Top-Recommended Electric Fireplaces That Will Turn Your Home Into a Cozy Winter Retreat

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Over the last few years we bet you’ve come across the Danish word hygge, which essentially translates to cozy vibes we get from comfortable spaces and feelings of togetherness. With colde weather ahead, it isn’t a bad idea to maximize on this concept in any way you can, like treating yourself to a plush robe or investing in a new down comforter or heated blanket. But few things on the cozy spectrum beat warming up and relaxing in front of a fire.

If you don’t have a fireplace, or dread sweeping up ashes and cleaning the hearth, you can opt for a clean-burning electric fireplace to do the job. While there are propane models on the market that require a gas line hookup, all you need to get an electric fireplace up and running is an outlet.

Read on for our best electric fireplace recommendations, plus all the essentials you need to know before buying.

Looking for more fireplace options for. your home? Check out our stories on the best outdoor fireplaces and fire pit tables.

The Best Electric Fireplaces

• Best Modern Insert: R.W. Flame Modern Electric Fireplace

• Most Affordable: R.W. Flame Electric Fireplace Stove Heater

• Best Traditional Insert: PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert

• Best Freestanding: Duraflame Electric Fireplace Stove

• Best Mantle: Real Flame Silverton Electric Fireplace Mantle

What to Consider

Type

When shopping for an electric fireplace, there are generally three types to consider: wall-mounted, recessed or insert, and freestanding. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are easily installed, just like a flatscreen TV, whereas recessed or insert electric fireplaces require a custom-cut space to sit flush with the wall for a more streamlined, professional look.

Many models offer both installation options if you want to temporarily wall-mount an electric fireplace until you get around to doing the construction for an insert. However, keep in mind that the majority of low- to mid-priced inserts can’t be hardwired, so you may need to hire an electrician to add an outlet or conceal the cord in the wall.

Freestanding electric fireplaces are the easiest to get up and running—they’re essentially plug-and-play—and come in a variety of styles, including models designed like old-fashioned, wood-burning stoves; fireplaces with mantles; and consoles with built-in fires as well as storage and a TV stand.

Heat Output

Most electric fireplaces distribute heat just like space heaters, in which a fan and heated coils are used to disperse warm air through a vent. Because there’s a motor, some are louder than others, and once they’re turned off, the heat quickly dissipates. On average, electric fireplaces typically warm spaces up to 400 square feet.

Some electric heaters use infrared technology, which distributes heat more efficiently (in the form of light) so the ambient room temperate is maintained after you turn the unit off. These models are quieter and also better for warming up large spaces up to 1,000 square feet.

Key Features

As for features, almost all electric fireplaces have adjustable thermostats, several brightness settings, and a remote control. They usually have a no-heat setting so you can have the look without the warmth, and some options have programmable timers.

Most wall-mount and insert electric fireplaces feature a range of color choices for the flames and embers, and some include crackling sounds. There are also smart models equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that are controlled via app.

How We Selected

During our research, we looked at a variety of freestanding, wall-mounted, and recessed models from top brands like Duraflame, Touchstone, and Real Flame. While we didn’t test the electric fireplaces we recommend about below, we did lean on our experience testing space heaters, and we thoroughly vetted specs and features to make sure each electric fireplace met our high standards. While comparing models to make our final selections, we honed in on details like build quality, heat output, area of coverage, and aesthetics.

Modern Electric Fireplace

Here’s a modern electric fireplace that heats rooms using infrared technology and has a fantastic lineup of other features, all for a reasonable price. It’s sure to be a focal point in your space, especially considering it offers 12 flame and color options along with five brightness levels. It also comes in several sizes ranging from 30 to 68 inches wide.

The thermostat is adjustable and you can opt for flames with no heat, plus there’s an auto-shut-off timer and a remote included. The control panel and thermostat are on the bottom right and somewhat conspicuous, which may be a drawback for those with a discerning eye.

Electric Fireplace Stove Heater

It’s tough to beat this price point on this electric fireplace—and it doesn’t skimp on heat output either, with 5,100 BTUs and enough power to warm spaces up to 400 square feet.

The compact heater can easily be tucked into the corner of a bedroom or office and features a tempered glass door with an eye-catching design and realistic logs and flames. The control panel on the back includes two fan speeds and a knob to adjust the thermostat. Keep in mind that this model doesn’t include a remote.

Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert

If you have a mantle but no working chimney, your best bet for a cozy fire this winter is to invest in an electric fireplace insert. This traditional model offers more than 5,000 BTUs to heat rooms up to 400 square feet, featuring double glass doors and a mesh curtain, plus a well-designed, inconspicuous grille covering the heat vent.

Other highlights include an adjustable thermostat with a no-heat option, three flame settings, six crackling sounds, and a remote control. Keep in mind that this insert needs to be plugged into an outlet and can’t be hardwired.

Electric Fireplace Stove

This electric fireplace is an all-around rock-solid choice for quality and design, backed by a well-regarded brand. Its beveled glass front door elevates its overall rustic style, plus its 5,200 BTUs can heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet with 5,200 BTUs of heat—something similar-looking options don't deliver.

The stove features an adjustable thermostat, five brightness levels, and a no-heat setting so you can enjoy the ambiance if your space is already toasty warm. It also comes with a remote control.

For those who like everything about this electric fireplace but prefer a more modern aesthetic, it’s available in several lighter finishes and in a pretty navy blue.

Silverton Electric Fireplace Mantle

This freestanding electric fireplace mantle adds elegance and warmth (aesthetically and temperature-wise) to any dining room, living room, or bedroom. With classic moulding and a well-proportioned insert, it could easily be mistaken for the real deal, and it can heat spaces up to 1,000 square feet using infrared technology.

The mantle is made of manufactured wood and top features include an adjustable thermostat and a no-heat setting, different flame color and brightness options, and an included remote control. We love it in white, but if you’re going for something darker, it also comes in matte black or a mahogany finish.

Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace

Sure, you can control this smart electric fireplace with help from Alexa and try out 60 flame and base color combos through the app. But perhaps one of the best reasons to spring for this pricey pick is that you have the option of hardwiring the unit—something less common in lower-priced models. With an infrared heating element, it also warms air more efficiently than units with fans.

The electric fireplace also features different flame speeds and intensity settings, a memory function, plus crystals and faux driftwood are thrown in as extras. It’s available in multiple sizes, too, ranging from 40 to 100 inches wide.

Considering all the bells and whistles, the electric fireplace is more of a showpiece than heater. Still, for the price, it could cover more square footage.

Electric Fireplace Insert

Living in a small space doesn’t preclude you from the cozy vibes an electric fireplace creates. This 18-inch-wide insert puts out an an impressive 5,000 BTUs of heat, capable of warming rooms up to 400 square feet.

It features an adjustable thermostat with a no-heat option, along with a built-in timer, plus there are three brightness levels and it comes with a remote control. The heat vent doesn’t look as seamless as some other inserts we cover and the front control panel is clearly visible. Still, with a reasonable price tag and other features that match the competition, it’s well worth considering.

Gallatin Faux Stone Electric Fireplace Console

If you really want an electric fireplace to be your space's centerpiece, look no further than this handsome option. There are two bookcases flanking the insert, and the unit features faux-stone details, attractive molding, and a black-satin finish.

Other highlights include five flame and log settings, an adjustable thermostat, and a remote control. It also ships in multiple boxes. The only potential drawback is that it doesn’t offer a ton of warmth for the price.

You Might Also Like

• The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Painter’s Tape

• The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere

• Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?