Our Favorite Electric Fireplace Is Easy to Install for a Life-Like Fire

If you long for the glowing warmth of a fire but could do without the usual maintenance, consider an electric fireplace. Unlike gas and wood fireplaces, an electric fireplace (or fake fireplace heater) can go in virtually any room, with no HVAC ventilation needed. 

Our favorite electric fireplace is the PuraFlame Klaus 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert. It offers the look of a real fire with a resin log and features an adjustable thermostat and remote control. Thanks to its flat bottom, it’s easy to install and plugs into any 120-volt outlet for quick operation. 

After hours of research and careful consideration, we also chose a number of other electric fireplaces to suit different needs. Keep reading to learn the most important shopping considerations, what our testers had to say about select models, and our top picks among the best electric fireplaces on the market.

1. BEST OVERALL: PuraFlame Klaus 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Maxhonor Electric Fireplace Heater With Remote
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3. UPGRADE PICK: Real Flame Callaway 63″ Grand Electric Fireplace
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4. BEST STOVE: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
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5. BEST MODERN: Valuxhome Recessed Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
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6. BEST FREESTANDING: Jamfly Electric Fireplace Wooden Surround Firebox
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7. MOST REALISTIC: PuraFlame 33″ Western Electric Fireplace Insert 
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8. BEST INSERT: ClassicFlame 23″ 3D Infrared Fireplace Insert
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9. BEST TV STAND: Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby Fireplace TV Stand
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10. BEST FAUX STONE: Winston Porter Ceonna 60.25” Electric Fireplace
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Electric Fireplace Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

These top models include products we curated across categories to suit a variety of needs. Read on to discover some of the best electric fireplaces on the market today for producing heat and a relaxing atmosphere.

Best Overall

PuraFlame Klaus 33" Electric Fireplace Insert

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What We Like

• Multiple sizes available to fit in most hearths 
• Remote control included 
• Contemporary design with 3-sided interior brick wall

What We Don’t Like

• Crackling sound effect not very realistic

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Specs

• Type: Recessed insert
• Size: 26.99 inches high by 35.04 inches wide by 8.78 inches deep
• Heating: Fan heater

The Klaus electric fireplace insert from PuraFlame adds a classic look to any home. It features logs that glow, flames that dance, and a fire that snaps. A three-sided interior brick wall adds to the realistic look and feel. The remote control offers easy operation and includes flame settings with variable intensity and brightness, plus the choice to go heatless for a crackling fire all year long. 

With enough power to provide additional warmth in a 400-square-foot room, PuraFlame’s electric fireplace measures 26.99 inches high by 35.04 inches wide by 8.78 inches deep. A 7.5-inch resin log sits on the grate above an ember bed. We like that the flat bottom of the electric fireplace allows for installation directly on the floor for hearthless fireplaces. PuraFlame’s Klaus comes in three different sizes.

Get the PuraFlame electric fireplace at Amazon, Walmart, or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Maxhonor Electric Fireplace Heater With Remote

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What We Like

• Versatile configuration with 3 installation options
• Features ultra-high definition full-screen glass
• Can warm up to 400 square feet 
• Includes a remote and touch panel

What We Don’t Like

• Didn’t heat our room quickly
• May require a recessed outlet, depending on installation

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Specs

• Type: Recessed insert, wall-mounted hanging, or freestanding
• Size: 17 inches high by 30 inches wide by 4.1 inches deep
• Heating: Infrared

This affordable electric fireplace from Maxhonor includes three installation options. It can be recessed into a wall, wall-mounted, or used as a freestanding heater, thanks to its inclusion of two installable legs. It plugs into a wall outlet, making for quick and easy operation.

The temperature settings range from 62°F to 82°F and can be adjusted via the included remote or from the touch panel on the bottom front of the fireplace. The fireplace features 12 flame color combinations and an alternating flame color setting. Users can also turn the flames off and simply enjoy the heat output. It is available in three widths: 30, 50, and 60 inches. 

What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, a Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in the Best Energy Efficient Space Heaters that “The glass screen remains cool to the touch, and heat exits through a panel near the top, making this space heater suitable for a home with small children—as long as the upper heat vent is above their reach.”

Get the Maxhonor electric fireplace at Amazon or Walmart (50-inch).

Upgrade Pick

Real Flame Callaway 63" Grand Electric Fireplace

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What We Like

• Includes mantel, firebox, adjustable thermostat, and remote control
• Can support decor or fixtures 
• Comes with 6 operation settings
• Includes an instruction manual and accessories 

What We Don’t Like

• Some users reports that some components break easily

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Specs

• Type: Mantel fireplace 
• Size: 48.25 inches tall by 63 inches wide by 17.25 inches deep 
• Heating: Forced air 

Feast your eyes on this beautiful piece of furniture and electric fireplace from Real Flame. This electric fireplace comes with a traditional fireplace mantel (in either white or chestnut oak), a firebox, an adjustable thermostat, and a remote control for a complete upgrade to a hearth. 

This luxury pick can support up to 30 pounds of decor and fixtures, is easy to set up, creates heatless flames if desired, and has six operating settings ranging from 72 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit for ample adjustability. This model also has CSA certification (read more about this under the Safety section below), a wall anchor kit, and a timer for added ease of use and convenience. 

Get the Real Flame electric fireplace at Wayfair, The Home Depot, Amazon, or Lowes.

Best Stove

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

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What We Like

• Adds rustic charm to the room
• Available in several color options 
• Warms rooms up to 1,000 square feet
• Adjustable thermostat and remote control

What We Don’t Like

• Power cord comes out the top

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Specs

• Type: Stove
• Size: 23.4 inches high by 24 inches wide by 13.07 inches deep
• Heating: Infrared quartz

For the traditional style of a wood-burning stove without any of the work, the Duraflame 3D infrared electric fireplace stove fits the bill. The 3D flames with five intensities mimic a real wood fire. And this little powerhouse can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet. 

This electric fireplace stove comes with an adjustable thermostat and remote control. There are nine color options available to suit most decor. This electric fireplace stove measures 23.4 inches high by 24 inches wide by 13.07 inches deep.

What our tester says: Michelle Larson, a Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in the Best Electric Heaters, “I love that the stove’s digital control panel is hidden inside the door and that the fireplace comes with a remote control for easy operation…I chose this stove in a navy color that complements my space, but you can also get this faux wood burner in black, cinnamon, bronze, cream, or French gray.”

Get the Duraflame electric fireplace at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or Walmart.

Best Modern

Valuxhome Recessed Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace

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What We Like

• Multiple flame colors and fuel frame colors
• Various sizes available to fit in most hearths 
• Fan heater operates quietly

What We Don’t Like

• Flame effect is not traditional or realistic

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Specs

• Type: Recessed insert
• Size: 21.65 inches high by 60 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep
• Heating: Fan heater

For supplemental heat and a sleek look, it’s hard to beat the Valuxhome electric fireplace. A fan-type electric fireplace, it features high and low heat settings, a timer, and a remote control to heat rooms up to 400 square feet. The panel, which recesses into the wall to sit almost flush with the wall surface, measures 21.65 inches high by 60 inches wide by 5.5 inches deep.

Users can choose from three flame colors, three fuel bed colors, and five flame intensities to suit their preferences. Decorative logs and crystals create the look of burning embers. The metal and tempered-glass electric fireplace comes in 10 different sizes to suit many different spaces.

Get the Valuxhome electric fireplace at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Freestanding

Jamfly Electric Fireplace Wooden Surround Firebox

See It

What We Like

• Supports TVs up to 48 inches
• Multiple color finishes available 
• Easy to install compared to other options 

What We Don’t Like

• Heater fan is quite loud

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Specs

• Type: Mantel fireplace
• Size: 41.33 inches high by 34.3 inches wide by 13.6 inches deep
• Heating: Fan heater

Bring a classic look and feel to any room with this electric fireplace mantel from Jamfly. Its intricate details and craftsmanship add charm and character without the hassle of chimneys, firewood, and flames. It will supplement the heat in 400-square-foot apartments, condos, or rooms.

A realistic LED flame with three adjustable brightness modes produces a glowing ember bed with a 3D effect. Plus, this freestanding electric fireplace runs with or without heat. 

This freestanding wood mantel can support a TV up to 48 inches. It measures 41.33 inches high by 34.3 inches wide by 13.6 inches deep.

Get the Jamfly electric fireplace at Amazon.

Most Realistic

PuraFlame 33" Western Electric Fireplace Insert

See It

What We Like

• Classic-looking design and integrated crackling sounds
• 750 to 1,500 watts of heating power
• Comes with 3 flame effects 
• Multiple sizes available

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have reported installation difficulties

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Specs

• Type: Insert 
• Size: 26.99 inches high by 35.04 inches wide by 8.78 inches deep 
• Heating: Fan heater

Designed with metal and tempered glass, this black vent-free electric fireplace insert by PuraFlame can fit into many traditional fireplaces and recreate the look of a roaring fire without the worry about flame and ash. The fireplace offers 750 or 1,500 watts of heating power. 

The remote allows for a quick-and-easy mood, including three flame effects and six unique crackling sounds for a more realistic experience. We appreciate that the LED technology provides vivid colors for the realistic log and grate. The fireplace can heat up to 400 square feet but is not designed to be a primary heat source.

Get the PuraFlame electric fireplace at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Insert

ClassicFlame 23" 3D Infrared Fireplace Insert

See It

What We Like

• Energy-saving infrared technology 
• Warms up to 1,000 square feet 
• Easy-to-read digital thermostat
• 3D flame for added realism

What We Don’t Like

• Only offers a single power setting
• No timer function

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Specs

• Type: Insert 
• Size: 20 inches high by 23.6 inches wide by 8.5 inches deep
• Heating: Infrared 

Many electric fireplaces use a standard heating element plus a barely audible fan to gently push warm air into the room. However, the ClassicFlame fireplace insert uses infrared technology, which doesn’t heat the air; instead, it heats the people within the space.

This infrared heater makes for very low energy consumption, and the sensation that the room heats up more quickly. The manufacturer rates this model to heat up to 1,000 square feet.

A digital thermostat offers precise control over output. The 3D flame and log effect can be set for color, brightness, and speed, with 125 total variations. Safer Plug technology switches off the ClassicFlame fireplace if it detects overheating.

Get the ClassicFlame electric fireplace at Amazon, Target, or The Home Depot.

Best Tv Stand

Walker Edison Wren Classic 4 Cubby Fireplace TV Stand

See It

What We Like

• Multiple colors and sizes to choose from
• Great for large TVs 
• Adjustable shelves support up to 30 pounds 

What We Don’t Like

• Heater lacks power compared to many electric fireplaces

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Specs

• Type: TV stand
• Size: 25 inches high by 70 inches wide by 15.75 inches deep
• Heating: Fan heater

Binge-watch by the fire with Walker Edison’s electric fireplace TV stand. It accommodates TVs weighing up to 150 pounds and 80 inches wide. Two adjustable shelves on either side of the fireplace support up to 30 pounds of books, picture frames, and decorative objects.

The fireplace display and heat operate separately. The heat provides supplemental warmth to rooms up to 400 square feet. This fireplace TV stand measures 25 inches high by 70 inches wide by 15.75 inches deep. It comes in 16 different colors and several styles.

Get the Walker Edison electric fireplace at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Faux Stone

Winston Porter Ceonna 60.25” Electric Fireplace

See It

What We Like

• Realistic stacked stone look
• Firebox glass remains cool to the touch
• Can help warm up to 400 square feet
• Mantel supports up to 85 pounds of weight

What We Don’t Like

• Some assembly required

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Specs

• Type: Freestanding
• Size: 35.25 inches high by 60.25 inches wide by 15.5 inches deep
• Heating: Fan heater

Add the elegant look of a stone surround fireplace to any room with this model from Winston Porter. Available in two colors (white and whiskey maple), this 60.25-inch wide fireplace has a sturdy mantel that can support up to 85 pounds, ideal for adding picture frames or even a TV.

The fireplace features see-through glass and adjustable flickering flames to help warm spaces up to 400 square feet. The included remote control allows you to adjust the thermostat and flames from anywhere in the room. Anti-tipping hardware is included. 

Get the Winston Porter electric fireplace at Wayfair.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Electric Fireplaces

An electric fireplace can easily add ambience and warmth to a room or a household without the associated fireplace installation costs of a real wood or gas-burning fireplace. When gathering our top picks for this list, we included models with realistic flames and sounds so you can feel like you’re sitting by a real fire, allowing you to relax and soak up the heat. The many stunning fireplace options we looked at accommodate most size and style needs and preferences for heat, realism, and other extra features.

Aware of the many types of electric fireplaces available, we included multiple options for each style to appeal to a wide range of shopper preferences. Our recommendations offer choices for recessed inserts, mantels, stoves, TV stands, and wall-mounted fireplaces in various styles, from traditional to contemporary. 

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Fireplace

Various factors go into choosing the best electric fireplace for a given space and situation. You might simply be looking for aesthetics and something that feels homey, or you might prefer the look of a fireplace and the warmth of an electric heater. 

How an electric fireplace will be used and where it will go will help narrow the selection to the style best suited to an individual user’s needs. For instance, will it go in the living room under a wall-mounted TV, or will it add ambience in the dining room? The buyer’s skill level for installation or assembly is also important, along with any extra features and how realistic it needs to look.

The following considerations will help guide your decision on what makes the best electric fireplace for your particular home.

Type

Easy installation is a big selling point when it comes to electric fireplaces. Most simply plug into a wall outlet. The caveat, however, is that electric fireplaces that produce heat require a dedicated outlet. Due to power strip safety precautions, electric fireplaces can’t plug into an extension cord or surge protector. But many of the best electric fireplace models require very little else in the way of installation.

• A wall-mounted electric fireplace resembles a flat-screen TV and can hang via brackets (usually included). These models have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic most suitable for modern interiors. Like recessed models, they’re often made of durable fiberglass or metal. 
• Recessed fireplaces/inserts fit into a wall cavity, where the surface of a fireplace insert is flush with the wall. Unlike wall-mounted models, this type of fireplace comes in various modern and vintage styles and is best suited for DIY fireplaces.
• Mantel fireplaces often mimic the look of a traditional fireplace and are constructed from wood, stone, or a combination of the two. These classic freestanding models are available in many styles besides traditional, including modern, rustic, and farmhouse. Some mantel fireplaces offer shelf storage and come in corner configurations as well.
• Stove fireplaces offer the antique look of a wood-burning stove. These exclusively metal models often emit more heat than other fireplace types. They fit in well with rustic and farmhouse decor.
• TV stand fireplaces are similar to entertainment consoles, with a television placed on top. Many models feature shelving that frames the fireplace. Available in multiple styles, they’re often made of wood or particleboard (a cheaper material consisting of wood and resin).

Size and Placement

You’ll likely know where you’d like to place an electric fireplace, and it’s important to note that not every model fits every room. Sleek wall-mounted ones, for example, look better in bedrooms and dining rooms. 

The planned location and type of fireplace will help determine the right size. It’s vital to get the exact measurements of the space where the electric fireplace will sit or hang, along with the size of the room. For instance, converting a conventional fireplace into an electric fireplace requires the precise measurements of the existing fireplace in order to find the best electric fireplace insert for the job.

The size of the room also makes a difference if the fireplace is meant to heat the room. In this case, it’s essential to ensure that the electric fireplace isn’t too small or too large for the room. Something big enough to heat a 1,200-square-foot room for a space that’s only 450 square feet might be overkill.

Heating Options

A handful of today’s electric fireplaces are purely for looks; they produce a visual fire effect but no heat. Most models, though, generate warmth in much the same way a space heater does. Some come with thermostats to maintain a steady temperature in the room, while others feature basic heat-level settings. 

All the best electric fireplace heater options offer the illusion of flickering flames, but heat options come in three basic types:

• Fan-type electric: Many of the electric fireplaces on the market today are fan-type models that heat a room by blowing air over a series of hot coils and out one or more vents located along the bottom or sides of the unit. Fan-type fireplaces offer supplemental heat for rooms up to 450 square feet in size.
• Infrared: Rather than heat the air, infrared fireplaces heat the objects in the room. Like the rays of the sun, infrared heat is heated light, warming whatever it shines upon. Infrared fireplaces can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet, but the user must be in the direct line of its rays to feel the warmth.
• Convection: Electric convection fireplaces allow air to circulate naturally. Cool air enters through a vent near the bottom, flows upward over the heated ceramic plates, and then flows out through an upper vent and into the room. Some convection fireplaces come with a fan to help direct the flow of air. These can heat rooms up to 600 square feet. Electric convection fireplaces without fans heat a smaller area near the fireplace itself and are best suited to rooms without drafts.

Keep in mind that electric fireplaces shouldn’t be the room’s only heat source. They cannot replace central heating or an electric wall heater, for example. 

Realism

Advances in LED light technology in combination with small rolling mirrors create the illusion of genuine flames in modern electric fireplaces. Some models include molded fake logs and embers that glow to enhance the effect. The most realistic electric fireplaces and realistic-looking features tend to be more expensive, but not always. 

However, not everyone prioritizes realism in an electric fireplace. Some units offer color selection for the flames, such as gold to match holiday decor, green for a spring look, or even purple or pink flames to match the room’s decor or set a certain mood.

Safety

Electric fireplaces don’t burn wood, create smoke, or have actual flames, all of which make them safer than the real thing. Moreover, the glass on most electric fireplaces doesn’t even get hot to the touch, making them safe for children and pets. Unlike their conventional counterparts, electric fireplaces can sit safely on carpet or against a wall. They also pose no risk of carbon monoxide exposure. 

In addition, electric fireplaces go through tests and inspections during production and come with safety features like automatic shutoffs set to a predetermined time or heat level. Additional safety features may include a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) seal. This certification ensures that the fireplace meets specific safety standards and regulations, giving users peace of mind knowing that the product has undergone rigorous testing and evaluation. 

A few tips to avoid electric fireplace mistakes that could affect safey: Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, don’t use extension cords or power strips, don’t place objects on the intake fans or heaters, keep them dry, and keep small children and pets away.

Additional Features

While electric fireplaces are pretty straightforward, some include a few fun bells and whistles, such as:

• Remote and touch-screen controls
• Programmable timers that turn the fireplace off after the user falls asleep, or turn it on before they wake up in the morning
• Night-light features that emit a soft glow
• Bluetooth speakers that can play crackling fire sounds or seasonal tunes

Installation

The difficulty of the installation depends on the type of electric fireplace, but it should be relatively easy for a person with the right skill set. Cutting into the wall and installing a recessed or see-through fireplace requires the user to have some framing skills. A wall-hanging unit will require hand tools, like a drill and a lever, and enough know-how to anchor the wall bracket securely. 

Some mantels require assembly while others don’t, and the same goes for TV stands. No matter what type of fireplace it is, make sure to follow the installation instructions carefully and ask for help if something is unclear.

The Advantages of Owning an Electric Fireplace

Many people love the idea of a fireplace in the living room, dining room, or bedroom. They provide a warm place to cuddle up with a good book or the latest movie. Not everyone is keen on the mess, work, and upkeep that come along with all that charm, though. Cleaning up ashes, stocking firewood, and maintaining the chimney are chores. Electric fireplaces relieve those burdens. 

Some other benefits of electric fireplaces include:

• Easy installation
• No chimney required
• A choice of styles, including mantel, insert, TV stand, wall-mounted, and electric fireplace stove
• No fireplace tools required
• Compatible with any room
• Modern features such as colored LED lights 
• Some come with crackling sounds and other features that provide a more realistic experience

FAQs

For more information about the best electric fireplaces, check out these answers to some of the most common questions. If additional concerns arise, contact the manufacturer.

Q. Do electric fireplaces give off heat?

Yes, some give off supplemental heat. They are not intended to be a room’s only heat source, though.

Q. Do electric fireplaces increase electric bills?

Yes. An average electric fireplace uses about 1,500 watts of power. When used strictly for ambience, the cost can range from $0.003 to $0.03 per hour. When you add heat, the cost can range from $0.09 per hour for medium heat and $0.18 an hour for maximum heat.

Q. Can I plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?

Yes, you can plug one into a dedicated wall outlet. Do not plug one into an extension cord or power strip.

Q. Can you leave an electric fireplace on all night?

Yes, you can. 

Q. Can electric fireplaces catch fire?

Electric fireplaces don’t produce real fire. There are no flames, only LED lights. They don’t produce toxic byproducts either. If you follow the instructions, an electric fireplace should not cause a fire. However, ignoring instructions, such as using an extension cord, can cause fires.

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Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.

 

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