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When a heated blanket just isn’t cutting it, a glowing fireplace brings warmth to a home on cold days. An electric fireplace can offer a cost-effective, simple solution that’s a popular alternative to traditional fireplaces. But before you buy an electric fireplace, it’s important to understand which type of fireplace is best for your needs. I spoke with a heating expert to get the details on everything from fireplace size to heating capacity to safety features. Read on to learn how to choose the best electric fireplace for your needs, and then check out our top picks for the best electric fireplaces to get started.
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With its clean, classic appearance, this electric fireplace will make a statement in your living room or bedroom. It features an automatic safety shut off, as well as the ability to set a timer from 30-minute to 10-hour increments. The adjustable thermostat features six heat options, and you can choose from six flame colors including orange, white, blue, and multicolor.
This electric fireplace features a clean, classic-looking mantle, and it’s equipped with features like a timer and six thermostat settings to help save energy.
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This electric fireplace gives you plenty of options, including the ability to build it into the wall, mount it on a wall, or place it on a table stand. It’s powerful enough to heat up to 1,000 square feet, and does so quietly. The base log, pebbles, and crystals are all interchangeable, and you can also choose from eight ember bed and flame colors to further customize its looks.
This electric fireplace can be built into a wall, mounted on a wall, or placed on a table stand, plus the base log, pebbles, and crystals are interchangeable for a customized look.
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This electric fireplace includes a wall mount and is available in multiple sizes. You can alternate between 750 and 1500 wattages to save energy, and there are plenty of other customizations including 12 color modes, five flame brightness levels, and five flame speeds. While the heating capacity is limited to 400 square feet, this fireplace’s modern and sleek look would be a great addition to a smaller living room or bedroom.
This electric fireplace includes a wall mount, and you can choose between multiple flame speeds, brightnesses, and multi-color modes for customized performance and appearance.
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This smart electric fireplace is designed for easy and versatile operation. While it features a touchscreen and a remote, its WiFi connectivity means you can use the Touchstone app to set the heat temperature, adjust flame color and intensity, power the unit on and off, and more. You can also set up voice commands with Alexa and Google Home for hands-free use.
This electric fireplace’s WiFi connectivity means you can control it with the Touchstone mobile app or even set up voice commands with Alexa or Google Home.
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This electric fireplace features a space-saving design and can be inserted into a wall or cabinet. Two heating levels, an adjustable thermostat from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and a timer that can be set for up to eight hours allow you to customize its operation and temperature. Weighing just 25.7 pounds, this insert is impressively lightweight for an easy installation.
This electric fireplace can be installed within a wall or cabinet to save space, and features like an adjustable thermostat, two heat settings, and a timer allows you to keep a room at the right temperature.
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This electric fireplace makes a statement, encompassing a mantle and shelving for extra storage. It’s very powerful and capable of heating up to 1,000 square feet, so it’s ideal for a larger room. The flame can operate without heat for ambiance, and an adjustable thermostat makes it easy to bring the room to the right temperature. Pair this with a leather sofa for a luxe look.
This electric fireplace is capable of heating up to 1,000 square feet, and a highly realistic log and flame design add aesthetic to your space.
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This electric fireplace console adds distinctive style to a room. Its ability to heat up to 1,000 square feet makes it suitable for larger spaces, and its two cabinets provide extra storage. This console is sized to fit up to a 65-inch TV, and details like crown molding and windowpane cabinet doors complement the ambiance that the fireplace provides.
This electric fireplace console can heat up to 1,000 square feet, plus it can hold up to a 65-inch TV while adding distinctive style to a room.
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This electric stove features a highly realistic and classic design. It can heat up to 1,000 square feet, making it suitable for larger spaces. The stove features an adjustable thermostat and a timer for up to nine hours for easy use. Plus, weighing just 28.6 pounds, it’s very easy to move.
This electric stove features a classic look, is capable of heating up to 1,000 square feet, and since it weighs just 28.6 pounds, it’s easy to move.
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With its open design, this plug-in log set can be inserted into an existing wood fire or gas burning fireplace for easy electrical operation. It’s capable of heating up to 400 square feet, so it can make a smaller room cozy while adding ambiance. The logs are designed to be highly realistic, and this set includes an ash mat that’s also illuminated.
Add this set to your existing wood fire or gas fireplace to heat a smaller room and to add attractive ambiance, including a glowing ash mat.
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This electric fireplace features a TV stand that can accommodate up to a 65-inch TV. It also has plenty of storage, including four adjustable shelves. The fireplace can heat up to 400 square feet from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose from 12 flame colors and five flame levels to customize the appearance.
This fireplace and console can hold up to a 65-inch TV, plus the unit can heat up to 400 square feet to keep a smaller room cozy.
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This see-through electric fireplace delivers a distinct aesthetic when installed within a wall. Its 10,000 BTU output is capable of heating a larger space. The set includes logs, fire glass, and crystal media, and additional colors are available for purchase if you’d like to further customize the fireplace’s appearance.
With different crystal media available for purchase and five flame speeds, you can customize the unique look and performance of this electric fireplace to make a statement in your home.
Justin Bohannon, Owner/Operator at Affordable Solutions HVAC & Electrical in Durham, NC, explains that energy consumption of electric fireplaces can vary depending on the model. “Look for models that have energy-saving features such as adjustable heat settings and timers to optimize energy usage,” he advises.
Consider whether an electric fireplace is equipped with safety features like cool-touch exteriors, overheating protection, and tip-over protection. “These features ensure the safe operation of the electric fireplace, particularly if you have children or pets,” says Bohannon.
Check to verify that the electric fireplace’s heating capacity is appropriate for the space that you plan to use it in. The heat content of fireplaces is measured in British thermal units, or BTUs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a BTU is the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of one pound of liquid water by one degree Fahrenheit “at the temperature the water has at its greatest density (approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit.)”
Golden Chimney explains that most average electric fireplaces that use a 120-volt outlet generate 4,600 to 5,000 BTUs per hour, which is adequate to heat a 400-square-foot space. More powerful models use 240-volt outlets and are capable of generating 9,000 to 10,000 BTUs per hour. These more powerful models are capable of heating 800-square-foot spaces.
Electric fireplaces are available with a variety of additional features that can enhance their use. “Consider additional features such as flame effects, adjustable brightness, remote control, thermostat, and timer,” says Bohannon. “These features can enhance the ambiance and convenience of your electric fireplace.”
Consider your budget, as well as any electrical work that you might need to have done before installing the fireplace. “Prices can vary significantly depending on the size, style, features, and brand of the electric fireplace,” Bohannon notes.
When choosing the best electric fireplaces, I considered both energy usage and heating capacity. I made sure to include options that were suitable for small and large rooms, and I looked for features like timer settings that could help to save on electricity consumption. I considered factors like heat output, as well as the availability of multiple fan settings.
Additionally, I looked for products that are manufactured by reputable brands. I considered the availability of safety features, like automatic shut-offs, and looked for fireplaces backed by manufacturer warranties. I also considered other features that enhance the fireplace’s use, like the option to choose flame colors and intensities and the inclusion of a remote control.
You can buy electric fireplaces from many retailers, including Amazon, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot. You’ll need to weigh considerations like available selection, the cost of shipping, and the retailer’s return policies when deciding on the best place to buy electric fireplaces.
“Electric fireplaces use electricity to generate heat and simulate a flame effect,” says Bohannon. “They typically consist of heating elements, a blower or fan, and LED lights. The heating elements warm up when electricity passes through them, and the fan blows the warm air into the room. The LED lights create the illusion of a flickering flame, providing a visual appeal similar to a traditional fireplace.”
Bohannon explains that factors like the use, quality, and maintenance of an electric fireplace can all affect its lifespan. “On average, an electric fireplace can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years,” he says. “Regular cleaning and proper maintenance can help prolong its lifespan.”
The size, heating capacity, and usage of an electric fireplace impacts its electricity consumption. “On average, they consume about 1.5 to 1.6 kilowatts per hour,” says Bohannon. He explains that it’s important to note that electric fireplaces are generally considered to be more energy-efficient compared to other options like wood-burning fireplaces or gas-burning units.
Bohannon notes that determining the best brand is subjective and will depend on your individual preferences and requirements. “Some popular and well-regarded brands in the electric fireplace include Dimplex, Touchstone, Napoleon, and Real Flame,” he says. “I recommend researching and comparing different models within your budget to find the one that best suits your needs.”
Burning Log recommends that you look for electric fireplaces with timers and LED light bulbs, which are more energy-efficient than other types of bulbs. It’s also important to choose a fireplace that’s appropriately sized for your room, so it doesn’t strain to heat the space, maximizing its efficiency.
While there are many benefits to an electric fireplace, there are some downsides, too. Bohannon explains that electric fireplaces have limited heating capacity, so they may struggle to sufficiently heat larger spaces or whole houses, particularly in extremely cold climates. They rely on electricity, so their use during power outages is limited.
Electric fireplaces also have a higher upfront cost compared to other options, especially if you choose more advanced features and a higher-quality model. Though electric fireplaces have realistic flame effects, they don’t provide quite the ambiance and authenticity that you’ll experience with a real wood-burning or gas fireplace.
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