What’s better than a cozy winter night? An evening in front of a toasty fire. The heat and the crackling sound are just so relaxing, and it’s not something you can find on your laptop or TV screen. So what is the best way to get that feeling without having to go out into the cold? With an electric fireplace! They offer all the benefits of a traditional wood-burning stove with none of the hassles. In this article, we will explore five terrific options for any budget or style preference.
Electric fireplaces let you add warmth to any room and are less expensive to use than a wood-burning fireplace. In this review, we have five of the best electric fireplaces on Amazon.
With its inviting aura, an electric fireplace can make your home feel like a cozy, welcoming home. Electric fireplaces are an excellent option for those who want to subtly take the chill out of the air without hours of wood chopping or smell and smoke from “real” fires. Finding a fireplace that matches your home can be more challenging than it might seem. Five electric fireplaces that we recommended for you to check out.
The number of electric fireplaces available online can make it difficult to find the right one. That’s why our team reviewed several fireplaces, then evaluated the installation and safety before choosing their top 5 picks. Below, you’ll find some tips to help you make the perfect purchase and a guide on what an electric fireplace offers.
Things to Consider When Buying an Electric Fireplace
Before you purchase an electric fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind. We’ve compiled some background on how electric fireplaces work and the different types of models available out there, and the features you should consider before buying.
How do electric fireplaces work?
Electric fireplaces produce heat in two ways: by using infrared panels or forced fans.
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters are one of the quietest types on the market because they do not utilize a fan or motor to push out heat. Instead, they send out a beam of light that creates a simulated flame effect to warm up the surrounding area, making them perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
The pros and cons of infrared heaters:
- Pros: Quick to heat. Because they produce heat without air, these fireplaces don’t reduce oxygen or humidity in a room.
- Cons: Heat only radiates out in front of the fireplace and doesn’t fill a room with heat. The user loses warmth immediately after shutting it off. Hot to touch.
Forced Fan
A forced-air fireplace pumps in ambient air from the surrounding environment, heat it with a coil and blasts it back out of the room using a motorized fan. Forced-air fans are among the most potent electric fireplaces, capable of covering up to 400 square feet.
The pros and cons of forced fans:
- Pros: This fireplace heats the entire room. When the air is heated, it retains heat even after you turn off the fireplace.
- Cons: Takes time to generate heat.
Types of Electric Fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are becoming more and more popular to buy for your home. With many models of electric fireplaces, it’s important to understand the differences in each one. The five types of electric fireplaces include wall-mounted, freestanding stove, mantel, corner, and insert.
Wall-mounted—Wall-mounted electric fireplaces integrate modern design into your home. These Electric Fireplaces looks like an HDTV and is usually installed underneath the existing flat screen.
Our recommendation for this electric fireplace is the Touchstone Onyx Electric Fireplace, which offers five brightness settings and customers a modern design.
Freestanding stove—Freestanding electric fireplaces are a charming way to add warmth and comfort to your home. One of the best benefits of a freestanding electric fireplace is that it’s mobile, so you can carry it around to different rooms throughout your home as needed.
Our top pick for a freestanding fireplace is the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, which features realistic infrared quartz heating.
Mantel—When you ordinarily think of a fireplace, the typical image that flashes in your mind is that of a mantel fireplace fueled by wood or propane. That being said, these electric fireplaces are designed to look like traditional fireplaces, with a mantel encircling them.
Corner—These electric fireplaces fit nicely within most corners of a room, maximizing space while still providing warmth. Corner fireplaces can blend in with your house’s décor, but most design ideas are transitional.
The best corner electric fireplace unit is the Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace TV Console, a television stand that offers both heat and storage to the customers.
Insert—This type of electric fireplace is installed inside a cabinet or another space initially intended to be used for a traditional fireplace. These electric fireplaces are powered by plugging into a power strip or an imitation log.
Our top pick of insert electric fireplace is the PuraFlame 33″ Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote Control. This model includes a three-sided interior brick wall design that offers an authentic look and feel.
Electric Fireplace Features
We looked for four features when selecting our top picks for electric fireplaces.
1.) Installation
There are many varieties of the electric fireplace to choose from, but the type you purchase will determine how easy it is to install. For example, installing an insert is straightforward, but you might need to plan if you want a recessed mount. Additionally, a lightweight stove will be easier to transport than a heavier mantel-style electric fireplace.
2.) Flame settings
Flame settings on electric fireplaces range from flicker speed to flame brightness, and will vary greatly depending on the selected model. Some electric fireplaces have variable flicker speeds, while others only offer an on-off switch.
3.) Heat control
An advantage of electric fireplaces is the ability to control the temperature of the heat that they produced. Some electric fireplaces on the market either offer two or three different heat settings, while other models provide an adjustable thermostat.
4.) Safety
The advantages of an electric fireplace are that you’ll never have to worry about dozing off in front of the flame. For those who worry about the possibility of a fire, an electric fireplace is perfect. Not only are flames contained, but some electric fireplaces even offer a built-in timer that automatically turns it off after a certain period. Some electronic fireplaces can even turn themselves off when the desired temperature is reached.
The 5 Absolute Best Electric Fireplaces
R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
This modern design fireplace offers a variety of operating models and can happily fit into any living room.
Pros:
- This fireplace has an auto-heat kill switch to avoid overheating.
- This unit comes with a one-year warranty.
- This electric fireplace heats a 400 square feet room.
Cons:
- Some customers complained that the unit made a droning noise when running.
- Attractive and Practical Design: 36L x 18.11H x3.89 W, The thickness of the new style is only 3.85 inch while the old one is 6 inch. And it opearates the same as the old one. Also we redesign the location of main power and power cable, which makes the new fireplace more attractive and practical.
- MULTI OPERATING MODES: Touch screen and remote control;12 flame & LED flame bed color modes;5 flame speed modes;5 flame brightness levels; Specially automatic flame design(the flame color and brightness changed
- ENERGY SAVINGS: 750W & 1500W modes can be adjusted accordingly for both warm and energy saving purpose. The supplemental zone heating is for up to 400 square feet.
- SAFETY & COMFORT: ETL Certificate Approved. It also has auto-heat kill safety to avoid the superheating. The heat is good for maintaining the natural humidity within the air without making the room too dry.
- Warranty & Customer Service: 1 year warranty, feel free to contact us whenever you have questions, satisfied solutions would be provided. You will be amazed at the customer service you receive after the sale! ORDER NOW and consider buying one set for your sweet home. Let R.W.FLAME electric fireplace warm your home and life.
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
This electric heater offers three flame settings and lifelike resin logs for the living room and den.
Pros:
- It has a remote control which makes it easy to operate.
- Provides heat for up to 400 square feet.
- The inside of the fireplace has a three-sided faux brick design.
Cons:
- Do not use anti-glare glasses.
- Some users had issues with the heating element.
- Overall dimensions: Width: 35 1/25 x Height: 26 99/100 x Depth: 8 39/50. For more dimension details, please refer to User Manual in Technical Specification section.
- 3 flame settings with variable intensity and brightness can be used with or without heat all year long; 100% energy saving LED technology. A sleek look with three-sided interior brick wall and clean glass front trim design, without the hassle of cleaning dust or ashes.
- Life-like resin log which is 11 13/16 high sitting on the grate above ember bed, thats just what a wood burning fireplace looks like.
- Adjustable thermostat; A supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft. CANNOT be used as a main heat source; Remote control provided for easy operation.
- Easy to install and uninstall. With flat bottom, the insert can just sit on the floor directly; Plug in and use under a voltage of 120, CANNOT be hard wired. One year warranty but customer service is always ready for help whenever you ne
Touchstone 80001 – Onyx Electric Fireplace
Designed to stand alone, this electric fireplace is perfect for anyone looking to add ambiance with minimal effort.
Pros:
- The fireplace offers five different brightness level settings.
- The flames dance inside your choice of faux logs and crystals.
Cons:
- Digital flames do not look realistic.
- REALISTIC LOG SET: Amaze your guests with the lifelike flames of this electric fireplace. Its realistic flames are set in a pile of faux logs or crystals (both included) that lends the homey appeal of an authentic fireplace. The log set or crystals lie behind durable tempered glass with a contemporary black frame. Enjoy smoke-free air while feeling warm during a cold night. This electric fireplace is 50.4” in width, 21.65” in height, and 5.5” deep.
- TWO HEAT OPTIONS: Touchstone Electric Fireplaces feature two heat settings (high and low) that can heat any room of up to 400 feet. This allows you to control the amount of warmth produced to create a cozy atmosphere. A five-flame brightness setting that ranges from a dull ember glow to a full blazing light lets you adjust the flames depending on your desired luminosity.
- HASSLE-FREE INSTALLATION: This 50-inch-wide electric fireplace only weighs 46 pounds, so one person can easily install it alone. Enjoy a hassle-free and simple installation using the step-by-step instructions provided. Once it has been mounted to your wall, all you need to do is hang and secure your fireplace with the drywall screws. You no longer need to stack firewood or clean up ashes to turn up the heat, as the Touchstone Electric Fireplace is powered by a remote control.
- ELEGANT HOME DÉCOR: Fill a big blank wall with a touch of modernity and elegance. This electric fireplace will serve as functional décor for your bedroom, library, or family room. It can be used at any time of the year, since it has a dual-mode feature that allows the fireplace to operate with or without heat. A built-in timer for auto-shutoff can be set for 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.
- SAFE AND EFFICIENT TO USE: The risk of having a wood-burning fireplace that might cause chimney fires or other dangers is no longer a worry with a Touchstone Electric Fireplace! Save on natural gas and heating oil costs too, as this fireplace uses LED technology, which requires less energy to heat a room. It’s safe for children and pets, since its LED bulbs are cool to the touch and mercury-free. The Touchstone Electric Fireplace guarantees that you get your money’s wor
Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace
This electric fireplace has a storage compartment and is an efficient choice for anyone looking to save space.
Pros:
- Supports televisions up to 50 inches.
- The fireplace has three shelves, two of which are glass-doored.
Cons:
- Some users encountered difficulty during installation.
- The Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace, TV Console gives you the perfect combination of storage with an added fireplace bonus
- The TV Stand supports up to a 50” flat panel TV with a maximum weight of 70 lbs. and is constructed of laminated particleboard and MDF with an espresso finish
- Top divided open shelf is great for keeping your cable box or Blu-Ray player and the 2 side cabinets have 2 additional shelves behind glass doors for books and DVDs. The 18” fireplace insert plugs into a standard 120V outlet and can heat a room up to 400 square feet. The insert can be used with or without heat so you can still enjoy the flame effect in the summer
- Complete your living room with other items from the Ameriwood Home (sold separately)
- The Stand ships flat to your door and 2 adults are recommended to assemble. The Stand can hold TVs up to 50” wide or 70 lbs. The divided top shelf will hold up to 30 lbs. The 2 shelves behind each door can support 20 lbs. Assembled dimensions: 31.77”H x 47.24”W x 15.87”D
- Care: Dust and wipe with a dry cloth and if needed, a damp cloth may be used sparingly.
- TV size is determined by the diagonal measurement end to end corner of the scre
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace
This portable electric fireplace features 3D flames that add an authentic touch to the design. It is perfect for bedrooms and offices alike.
Pros:
- Infrared quartz heat helps to release natural moisture.
- A safety feature designed to shut the unit off whenever it is too warm.
Cons:
- Some users experienced little heat production.
- There are some window coverings made of plastic.
- 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help you save money
- Patent pending 3D flame effect technology features realistic flames that dance on and behind the logs, including five adjustable color, brightness, and speed settings
- The infrared quartz heat helps to maintain the natural humidity in the air, resulting in comfortable heat without drying out the rooms
- Overheat protection, heater will instantly shut off to prevent overheating. Volts : 120. Amps : 12.5
- Adjustable, digital thermostat allows you to decide the temperature of your r
Fire Safety Tips
When installing or using electric fireplaces, take these safety steps to consider:
- Follow the installation instructions to ensure that the electrical wiring and equipment are installed correctly.
- Be careful not to plug your fireplace into an extension cord or power strip
- Remove any personal items from the intake of the fan and heater.
- Keep pets and kids away from electric fireplaces that can be hot to touch.
- Keep the electric fireplace dry and indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric fireplace brand?
The best electric fireplace we recommend is from R.W.FLAME. The heat from this fireplace spreads across 400 square feet, comes with a one-year warranty, and has customizable settings to create the perfect ambiance.
How does an electric fireplace work?
Electric fireplaces can be divided into two categories: infrared heaters and forced-air fans. Infrared electric fireplaces produce heat through radiation, while forced-air space heaters use cool air from outside the home to warm up and return heated air into the room.
Are electric fireplaces safe?
Electric fireplaces are safer than traditional fireplaces because they do not produce any ash or fumes. An electric fireplace does not require ventilation. To ensure safety for children, you can use the no-heat setting when they are near to prevent burns or look for models with a built-in timer that automatically shuts off the system.
Are electric fireplaces affordable?
Electric fireplaces are cheaper and more energy-efficient than gas or wood-burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces operate about 90% more efficiently than traditional gas, which means your electricity bills might be lower as well. They also cost less to run than any other type of electric appliance in your home. Many models also have adjustable brightness, heat, and an option that conserves energy by not using heat.
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