Safe, cozy and cost-effective, electric fireplaces have a lot to offer in both aesthetics and comfort. They’re often more energy-efficient and affordable than running a gas fireplace, and they have none of the health concerns associated with wood-burning fireplaces. Plus, they’re designed to fit almost anywhere in your home, and they come in a variety of decor styles. If you’re looking for a way to add a warming, decorative touch to your home this season, try one of these top electric fireplaces.
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In this article: Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace, Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50-inch Electric Fireplace and R. W. Flame 50-inch Electric Fireplace
Types of electric fireplaces
Electric fireplace inserts are designed to fit into existing wood-burning fireplaces. They eliminate the work of building a fire and give your room the appearance (and optional heat) of a real fire with the push of a button.
Freestanding electric fireplaces are easy to move from room to room. They’re small, convenient and often very affordable, but they’re better for warming up small rooms.
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are sleek, modern focal points for rooms that need extra warmth or atmosphere. They tend to include more stylish touches, such as glass or stone embers, instead of artificial logs. These electric fireplaces are available in multiple sizes to help you pick one that’s just right for your space.
TV stand electric fireplaces are the ultimate space-saver since they let you have the atmosphere of an electric fire without competing for space with your TV. However, you’ll need to make sure that it’s able to safely support your TV’s size and weight.
Infrared vs. forced-fan electric fireplaces
Infrared electric fireplaces use a special type of bulb that produces infrared light, which is evenly distributed into the air in a room. Forced-fan fireplaces, which are more common, circulate air over a heating coil and force it back out to heat the room. They’re more effective than infrared models, but they’re also louder.
Note that some electric fireplaces may not include a heater at all. These models are intended to provide only a cozy appearance of a fire.
Top freestanding electric fireplace
Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace
What you need to know: This popular, portable electric stove can warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet.
What you’ll love: It uses infrared quartz heat to generate 5,200 Btu without drying out the room. It features realistic 3D flames with five different flame levels. The classic wood-stove design comes in several color options.
What you should consider: Itsflames aren’t particularly bright, and while the exterior stays fairly cool, items shouldn’t be stored on top of the stove.
Top freestanding electric fireplace for the money
Turbro Suburbs TS25 Electric Fireplace
What you need to know: This compact infrared electric fireplace looks and feels realistic.
What you’ll love: The design provides a clear view of the realistic firewood and flames from three sides. Its 1,400-watt infrared heater quietly emits nearly 5,000 Btu of heat, but the exterior remains cool to the touch.
What you should consider: It struggles to heat large rooms.
Top electric fireplace insert
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
What you need to know: This insert comes in five different size configurations to seamlessly fit your existing fireplace.
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What you’ll love: It has two heat settings to warm up to 400 square feet. The flames have three brightness settings and six crackling sound effects. Both can be changed using the remote control.
What you should consider: It must be plugged in, not hardwired.
Top electric fireplace insert for the money
Costway Electric Fireplace Insert
What you need to know: Featuring overheating protection technology and a precise digital thermostat, this infrared electric fireplace looks and feels like a cozy wood fire.
What you’ll love: Its infrared heater is more energy-efficient and powerful, warming rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Choose from six flame colors and five brightness levels.
What you should consider: Some users felt that this fireplace did not warm up large rooms as claimed.
Top wall-mounted electric fireplace
Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50-inch Electric Fireplace
What you need to know: This recessedelectric fireplace offers 60 flame combinations and smart home integration.
What you’ll love: The fireplace can be controlled with Alexa or Google Home. It has six different flame colors, 10 media bed colors and settings to control flame speed and intensity. The fireplace base can be customized with faux logs, crystals or driftwood.
What you should consider: Voice commands only work to turn the fireplace on and off, not to adjust temperature or colors.
Top wall-mounted electric fireplace for the money
R. W. Flame 50-inch Electric Fireplace
What you need to know: This modern-looking fireplace lets you choose multiple flame colors and can be embedded or hung on the wall.
What you’ll love: It can be controlled through a touchscreen on its face or by remote control. It offers two heat settings for up to 400 square feet, 12 flame colors, five flame speed settings and five brightness levels. Several other sizes are available.
What you should consider: It’s not the best choice for someone looking for a realistic fireplace.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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