These 11 Electric Fireplaces Will Add Warmth (and Style) to Your Home

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Courtesy of Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's

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. But 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 for a more portable option, then an electric fireplace is a good alternative.

If you're considering going the electric route, 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 give the user a convenient option 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.

And if you're looking for the look and feel of a real fire without the hassle and cleanup associated with a traditional fireplace, electric is a good choice, explains Kaley Galinsky, associate merchant of fireplaces at The Home Depot. "Many electric fireplaces have a remote control, so you have the ability to control the fireplace from the comfort of your own couch," she says.

Explore a few of these electric fireplaces that come recommended by experts—they will add instant comfort to your home.

Related: How to Decorate Your Living Room's Mantel Anytime of the Year

When selecting an electric fireplace for your home, it's important to decide whether you would like a mantel, media, or wall mount. "Mantels resemble traditional fireplaces and can provide an uptick in décor," Galinsky says. This Home Decorators Collection electric fireplace comes in a white finish with a faux Carrara marble surround, offering a classic look most people would assume was original to the home.

This best-selling pick measures 52 inches in width, 17 inches in depth, and 40 inches in height, heats up to 1,000 square feet, and has an automatic shut-off feature. Fans of ambient lighting will want to utilize this remote-controlled electric fireplace's adjustable flame colors and brightness levels.

Are you a fan of rustic design? Then bring home a mantelpiece that will perfectly complement your home's farmhouse aesthetic. This option's driftwood finish fits 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. Included is the firebox, which doubles as a media center, and the mantel.

If you're looking for a sturdy cast iron option, you'll want to check out a model like this one from Duraflame. At only 13 inches long and 23 inches high, it has a small footprint, but still puts out enough British Thermal Units (BTUs)—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.

When deciding on your electric fireplace media unit, take both the size of both your television and room into consideration, says Galinsky. This brown-toned option from Corrigan Studio comes with open shelving to give you more space to display your decorations and electronics. It heats up to 400 square feet and can support televisions up to 54 inches wide on its mantel.

Users can adjust flame brightness, height, and temperature from the comfort of their couch or bed with its handy remote control. You can also enjoy the flames without turning on the heat if you're looking for mood lighting.

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," adds 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, explains 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 explains.

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 BTUs per hour, and can provide supplemental heat up to 1,000 square feet. Its LED flames have five adjustable brightness levels and run on a programmable timer and thermostat.

When choosing the best electric fireplace for your space, factor in the overall size of your home, too. "It's also important to keep in mind that heating is subject to the home's environment, so spaces with high ceilings, windows, and drafts retain heat differently and may impact the effectiveness of your electric fireplace," Levy says. This Allen + Roth model heats rooms up to 1,000 square feet—and looks gorgeous doing it, thanks to its mix of faux stone and wood finish.

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.

If you want an electric fireplace that is great to use every season, consider this option, which is equipped with 1,500 wattage to heat up to 1,000 square feet. In the winter, you can adjust the heat with six different temperature settings: 71, 75, 78, 82, 86, 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the outdoor conditions start to warm up, you can turn off the heat option and simply enjoy the pretty flames, which come in five brightness levels and six flame colors: orange, red-orange, white, blue, blue-white, and multi-color.

With 4,600 thermal units that heat up to 400 square feet, this tiny electric heater is ideal for small spaces. The cubes 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 (no emissions here!) to create the flames.