8 Best Electric Fireplaces – Reviews and Buying Guide

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Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 19, 2023
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The great news is that you don’t need any venting, chimney, or a pellet stove anymore to be able to add a cozy, warm feeling to your home. The very best electric fireplaces are easy to install, and they even display a realistic flame and generate heat. Not only do they cost much less to set and maintain, electric fireplaces also save room in your home, which is great if you are living in a smaller space. Besides, they are an excellent option for home safety, and safety for the world – with an eco-friendly aspect and 100% energy efficiency.

In our review, we’ve highlighted the essential features of this product to help you choose an electric fireplace for your home. Breaking down each selection, we’ve outlined types and styles, performance, safety, and other crucial features like heat and various fire settings. From a wall-mounted electric fireplace to an electric fireplace insert to a free-standing design, choosing the right style is not only based on personal preference but also the size of your area, how much heat you need, and the style of your home.

We’ve written our reviews after tens of hours of research through various recommendations and executive sources to bring you the top eight electric fireplaces with the PuraFlame Alice EF172B as our Editor’s Choice here on one guide. Follow along as we take you through our comparison table, in-detail reviews of each product with pros and cons, and a buying guide at the very end.

Quick Summary

Top 8 Electric Fireplaces Review 2024


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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3282 people in the past 30 days
9.7
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Customer Feedback
9.2
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9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.7
1
Editor’s Choice

PuraFlame Alice EF172B

Features
  • Type: in-wall recessed
  • Style: modern
  • Dimensions: 45 x 23.4 x 10.8 inches
  • Materials: metal, tempered glass
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Other features: CSA approved, operation with/without heat, remote control, 4 flame settings

With a simple in-wall recessed installation, the PuraFlame Electric Fireplace is a perfect fit for a 2″ x 6″ wall. It is flush mounted and set to fit in with any style and decor easily. With just two electrical connections, plug-in or hard-wiring, it’s really simple to get a fire going.

The fire is so realistic it can warm up any type of ambiance. The Ultra High-Intensity LED lights are extremely realistic and can be brightened using four different flame settings, and two ember bed options – from crystal stones to a log set. Regardless of the weather inside or outside, the strength of the heat can also change according to personal preference.

The heat in the electric fireplace can reach throughout a 400-square-feet room easily. If you are planning to leave for the evening or happen to fall asleep near the fire, you can set the countdown timer anywhere from 30 minutes to 9 hours.

    What are its best features?
  • Perfect for family room, bedroom, or any room in the house
  • Touch screen buttons enable a unique user experience
  • Operates with or without heat
  • Several different flame settings
  • Has a timer to automatically control on-off settings
    What could be improved?
  • Only able to be flush-mounted on the wall
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2805 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
Features
  • Type: freestanding
  • Style: western
  • Dimensions: 31 x 27.5 x 12 inches
  • Materials: not specified
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

More features: operation with/without heat, multi-function remote control, overheating protection

The PuraFlame Western boasts a completely realistic-looking flame with an optional heat feature to warm up the room like a real fire.

This electric fireplace uses 1,400 Watts for power and can heat up a 400-square-feet room.

This high-quality, sturdy, electric firebox insert is a great option if you’re looking for that romantic ambiance without the actual necessity of a real fire. With life-like resin logs, an ember bed, and three flames with variable intensity and brightness, you can make it feel like there’s a cozy fire roaring on a winter evening.

Easily installed, the electric fireplace insert features energy-saving LEDs that look like the real deal. You can even turn the heat on and off if the weather is quite stuffy, but you still want to set the mood.

    What stands out?
  • Extremely high quality for the price at hand
  • There is the optional heater, which makes it practically usable and also visually appealing
  • Cleverly hidden controls on the remote control
  • The insert was easy to install as well as operate
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Only has three flames
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8212 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.3
Features
  • Type: wall mounted and in-wall recessed
  • Style: modern
  • Dimensions: 23.2 x 10.8 x 19.8 inches
  • Materials: not specified
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Other features: operation with/without heat, remote control, temperature limiting control

The Dimplex wall-mounted electric fireplace is cost-efficient for the environment and for your home. Being 100% energy efficiency but still producing realistic flames, this electric fireplace can be operated with or without heat.

This fireplace is designed with LED inner glow logs and pulsating embers and can be easily inserted right into your existing fireplace, whether its brick- or steel-lined.

The design comes with multiple heat settings and remote control operation. Quickly installed and safe to operate, the Dimplex electric fireplace requires no piping or venting – you can simply use the existing fireplace. All you need is a nearby outlet.

Designed with an electric logs feature with patented electric-flame technology, the fire is realistic and safe. With overheat protection, the heater will turn off automatically – and can even be operated without using any heat, at all – simply for ambiance.

The Dimplex electric fireplace uses 1,370 Watts of power and can cover a 400-square-feet room.

    What are its best features?
  • Comes with safety-overheat protection
  • Can be inserted right into old, un-used fireplace
  • 100% energy efficient
  • Can be used with or without heat
    What could be improved?
  • Needs an extension cord or a plug nearby
  • Doesn't come with many colors
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5686 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
9.0
4
Most Modern Electric Fireplace

Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace

Features
  • Type: wall mounted, in-wall recessed
  • Style: modern
  • Dimensions: 36 x 5.5 x 21.4 inches
  • Materials: not specified
  • Warranty: not specified

Other features: operation with/without heat, remote control, mercury-free

As a wall-mounted, in-wall recessed design, the Touchstone Sideline 36” Electric Fireplace is designed to add a cozy touch to almost any room.

With its sleek, black frame and modern design, you can easily mount it in any room in the house or office area. Since the eyelets on the back of the unit give you the mounting opportunity, you can recess it into or mount it on the wall. However, if mounted, the unit would be about 5.5″ out from the wall.

Simple enough to install and operate on your own, the design comes with five different settings, from a soft ember glow to an intense blaze.

The highly realistic-looking flame can either emit heat or not, however, when chosen to heat up the place, the temperature can affect a room that reaches up to 400 square feet.

The design also comes with fire log and glass crystals, to create the most authentic feel.

    What makes it special?
  • Can be operated with or without heat
  • Can be mounted or recessed
  • Easy to install and use
  • Five fire settings
    What cons did we find?
  • Only 36 inches
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3169 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.7
Features
  • Type: freestanding with shelves
  • Style: classic
  • Dimensions: 70.2 x 14 x 42.2 inches
  • Materials: red oak, MDF, particle board, ash veneer, and polyresin applique
  • Warranty: not specified

Other features: operation with/without heat, remote control, temperature limiting control

The Southern Enterprises Tennyson Electric Fireplace with Bookcase is the ultimate electric fireplace for a classically-styled look and a traditional design.

Designed to match your decor, it can also hold your knick-knacks and books, surrounding a very warm, inviting, and realistic fire as a perfect centerpiece for your home.

You can even add a flat panel television along with various books and extra decor on 6 fixed bookshelves.

The fireplace runs on 1,500 Watts of power and is intended for smaller rooms. The emitted heat can reach 130 square feet in less than a half-hour.

You can also tailor the finish to your home decor, with four designs available. Designed with a realistic looking flame effect with burning logs, the fireplace has five levels of adjustable brightness of the logs.

The flames from the fireplace can be turned on simply for the ambiance, used with or without heat. Designed with temper glass, the fireplace will keep pets and children safe since it will never be hot.

The entire system is controlled easily with a remote control.

    What makes it special?
  • Classic look for a modern home
  • The safe, self-regulating heater turns off when temperature is met
  • It also has a child safety lock, which can be turned on via remote control
  • The outside glass does not get hot, meaning no combustion
  • It can support up to 85 pounds of television, books, and decor
  • Flame effects were very realistic
    What cons did we find?
  • There are no color changes to the flames
  • Rather difficult to assemble
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6300 people in the past 30 days
8.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.1
8.5
Features
  • Type: in-wall recessed
  • Style: modern
  • Dimensions: 34.7 x 29.5 x 13 inches
  • Materials: metal, tempered glass, resin, ABS
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Other features: operation with/without heat, remote control, realistic look and realistic sound, temperature limiting control

The Valuxhome Houselux insert electric embedded fireplace can be a perfect fit, no matter what room of the house you’re in.

With 1,500 Watts of power and hot enough to heat up a 400-square-feet room, the realistic looking fireplace is made to look like brick panels but is actually metal, tempered glass, resin, and ABS.

Since the fireplace also comes with a cord 6 feet long, you can easily place the fireplace anywhere throughout the room without worrying about your power source.

The realistic look, feel, and sound from the Valuxhome Houselux fireplace has three night light color options and two heat setting options.

With a 1-year warranty, the fireplace also comes with a remote control and a user’s manual for simple installation.

If you are worried about falling asleep and leaving the flames blazing, don’t worry. This electric fireplace also comes with an automatic timer of 1 hour to 9 hours.

    What makes it special?
  • No gas, ethanol, propane, or gel cans required
  • No special vents, chimneys needed
  • Uses 100% energy saving LED technology, making it safe for your home and the environment
  • Automatic off-switch when overheated
  • Comes with a remote and automatic timer
    What cons did we find?
  • Might be too hot when it is in a smaller room
  • Uses a cord, which might be an issue
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5058 people in the past 30 days
8.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
7.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.2
8.3
Features
  • Type: freestanding with shelves
  • Style: classic
  • Dimensions: 15.9 x 47.2 x 31.8 inches
  • Materials: laminated MDF and particleboard
  • Warranty: not specified

More features: operation with/without heat, a LED light source boasting up to 50,000 hours of life.

The Alta Furniture Chicago Fireplace TV Stand is a great addition to the living room for a family who wants a little luxury but is on a budget. It stands at a little over four feet tall and can hold the weight of a 70 lbs. television. It also comes with all-encompassing side cabinets that can hold up to 20 lbs.

The realistic flame creates a wonderful illusion at the price of a budget pick. The multi-color flame is lit using LED-technology and produces enough light to light up the room.

As a fireplace insert, your beginning structure needs to be at least 18 inches wide. The room or area in which it’s placed should also be around 400 square feet.

The fireplace can run for 50,000 hours and is designed with a laminated espresso woodgrain finish to keep the decor sleek and warm.

    What makes it special?
  • Has an open shelf that holds AV components
  • Two side glass cabinets keep DVDs free of dust
  • Multi-color setting
  • Runs for 50,000 hours
    What cons did we find?
  • The espressos color may not go with the decor.
  • Makes a smaller room very hot.
  • No remote control
  • Assembly is required upon receiving
  • The material is compressed wood and not real wood, which lacks authenticity
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5531 people in the past 30 days
8.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
7.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
7.7
8.2
8
Features
  • Type: tabletop, wall-mounted, and in-wall recessed
  • Style: modern
  • Dimensions: 30 x 18.11 x 3.85 inches
  • Materials: metal, tempered glass
  • Warranty: 1-year limited

Other features: operation with/without heat, remote control, 12 flame speed modes

Designed with a wall mount and a table bracket, the R.W. Flame Fireplace is easy-to-install and can serve to create the mood easily – no matter what the occasion.

Working with 1,500 Watts and come with a 1-year warranty, this electric fireplace comes touch-screen compatible, located on the front panel and can heat up a 400-square-feet room with its two different heat settings.

With 12 flame LED flame bed color modes, 12-flame speed modes and automatic color and brightness filter, there’s an ambiance for every mood. You can also set the automatic timer to go off anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours.

The R.W.Flame fireplace comes with an 8-meter operating distance remote control and three ways of installation. You can either set it on a table top, mount it on a wall or install it as in-wall recessed.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Operates with touch screen on front panel or with remote control
  • Can be wall mounted, recessed or set on table top
  • No gas, ethanol, propane, or gel cans required
  • No special vents, chimneys needed
  • Has auto-timer and auto-heat kill safety to avoid overheating
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • When in use, the heater is hot to the touch
  • You have to keep children, pets, combustible paper and fabric materials at least 3 feet away

Things to Consider

Electric fireplaces are a very affordable alternative to traditional wood or gas ones. Since they don’t need a vent or a chimney, installation is an extremely easy process – especially in comparison with the real deal. Now that you know our top choices for electric fireplaces, you might need help choosing the perfect one for you and your home. To help you decide, here are a few aspects you need to sort through.

Installation

There is a variety of installation options available. You can choose from a wall-mounted or hanging unit, which offers a more modern look and are easy to install. There are also fireplace inserts – a built-in variation that can slip right into an existing fireplace or chimney. Freestanding models, on the other hand, can be placed with shelves, a TV stand or even against a flat wall or forced fan or infrared quartz fireplaces which has a silent fan blowing overheated coils or heat protruding through the invisible infrared light.

Style

Depending on the style of your home, your fireplace can easily fit right in. The last thing you would want in your in-home decor and design is a beautiful electric fireplace – that sticks out like a sore thumb. Whether you are going classic and traditional or modern and sleek, you can find just about any style to fit what you’re looking for. Your fireplace will normally be your centerpiece and your focal point in the room. It should be not only pleasing visually but also in-tune with your decor.

Dimensions

The size of your electric fireplace will be largely determined by the size of your home or the size of space you’re placing it in. Another impacting factor is if you’re actually planning on using it to heat up the area, as well, meaning it’s not just for decor. If you have a space as small as 400 square feet, you’ll want to use a forced fan style. If you are heating up a room of 1,000 square feet, you’ll need an infrared quartz unit. Note that most of these electric fireplaces won’t be able to handle a space that is larger than 1,500 square feet. It’s also essential that you keep in mind that a room will heat differently if it has higher ceilings and windows.

Materials

Depending on the type of electric fireplace you purchase, the materials it is constructed from will change. Normally, there are metal coils and a fan. The realistic flames usually are made using LED lighting, regular light bulbs or a refracted light. It is in a three-dimensional pattern which gives it a realistic look.

Performance

There are so many different types of features available that comes with the unique style of fireplaces. Not only do styles differ, from a wall-mounted one to a free-standing one to a traditional one with a mantel, these electric fireplaces also come with different features. You can choose extra features like heating capacity, flame and heat settings, with or without heat mode, realistic sound, etc.

For more features, you can even design what it looks like inside the fireplace. For example, you can have the electric fireplace burning with imitation logs, scattered with coal pebbles or small tubs.

For every fireplace, there will be some means of control. Whether it’s a remote control that can adjust settings or one that can choose the visual creation, there’s a type for everyone.

Heating capacity

Some electric fireplaces are just for show. Some, however, can actually double up as heaters for large rooms – just like a real fireplace! Typically, these setting can be controlled by you, where you can make it as warm or as cool as you need it to be! Some electric fireplaces don’t come with heating settings at all, and the appeal is purely visual. This is also a toasty feature that you can add to the style of your house in the winter season – even if it’s 90 degrees outside. Although all the electric fireplaces are eco-friendly, this one without heat is even more so.

Safety features

Electric fireplaces are extremely safe – especially when compared to their very real, very live fire counterparts. They usually have high regard for consumer safety. Its heating elements and electric frameworks are normally evaluated and inspected under very high-quality and strict control limits to ensure the safety of those who purchase it.

Electric fireplaces can be placed directly against walls and on top of carpet – it’s that safe! Its glass also never gets hot since the heating element is completely separate from the visual display. This makes it extremely safe for children and pets. It can even be left on overnight (just in case), however, is recommended that you turn it off for the night.

Not only are these electric fireplaces safe for your home they are also safe for the environment! They don’t emit harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Some electric fireplaces even include an air purifier that removes mold, pollen, dust, and dander from the air in the room.

Some extra safety features you can look out for are:

Automatic shut-off timer– This can be set to your liking – whether it’s just after 30 minutes or up to 8–9 hours, like with most of the electric fireplaces out there, including the PuraFlame
Limit of temperature– Since it is electronic, you can set the fireplace to where it can sense when things are simply getting too hot. The limiter can cut the power if the heating elements become too hot. If there isn’t one, there is actually a risk of fire.
Safety shut-off– If the fireplace is knocked over (for example, in the case of a stand-alone one), like in the Southern Enterprises Tennyson Electric Fireplace, then this feature will shut off automatically, preventing any type of

Warranty terms

A warranty and return policy on these items differ from brand-to-brand and seller-to-seller. However, the general timeline you’re looking at when it comes to how long you have to try out your new electric fireplace is about 30 days. If you do not like any part of your fireplace, you can usually return it within the month – you might just have to pay for some shipping fees.

The warranty of an electric fireplace usually lasts about three years, which if it breaks before the 3-year limit mark, you can ask for a repair or replacement. However, the warranty for the monitor or control usually lasts a much shorter time – more like a year.

Whether you are hesitant in making a hefty purchase of an electric fireplace or just are unsure of a few things before you install one in your home, here are our most frequently asked questions for you to read through:

FAQ

Can I wall mount my in-wall inserted fireplace?

If you get a surface-mounted unit, you can mount them on the wall. However, you have to get a specific kind and stick with it. An in-the-wall unit will be cut into the wall, and an on-the-wall unit will be placed on top of the wall. You can also build out a wall, and set part of it in to accommodate to an electric fireplace. However, it’s important that you know the measurements before doing so – or else you might end up with a fireplace jutting out further than the wall or a wall sinking around a fireplace. You should also recognize that surface-mounting has its advantages. For example, if you are ever re-decorating or moving furniture around, moving the electric fireplace won’t leave you with a gaping hole in your wall. You’ll just have to recognize that it needs to be near an outlet.

I want to install an electric fireplace into an actual one that is not used. What model should I prefer?

You can easily install an electric fireplace insert. Whether it will be a firebox insert or a log insert, that decision is up to you. Before you buy, you should measure out the dimensions of your fireplace, leaving no mistakes to chance. Find out the depth, height, and width of your fireplace. The dimensions of the firebox should be less or equal to the dimension of the fireplace. Some other additional to-do tasks to check off while you’re installing (if you are self-installing) would be to use a cover plate on the chimney to prevent water and ventilation from coming in, close and seal the damper, install a power outlet in the fireplace opening, insert the firebox inside and then attach the trim or frame.

I have kids and pets, what fireplace is safe for them?

The special factor of electric fireplaces is that they are 100 percent safe for kids and pets. They are founded as the safer (for your kids and the environment) alternative to traditional wood-burning or gas options. Since there is no actual flame, it eliminates that risk of breaching safety. The heated portion of the fireplace is normally separate from the outer glass. Most electric fireplaces are cool to the touch, as well, meaning that it’s perfectly safe to have a young child or pet around and not worry about getting burned from the electric fireplace. You’ll also notice that there are additional features to electric fireplaces like automatic shut off if it ever tips over, malfunctions or gets too hot. These are great features to look out for when considering which electric fireplace to buy.

Our verdict

Even though there are so many different electric fireplaces to choose from, this guide should have helped you narrow down your picks.

However, if you still haven’t decided which flame has set your heart on fire, here are several completely different options to choose from.

The PuraFlame Alice 40″ Recessed Electric Fireplace is our top pick for electric fireplaces. It can be recessed right into your wall, not only keeping whatever limited space you may have free of bulky furniture pieces but can fit right into any sleek design. Our second best, the PuraFlame 26″ Western Electric Fireplace earned its place with its most realistic look. The Dimplex DFI2310 Deluxe Electric Fireplace comes with multiple heat settings and remote control operation. Quickly installed and safe to operate, the Dimplex electric fireplace requires no piping or venting.

If you’re looking to go the traditional route and keep things classy, the Southern Enterprises Tennyson Electric Fireplace keeps it real southern with a touch of home. Attached with a bookcase, this electric fireplace is a perfect addition to make your house a cozy space.

The Altra Furniture Chicago Fireplace with a TV Stand is not only a great budget pick, it also comes with the capability of holding your television and other decors. This makes it a great choice for a family looking to not only decorate but invest in a practical piece of furniture.

9,7
Total Score
PuraFlame Alice EF172B - Editor’s Choice
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