With features that allow them to double as stylish interior centerpieces, electric fireplaces can do more than just heat your living spaces. Whether you buy a small electric fireplace or something a bit bigger, this guide will give you all the information you need, from measurements to assembly, to get that warm, fuzzy feeling in your home.
Among the different types of electric fireplaces is whether they're wall-mounted or not. Wall-mounted fireplaces are great if you don't want to clutter up your living space, while alternative models can be built into furniture like TV sets or stand alone for a more authentic look. With technology that can create realistic-looking flames in various colors and crackling sounds, there's a lot of choice when displaying your electric fireplace.
In this guide, you'll find electric fireplaces that heat up to 1,000 square feet, suitable for open-plan living spaces. A smaller fireplace can quickly heat 400 square feet for a lot less. In addition to heating, many fireplaces in this guide come with great features like timers, auto-shutoffs, and remote controls that make life easier. Therefore, electric fireplaces are more efficient than gas or wood-burning alternatives and easier to use.
For more home heating solutions, check out the best space heaters and the best baseboard heaters.
The best electric fireplaces we recommend in 2025
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Top Ten Reviews is on a mission to review everything we feature in our buyer's guides. Still, while we work hard to make this a reality—or where this isn't possible—some of our guides still feature rankings based on our team's considerable expertise and research.
While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best electric fireplace overall
The Touchstone 50-inch Smart Electric Fireplace has received positive feedback for its effective heating, stylish appearance, and modern smart features. It adds warmth and ambiance to the home without the downsides of a traditional fireplace. Although its heating capacity in larger spaces raises some concerns, overall, everyone thinks this electric fireplace is a great deal.
The Touchstone fireplace's 1500W heater provides excellent heating performance. Reviewers often rave about how fast it warms up rooms, partly because of the adjustable thermostat, which allows for precise temperature control. The fireplace also doesn't require venting.
The sleek 50-inch size fits most living rooms and can be recessed into the wall for an elegant look. With 30 different ember colors and flame options, you can create any ambiance you want. Users also love the fireplace's smart capabilities. It's WiFi-enabled and can be controlled via a mobile app or voice commands with Amazon Alexa.
Many users report satisfaction after installing this fireplace, noting that it becomes a focal point in their rooms. However, a few have complained about the heater's size in larger rooms and the flame effect not being as good as that of a wood-burning fireplace.
The best budget electric fireplace
The YITAHOME Electric Fireplace is easy to use, has efficient heating, and is stylish. It's a great addition to any home, offering warmth and ambiance without the downsides of traditional fireplaces. While some users are unsure about its heating capacity for larger spaces, this electric fireplace is excellent for people looking to elevate their living space.
Users praise the YITAHOME fireplace's heating efficiency. Reviewers say it quickly warms small to medium-sized rooms, and you can adjust the heat output during the colder months to suit your needs. Another good thing about it is its quiet operation, which doesn't interrupt conversations or home activities.
YITAHOME electric fireplaces are easy to install, and most users do it without professional help. The remote control also makes it easy to adjust settings from a distance.
While overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive, some users say the heater may not be enough for bigger rooms, especially in colder climates. Some people also say the flame effects aren't quite as sound as those of wood-burning fires, but the combination of aesthetic appeal and functionality usually outweighs these concerns.
The best premium electric fireplace
Users love the Westinghouse Electric Fireplace because of its efficient heating, sleek design, and user-friendly features. While some express concerns about its heating capacity in larger areas, the consensus is that it's worth the money.
According to users, the Westinghouse fireplace heats small to medium-sized rooms quickly. Its quiet operation and adjustable thermostat allow you to adjust the heat output to suit your needs, especially in colder weather.
The Westinghouse electric fireplace's modern and stylish appearance complements various home décor styles, from contemporary to traditional. You can adjust the flame effects to make them brighter and more colorful.
Setting up the fireplace does not require professional help; many people can do it themselves. Thanks to the remote control, you can easily manage settings from afar. The fireplace has intuitive controls, so switching between heating modes and flame effects is easy. Moreover, it's energy efficient, so people who want to save money will love it.
Although reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some users have noted limitations, such as insufficient heat for bigger rooms and flame effects that don't fully mimic wood burning.
The best freestanding electric fireplace
The Duraflame Infrared Electric Fireplace gets good reviews because of its effective heating, stylish design, and ease of use. While some users worry about its heating capacity in larger spaces, most think it enhances their living spaces.
The Duraflame's heating efficiency is excellent and can warm small and medium-sized rooms. Its infrared heat technology delivers comfortable heat without draining the air of humidity. Many reviews point out that the fireplace consistently reaches the designated temperature, correlating with wall thermostat readings, so it's especially lovely in the winter.
Users love the realistic 3D flame effect on the Duraflame electric fireplace, which creates a cozy atmosphere. Various color options are also available, so homeowners can select a style that suits their decor. The fireplace's compact size allows it to be placed anywhere, whether in a living room, bedroom, or office.
The remote control makes it easy to adjust the fireplace, and most users say it's easy to set up. However, although most users are happy with it, it has some limitations, such as being too big for a big room and the flame effect not exactly mimicking real wood-burning fireplaces.
The best mantel electric fireplace
Users love the Ameriwood Home Electric Fireplace's stylish design, efficient heating, and user-friendliness. It's not complicated, and while some are concerned about Ameriwood's heating capacity in larger areas, overall, it's a great deal for people looking to upgrade their homes.
A standout feature is the adjustable thermostat, which allows you to customize the heat output. This is especially useful when it's colder. The remote control also makes it easy to adjust.
Ameriwood electric fireplaces are highly praised for their design. The classic mantel has different finishes, so it fits well with various decors. The realistic flame effects contribute to a cozy ambiance. Users enjoy the visual warmth even when the heat is off, so it's a nice decorative piece all year round.
It's reportedly easy to assemble, often without professional help. You'll also like the intuitive controls and energy efficiency if you want to manage your energy bills. Despite that, some users say the heater isn't big enough for large rooms, and the flame effects don't quite replicate a real fireplace.
The best entertainment center electric fireplace
The Furinno Jensen Entertainment Center with Fireplace gets excellent reviews for its effective heating, stylish design, and easy assembly. The fireplace provides warmth and a modern look without the downsides of traditional fireplaces, and many people say it's an excellent buy for anyone who wants to upgrade their living space, despite a few concerns about its stability and heat capacity.
It can be used as an entertainment center or an electric fireplace. Users like it because it adds warmth and ambiance, and it provides plenty of heat during the colder months. However, it might not be big enough if you're looking for a bigger space.
Furinno Jensen's entertainment center gets lots of praise for its modern design, with the Americano finish particularly praised for its rich color and elegant appeal. Many users love its realistic flame effects, making it a visually striking focal point.
It's easy to set up, with clear instructions, so you don't need professional help. Media devices, books, and decorative items can be stored in the open storage compartments, and adjustable shelves let you customize them. It's convenient because you can control the fireplace settings from afar with the remote control.
Though most reviews are positive, some say it's less sturdy than heavier furniture. While the flame effects are nice, they don't quite mimic a traditional fireplace.
The best electric fireplace for heating power
Many people say the Napoleon Element 42" Electric Fireplace is efficient, attractive, and easy to install. Users say it's a great addition to their homes, providing warmth and a cozy atmosphere without the drawbacks of traditional fireplaces. Some criticize its size and thermostat performance, but it's an excellent investment overall.
With its 10,000 BTU heater, this fireplace heats up to 800 square feet when hardwired to a 240V outlet. The heater is independently controlled, and people in colder climates love it because it comes in plug-and-play and hardwired options. The remote control adds a user-friendly touch to the experience by maintaining the flame intensity and temperature.
With its sleek, modern design, the Napoleon Element fireplace enhances the ambiance in any room. It's self-trimming, so it's easy to integrate into walls without additional framing. This fireplace is also easy to install, has clear instructions, and is quiet.
Some users mention a size limitation for larger rooms and occasional thermostat issues, but these are minor concerns compared to the overall performance and aesthetic appeal.
How to choose the best electric fireplace for your home
Below are the most common types of electric fireplaces, with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can decide which is right for you.
Freestanding electric fireplaces
Freestanding electric fireplaces are smaller and easier to transport than other models. They come with their stand or legs, so no wall mounting is required, and they'll comfortably heat 400 square feet. These fireplaces are typically designed for small—to medium-sized rooms. Because they're smaller and cheaper, these models often don't have remote controls, thermostats, or automatic shutoffs.
Realistic electric fireplaces
With realistic-looking mantels that often look like stone, wood, or marble, these electric fireplaces give the appearance of a real fireplace, so you can arrange your furniture around it and decorate it with ornaments and family photos. They're the granddaddy of electric fireplaces. They usually heat rooms of 1000 square feet or more because of their impressive size.
Wall-mounted fireplaces
These modern fireplaces are as much about providing a chic, stylish focal point for the room as they are about heating the place. Despite this, many wall-mounted fireplaces can heat 400 to 1000 square feet. They usually come with remote controls and have different flame colors and effects.
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are ideal for those with limited room space because they don't take up any floor space. They are also out of reach of kids and pets, which is a safety issue with other electric fireplaces.
Media center electric fireplaces
Fireplaces that double as media centers have plenty of storage space for TVs, game consoles, movies, and books. If you're considering this type of electric fireplace, ensure it stays cool to the touch and automatically shuts off if it gets too hot.
Some media-center fireplaces can heat up to 1,000 square feet, but most can heat up to 400 square feet. Because media-center fireplaces work like furniture, they come in many colors. The extra bulk often makes it easier to hide the power cord, too.
Electric fireplace FAQs
How much do electric fireplaces cost?
The electric fireplaces we examined cost between $200 and $700. That’s quite a wide range, so no matter your budget, you should be able to find an electric fireplace that suits you. Some smaller fireplaces, ideal for small rooms, cost just over $200.
If you want to heat a larger room or use the fireplace as a decorative piece, you’ll likely pay between $400 and $600. Many of these large fireplaces also serve as media centers, allowing you to combine two pieces of furniture into one purchase.
What are the benefits of an electric fireplace?
It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a roaring fire in your living room, but many practical reasons mean it may not be the best idea. Fires come with chimneys, essentially just a big hole in your house. So, while you’ll be nice and warm with the fire on, you’ll be freezing the rest of the time as the heat escapes through the chimney. Electric fireplaces do not require a chimney, so you avoid this problem.
Another issue is space and cost. If your room doesn’t already have a fireplace and chimney installed, installing one will be costly and time-consuming, if it’s even possible. Likewise, functional fireplaces are impractical for small rooms. Electric fireplaces come in various sizes to suit any space and at different prices to fit any budget.
How we choose the best electric fireplaces for this guide
Over the past few years, we've spent hundreds of hours evaluating electric fireplaces. We tested ten models, from portable to wall-mounted to fake fireplaces and media centers. The models we chose were high-rated on Amazon, and we reviewed their user manuals, manufacturer websites, and customer reviews.
In addition to being safe, we prioritized features like automatic shut-offs for overheating and cool-to-touch designs for peace of mind around children and pets.
Besides heating performance, we considered visual appeal and flame effects, as many customers want ambiance. We looked at features like remote controls, programmable thermostats, and timers.
Lastly, we looked at the ease of installation, portability, and weight, acknowledging that some people value being able to move their fireplace between rooms.
