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A Buying Guide To Help You Choose The Best Electric Fireplace
When the weather is cold outside, there’s nothing like curling up with a loved one or a good book in front of a fireplace.
If you don’t have a traditional wood fireplace, you could opt to have a gas powered fireplace installed, but that’s going to be pretty expensive and it’ll take some time before you can actually enjoy the fireplace.
You can, however, get around this costly project by purchasing an electric fireplace.
Electric fireplaces give you the opportunity to enjoy the look of a fireplace when you don’t already have one.
They also can act as a secondary source of heat—especially if you want to conserve energy by not heating the entire home when you’re only using one or two rooms.
With the best electric fireplace, you can knock off that chill without running up your gas bill, and your electric bill won’t suffer too much by the extra electricity usage.
Now you may be thinking to yourself how are you to choose what is going to be the best buy electric fireplace because there are just so many on the market.
When you are going to choose your fireplace, you’re going to want to first think about how and where you’re going to use it.
If you’re using the unit in a smaller space, you can get away with using a forced fan fireplace because they are designed to heat up to 400 square feet.
If you’re looking to heat a larger space, you’ll want an infrared quartz fireplace because they are best suited for spaces that goes up to 1000 square feet.
Be mindful of the environment of the room too. If you have a small room with high ceilings and drafty windows, then it is going to have an impact on how useful your electric heater will be.
Let’s take a look at five of the best electric fireplaces. We have split them up into two groups: fireplaces under $250 and fireplaces over $250, this way you have options at either price point.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
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Product Name |
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Best Electric Fireplace Under $250 |
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Best Choice Products Large 1500W Heat Adjustable Electric Wall Mount |
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Best Electric Fireplace Over $250 |
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Southern Enterprises Tennyson Electric Fireplace With Bookcases |
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Best Electric Fireplace Under $250
In this section, we are going to give you a look at the best rated electric fireplaces that won’t break the bank.
Best Choice Products Large 1500W Heat Adjustable Electric Wall Mount
This 2 in 1 adjustable electric fireplace by Best Choice Products is composed of a tempered glass panel and black finish that gives you that elegant look that you’d expect from the best electric fireplace under $250.
This electric fireplace uses 3D technology to create a beautiful, realistic flame. Not only does it look real, it produces heat, too.
You can control this unit with the remote control that is included. That means if you’re relaxing on the couch and you feel like you’d like the gentle glow of a fire, or an extra bit of heat, you can turn it on without ever having to get up.
Features
Notable features of the Best Choice Products Large 1500W Heat Adjustable Electric Wall Mount include:
- 3D flame technology that is easily controlled with a remote control
- Fireplace features dual heat settings at 750W and 1500W
- 2 in 1 fireplace: wall-mounted & Free standing with stunning tempered glass panel heater
- Energy efficient and does not emit any emissions
- Overall dimensions: 35″(L) x 6″(W) x 22″(H)
Our Rating
When looking at the reviews for the product, customers said that they were impressed by how quickly it can heat up a room, even on the lowest setting.
They also mentioned that the unit doesn’t get hot while it’s being used, which is a positive feature considering it is hung on the wall.
Several people have also mentioned that they liked being able to choose between hanging it on the wall or using the stand that is included.
The common complaint was that the product arrived in questionable conditions. One person had to disassemble the entire unit and reassemble it so that it worked properly.
Another customer said their fireplace would strong burning smell and their unit also beeped loudly when it was on the highest setting.
Another customer recommended that you check to make sure your house can handle an additional 1500w, otherwise you’re going to blow fuses.
Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace
Heating your home in the winter can be costly, especially with the price of gas increasing. You can, however, use a the best electric fireplace that has been designed to heat up an entire zone, instead of the whole house.
With this electric fireplace from Lifesmart, you can use the unit to heat up specific zones when you need or want them. With multiple units, you can choose to heat the rooms you use the most, while leaving the less frequently used rooms cooler.
Because this electric fireplace uses infrared technology, you don’t have to worry about noxious fumes or combustible fuels, which makes it a safer heating option.
Also, the infrared light wavelengths target people and objects instead of heating the air, so you don’t have to worry about running a humidifier also.
Features
Notable features of the Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace include:
- Dimensions: 24”L X 11”W X 20”H
- Heats 1000 sq. feet with 5100 BTU’s
- Features a Quakerstown dark oak cabinet and mantel
- Two levels of realistic fire glow
- Remote controlled
- Produces natural, quiet, and efficient infrared heat
Our Rating
When looking at the reviews for the product, customers said that this is a powerhouse of an electric heater.
One customer shared that they use the unit in their garage in the middle of winter, and only an hour after using it, they had to turn it off because it emits that much heat.
Customers have also mentioned that with regular use, their electric bill isn’t through the roof—it’s not much higher than the previous year.
People like the look of the unit and they like they can put a flat screen television on top. One customer even said they felt that this was the best electric fireplace TV stand they’ve seen that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
The common complaint was it doesn’t heat up a space the way they expected it to. Customers have also said that the unit, when in use, can blow some fuses if you have an older house and it isn’t capable of handling 110amps.
CLICK TO CHECK PRICERead Our Review
Best Electric Fireplace Under $250 Wrap Up
Of these two highly rated electric fireplaces, we are particularly fond of the Best Choice Products Large 1500W Heat Adjustable Electric Wall Mount.
We like that it is affordable, it produces a good amount of heat, and you can choose to hang it on the wall or use the stand that comes with the device.
Best Electric Fireplace Over $250
In this section, you’re going to find a couple of the best electric fireplace reviews for products that are going to be more of an investment, as they will be more than $250.
Touchstone Onyx Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Onyx Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace is a 50 inch electric fireplace that provides your home with realistic flames atop faux logs or a hearth with crystals.
You can choose which look you prefer for your home. The faux flames are housed behind a durable tempered glass and encased in a black (or white) frame, giving you that elegant and sophisticated look that you’ve been searching for.
The fireplace is capable of heating a space of 400 square feet, and you can choose between a high or low temperature setting.
The remote control that is included with this unit allows you to choose the flame intensity with one of the five-flame settings that range from the dull glows from embers or the brilliant like that comes from a roaring fire.
Features
Notable features of the Touchstone Onyx Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace include:
- 50” Wall mounted unit
- Remote control with automatic shut off timer
- Realistic log flame with 5 flame settings
- Two heat settings, or you can run it without heat
- 1 year warranty
Our Rating
When looking at the reviews for the product, customers said they love that they can have this unit up and running within 20 minutes, and that’s after mounting it to the wall.
Customers have said they enjoyed the amount of heat that the unit produces and they were pleasantly surprised by how realistic the flames look.
They also like that they don’t have to use the faux logs if they don’t want to and enjoy the option of switching out the logs for crystals.
Customers also like that the unit has a timer on it, so if they happen to fall asleep with the fireplace on, it shuts off automatically.
The common complaint was it stopped working after only 2 years if using the unit.
One customer also said that after a year of using the fireplace, it actually caught on fire—even after ensuring that it was wired properly and had a surge protector.
A few people said that their units doesn’t create heat, which was the reason why they purchased this device, for an extra heat source.
CLICK TO CHECK PRICERead Our Review
PuraFlame Western 33” Embedded Electric Firebox Heater
If you’re someone who loves the look of a beautiful mantle but you don’t have a fireplace, then you may be excited for this product.
With the PuraFlame Western 33” Embedded Electric Firebox Heater, you can have the look of a fireplace, from the mantle, the brick inner wall, the emulated flame, and resin loag and coal bed, without having to deal with the stressful task of actually having a real fireplace installed.
This unit by PuraFlame is made with high-precision and integrated workmanship that ensures your fireplace lasts.
The quiet fence air outlet and control panel makes it easy to operate the unit so you get the precise amount of heat.
Features
Notable features of the PuraFlame Western 33 inch Embedded Electric Firebox Heater include:
- Dimensions: 35.04″ L X 8.78″ W X 26.99″ H
- Electric fireplace insert; 100% energy saving LED technology
- Life-like resin logs, ember bed, and 3 flames
- Variable intensity and brightness can be used with or without heat
- Three-sided interior brick wall design
- Electronic temperature control gives more precise temperature
- Adjustable thermostat; Temperature range: 60 °F to 84 °F
- Provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.
- Remote control (and 1 button cell battery) provided for easy operation
- Easy to install and uninstall. Only 120V in the USA use
- One year warranty included
Our Rating
When looking at the reviews for the product, customers said that this is the best electric fireplace if you’re looking for a realistic fireplace.
Customers love how realistic the whole thing is, from the blue in the flames, the glowing logs and embers. They also enjoy the size of the fireplace, as it feels like the real thing.
Customers liked that the unit arrived in secure packaging so that the glass wouldn’t break or the metal frame wouldn’t come damaged.
The common complaint was that their units didn’t produce much, if any, heat. Customers enjoyed the look the fireplace provided to their living space, but they wanted the unit for additional heat, which this failed to produce.
One customer said their unit arrived with noticeable defects and they couldn’t even use it.
CLICK TO CHECK PRICERead Our Review
Southern Enterprises Tennyson Electric Fireplace With Bookcases
Of the other best electric fireplace reviews we’ve given you, this product by Tennyson is going to be the most expensive.
But, with this price, you’re getting an elegant electric fireplace with a bookcase on either side and enough room on the mantle to place a flat screen television on top, making it the perfect focal point for your living space.
Since this fireplace doesn’t require any professional installation, this is going to be a cost effective way to get the look of a real fireplace with little to no hassle.
The remote control that is included with the unit allows you to adjust the thermostat, the timer, logs, and the flames all separately. You also have the ability to set the automatic timer so that you don’t have to worry about leaving the device on all night.
Also, as another layer of safety, the glass will always stay cool to the touch, which is perfect for homes with small children and pets.
Features
Notable features of the Tennyson Electric Fireplace w/ Bookcases include:
- Remote control adjusts thermostat, timer, logs, and flames separately
- Use with or w/out heater
- Once powered off, logs and flames slowly turn down
- Lifelike multicolor flames and burning logs with embers
- Dynamic embers effect pulsates dimmer to brighter for an authentic look
- Classic brick style interior and optional down light illumination
- Long life, energy efficient LED bulbs
- Accommodates a flat panel TV up to 68.25″ W overall (base up to 40″ W overall)
- Supports up to: 85 lb. (mantel), 15 lb. (per shelf/bookcase top)
- Features 6 fixed shelves
- Overall: 70.25″ W x 14″ D x 42.25″ H
- Temperature ratings: 62-82 degrees at 4 degree interval
- Supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet
- Safe, self-regulating heater turns off when temperature is met
- Child safety lock accessible from remote control
- Glass remains cool to the touch
Our Rating
When looking at the reviews for the product, customers said they love the usefulness of the fireplace. They love how the piece looks in their living space, but they also like that they can put books, photos, and other items on the shelves and the television on top.
They point out that if you do purchase this, be prepared for three boxes. The general amount of time that it took people to put the unit together was roughly 1 to 2.5 hours when doing it solo.
Customers said that it emits some heat, but not enough to heat a larger room.
The common complaint was the book cases were smaller than they had anticipated, which was a disappointment.
Some customers said they had a hard time trying to assemble the product—some spent up to six hours trying to put it together.
Customers also were angry that they description for the product indicates that it would made from wood—not fiberboard/pressed wood that the unit is actually made from.
CLICK TO CHECK PRICERead Our Review
Best Electric Fireplace Over $250 Wrap Up
If you’re looking for the best electric fireplace that is going to give you the look of a real fireplace, that is going to be easy to assemble, and even customizable, then we feel that the PuraFlame Western 33 inch Embedded Electric Firebox Heater is going to be the best option.
Not only can you customize the surround for the fireplace to match your décor, but it also gives you the option of using the faux logs or crystals.
With an incredibly high rating among customers who have purchased it, we feel that this is going to be that perfect focal point for any living space.
Our Recommendation
Choosing between the different types of electric fireplaces can be a bit stressful, especially when they all seem to have similar qualities. While all of these products are worthy of being called the best electric fireplaces, there are two that stands out in our opinion.
For those who are interested in the best wall mounted electric fireplace, we feel that the Touchstone Onyx Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace is a great choice.
It creates 50” of ambient lighting, warmth, and realism. Granted, you aren’t going to fool anyone into thinking that you’ve installed a fireplace four feet off the floor, but it is pretty close. You can also control the flame’s intensity via the remote control that is included with the fireplace.
If you’re looking for a unit that is more than just a fireplace but can act as an entertainment stand and focal point, then the Tennyson Electric Fireplace with Bookcases is going to be a great option.
This product is capable of holding a 60” flat screen television on top (if it has a base shorter than 40”).
You might wonder about where the electronics can be stored. You could leave the front plate off of the unit and store the electronics there.
This product is also great because of the bookshelves that are on either side of the fireplace, making it a perfect addition to a reading corner.
Safety features like automatic shut off and cool-touch glass makes this fireplace a safe option to lay near without worrying about getting burned, but it is also safe for your children and pets to be around as well.
Choosing an electric fireplace doesn’t have to be a hassle, as long as you know where you’re going to be using it and how often you’re going to be using it.
When you have these figured out, you will be able to choose the best electric fireplace that will suit your needs and your budget.
We do know one thing and that is once you purchase one of these devices, either one that we discussed here or another electric fireplace, you’ll love the look that it brings to your living space. There is much that can compare to the ambiance and elegance of a fireplace!
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