Gas and wood-burning fireplaces need a vent or an entire chimney. Adding a fireplace to an existing home is expensive and hard to do. An electric fireplace heater is a cheaper option that makes fake flames using LED lights and reflectors. Even better, they have built-in electric heaters that can heat up to 5,100 BTUs.
Electric fireplaces don’t have smoke or an open flame like traditional fireplaces, so that they can be put almost anywhere in the house. This guide looks at electric fireplace heaters, what features to look for, and which ones are the best on the market.
Electric Fireplace Heaters: Illuminating the Path to Our Top Picks
We looked into the most popular electric fireplace heaters in each category and found that the best ones depend on their type, where they are placed and how big they are, how much heat they put out, and other special features that some brands include.
Many electric fireplaces are on the list above, such as freestanding, wall-mounted, three-sided, portable, and built-in options. These options can be built in, put in, or used to heat spaces from 150 to 1,000 square feet with 4,200 to 5,200 BTU heat outputs.
To make sure our list had the best choices, many of the items we chose have LED lights and temperature settings that can be changed, as well as remote controls. Some models also come in different sizes and colors. Some of these electric fireplaces also make crackling sounds like real fireplaces, have built-in cabinets and storage, can hold flat-screen T.V.s, or have safety features like switches that turn off if the fireplace tips over or protects it from getting too hot. Also, read Best HVAC Services 2023.
Best Electric Fireplace Heaters
The best electric fireplace heaters are grouped by type in the list below. These heaters give off a lot of heat, look like real flames, and come in various styles to fit your current space and fireplace accessories.
1) Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
This electric stove fireplace is among the best available. It includes a sturdy infrared heater styled to look like a fireplace. The overall dimensions of this freestanding stove are 24 inches in width, 13 inches in depth, and 23 inches in height. It looks like a traditional wood stove, with real-looking logs and flickering LED flame lighting that can be set to five different brightness levels.
This electric fireplace can stand on its own. It has a powerful infrared heater that pumps out 5,200 BTUs to heat an area of about 1,000 square feet. A remote control lets the person sitting on the couch change all the fireplace settings without getting up. The Duraflame 3D electric fireplace has a strong metal frame and comes in seven colors.
Product Specs
- Type: Freestanding/three-sided
- Recommended Placement: Stand-alone
- Heating Power: 5,200 BTUs
Pros
- There are five brightness settings, which are great for making a specific mood.
- It can warm up to 1,000 square feet, making it suitable for almost any home.
- It comes with remote control, which is a plus
- It’s available in a rainbow of hues to accommodate any design scheme.
Cons
- Some users say installation is tricky; you may need a pro.
2) Electric fireplace from Ameriwood Home
Ameriwood Home’s model is unlike anything else available because it serves as a T.V. stand and an electric fireplace. Two sizeable wooden door cabinets surround the fireplace insert for storage and a wide cabinet top that can hold a large flat-screen T.V. up to 60 inches. The fireplace insert is 23 inches wide, and the console cabinet is 60 inches wide, 15 inches deep, and 30 inches tall.
The insert’s heater can effectively warm up to 400 square feet. The fireplace’s settings can be adjusted wirelessly. The Farmington electric fireplace has four different finishes: black oak, white, natural, and rustic.
Product Specs
- Type: Freestanding
- Recommended Placement: Integrated
- Heating Power: 4,600 BTUs
Pros
- Cabinets and a fireplace are included, and the unit makes more storage space.
- It can heat up to 400 square feet; most living rooms can use it.
- Flat-screen TVs up to 60 inches can be used, making them a good choice for most homes.
Cons
- Heavy design; may take a lot of work to put together.
3) TURBRO Eternal Flame EF23-LG Electric Fireplace Logs
An insert for a fireplace doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. At a reasonable price, this simple insert turns a wood-burning fireplace into an electric one. It’s 23 inches wide, 9 inches deep, and 13 inches tall, so it fits well in many medium-sized fireplaces. An integrated convection heater can heat up to 150 square feet with its 4,777 BTUs.
The heater can be controlled by a remote that lets the user set certain temperatures and choose from three different heights for the flames. After a set amount of time, up to 6 hours, a programmable timer turns off the fireplace.
Product Specs
- Type: Freestanding
- Recommended Placement: Insert
- Heating Power: 4,777 BTUs
Pros
- The amount of heat is good for medium-sized fireplaces.
- The fact that it has three heat settings and a remote control is a plus
- Ideal for small spaces, it can heat up to 150 square feet.
Cons
- Not suitable for large families; it needs help heating more significant areas.
- Homes with young children may not be good places for hot air to come out.
4) TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Electric Fireplace
Putting a real wood stove in a living room can be challenging. This electric option from Turbro looks and feels like a wood stove fireplace, but it doesn’t make smoke or ash and doesn’t need a chimney. This fireplace looks natural because it is made of black metal with curved edges and a glass door with a heat-resistant knob. LED lights with three brightness levels make realistic flames and embers that flicker and burn.
Measurements for this fireplace are 20 inches across, 23 inches high, and 10 inches deep. Its fan-heater puts out 4,777 BTUs of heat, making it perfect for many medium-sized rooms. A programmable thermostat has a remote control that lets the user set certain temperatures.
Product Specs
- Type: Freestanding/three-sided
- Recommended Placement: Stand-alone
- Heating Power: 4,777 BTUs
Pros
- The sturdy, heat-resistant design makes it feel like home.
- There are three brightness settings, which are great for making a cozy atmosphere.
- Users stay warm in the winter because the thermostat can be programmed.
- Includes remote control, which makes it easy to make changes.
Cons
- The air outlet can get very hot, so it might not be suitable for homes with young children.
- It should not be used with an extension cord or a power strip.
5) R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace
This R.W. Flame wall-mounted electric fireplace’s sleek design and adjustable flames make it a great complement to contemporary interiors. This fireplace stands out in the living room because it is so big. It is 50 inches wide and 18 inches tall. It also has a lot of choices, like 12 different colors for the Flame and the flame bed. The brightness of the fireplace can also be changed.
This electric fireplace is mounted on the wall. The heat from a 1,500-watt fan heater comes from vents on the sides. The fireplace’s remote control can be used to change all of its settings. The fireplace, which is 3.85 inches deep, can be attached to a wall or put into a hole. It has widths of 30, 36, 42, and 60 inches. Also, read Best Indoor Security Cameras.
Product Specs
- Type: Wall-mounted
- Recommended Placement: Insert/wall-mounted
- Heating Power: 5,118 BTUs
Pros
- Large and sleek, it looks great in a modern setting.
- There are 12 color options for both the Flame and the bed.
- It comes in different sizes and can be used in small and large spaces.
Cons
- Compared to other options, it’s expensive.
6) Comfort Zone CZFP1 Portable Fireplace Heater
This portable fireplace heater from Comfort Zone might be the right choice for people who dream of having a cozy fireplace in every room of the house. This fireplace is easy to move from room to room thanks to the handle at the top. It has dimensions of 9.5 inches in width, 14 inches in height, and 6.5 inches in depth and weighs slightly over 5 pounds.
The glass front lets you see the flames and embers still burning. A built-in 1,200-watt fan heater blows heat out of the bottom of the fireplace. It can heat rooms to 175 square feet in size. A tip-over switch and an overheat sensor turn the heater off automatically if it starts to tip over or gets too hot.
Product Specs
- Type: Portable
- Recommended Placement: Universal
- Heating Power: Unlisted
Pros
- It’s small and light, so it’s easy to carry and store.
- It heats up to 175 square feet and works in most places.
- The built-in handle makes it easy to carry around.
- There are a lot of safety features, like a tip-over switch and an overheat sensor.
Cons
- Not suitable for putting out a lot of heat, so large areas might not warm up nicely.
- It may take a while to get hot compared to more powerful options.
7) Walker Edison Alcott Classic Glass Door Fireplace
This cabinet-style electric fireplace from Walker Edison will warm up a cold, empty corner. This corner T.V. stand has a fireplace insert that makes logs and flames look real. A fan heater can heat up to 400 square feet with its 4,600 BTUs of heat. The cabinet’s height is 32 inches, its width is 20 inches, and its length is just over 47 inches.
It has a lot of storage space, two cabinets with glass doors and three shelves in each, plus a shelf above the fireplace. The top of the cabinet can hold up to 100 pounds, which is more than enough to hold a flat-screen T.V. There are ten different wood-grain finishes for the Walker Edison Alcott fireplace cabinet.
Product Specs
- Type: Freestanding
- Recommended Placement: Insert
- Heating Power: 4,600 BTUs
Pros
- Can heat large spaces; more than 400 square feet
- Two glass-door cabinets add a stylish way to store things and are great for smaller rooms.
- It comes in 10 different colors to match almost any existing decor style.
Cons
- Quite pricey compared to other options of the same size
- There is no remote control, which is disappointing since most units come with one.
8) PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
This electric fireplace is a great way to turn a wood-burning fireplace into a low-maintenance electric one. It has realistic flames and sounds. In addition to the LED flames and embers, this insert has six different crackling sounds that make it sound even more like a real fire. It also comes with a guard made of wire mesh.
A heater with 1500 watts of power can heat an area of up to 400 square feet. All of the settings on the fireplace can be changed with remote control. The insert comes in five sizes, ranging from 23 to 33 inches wide and 20 to 23 inches tall, so that it can fit a wide range of fireplace sizes. Also, read Best Memory Foam Mattresses.
Product Specs
- Type: Built-in
- Recommended Placement: Insert
- Heating Power: 4,600 BTUs
Pros
- LED flames and crackling sounds make it look and sound even more real.
- It has a stylish glass door covering, great for a modern home
- There are different sizes to fit both large and small spaces.
Cons
- Quite expensive for a small size