is quiet and blows the heat at least 10 ft. into the room, had to lower the temp to 68, as the living room got too warm for me. Good buy!” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
“We’ve had this fireplace for ~4 months. For the past week or so, when we turn it on, we seem to have about a 70% chance that it will start emitting a nasty chemical smell. At first I thought something had gotten sucked inside and stuck on the heating element but there is nothing in there. Also, it comes and goes which wouldn’t happen with an outside contaminant.” — gNerdlabs via Amazon
Best Value
R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted Fireplace
- $149.99
- $199.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
We found that customers who were happy with this product said that it was easy to install and operate and had an elegant design. However, some unhappy customers claimed that it arrived damaged from the manufacturer. Others said that it had a lower heat output than they expected.
“The review for this fireplace was legit. It’s awesome and produces plenty of heat for a large room. It’s got a low profile and was easy to install. Plugs into a regular outlet. I would definitely recommend this. The price really can’t be beat.” — Erin via Amazon
“I really love the functions and aesthetics of this heater. The selection of colors for the flames, flame styles, and rock colors give an extensive number of options. Being able to change the speed of the flames is very useful because there are times when you want the flames to match the mood of the room. Sometimes I set mine to the respective color of the team I’m watching at the time — nerdy but fun. The reason for my 3* rating is that the heater function is severely lacking. I have another electric heater with the same wattage options and it heats the room much faster. To the manufacturer: update the heater’s efficiency and this would be a near-perfect fireplace.” — KB via Amazon
Best Open Electric Fireplace
TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace
- $149.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that customers who left positive reviews of this openly designed electric log fireplace found it a handy addition to their existing TV stand or entertainment center. They also liked that the fireplace could be used right out of the box and stated that the heat output was satisfactory. On the other hand, we also noticed some users complained that the wood logs and flame effects didn’t look realistic.
“This was super easy to set up and let me tell you once I did I fell in love with my fireplace all over again! I did not expect the ‘flames’ to project onto the back of my firebox. They even flicker and it looks so realistic. Add in the fact that you can control this [via] WiFi, and you have a fantastic little faux fire. Highly recommend!” — Paige N. via Amazon
“The item arrived on time and in perfect condition. While I appreciate the heat that’s generated from the unit, I’m disappointed in the lack of realism of the logs [and] flame. The logs, lights [and] flame are too orange. The unit is rather loud, as well. I have a freestanding little fireplace in another room (a different brand) and it’s quite realistic looking. I expected this unit to be the same and am disappointed.” — Jodi Lee via Amazon
Best Large Fireplace
Courtesy Amazon
Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted Fireplace
- $419
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
When checking reviews for this product, we found that those who left positive reviews often liked that it had an easy assembly process, a sleek design, and a life-like flame. However, customers who gave negative reviews said felt that it had a poor design and noted it stopped working after a short period of time.
“My wife and I were looking for a fireplace to complement our living room in our small home. Because we lack space, we wanted one we could mount on the wall easily along with our TV. After much research, we decided to purchase this fireplace and we have not been disappointed. We’ve had a chance to use it for a while and love it more each day. The installation was simple — we did it ourselves over a couple hours. The instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. After mounting, the operation of the fireplace is SO easy — the remote control is sleek and easy to use. It has two heat settings – low and high. The high setting gives a lot of heat. We usually keep it on the low setting and are happy with the amount of heat it provides. […]The glass panel easily comes off, allowing changing it from logs to stones fairly simply. Long story short — we love this fireplace!” — Douglas Smith via Amazon
“I was a little disappointed with this fireplace. It looks ok, but not realistic at all. I don’t use the heating mechanism since it doesn’t do much to heat our space. Also, it sometimes makes a dull clicking sound about every five seconds when it’s on. It’s low, but annoying once you notice it.” — Happy Soul Diva via Amazon
Best Fireplace Console
Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace Console
- $302.03
- $429.99
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Customers Are Saying
We saw that several customers said that this fireplace was made from durable material, had an elegant, modern design, and featured an effective heating element. However, we also noticed that some customers complained about the involved installation process and the lack of a remote.
“I am so impressed with this piece! It’s sturdy and heavy but easy to move. It really only took me about an hour and a half to put it together by myself, but the instructions are super clear and easy to follow. The hardest part of the assembly was fastening the heater unit into place, only because the area where the screws go is a very, very tight space, making it hard to see and maneuver. A little patience goes a long way there! Overall, this thing is absolutely beautiful, and warm, and cozy, and for the price? Are you kidding me? Show me a better value!” — Ashley via Amazon
“This TV stand fireplace looked amazing! Except for when it was put together there was a crack in the top. We could handle that it was OK. But the heater came with no remote control or no thermostat. We were very, very disappointed I did not remember reading that it wouldn’t come with that, I thought it did come with it. […]It is beautiful. But very unhelpful without a thermostat. It just means when you turn it on, it runs the whole time. I’m not sure if I’m keeping it.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying an Electric Fireplace
When purchasing a new electric fireplace, take time to consider features such as installation, flame settings, heat control and output, ease of use, and safety features.
Fireplace Installation
While setting up electric fireplaces doesn’t typically require professional help, their ease of installation will depend on their type. For example, filling an existing fireplace area with an electric insert should be straightforward, but carving out space for a recessed mount might require extra planning.
Charlie Schmidt, a sales manager at Heritage Design & Supply, told us the shallow design of many modern electric fireplaces gives homeowners plenty of versatility when it comes to choosing a location for the unit. He also added that the installation process is much simpler than traditional fireplaces and gas models.
“You don’t have to worry about running the gas lines or the venting or other things like that,” Schmidt said. “There’s no holes getting punched in your room for your walls that potentially, way down the road, might leak.”
Check out the video below to see how an electric fireplace is installed in an unusual opening in the home.
Flame Settings
Electric fireplace settings include everything from flicker speed to flame brightness. Our team found that electric fireplaces typically have buttons on the base or a separate remote to control these settings. Some even offer both.
Heat Control
Electric fireplace heaters can be a more aesthetically pleasing way to provide supplemental heat than a space heater. A benefit of electric fireplaces is the ability to control the temperature and amount of heat produced. We found that some electric fireplaces offer two or three heat settings, while others provide an adjustable thermostat.
Electric fireplaces typically measure heat in British Thermal Units (BTUs). Electric fireplaces typically range anywhere from, 1,000-7,000 BTUs depending on the unit.
But Davis told us that an electric fireplace won’t replace an HVAC system or fully reproduce an open flame.
“If heat is a driving factor to the decision-making process of [installing a] fireplace, then I would say an electric fireplace is not for you,” Davis said. “Because an electric fireplace is going to yield a little bit of heat but not nowhere in comparison to a gas fireplace or a wood fireplace.”
Ease of Use
Another significant benefit of using an electric fireplace is convenience. Rather than purchasing firewood and going to the trouble of building a fire, you should be able to flick a switch or press a button to turn your electric fireplace on or off. If ease of use is a priority to you, look for an electric fireplace model that can be plugged in directly out of the box with little to no setup.
Fireplace Safety
The nice part about owning an electric fireplace is that there’s no need to worry about dozing off in front of its flame. While this already makes it safer than wood- and gas fireplaces, we found that some models even have a timer that includes automatic shut off of the unit after a certain amount of time.
“On the maintenance front, electric fireplaces are pretty low-key compared to their gas or wood-burning cousins,” says Bobby Lynn, electrician and owner of LiveWire Electrical. “That said, keep an eye out for any potential issues like circuit overloads or faulty wiring that could affect your fireplace’s performance.”
Types of Electric Fireplaces
Our research indicates that you can separate electric fireplaces into five distinct categories.
Stove
Freestanding electric fireplaces or stove electric fireplaces are heaters with an old, rustic look. This type of fireplace is portable, so you can move it from room to room as needed. Plus, we like that you can open its doors and use its roomy interior to warm food.
Mantel
When you think of a fireplace, you likely think of a mantel model fueled by wood or propane. However, we found that many electric fireplaces mimic this style.
Corner
These electric fireplaces fit snugly into a corner to maximize space while still producing heat. Many corner fireplaces double as television stands.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces add a modern feel to your home. In our experience, this type of fireplace resembles a high-definition TV.
Insert
You install an electric fireplace insert within a recessed space, such as a fireplace TV stand. It starts working as soon as you plug it in.
Fire Safety Tips
Here are a few safety tips to consider when you’re operating an electric fireplace:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions during installation.
- Don’t use an extension cord or power strip to power your electric fireplace to minimize the risk of a real fire.
- Keep objects away from the intake fans and heaters to avoid overheating.
- Keep children and pets away from an electric fireplace that’s hot to the touch.
- Keep electric fireplaces dry and indoors at all times.
Electric Fireplaces FAQ
How do electric fireplaces work?
There are two kinds of electric fireplaces: infrared and forced-fan. Infrared fireplaces send a beam of light that warms the surrounding area, while forced-fan fireplaces take in cool air, heat it with a coil, and push it back into the room. While the latter type is more effective, it’s also louder.
Are electric fireplaces safe?
Our research shows that electric fireplaces are significantly safer than traditional fireplaces because you don’t have to worry about burning yourself on real flames or breathing in ashes or fumes. That said, Lynn advises double-checking that your home’s electrical system can handle the fireplace.
“It’s important to make sure your electrical system is up to the standards before adding any new load,” he says. “Sometimes, you might even need to install a dedicated circuit to keep things safe and sound, which could push the price up a bit more.”
What are the disadvantages of an electric fireplace?
We found that the disadvantages of using an electric fireplace to heat your home include the unit’s potential limited heat output, lack of a natural firewood smell, energy consumption, and lack of charm or fulfillment compared to using a real-wood fireplace. However, the inherent safety features and the convenience of heating your home with the flick of a switch outweigh the disadvantages of using an electric fireplace.
Are electric fireplaces expensive to use?
In our experience, electric fireplaces are much more cost- and energy-efficient than gas-powered or wood-burning fireplaces. On average, they cost about 18 cents per hour to run. Many models have adjustable brightness, adjustable flames, and adjustable heat settings as well as a no-heat option to conserve even more energy.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of electric fireplaces with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final short list, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.