So you’re looking for the best electric fireplace to add warmth and ambience to a poorly insulated room? Awesome idea - especially if you’re trying to save money on your heating and energy bill.
Heating all the rooms in a large home through a long winter can be a huge drain on your energy bill. Large windows, high ceilings and subzero temperatures can force your central heating system to work extra hard, leading to maintenance and repair costs.
In this electric fireplace review, our home furnishings experts at Fire Food Chef identified the top ten fireplaces currently on the market. Eco-friendly, odor-free and smoke-less, you’ll find a fireplace right for your home, along with our detailed review and rating for each product.
Table of Contents
In a Hurry? This was our Winner:
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove with Remote Control
Why is it better?
98/100
our score
10
Research
QUERIES
261
REviews considered
37
hours researching
10
products compared
Last Updated: January 3, 2024
By William Clay: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding outdoor patio heaters available for those who are interested in creating warmth and ambiance that can only come from an electric fireplace. The best 10 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best electric fireplaces currently available on the market.
Best Freestanding Electric Fireplace - Top 10
RANK | PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
---|---|---|---|---|
№1 | 98% | |||
№2 | 96% | |||
№3 | 95% | |||
№4 | 93% | |||
№5 | 92% | |||
№6 | 90% | |||
№7 | 89% | |||
№8 | 87% | |||
№9 | 87% | |||
№10 | 85% |
Best Electric Fireplace Reviews - Top 10 Of 2024
With a quality electric fireplace installed, you can have instant heat in the rooms you need it most. As you research and read reviews of infrared space heaters, you’ll find each brand has different maximum output levels, different controls, and different design features to consider.
(Portable Indoor Space Heater - DFI-5010 (Black)
Features
- Dimensions: 13.1 x 24 x 23.4 inches
- Weight: 28.6 pounds
- 5,200 BTU heater warms up to 1,000 square feet
- 3D flame effect for more realistic effect
- Adjustable thermostat for more control of environment
- Remote control
- Flame effect operates with or without heat
- Cool to the touch – safe around kids and pets
- 2 AAA batteries required. (included)
Pros
Cons
REVIEW RATING: 4.8 / 5 Stars
The Duraflame electric stove is made of a durable metal body with side viewing windows, as well as an operable, beveled glass door. The surface is cool-touch, so even at peak temperature after several hours the stove is still safe for direct contact. Children and pets can play safely without getting burned, while you enjoy the warmth and ambience
You’ll be surprised at how well the Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove maintains the natural humidity in the room. Your room will stay comfortably warm for hours as the Duraflame Fireplace Stove gently yet rapidly heats objects and people.
The invisible, infrared heat rays zone in on your body, rather than heating an entire area. As a result, the Duraflame’s infrared heating doesn’t leave your air dry and void of moisture, a sure killer for indoor plants. Plus, infrared heat helps your body create a healthier home environment because its gentle heat maintains natural humidity in the air, rather than drying air out, so your family’s skin and airways don’t dry out either. Infrared heating also reduces static electricity, unlike traditional heaters.
The remote has four function buttons: power; flame setting; temperature; timer. The flame height can be adjusted from 1 to 5; level 1 is lighted embers, level 1 is a low flame, etc. The temperature can be set in increments of 2 degrees from 62F to 82F.
The timer can be set to turn the unit off, but not on. It starts at 30 minutes and increases in hourly intervals from 1 hour to 9 hours. Unlike the temperature, the timer can be set with the remote.
Stylish, easy to operate, and energy-efficient, the Duraflame Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove is a great addition to any small living space that lacks warmth and heat. With its easily portable design and safety features, it’s also perfectly safe for use around children and pets. Your whole family can enjoy the warmth of a crackling log fire without the smoke, ash, and cleanup!
(Freestanding Fireplace Stove with Realistic Dancing Flame Effect - CSA Certified - Overheating Safety Protection - Easy to Assemble - 20" 1400W Black)
Features
- Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 20 inches
- Weight: 15.5 pounds
- 4,777 BTU Capacity (1400W Fan Heater)
- Realistic Flame And Firewood Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Thermostat (68℉ to 95℉)
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
REVIEW RATING: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Elegant and charming in design, the TURBRO Suburbs TS20 Electric Fireplace Heater, or TS20, is a great alternative to the Duraflame, our top pick. You’ll just love to curl up in front of it with a cup of hot cocoa and your favorite blanket on a cold winter day!
More conventional in appearance, the TS20 looks like an antique wood stove, with a panoramic 3-sided view of the realistic flame and firewood effect inside. There’s hardly any assembly required with the TS20, other than the metal legs that need to be attached by screws. All the necessary screws are included, and you can pretty much get the job done in minutes.
At about 15 pounds, it’s quite lightweight for a fireplace! The 1400 watt fan heater is much more efficient than the average convection style heater, which would normally use about 2000 watts on average. Once you plug it in, the powerful fan heater blows out hot air to warm up your living room, basement, studio, or any other room that is poorly insulated. You won’t believe how rapidly the temperature rises.
Thankfully, there’s an adjustable thermostat with settings in fahrenheit for a more controlled experience. There’s little chance that the TS20 will actually tip over because of its stable design, but if it does, not to worry. Overheat and Tip Over protection are built in.
The only thing that might make this electric fireplace better than it already is would be a remote control!
Features
- Dimensions: 25 x 12.7 x 28.3 inches
- Weight: 30.8 pounds
- 4,777 BTU Capacity (1400W Fan Heater)
- Realistic Flame And Firewood Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Thermostat (68℉ to 95℉)
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
REVIEW RATING: 4.4 / 5 Stars
If you like the first two picks in this review but you’re in need of something larger, the Muskoka 25” Infrared Panoramic Electric Stove might be the answer. It’s freestanding, electric, with an infrared heater that gently warms the air around you. Again, the only assembly required is screwing in the legs.
This is an infrared type of heater which utilizes zone heating to target in on objects and people in a room with focused heat. So instead of heating an entire room and drying out the air, the Muskoka 25” Stove emits focused heat rays directly at you!
The 1500 watt, 5200 BTU infrared heating element can rapidly heat a 350 square foot room in just minutes. There’s a hidden control knob to adjust the temperature setting, as well as the flame and lighting effect. Choose the ambience level, and the temperature you want for the perfect degree of warmth on the coldest days of the year.
Since the heat source is located on the very bottom of the wood fire stove case, the sides and top of the Muskoka 25” remain relatively cool to the touch. You can even use the top as a shelf for a picture.
Overall, the infrared Muskoka 25” is the most powerful electric fireplace of our top 3 picks. The construction quality is fairly solid, but it doesn’t have as many features as the Duraflame, which is also an infrared heater. Although it compares favorably in many ways, it’s priced slightly higher than leading competitors for some reason, which is why we had to give it honorable mention.
(Space Heater with Realistic Flame, Wood Mantel, Remote Control for Home Room Indoor, 1500W-Black)
Features:
- Dimensions: 24.8 x 7.87 x 24.61 inches
- Weight: 30.4 pounds
- 1500W Fan Heater (Up to 400 sq feet)
- Realistic Flame And Firewood Effect (Panoramic View)
- 3 Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Thermostat
- Remote Control
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 4.3 / 5 Stars
Made of mostly wood, the Zokop 25” Electric Fireplace Stove is a stylish space heater beautifully designed to look like a fireplace rather than a stove. A large glass viewing case reinforced with iron for sturdiness provides a clear view of the stunning 3D flame and log effect on the inside.
You can either choose to use it as a freestanding fireplace, or follow the instructions for mounting it on a wall in your home. Fluted pilasters and other design details give the appearance of quality construction, even though the cabinet is largely wood.
With the life-like flames dancing behind the large glass window, you instantly feel like you’re in front of a real wood-burning fireplace - minus the smoke and ash! You can adjust the brightness of the flames for the perfect ambience, or adjust the 1500 watt heat output with the press of a button. There’s a control panel discreetly placed on the front, but you can also use the remote!
Energy efficient and rapid heating, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the Zopok 25” can turn a dreary, poorly insulated room into a cozy nook for reading, studying, gaming or binge-watching in your pajamas!
Competitively priced with the Duraflame, the Zopok is quite a bit larger so double check the dimensions if you plan to order it online!
(23" Freestanding 2 Door Fireplace Heater, Realistic Flame Effects, Adjustable Brightness and Heating Mode, Overheating Safe Design, 1000W/1500W, Black)
Description:
- Dimensions: 23.6 x 13.3 x 22.6 inches
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
- Dual Infrared Heating Modes (1000W or 1500W)
- Realistic Flame And Firewood Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Thermostat
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 4.2 / 5 Stars
Featuring classic design details and steel construction, the compact and durable R.W.FLAME Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove is another great choice. It contrasts favorably to the best electric fireplaces on the market, with many similar features to the Duraflame. The R.W. Flame 23” is even competitively priced in the same range.
One of the interesting features not found on the other freestanding fireplaces is the dual mode setting. The R.W. Flame may not have a remote control, but you can adjust just about everything. On the back of the unit you’ll find the multifunction control panel with knobs and switches. The knobs adjust the brightness of the flames and the temperature. The switches allow you to power on or off, but you can also choose the 1000 watt mode or the 1500 watt.
With 2 options you can, in theory, save more energy and reduce your energy consumption. On the lower setting, you can warm a medium sized room up slowly over several hours while you’re away. On the other hand, if you just came in from the cold and need instant heat to warm your feet and toes, the 1500 watt mode gives you a lot more heat.
The difference is so dramatic in fact, some users have found little use for the lower setting. So you may not actually have much use for the lower setting in the end. Ultimately, if you’re looking for an affordable, compact space heater that will fit in a medium or small room, the R.W. Flame Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove is absolutely a great choice overall.
Description:
- Dimensions: 10 x 16.5 x 21.5 inches
- Weight: 22.6 pounds
- 2 Heat Settings (750W/1500W)
- Realistic Flame And Firewood Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Thermostat
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 4.0 / 5 Stars
Designed by Northwest, the Electric Fireplace-Indoor Freestanding Space Heater is a great supplemental heating source for any home. Whether you want to heat a small studio, home office, baby room or guest room in your home, the Northwest Electric Fireplace is perfect for heating the indoors when the outdoors are unbearable.
The classic colonial stove place design is unique among the fireplaces in this review, but no less stylish. With two heat settings (750 or 1500 watt) you can use the fireplace all year round to create the perfect ambience. You can even choose to turn off the heat altogether and enjoy the ambience of the faux log and flames.
Realistic flames and log effects make this a very attractive indoor fireplace. You only need to plug it in, no assembly required, with the exception of the legs that need to be attached. While the Northwest Electric Fireplace is not as durable as some of the others, its compact size and lower price point make it a worthwhile consideration.
(Freestanding Portable Electric Stove Heater with Realistic Log Frame,Black)
Description:
- Dimensions: 21 x 11 x 23.6 inches
- Weight: 31.4 pounds
- 750 - 1500W Fan Heater
- LED Log Flame Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Temperature (62°F-82°F)
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 4.0 / Stars
The 23" Electric Fireplace Heater,1500W Freestanding Stove Portable Fireplace Heater is a portable electric fireplace available in black. Durable and easy to assemble, this freestanding electric stove heater is priced much lower than any of the top five picks.
Constructed of metal, the Decors-A Electric Fireplace requires hardly any assembly at all. Once you attach the legs, you can plug it in and start using it. There are two options for heat (low/high) for use throughout the year, in any season. If you really need to heat up a poorly insulated room quickly (bathroom, bedroom, game room, home office, etc) the 1500 watt high setting will quickly heat up a 400 sq ft. room in minutes.
You can also choose to operate the fireplace with no heat and simply enjoy the ambience of the realistic flames. The only real annoyance is that the control panel is located on the back of the unit, which is typically facing a wall. You have to access the back to adjust the controls, and there is no remote.
Considering the low price point, the location of the control panel is a minor flaw. The Decors-A 23” Electric Fireplace is still a really great deal. You’ll probably want to buy more than one for heating different rooms in your home more efficiently. And at their lower price point, you can easily afford two of them.
3-D Log and Fire Effect (Black)
Description:
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 22.5 x 25 inches
- Weight: 23 pounds
- 1500W Fan Heater (5115 BTU’s)
- 3-D Log and Flame Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Temperature (62°F-82°F)
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 4.0 / 5 Stars
Powerful and economical, the colonial style Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove by e-Flame USA is a 1500 watt indoor fireplace of excellent quality. It is on the pricier side compared to other fireplaces with similar features, but the sturdiness and high BTU’s justifies the cost.
At only 23 pounds, the Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove is lighter in weight than many of the top picks in this electric fireplace review. You can move it around to any room in the house you desire to create instant heat and ambience in minutes.
Built in safety features protect the fireplace from overheating, and the shut-off function responds immediately if the fireplace should tip over. The fireplace cabinet is durable metal construction, but the legs are plastic material that’s sturdy and heat resistant. All the heat is generated from the bottom of the unit, so the rest of the cabinet remains cool to the touch even on the highest setting.
If you want a fireplace with a classic, rustic appeal, the Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove makes the perfect addition to compliment your home furnishings. This little heater makes a great secondary heating source!
(Wood Gray)Portable Indoor Space Freestanding Heater – 1400W with Long Glass View
with Faux Log and Flame Effect-Warm Classic Style for Bedroom, Living Room and More by Northwest
Description:
- Dimensions: 10.8 x 31.2 x 25.5 inches
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Infrared Quartz Heat
- 4,777 BTU (1400W)
- Faux Log and Flame Effect (Panoramic View)
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Temperature (62°F-82°F)
- Remote Control
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 3.9 / 5 Stars
The Belleze 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove is a lightweight, portable indoor fireplace that utilizes infrared quartz technology similar to the Duraflame, the top pick in this review.
With many of the same features as the Duraflame and other freestanding fireplaces, the Belleze 3D Infrared includes a multifunctional control panel and remote. You can adjust the LED flames for the perfect level of brightness and ambience, or easily adjust the temperature from a distance using the remote.
CSA certified for safety, children and pets can play around the Belleze Infrared Fireplace without getting burned. There’s no gas, no fumes, smoke, soot or ash to clean up or worry about.
Available in wood gray, the control panel is discreetly positioned on the front for more convenient access. No assembly or installation is required.
(Freestanding Space Heater with Realistic Flame Effect, 1400W Portable Fireplace Stove, Overheat Protection, Black)
Features:
- Dimensions: 28.3"H x 25"W x 15"D
- Weight: 20 pounds
- 1,400W / 4,778BTU Heat Capacity (Up to 1000 sq ft)
- 3D Flame Technology (Panoramic View)
- Dual Doors
- Adjustable Flame Levels
- Adjustable Temperature (62°F-82°F)
- Remote Control
- CSA Certified (Tip-Over Protection, Auto Shut-Off)
Pros
Cons
Review Rating: 3.8 / 5 Stars
Described as a cute and powerful little indoor fireplace, the Top Space 28" Electric Fireplace Heater includes many of the standard features you’ll find on the best electric fireplaces. The 1400 watt heater fan is sufficient for rapidly heating a small to medium size 400 sq ft room, but it can also warm a larger room that is moderately insulated.
Thanks to its convection design, the hot air blows out of the unit from an air vent located on the bottom of the unit. As a result, the exterior is safe to touch for kids or pets. You’ll be mesmerized by the realistic flames and log, which can be easily adjusted for brightness with the turn of a knob.
Odorless and smoke-free, the Top Space 28" Electric Fireplace Heater is available in black and has the standard CSA certified safety features so your kids or pets can play safely around the fireplace. You’ll find that it is competitively priced in the same range as the top indoor fireplaces as well.
Electric Fireplace Buying Guide
Acquiring a brand new electric fireplace is always exciting, but don’t throw out the user manual in your eagerness to turn on the heat! In addition to all the boring specs, important warnings and troubleshooting tips can also be found in the user manual.
If you’re still researching your options, pay attention to brands that offer a minimum of at least one year warranty coverage. A great product should be supported by great customer service. Be very wary of any electric fireplace reviews that are disparaging of the manufacturer’s response to customer issues.
Wattage and voltage requirements are also included in your user manual. Plugging in an electrical fireplace could exceed the voltage capacity of your existing electrical board.
Even if you are an experienced engineer, taking apart your fireplace to investigate an internal component could render any warranty protection void.
How Does An Infrared Electric Fireplace Work?
Quartz glass, unlike typical glass, is pure fused silica with no added chemicals or ingredients. As a result, it has a much higher melting temperature than regular glass, and can be used for heating devices and other industrial purposes.
Infrared light works much like sunlight. If you’re standing in direct sunlight, you feel warm even on a cold winter day. As a result, an infrared heater can only warm the area directly in front of it. It should not be relied on as the sole source of heat, especially for a large multiple bath home.
As a secondary source of heating in your home, however, an infrared electric fireplace can be highly energy efficient. Depending on the cost of your utilities, the low amp usage of most devices is designed for efficiency.
Since they only heat the immediate area and people within close proximity, they don’t dry out your air. You can use your air humidifier or air purifier at the same time comfortably.
Finally, you don’t have to worry so much if your infrared fireplace or space heater accidentally tips over. The heating element is sealed in glass, and the heat emitted is generally not hot enough to light your carpet on fire unless left unattended for hours. Even then, many models do have a tip-over protection feature or auto shutoff that turns off the device to prevent overheating.
Pros And Cons Of An Infrared Electric Fireplace
Pros
Cons
Sizing Your Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace makes perfect sense if you are trying to heat a poorly insulated room in your home. The annual savings to your energy bill alone are worth the investment, but it’s also much more practical.
When you read reviews about a quality fireplace that doesn’t adequately heat a room as desired, the problem could be the size of the room. Some marketing copy can be misleading, by suggesting that your fireplace can heat a large room of 1000 sq feet sufficiently. This isn’t always the case, and needs some clarification.
Common Problems You May Experience
Electrical Issues
An electric fireplace must be plugged into an outlet that provides adequate power. Once it’s plugged in, electricity supplies the power that runs the internal fan and heats the element. It also supplies the power to any digital components, such as an LCD screen, 3D lighting, or a timer.
- Fireplace does not turn on.
- LCD screen does not turn on.
- Built in thermal sensor does not display accurately.
- Push button functions for setting time, adjusting lighting or temperature do not respond.
- Lighting or effects are not working.
- Circuit Breaker trips every time you turn on the fireplace.
The electrical components of your fireplace can usually be replaced through either a local dealer or the manufacturer. A faulty power cord, extension cord can also disrupt power. If you keep tripping the breaker every time you plug in, you may need to consider calling an electrician to upgrade your home’s electrical panel.
Heating Element
There are two fundamental types of heating elements you’ll find in the best electric fireplace. In a forced fan type of fireplace, a fan blows air over heated coils to distribute heat in a room. An infrared quartz fireplace, like the Duraflame, uses infrared light technology rather than as well as a heating element to deliver focused heat.
If you’re used to a convection heater or gas heater, an electric infrared quartz heater like the Duraflame 3D Fireplace Stove takes some getting used to. It has a heating element, but it’s sealed inside a glass tube, much like a light bulb. The infrared heat produced by this method doesn’t emit waves of heat but a focused ray of heat particles.
- Insufficient heat even at the maximum setting
- Auto shut off function activates after only minutes of being turned on
- Thermostat sensor fails to read accurately
Heater Fan
In many cases, a defective heater fan is the root of the problem affecting your electric fireplace or space heater. Damage to the internal fan blades, a faulty assembly, and even excessive dirt build up can cause your fireplace to malfunction:
- The unit blows cold or cool air instead of hot
- Your electric fireplace or space heater is noisy/ noisier than usual when turned on.
If the fan is the cause of the issue, you’ll need to either clean it or replace it, as per the manufacturer’s directions.