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In the last few years, most of us have become familiar with the Danish word hygge, which essentially translates to cozy vibes we get from comfortable spaces and a feelings of togetherness. With colder weather ahead, it isn’t a bad idea to maximize on this concept in any way you can, like treating yourself to a plush robe or investing in a new down comforter or heated blanket. But few things on the cozy spectrum beat warming up and relaxing in front of a fire.
If you don’t have a fireplace, or dread sweeping up ashes and cleaning the hearth, you can opt for a clean-burning electric fireplace to do the job. While there are propane models on the market that require a gas line hookup, all you need to get an electric fireplace up and running is an outlet.
What to Consider
When shopping for an electric fireplace, there are generally three types to consider: wall-mount, recessed or insert, and freestanding. Wall-mount electric fireplaces are installed just like a TV, and inserts require a custom-cut space to sit flush with a wall, which gives you a more streamlined, professional look. Many models offer both installation options, if you want to temporarily wall-mount an electric fireplace until you get around to construction for an insert. However, keep in mind that the majority of low- to mid-priced inserts can’t be hardwired, so you may need to bring in an electrician if there’s no outlet nearby.
Freestanding electric fireplaces are the easiest to get up and running — they’re essentially plug-and-play — and come in a variety of styles, including models designed like old-fashioned wood-burning stoves, mantles with built-in inserts, and consoles with built-in inserts that include storage and double as TV stands.
In terms of a heating element, the majority of electric fireplaces operate with fans, just like space heaters, and can warm spaces up to 400 square feet. Some models use infrared technology, which typically (but not always) give more coverage.
As for features, almost all electric fireplaces have adjustable thermostats and can be used with or without heat, different brightness settings, and come with a remote control, and some have programmable timers. Most wall-mount and insert electric fireplaces feature a range of color choices for flames and embers, and some include crackling sounds. There are also smart models equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that are controlled via app.
How We Selected
Every electric fireplace we cover has an average customer rating of at least 4 stars, and the majority of the models featured rank 4.5 stars and up. During our research, we looked at models from top brands like Duraflame, Touchstone, and Real Flame, and considered things like quality of build, value-added features, and aesthetics to make our final selections. We cover a wide selection of different types and styles as mentioned above, and offer picks across multiple price points, from under $50 to a high-end smart electric fireplace for about $1,000.
1
Best Traditional Insert
Puraflame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
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Pros:
- Realistic look with glass doors and mesh curtain
- Adjustable thermostat and no-heat option
- Three flame settings and six crackling sounds
- Remote control included
If you have a mantle but no working chimney, your best bet for a cozy fire this winter is to invest in an electric fireplace insert. This traditional model offers more than 5,000 BTUs to heat rooms up to 400 square feet, featuring double glass doors and a mesh curtain, plus a well-designed, inconspicuous grille covering the heat vent.
Other highlights include an adjustable thermostat with a no-heat option, three flame settings, six crackling sounds, and the electric fireplace comes with a remote control. Keep in mind that this insert needs to be plugged into an outlet and can’t be hardwired.
2
Best Overall
Duraflame Electric Fireplace Stove
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Pros:
- Made by a well-regarded brand
- Can heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet
- Adjustable thermostat and no-heat option
- Five brightness levels
- Available in multiple finishes
This electric fireplace is an all-around rock-solid choice for quality and design, backed by a well-regarded brand. Its beveled glass front door elevates its overall rustic style, plus its 5,200 BTUs can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet with 5,200 BTUs of heat—something similar-looking options don’t deliver.
The stove features an adjustable thermostat, five brightness levels, and a no-heat setting so you can enjoy the ambiance if your space is already toasty warm. It also comes with a remote control.
For those who like everything about this electric fireplace but prefer a more modern aesthetic, it’s available in several lighter finishes and in a pretty cornflower blue.
3
Best Modern Insert
R.W.Flame Modern Electric Fireplace
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Pros:
- Great value for size and features
- 12 flame and LED bed options
- Multiple sizes available
- Adjustable thermostat and no-heat option
- Remote control and auto-shutoff timer
Cons:
- Control panel placement may be an issue for some
Here’s a modern electric fireplace with a fantastic lineup of features — and a reasonable price tag to match. At 5 feet wide, this bestselling model is sure to be a focal point in your space, especially considering it offers 12 flame and LED bed options, along with five brightness levels. It also comes in several sizes ranging from 30 to 68 inches wide.
The thermostat is adjustable and you opt for flames with no heat, plus there’s an auto-shutoff timer and it comes with a remote. The control panel and digital temperature reading is on the bottom right and somewhat conspicuous, which may be a drawback for those with a discerning eye.
4
Best Mantle
Real Flame Silverton Electric Fireplace Mantle
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This freestanding electric fireplace mantle adds elegance and warmth (aesthetically and temperature-wise) to any dining room, living room, or bedroom. With classic moulding and a well-proportioned insert, it could easily be mistaken for the real deal, and it can heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet.
The mantle is made of manufactured wood and top features include an adjustable thermostat and no-heat setting, different flame color and brightness options, and an included remote control. We love it in white, but if you’re going for something darker, it also comes in matte black or a mahogany finish.
5
Budget Buy
FDW Electric Fireplace Stove
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Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Compact but heats spaces up to 500 square feet
- Attractive design with tempered glass door
- Adjustable thermostat and two fan speeds
It’s tough to beat this price point on this electric fireplace—and it doesn’t skimp on heat output either, with enough power to warm spaces up to 500 square feet. It’s also a customer favorite, with an average of 4.6 stars from more than 1,000 reviewers.
At only 20 inches wide and 10 inches deep, the compact heater can be tucked into the corner of a bedroom or office. Highlights include a tempered glass door with an eye-catching design, curved legs, and a handle that stays cool to the touch. The control panel on the back includes two fan speeds and a knob to adjust the thermostat.
6
Best Contemporary Freestanding
Turbro Firelake Electric Fireplace
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Pros:
- Compact and contemporary
- Heats spaces up to 400 square feet
- Adjustable thermostat and no-heat option
- Seven flame colors
Cons:
- Visible control panel and heat vent
Most small freestanding electric fireplaces have a vintage-inspired, rustic look. This option is ideal for those who want the same easy setup and convenience, but with contemporary lines.
Like the majority of models we cover, this one heats spaces up to 400 square feet, and you can adjust the temperature. There’s also a 6-hour timer and remote control, plus it features seven splashy flame colors, and can be used with or without heat.
The electric fireplace comes in the black walnut finish that’s shown in addition to a gray wash finish. For the price, we just wish the front heating vent and control panel were better hidden.
7
Best Small Insert
Tangkula Electric Fireplace Insert
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Pros:
- Extra-compact, but heats rooms up to 400 square feet
- Adjustable thermostat and brightness
- Comes with a remote control
Cons:
- Front panel design is so-so
Living in a small space doesn’t preclude you from the cozy vibes an electric fireplace creates. This 18-inch-wide insert puts out an an impressive 5,000 BTUs of heat, capable of warming rooms up to 400 square feet.
It features an adjustable thermostat with a no-heat option, along with a built-in timer, plus there are three brightness levels and it comes with a remote control. The heat vent doesn’t look as seamless as some other inserts we cover and the front control panel is clearly visible. Still, with a reasonable price tag and other features that match the competition, it’s well worth considering.
8
Best Rustic
Furniture Hotspot Gallatin Faux Stone Electric Fi
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If you really want an electric fireplace to be your space’s centerpiece, look no further than this handsome option. There are two bookcases flanking the insert, and the unit features faux-stone details, attractive moulding, and a black-satin finish. It looks great as-is and some customers use it as a TV stand.
Other highlights include five flame and log settings, an adjustable thermostat, and a remote control. With more than 5,000 BTUs, it does a solid job heating spaces up to 400 square feet, and the console gets high marks, with an average 4.7 stars from close to 500 customers.
9
Best Smart
Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace
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Pros:
- Smart functionality
- Hardwire or plug in
- 60 flame and base color combos
- Five flame speeds and intensity settings
Cons:
- Pricey
Sure, you can control this smart electric fireplace with help from Alexa and try out 60 flame and base color combos through the app. But perhaps one of the best reasons to spring for this pricey pick is that you have the option of hardwiring the unit — something that’s less common in lower-priced models.
The Touchstone Sideline Elite also features different flame speeds and intensity settings, a memory function, plus crystals and faux driftwood are thrown in as a bonus extras. It’s available in multiple sizes, too, ranging from 40 to 100 inches wide. Considering all the bells and whistles, the electric fireplace leans to showpiece rather than warmth. Still, for the price, it could cover more square footage.
10
Best Electric Log
Duraflame Electric Log Set Heater
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Pros:
- Lovely design with attention to detail
- Faux birch wood and a rich amber glow
- Adjustable thermostat and no-heat option
- Remote control included
This electric log from Duraflame is reasonably priced and has a more realistic and pleasing design than other models of its kind. It features faux birch wood that casts a warm amber glow and creates the illusion of flames flickering against the back of the fireplace. The grate is another well-executed detail, with a powder-coated black matte finish.
The log is roughly 20 inches wide and puts out 4,600 BTUs of heat to warm spaces up to 400 square feet. Other highlights include an adjustable thermostat, no-heat setting, and a side control panel, plus it comes with a remote control.