Yesterday's electric fireplaces are long gone; so, too, are their obviously artificial flames. Innovations in technology and design have made these appliances not only more efficient, but also more authentic-looking. Whether portable or hardwired, electric fireplaces are a hot option for interior walls and any other part of the home not accessible to outside venting. Click through to see nine favorite models.
Kingsway Reno
Heat & Glo’s Simplifyre is mounted in-wall at a height typically reserved for wall-hung paintings, but when a fireplace is this beautiful, who's to say that it's not art?
Retrofitting an existing wood-burning fireplace is easy with an electric insert like this one, which is molded from real logs for a convincingly authentic look. LED lighting technology makes possible a rather detailed simulation that includes flames and embers—even an inner-log glow.
A tailored fit for modern interiors, Napoleon's 48"-long electric fireplace features a stone-ember bed that's set within a dramatically horizontal profile.
The Mini Cube electric stove from Dimplex comes available in fun colors (e.g., fire engine red), so while kicking out the heat, it can also provide a bright focal point in decor.
The generously sized viewing area of this double-sided electric fireplace means it can heat two rooms at once. Starting at $1,429 from Heat & Glo, the unit plugs into a regular wall outlet and operates for about five cents a day.
A traditional-look stove with a three-dimensional flame gives you the best of both worlds: a rustic, old-fashioned experience and the modern convenience of zero cleanup.
Cleverly designed with a tinted reflection panel that exaggerates the firebox size, Napoleon's 30" electric fireplace, though deeply appealing, is shallow enough to permit easy installation.
The Jasper media cabinet from Dimplex is perhaps the ultimate two-in-one. Shown here in Black Ash, the unit combines an electric fireplace and a television in one sleek and space-smart arrangement.
Northern Tool offers an affordable yet luxurious electric fireplace that features a rounded front, two power settings, and a sophisticated, contemporary appearance.
If you're interested in more on fireplaces, consider:
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