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The Best Electric Fireplaces of 2024

Oct 22, 2024

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Shop these chic heaters for some extra coziness during the cold-weather season.

Who doesn't like curling up next to a roaring fire? It's one of our greatest pleasures during the fall and winter months—assuming you have a fireplace, that is. If your home doesn't have an existing wood-burning fireplace and you've looked into the process of adding one, you likely already know that this can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Luckily, there are other options. If you're open to the idea of forgoing a traditional fireplace and chimney, then an electric fireplace is a good alternative.

When shopping for an electric fireplace, there are a few things to keep in mind, according to Josh McCormick, vice president of operations for Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company. "Some electric fireplaces are more substantial than others and have unique features and differences in how they operate," he says. Unlike traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces, electric models don't require venting. They also allow the user to use the flame without the heat. "It also has added safety benefits compared to gas and wood-burning setups, which make it a better option for families with young children or pets," he says.

Electric fireplaces are also great for anyone looking for the look and feel of a traditional fire, but without the work, says Kaley Galinsky, associate merchant of fireplaces at The Home Depot. "Many electric fireplaces have a remote control, so you can control the fireplace from the comfort of your couch," she says.

The following electric fireplaces offer something for everyone—and will add instant comfort to your home.

Courtesy of Home Depot

If you'd prefer a more permanent look to your fireplace, consider this option that can be recessed into your wall (you can also hang it or use the feet to have it act as a standalone fireplace). The 5,100 British Thermal Units (Btu) this heater puts out can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet, with adjustable thermostat settings, as well as timer intervals and flame brightness adjusters.

Courtesy of Home Depot

Realistic-looking faux stacked stone and a brushed dark pine top help this electric fireplace blend seamlessly into your existing décor. The 5,200 Btu heater provides supplemental heat for rooms up to 1,000 square feet, and if you don't need quite that much heat, there's a heatless option that keeps the fire rolling without the warmth.

Courtesy of Wayfair

This electric fireplace showcases a pretty, floral-inspired tile surround that brings a touch of sophistication to the appliance. The 4600 Btu output can heat rooms up to 400 square feet easily, and if you opt for the white version of this fireplace, you can also reverse the tile surround to a classic stone setting.

Courtesy of Wayfair

Sporting a vintage look, this all-steel electric fireplace comes in a range of colors, from soft blue to black, beige, grey, and green. And, don't let the small size fool you—it can provide supplemental heat for rooms up to 1,000 square feet.

Are you a fan of rustic design? If so, this option's driftwood finish should fit the bill. The 47.4-inch wide, 36-inch high, and 11.6-inch deep electric fireplace has a heating range of 400 square feet and uses energy-saving LED technology to illuminate your space.

Users have the option to customize the flame temperature, height, brightness, and color, as well as its flicker speed.

If you're looking for a sturdy cast iron option, you'll want to check out a model like this one. At only 13 inches long and 23 inches high, it has a small footprint but still puts out enough Btu—5,200 to be exact—to heat a 1,000-square-foot room while maintaining a comfortable humidity level, says Brian Levy, store manager of Lowe's in Troutman, N.C. Its 3D flame effect creates an instant, cozy feel, and you have your choice of five color, brightness, and flicker speed settings.

If you want an electric fireplace that doubles as a furniture piece, then media units (or TV stands) with built-in heaters are a great option, says Galinsky.

Media units can provide a space for décor, extra storage, and a spot for your TV, like this 32-inch tall model from Walker Edison, which has a heat range of 400 square feet. The 65-inch top surface supports up to 150 pounds, and the unit is equipped with ample shelving to store your DVD players, gaming systems, books, and more. It also has strategically placed ports to conceal the wires from your electronics.

Opt for a wall-mounted unit, like this 36-inch infrared version that comes with seven different colored lighting options, if you're short on space. "You can mount these units to the wall for a permanent solution or use the leg stands for a portable option," says Galinsky. The flames work with or without heat, depending on your preference, and can be adjusted between 56 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

This sleek and contemporary electric fireplace will fit seamlessly into modern spaces and offers five flame and ember brightness settings, as well as seven color options.

When shopping for an electric fireplace, consider how you'll use the unit and the size of the space you're heating, says Levy. "Forced fan fireplaces are best for areas around 400 square feet, while infrared quartz units are best suited for rooms around 1,000 square feet," he says.

Fan-forced electric fireplaces, also known as fireplace blowers, use the air from inside your home and pass it through a heating element, then redistribute it back into the space for efficient heating and circulation. This 40-inch unit, for example, puts out 5,000 Btu per hour and can provide supplemental heat for up to 1,000 square feet. Its LED flames have five adjustable brightness levels and run on a programmable timer and thermostat.

Ready for on-the-go warmth when you need it? This portable electric heater can heat up to 175 square feet and measures 10.8 inches by 14.1 inches for easy packing. The lightweight option is 5.3 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying handle.

Despite its powerful 1,200-wattage, it has a cool-touch exterior and a safety overheating sensor that activates the automatic shut-off feature, as well as a tip-over switch that turns off the power if the unit has been knocked over.

With 4,600 Btu, this tiny electric heater is ideal for small spaces and will heat up to 400 square feet. The cube measures just 24 inches tall and wide, so it can be tucked into a small corner of your living room. The electric fireplace also uses LED technology to create the flames.