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The 10 Best Electric Fireplaces to Snuggle Up to This Winter

Rachel Center
·15 min read
The 10 Best Electric Fireplaces to Snuggle Up to This Winter

Courtesy of Wayfair

Best Overall

bhg - 300 Available at Target

Best Quality

bhg - 320 Available at Amazon

Best TV Stand

bhg - 333 Available at Walmart

Best Large

bhg - 590 Available at Overstock

Best Wall-Mounted

bhg - 235 Available at Amazon

Best for Small Spaces

bhg - 429 Available at Lowes

Best Budget

bhg - 139 Available at The Home Depot

Best for Storage

bhg - 427 Available at Lowes

Best Splurge

bhg - 860 Available at Wayfair

Best Contemporary

bhg - 158 Available at Amazon

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. On This Page

    • Our Picks

    • Final Verdict

    • What To Know About Electric Fireplaces Before Shopping

    • Your Questions, Answered

    • Who We Are

If you find yourself craving the cozy ambiance and additional warmth that a fireplace brings, but don't want the hassle of setting up a fire, the next best thing is to invest in an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces are similar to space heaters but with an added style bonus. They come in multiple designs, including freestanding, wall-mounted, or insert, and typically include faux logs and LED lights to create the look of a real wood-burning fireplace.

With so many electric fireplaces on the market, there is something for practically every home's design style, and budget. Invest in a splurge-worthy electric fireplace that looks like a built-in mantle or opt for a more affordable option inspired by old-fashioned stoves.

Our best overall pick is the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove (view at Target) for its ability to heat large rooms up to 1,000 square feet, unlike the other fireplaces on this list. It also features infrared heat, which is known to not dry out the air in the space it occupies.

Read on to learn more about our top picks and learn what to look out for when buying an electric fireplace for the first time.

Our Picks

Best Overall: Duraflame 3D Infrared Freestanding Stove

Why You Should Get It: This electric fireplace doesn't make the air in your space dry.

Keep in Mind: It has a more traditional look, so it may not be a good fit for modern interiors.

This stove-inspired heater can warm up to 1,000 square feet, includes a 3-D flame effect that mimics the look of real burning firewood. Plus, unlike flames from a real fireplace, you can control the color, brightness, and speed of this item's flames with a remote control.

Another standout of this electric fireplace is that it uses radiant infrared heat. Infrared heat doesn't alter the humidity in your room, nor does it create static electricity, both of which are common occurrences with other types of heaters. This option would be particularly optimal for people who live in dry climates, as built-in heaters tend to dry out air in the homes they occupy. Plus, this electric fireplace is not hot to the touch, making it a safe option for homes with children.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 1,000

  • Heat type: Radiant

  • BTUs: 5,200

Best Insert: PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert

Why You Should Get It: Since its glass is cool to the touch, this fireplace is a great option for people with children who might hurt their hands on a hot fireplace.

Keep in Mind: This electric fireplace is designed to slip inside a traditional wood-burning fireplace.

For those with an existing fireplace, this electric fireplace insert is a great option if your fireplace isn't operational or if you want to add a bit of extra heat to your home without the hassle of managing real flames. It's designed to slide into a fireplace opening, and the heat outlet and control panel are hidden behind the grill, making for a sleeker look.

The glass on the front of the fireplace stays cool to the touch while realistic resin logs glow inside, making this a great swap for homes with kids or pets. The insert comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the flame intensity, brightness, and the actual heat. To set the temperature, you can adjust the fireplace's dial thermostat, which goes up to nine, to your desired heat. On the remote, there are two heat settings: low (which heats the unit halfway to the thermostat's setting) and high (the fireplace will heat to the full thermostat setting). It's important to know that this insert performs best for heating rooms that are 400 square feet or less.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400 square feet

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: Up to 5,100

Related: The 10 Best Outdoor Firepits for Your Backyard

Best TV Stand: Ameriwood Home Carver Electric Fireplace TV Stand

Why You Should Get It: This fireplace offers built-in storage for small rooms.

Keep in Mind: This fireplace is relatively small and can't be removed from the stand.

To make the most of a small space, order an electric fireplace that doubles as a TV stand. This option includes a 23-inch electric fireplace insert that you can operate via a remote control and that heats rooms up to 400 square feet. With the remote control, you can adjust the temperature, which ranges from 64 to 82 degrees; set a timer for the fireplace; and increase the brightness settings of the artificial flames. The bulbs that emit this brightness are LED and can last up to 50,000 hours before needing to be changed. This faux fireplace is discretely hidden inside a TV stand with glass doors and storage shelves to keep your room organized.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400 square feet

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: 4,600

Best Large: Hearthstone Home 36-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel

Why You Should Get It: This fireplace gives off the most heat out of all the models on our list.

Keep In Mind: This large fireplace may be too big for small rooms.

If you've got lots of extra space to fill in your living room, go big by adding this large electric fireplace. The rustic brick design will create an additional layer of cozy ambiance on top of the flickering flame visual. Plus, the heater is strong. Using a fan to distribute heat within the room, the electric fireplace is able to produce up to 10,000 BTUs (the average electric fireplace can produce between 1,000 and 7,000 BTUs).

You can adjust the temperature from 62 to 82 degrees, set a timer between 30 minutes to nine hours, and tinker with the brightness of the flames. You'll also get a handy remote that'll make operating the fireplace much more seamless. The Foundry Select Carbaijal Electric Fireplace is compatible with rooms up to 400 square feet.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: Up to 10,000

Best Wall-Mounted: R.W. Flame Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace

Why You Should Get It: This wall-mounted fireplace frees up floor space in small rooms.

Keep in Mind: This fireplace has a very modern look and may not fit into more traditional-style homes.

Those short on available floor space might want to consider a wall-mounted electric fireplace like this sleek model. The fireplace comes in three different sizes: 36, 50, and 68 inches. No matter which size you get, this fireplace heats up spaces up to about 400 square feet.

You can adjust the heat settings via a touch screen on the machine or by using the remote control. From either control panel, you can adjust the heat level and customize your flame with five different brightness options and 12 different color options for both the flames and the flame bed. The touch-screen control center also allows you to adjust the speed of the flames and set a timer, too.

What's great about this electric fireplace is that it's thin enough (less than 4 inches deep) that, although it's designed to slide into a recessed fireplace, you can also mount it directly on the wall without it looking too bulky.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: Up to 5,100

Best for Small Spaces: Walker Edison Corner Electric Fireplace

Why You Should Get It: This fireplace makes a reading nook or an underused corner cozier.

Keep in Mind: There is no remote to control, so you'll need to manually adjust the settings.

Ideal for small spaces, this electric fireplace will fit snugly into any corner of your house while also supporting your TV. Along with putting out a moderate amount of heat and displaying a soothing wood-burning illusion, the furniture piece also offers cabinets and shelves to store electronics and small home accessories. Choose from 10 wood stains and three sizes (44, 48, and 60 inches). While this electric fireplace has the added bonus of storage space, what it does lack, compared to other electric fireplaces, is a remote. If you want to adjust your fireplace's settings, you'll have to use the controls on the fireplace itself.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: 4,600

Best Budget: Turbro Eternal Flame Electric Fireplace Logs

Why You Should Get It: You have the option to enjoy the ambiance of this fireplace's flames without turning on the heat

Keep in Mind: This fireplace requires a wall behind it for its light projection flames to be visible.

If you have a real fireplace and want warmth and a cozy ambiance without lighting an actual fire, this is a great option. It's ideal for placing inside of an existing fireplace, but it can stand alone in a cozy nook, too. Just make sure you place it against a solid background, as the flames are lights projected against whatever wall is behind the unit.

The Turbro Eternal Flame comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust the temperature (between 62 and 82 degrees) as well as the brightness level of the logs and projected flames (there are three settings). You can also set the built-in timer from 30 minutes to six hours. The fireplace is not hot to the touch, will shut off if it overheats, and can heat rooms up to 400 square feet.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: 4,777

Best for Storage: Ameriwood Home Lamont Mantel Fireplace

Why You Should Get It: This fireplace creates a beautiful focal point for your room with its bookend shelving.

Keep in Mind: The fireplace will arrive in a flat box, and the manufacturer recommends two adults to assemble it.

Gain extra storage space with this electric fireplace from Ameriwood Home. It mimics the look of a traditional mantel with built-in bookcases, complete with six shelves to display books, framed photos, and more. Of course, the main feature is the electric fireplace that can heat spaces up to 400 square feet. You can set a timer for the fireplace and adjust the heat in increments of two degrees, with temperature ranges from 64 to 82 degrees. If the device gets too hot, it automatically shuts itself off. The fireplace comes with built-in reflectors to create the illusion of real flames, and you can tweak the brightness to your liking. What's more, with the included remote control, you don't have to get off the couch to customize your fireplace settings.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: 4,600

Best Splurge: Symple Stuff Marquette Electric Fireplace

Why You Should Get It: This electric fireplace offers the realistic look of wood-burning fixtures.

Keep in Mind: This fireplace is 15.5 inches deep and 60 inches wide, so it will take up more floor space than other models.

With its large size, built-in mantel, and polyresin stone details, this electric fireplace is the closest you'll come to owning an actual fireplace without remodeling your home. The 60 x 35.5-inch fireplace can heat up to 400 square feet and creates the illusion of flickering flames thanks to the energy-efficient LED light bulbs. The protective glass stays cool to the touch for safety and features a child lock, which isn't common in electric fireplaces. Kick back and relax knowing that you can control your fireplace via a remote control, whether you want to turn up the heat or turn up the brightness of the logs and flames.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: LED

  • BTUs: 5,100

Best Contemporary: Northwest Stainless-Steel Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace

Who it's for: People who want a modern electric fireplace.

Who it isn't for: People who want more options for adjusting their heating.

For a contemporary look, consider this wall-mounted stainless-steel fireplace. At 36 inches long, it doesn't require much space and blends in well with a home with a modern style. This electric fireplace comes with common features like adjustable brightness and a remote control, and it can heat a room up to 400 square feet.

Unlike other fireplaces, which can be set to specific temperatures, this fireplace only has two heat settings: high (1500 W) and low (750W). As such, this fireplace would be best for people who are more interested in creating ambiance than adding a supplemental heat source.

Product Details:

  • Heat square footage: 400

  • Heat type: Convection

  • BTUs: Up to 5,100

Final Verdict

The Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove (view at Target) is our top choice for its heat output, heat type, temperature control, and ease of use.

What To Know About Electric Fireplaces Before Shopping

Convection vs. Radiant Heat

There are two main types of heating methods in electric fireplaces: convection and radiant. Convection fireplaces push air over a heating appliance and then use a fan to circulate the heat throughout the room. Radiant fireplaces, also called infrared fireplaces, push out heat directly, warming nearby surfaces, objects, and people, similar to a traditional fireplace. If you want your entire room to heat up, convection is the way to go. If you want to warm up quickly and cozy up next to your electric fireplace, choose a radiant appliance. Keep in mind that convection fireplaces tend to lower the humidity level in the room while radiant heating does not dry the air.

Freestanding vs. Wall Mounted vs. Insert

There are various types of electric fireplaces on the market. You can purchase an electric fireplace that is free-standing, wall mounted, or an insert, the latter of which is designed to slide into an existing wood-burning fireplace. If you want an insert-style fireplace, make sure to measure your existing fireplace's cavity to ensure that the insert will fit. You'll also need a nearby outlet to plug in the electric fireplace.

Free-standing and wall-mounted fireplaces are the most common models on the market. Free-standing fireplaces allow you to move your fireplace, and all the warmth and ambiance it brings, from room to room. Opt for a wall-mounted fireplace if you're lacking floor space, want a more modern aesthetic, or are looking to fill up a bare wall. Wall-mounted models will require more time to install and usually don't come with a mantel. If you buy a wall-mounted fireplace, make sure you have the necessary tools and DIY skills to install it or consider hiring a professional. You can also buy electric fireplace that are built into a piece of furniture, such as a TV stand or cabinetry.

Unit Size

If you are considering buying an electric fireplace, chances are you already know exactly where you want to put it in your home. Before you buy, make sure the measurements of your desired electric fireplace will fit the space. This is especially important if you already have a wood-burning fireplace, as you'll want to make sure the electric fireplace, or electric fireplace insert, will fit inside. Due to the fireplace design, expect electric fireplaces to be larger than your average space heater.

Heating Power

Most electric fireplaces heat rooms up to 400 square feet and produce between 1,000 and 7,000 BTUs. You need about 20 BTUs per square foot to adequately heat your space. So if you know your room's square footage, you can calculate how many BTUs you'll need in your electric fireplace.

Your Questions, Answered

Are electric fireplaces safe?

Yes, as long as you follow basic safety guidelines. Most electric fireplaces automatically shut off if they overheated, but you should treat your electric fireplace like a space heater by keeping it a few feet away from furniture, plugging it directly into the wall (instead of into an extension cord), and never leaving it unattended, including overnight.

Do electric fireplaces require additional installation?

If you purchase an insert or wall-mounted electric fireplace, light installation may be required, and the unit should come with installation instructions. Every fireplace option on our list is designed for beginner DIYers, so any assembly or installation should be manageable for most people.

How much heat do electric fireplaces produce?

Most electric fireplaces cannot warm spaces that are larger than 400 square feet. As such, these fireplaces should only be used as a supplemental heat source. The average electric fireplace can produce between 1,000 and 7,000 BTUs. BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and while many manufacturers measure their units' heat output in BTUs, some measure it in watts. The more BTUs or watts your electric fireplace can produce, the higher the heat output will be.

Who We Are

We chose these products by looking at the most popular electric fireplaces on the market and narrowing down our picks based on key specifications, including how much square footage the fireplace can heat, BTUs, as well as customer reviews and ratings. Rachel Center, lifelong aficionado of all things home and a product reviews home writer at Dotdash Meredith, spent weeks researching all the components that make a great electric fireplace.