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.
Top 7 Electric Fireplaces
- Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace: Best Electric Fireplace Overall
- PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert: Best Fireplace Insert
- Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace: Best Electric Stove
- R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted Fireplace: Best Value
- TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace: Best Open Electric Fireplace
- Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted Fireplace: Best Large Fireplace
- Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace Console: Best Fireplace Console
Compare Top Electric Fireplaces
| Product | Installation | Size | Heating Capacity | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Touchstone Smart Electric FireplaceCheck Price | Wall-mount | 50 inches | 400 sq. ft | 59 pounds | 6.2 x 21.5 x 50.4 inches |
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace InsertCheck Price | Insert | 22 inches | 400 sq. ft | 31.3 pounds | 24.8 x 10 x 21.5 inches |
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric FireplaceCheck Price | Freestanding | 24 inches | 1,000 sq. ft | 28.6 pounds | 13.1 x 24 x 23.4 inches |
R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted FireplaceCheck Price | Insert or wall-mount | 36 inches | 400 sq. ft | 36.3 pounds | 3.9 x 36 x 18.1 inches |
TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric FireplaceCheck Price | Freestanding | 23 inches | Not listed | 12.2 pounds | 9 x 23 x 13 inches |
Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted FireplaceCheck Price | Wall-mount | 50 inches | 400 sq. ft | 46 pounds | 50.4 x 5.5 x 21.7 inches |
Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace ConsoleCheck Price | Freestanding | 47 inches | 400 sq. ft | 94.2 pounds | 47.2 x 15.9 x 31.8 inches |
Best Electric Fireplace Overall
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
This high-quality fireplace is equipped with Wi-Fi, making it easy to control from anywhere. You can turn the unit and and off or adjust settings via its included remote control, a smart mobile app, or even via voice control with Amazon Alexa. Additionally, this fireplace has five different flame settings, a heater, and an automatic shut-off timer.
Pros and Cons of Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
- Is available in sizes ranging from 28 inches to 100 inches
- Has five flame brightness settings and two heat settings
- Can be controlled via an included free smartphone app
- Some customers feel flames were not realistic looking
- Remote can be finnicky
What People Are Saying About The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
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.
Best Fireplace Insert
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
This Klaus fireplace from PuraFlame is inserted into an existing cutout in your wall or chimney. We appreciated that it was designed to look like a wood-burning model with its resin logs and mesh screen. It’s made of durable metal and comes with a remote to adjust the temperature from across the room.
Pros and Cons of PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
- Has lifelike resin logs
- Comes with a glass door and mesh screen to keep you protected from direct heat
- Compatible with its included remote control
- Takes longer to install with its inserted design
- Can’t be moved from room to room
What People Are Saying About The PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
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.
Best Electric Stove
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace
This fireplace looks like a stove you might see in a cabin, but because it uses electricity instead of wood or propane, we found that it’s easier to maintain. It can roast chicken, toast marshmallows, cook other meals, and keep you warm. Plus, it’s offered in multiple flame colors.
Pros and Cons of Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace
- Can open the door to roast marshmallows or cook other food
- Has an adjustable digital thermostat
- Produces 5,200 British Thermal Units of heat to warm spaces that are up to 1,000 square feet
- Has comments from users about little heat production
- Doesn’t give your cooked food a smoky flavor
What People Are Saying About The Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace
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.
Best Value
R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted Fireplace
This 36-inch electric fireplace has touchscreen buttons along its base to switch between heat, speed, light, color, and timer settings. We also like that these same settings can be controlled remotely. Plus, the unit is available in other lengths to fit walls and cutouts of varying sizes.
Pros and Cons of R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted Fireplace
- Contains an automatic heat kill switch to avoid overheating
- Heats rooms that are up to 400 square feet
- Offers several settings, including five flame speeds and 12 flame colors
- Makes a dull grinding noise during operation, according to some customers
- Is not the most realistic electric fireplace
What People Are Saying About The R.W.FLAME Wall-Mounted Fireplace
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.
Best Open Electric Fireplace
TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace
This electric log set heater offers up to 1,400 watts of power and can be placed virtually anywhere, including in a real fireplace, an entertainment center, and other places. We were impressed with the realistic lemonwood ember bed, which provides a warm ambiance.
Pros and Cons of TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace
- Has adjustable flames with three brightness levels
- Comes with an adjustable thermostat and simplified control panel
- Includes built-in overheating protection
- Has a relatively short 6-foot power cord
- The remote control won’t work if you’re more than 13 feet away from the fireplace
What People Are Saying About The TURBRO Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace
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.
Best Large Fireplace
Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted Fireplace
This 50-inch fireplace is a convenient wall-mounted model, which we found keeps it out of the way and makes it easier to install than inserts. Its left side features an on/off switch as well as buttons to control the heat output, timer, and more. Its attractive looks and size make it suitable for large spaces.
Pros and Cons of Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted Fireplace
- Has a glass door that stays cool to the touch
- Has flames that sit in your choice of included faux logs or crystals
- Has vents along the top to allow heat to escape
- Doesn’t produce realistic flames
- May be too large for smaller living rooms
What People Are Saying About The Touchstone Onyx Wall-Mounted Fireplace
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.
Best Fireplace Console
Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace Console
We recommend this hybrid TV console and fireplace for homes with limited floor space. The fireplace is located in the bottom center and surrounded by storage compartments on three sides. The top shelf holds TVs up to 50 inches and 70 pounds.
Pros and Cons of Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace Console
- Supports televisions that are up to 50 inches
- Contains a divided top shelf and two side cabinets
- Can support over 100 pounds
- Has customer complaints about difficult installation
- Takes up floor space
What People Are Saying About The Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace Console
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.
Electric Fireplace Buying Guide
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.”
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). Depending on the unit, they typically range from 1,000 to 7,000 BTUs.
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.
Fireplace 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 Fireplace FAQs
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.