Buying Guide | Cozy by the Fire

Our Electric Fireplace Ultimate Buying Guide is designed to offer the best electric fireplace buying suggestions for various needs.

Other sites might give you recommendations for the ‘best electric fireplace’, but is it REALLY the best? Checking out any of our individual reviews will assure you WE have done the exhaustive research and are not simply rehashing product descriptions.

When it comes to selecting the best rated electric fireplaces, it can be a little confusing because there are several general types available. There are:

Wall mounted electric fireplaces
Electric fireplace mantels
Electric fireplace inserts
Electric fireplace TV stands and media centers
Electric fireplace stove heaters
Electric log sets

Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Keep on scrolling down until you hit the category you are most interested in.

If you know what type of electric fireplace you want, the biggest decision might be one of choosing the right style for your decor. These are all great units and perform well, so browse with confidence.

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What Is The Best Electric Fireplace?

✅ Time Saver Tip:
Compare ONLY the 3 Best Electric Fireplaces of each type by CLICKING the ‘More Info’ Button below the pictured type of fireplace you are interested in. You will go right to our Top 3 Picks.

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Top 3 Electric Fireplace TV Stand & Media CentersMore Info Free Standing Electric Fireplace MantelsMore Info Top 3 Electric Fireplace Inserts (For Existing Fireplaces)More Info Top 3 Wall Mount Electric FireplacesMore Info Top 3 Electric Fireplace Stove HeatersMore Info Electric Log Set Insert For Existing FireplacesMore Info

What Type Of Electric Fireplace Is Best For You?

This section of the electric fireplace guy buying guide is designed to help you arrive at the perfect electric fireplace that will meet all your needs and desires.

✅ TIP: Heating output is pretty much the same on all electric fireplaces with forced air heat manufacturers state ‘supplemental heat up to 400 ft.². The EXCEPTION are Infrared forced heaters for which ‘supplemental heat up to 1,000 ft.² is the standard.

By answering a set of simple questions you can get clear on what you expect from an electric fireplace. Of course, our job is to provide you with the best information available recommend that perfect electric fireplace.

Why Are You Buying An Electric Fireplace?

People tend to buy electric fireplaces for one of the very few simple reasons. Determining your preferences will steer you toward the correct fireplace for you.

Are you primarily looking for soothing ambience generated by realistic flame effects? All electric fireplaces produce flame effects in varying degrees of realism and can be operated without the heating function. A simple room focal point might be either an electric fireplace mantle, or a wall-mounted electric fireplace.Some fireplace manufacturers kick up their flame effects a notch. They offer back lighting, side lighting, and different color flames. If this is your style you might be interested in ClassicFlame Fireplaces. Other manufacturers are more interested in producing a realistic depiction of a burning fire. Southern Enterprises is very traditional and Dimplex fireplaces can be a bit traditional or have special effects.

Are you primarily concerned with the supplemental heating provided by an electric fireplace? Electric fireplaces in their heating functions can generally be divided into two groups. Regular forced air heaters or infrared is. There is pretty much an industry standard for each type of heater. Search for Infrared Electric Fireplaces Manufacturers claim a regular forced air heater will provide supplemental heat up to 400 ft.². They claim and infrared heater will heat up to 1000 ft.². If you need more heat look search for Infrared Electric Fireplaces. They are available as wall mount electric fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts, mantels and entertainment centers.

Are you looking to improve the functioning of a room possibly by incorporating a fireplace in twin media, entertainment center, or utilize it as a TV stand? Electric fireplace entertainment centers come in all shapes and sizes. Don’t just go by the picture of the entertainment center. A space-saving option is corner electric fireplaces and corner electric fireplace media centers. Here are some images of electric fireplace entertainment centers.

✅ TIP Get the dimensions of the fireplace you are considering, Use tape or tacks and some string to layout the size and site of where you want to put it BEFORE buying (especially for wall mount fireplaces). Images provide can make small fireplaces appear large and vice versa.

Let's Start With The Best Electric Fireplace Brands

The vast majority of our reviews focus on 4 leading electric fireplace manufacturers. Each of these electric fireplace makers create fireplaces of across a few categories.We will give more info on each with a few typical examples. Though we have our preferences, any one of the top four listed below is a very safe bet:

ClassicFlame1. ClassicFlame We love ClassicFlame electric fireplaces because their patented ‘Spectrafire’ flame effects. They are our top pick for Best Electric Fireplace Brand. Most come with a multi function remote which offers you the ability to customize your electric fireplace with 125 selectable flame effect options to create the perfect mood and ambiance for any style. Or choose auto cycle then sit back and enjoy as the different flame effects rotate through.

Click Here to check out ClassicFlame Discount Deals

Dimplex2. Dimplex They primarily manufacture heaters. In fact, they are one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electrical heating. They had to develop flame effect technology. Dimplex electric fireplaces higher end fireplaces have truly outstanding flame effects. They became the first company in the fireplace industry to create a genuinely realistic “wood burning” flame effect. Stick to upper end Dimplex products.

Click Here For More Info On Dimplex Electric Fireplace

Real Flame3. Real Flame Real Flame electric fireplaces has 30 years in the industry. Their flame technology utilizes LEDs and feature a dynamic ember effect which makes them realistically mimic the actions of real fire. All of Real Flame electric fireplaces we have seen feature a programmable thermostat and an operation timer of up to nine hours, allowing the units to be fully customized and tailored to your preferences.

Click For Images Of Real Flame Electric Fireplaces.

4. SEI Southern Enterprises Inc. SEI is primarily a furniture and home décor manufacturer. frankly, we LOVE their designs. They specialize in traditional mantles and media centers. Their designs and quality of construction are outstanding. In speaking with customer service, I learned that they primarily use 2 fireboxes: traditional and infrared. The fireboxes are well received. What changes is the beautiful cabinetry that are the surrounds. Southern Enterprises electric fireplaces are extremely well reviewed and received by buyers.

Click For SEI Electric Fireplace Discounted Prices.

By SEIMore Information By SEIMore Information By SEIMore Information By SEIMore Information

Other Top Electric Fireplace Brands:

✅ Touchstone
✅ Moda Flame Electric Fireplaces
✅ Pleasant Hearth
✅ Best Choice Electric Fireplaces
Comfort Flame
Comfort Glow
Firesense
Fridgidaire
Life Smart
Modern Flames
Napoleon
PuraFlame
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Linear Wall Mount Electric Fireplaces

Wall mounted electric fireplaces are perfect for creating a stunning focal point in any room. They have been described as ‘art in motion’. When thinking of placement, think of anywhere you would hang art to fill a blank wall space. There are linear fireplaces in many colors and styles. Create your own fashion forward decor statement.

Benefits Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces Include:

They are available in many sizes from small to huge.
Electric fireplaces also generate supplemental heat.
The flames can be operated without the heat on.
Most are thermostatically controlled.
You control flame effect media options, glass, logs, rocks or other decorative material.

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Highly Recommended AND Best Selling Wall Mounted Fireplace:

✅ This particular wall mount electric fireplace is the most popular with our readers, and it is an Amazon Best Seller.

It’s a wall hung electric fireplace, yet you’ll also find that it is also one of the best values you’ll find online.

It has hundreds of reviews, many are 5 stars. we keep an eye on the price and if it is under $280, grab it. Check out the Warehouse deals for even more savings.

Click the images below for the current discounted price and buyer reviews for the black, white and flush mount – fully recessed versions.

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Touchstone 80001 Onyx Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, 50″ Wide, (Black) Touchstone 80002 Ivory Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace – 50″ Wide, – White Touchstone 80004 Sideline In-Wall Recessed Electric Fireplace, 50″ Wide (Black)

✅Are You Looking For The Best Electric Fireplace Mantel?

If there is no existing fireplace opening in your house, and you want to add a room focal point and electric fireplace mantel just might be interested in this option.

The selection of an electric fireplace mantel is mostly one of taste. So it is impossible to pick a ‘best’. Stick to the top 4 brands we mentioned and you can be comfortable in getting a good firebox. Function being taken care of the rest is just form and taste.

Benefits include:

Huge array of fashion forward finishes and colors, styles and prices.
Match any décor from traditional, to mid-century modern.
Easy installation, assemble, plug and play.
Extremely low running costs
Great for renters or those who move frequently, if you move or want to change rooms, just take it with you.
Also Available as slim electric fireplaces.

Traditional Electric Fireplace Mantels:

Donovan Trditional Electric Fireplace Mantel- BlackGet More Info Cardona Electric Fireplace Mantel- WalnutGet More Info Antebellum Media Electric Fireplace – Black w/ WalnutGet More Info Narita Entertainment Center Electric Fireplace – EspressoGet More Info

Stone Electric Fireplace Mantels:

Dimplex Pine & Stone-look Electric Fireplace MantelGet More Info SEI Canyon Heights Electric Fireplace Whiskey MapleGet More Info SEI Belleview Faux Stone Infrared Fireplace – SiennaGet More Info Carrington Faux Slate Corner Convertible Electric FireplaceGet More Info
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White Electric Fireplace Mantels:

Calvert Carved White Electric Fireplace MantelGet More Info SEI Tennyson White Electric Fireplace MantelGet More Info SEI Timothy White Infrared Electric Fireplace, WhiteGet More Info Real Flame Thayer White Electric Fireplace MantelGet More Info
SaveMany people would love to have our fireplace in their home but the construction, cost, and hassle of maintaining a traditional fireplace have pretty much rule that idea out. Now there is a wonderful alternative, electric fireplace mantels.

There are two parts to an electric fireplace mantle, the firebox, which consists of the flame effects screen and heating elements and then the furniture surround, the mantel.

Electric fireplace mantels, after assembly, are largely plug-and-play. You do not have to excavate a hole in your wall. Depending on the model they can either be mounted against an existing wall (without a cut out) or you can purchase a convertible corner electric fireplace mantel. Being a’ convertible’ means it can be mounted flat against a wall or in a corner. There is a triangular flap in the back that can be raise or lowered for fit.

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The Best Electric Fireplace Stoves

If you’re curious (or in a hurry):

✅ Check the price on This particular electric fireplace stove. It is the the best one we have found, and comes in glossy black or glossy cream. It is the ONLY one we’ve found with a purifier air treatment system which filters airborne allergens and particulates.

Portable Electric Fireplace Benefits:

Huge array of fashion forward finishes and colors, styles and prices.
Space saving size, great for small spaces.
Easy installation, take it out of box and plug it in.
Extremely low running costs – 2-4 cents/hour on flame only, 8 to 10 cents on flame+heat.
Great for renters or those who move frequently, if you move or want to change rooms, just pick it uptake it with you.
Run it year round for a cozy ambiance. Flames can run without heat on.

Here are a few suggestions from our favorite electric fireplace makers:

VonHaus Portable Electric Stove Heater FireplaceGet More Info Regal 25 Inch Black Portable Electric Fireplace StoveGet More Info Jasper Free Standing 25″ Electric Fireplace StoveGet More Info Dimplex TDS8515TC Celeste Electric Stove, Glossy CreamGet More Info
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For some reason these freestanding electric stoves evoke a mood of coziness and snuggliness ( I know that isn’t a word), but hey, that’s what it feels like to me. These freestanding electric stoves are really attractive stoves are an attractive way to generate some supplemental heat.

They are the epitome of plug-and-play. They use a standard 120 volt household outlet and are much cheaper to run than a gas fireplace and with much less hassle than a wood-burning fireplace.

The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts

If you’re curious (or in a hurry):

✅ Check the price on This Best Selling electric fireplace insert. It is a great value and the best we have done a full review on. It is the most popular fireplace insert with our readers and is an Amazon Best Seller – it comes in various widths.

Electric Fireplace Insert Benefits To You Include:

Finally making use of your built in fireplace.
No smoke, off-gassing or clean up.
Easy installation, take it out of box and plug it in.
Extremely low running costs – 2-4 cents/hour on flame only, 8 to 10 cents on flame+heat.
Once again use your fireplace as a room focal point.
Run it year round for a cozy ambiance. Flames can run without heat on.

Here are our suggestions for electric fireplace inserts:

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Good

Best Choice Products

Best Choice Products SKY1826 Embedded Fireplace Electric InsertGet More Info

Better

ClassicFlame 28II300GRA

ClassicFlame 28II300GRA 28 Electric Fireplace infrared HeaterGet More Info
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Best

PuraFlame Western 33"

PuraFlame Western 33 inch Embedded Electric Firebox HeaterGet More Info
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Best Portable Electric Fireplace Heater For An RV or Trailer

This may be the best little ✅ Portable Electric Fireplace Heater for an RV, trailer or anywhere if space is at a premium. We check prices regularly – and if is under $75 you are getting a GREAT deal.

PuraFlame Red 9 inch Mini Portable Electric Heater, RedMore Info

Dimensions: 11.1″ Wide x 7.72″ Depth x 13.98″ Height.
Available in your choice of 3 colors: red, black, white.
Flame effect can be used with or without heat.
Portable mini fireplace heater; 100% LED lit coal flame effect.
Adjustable thermostat
Plug and play – pick up and go – great for Zone Heating.

Supplies supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft. Using this little guy in an RV can save money on propane costs.Back handle design, easy to move and transport.

Ideal for use in cottage, trailer, home, office, dorm, or anywhere an extra temporary heat source is needed; Only 120V, 2 pronged plug. One year warranty.

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Why Are YOU Looking To Buy An Electric Fireplace?

People usually buy electric fireplaces for two primary reasons:

Electric fireplaces provide flame effects that create a desired look or ambience in a room.
Electric fireplaces also provide supplemental heat very efficiently to virtually any space.

Which aspect is more important to you depends upon personal taste and needs. We live in Florida so the flame effects and décor factor were WAY more important than heat.

Different fireplaces have different strengths in different areas that’s where a knowledgeable buying guide and comprehensive reviews can guide you.

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Electric Fireplace Flame Effects

One of the biggest questions people have when considering purchasing an electric fireplace is:

How realistic are the flames?

Thankfully, technology has increased dramatically to make the flame effects extremely realistic in recent years. Gone are the days of an electric fireplace looking like a flashlight being shined on aluminum foil.

Most people have difficulty distinguishing electric fireplace flames from those of a gas fireplace.

Modern electric fireplaces use different types of technology that are often patented by the manufacturers. The use of LED lighting, rear projection, and the use of prisms are common.

One question that you need to ask yourself is a buyer is this:

Do I want strictly a realistic flame effect, or
Do I want the option for special colored effects such as back-lighting and non- traditional flame colors?

Our detailed reviews tell you what to expect the fireplace.

Electric fireplaces can be run as with or without the heat on. If the heat is off it costs no more to run than a typical incandescent light bulb.

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Electric Fireplaces For Heat Or Zone Heating

Do electric fireplaces provide heat?

The answer to that question is yes electric fireplaces provide heat. However, it is best to think of them providing supplemental heat. If you think they will replace your primary heating you may be disappointed. The first advantage of using an electric fireplace as supplemental heating is that it is the most efficient and least expensive option out there. It is 40 to 50% cheaper than gas.

Portable and infrared electric fireplaces are wonderful for implementing a Zone Heating Plan. Basically, you set your thermostat for the house at a much lower temperature and use the electric fireplaces to keep those rooms you actually use.

There are two main types of electric fireplace heating:

1.Forced air heating mechanism. Blows air heated over a coil into the room.

A standard forced air electric fireplace is generally designed to provide supplemental heat for up to 400 ft.², no more. Some may struggle at that. That is standard for a standard (non-infrared) electric fireplace. All in all they provide the same amount of heat.

This limitation is not one of the fireplace, any brand or manufacturer, but rather of what a standard household plug and circuit can handle. The maximum we have seen is 5200 BTU’s Any more load than that and you would be blowing circuit breakers and melting wires.
In the case of forced air heating, air is heated up by a heating device in the fan blows it directionally out in the room. They work well in an enclosed room (such as a bedroom), but if placed in open concept free flowing rooms their heating effect may be marginal.

2. Infrared heating mechanism. These heat the room by transferring heat straight to objects in the room. It heats up the objects in the room rather than blowing hot air into it.

Infrared heaters will provide supplemental heat for up to 1000 ft.² on a standard circuit (versus 400 ft.² with a forced air heater). It is a different type of heat, however.

Infrared electric fireplace heaters provide a more even heat. Infrared heaters provide soft heat and stay cool to the touch, so they are safe to operate around children and pets.

Infrared heat will not work well in an empty room

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Best Electric Fireplace For Heat

Check out the discounted price on our pick for the ✅ Best Electric Fireplace Heater.We keep an eye on prices because they can vary. If today’s price is under $200 – snap it up. It is a GREAT DEAL.

The reality is that almost all standard electric fireplaces produce the same amount of heat. This is not necessarily by choice of the maker. The amount of heat provided is limited by what a standard electrical outlet and circuit in a home can handle.
ClassicFlame Rolling Mantel Infrared Quartz FireplaceMore Information

To get more heat you need custom electric installation, a 220 volt circuit etc. That defeats the plug and play advantage of electric fireplaces

If you check the specifications on electric fireplaces you will see something like this with very little variation: 120V/60Hz, 1500W, 12.5 Amps 5,000 BTU’s. The measurement of heat produced is in the BTUs number which, with slight variation will be around 5000. They almost invariably claim to be a supplemental heat source for”up to 400 ft.²”.

So how do we determine the best electric fireplace for heat?

Duraflame Infrared Rolling Mantel, 20IF100GRA-C202Get More InfoWe started with choosing an infrared heat electric fireplace.

While the electrical requirements might be about the same, due to the different type of heat being produced, they can provide a supplemental heat source for up to 1000 ft.².

Among infrared electric fireplace heaters they are pretty much all the same in terms of heating ability. The difference being they can heat a larger amount of square feet than standard electric fireplace heaters. 1,000 sq. ft. vs 400 sq.ft.

So with heating capacity of different fireplaces in the infrared class being equal, our choice for the best electric fireplace rests with utility and ease-of-use.

We LOVE the ClassicFlame 23IRM1500-O107 Rolling Mantel with Infrared Quartz Fireplace. which is pictured above.

A close contender and another option is the Duraflame Infrared Rolling Mantel, 20IF100GRA-C20. This has roller wheels also.

We love these for their its utility and the ease-of-use. Take the heat to where you want it. Unplug it, roll it into another room and plug it back in. How easy is that? It is great zone heating or ‘pre-heating’ a bedroom or TV room prior to use.

✅Different Styles Of High Heating Capacity Infrared Electric Fireplaces

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Electric Fireplace Pros And Cons:

Are you considering buying an electric fireplace? If so, it will definitely help to take a look at our comprehensive electric fireplace pros and cons.Here is the short list:

Pros:

Great strides have been made in technology in producing realistic flame effects.
Generally the set-up is simple.
The decor and design possibilities of electric fireplaces are almost infinite. It is virtually certain you can find a fireplace to meet your homes’ existing decor while creating a fashion forward focal point for any room.
A huge benefit from these units is that they can have a much longer life span than other types of fireplaces. There are no actual flames that are burning combustible fuels. This means that degradation and corrosion of parts by caustic agents is nonexistent.
The electric fireplace heater dissipates warmth directly into the room and is not lost through the chimney or special venting, since they don’t require any.
They make implementation of a zone heating plan simple.
When it comes to electric fireplace safety, a huge benefit is that they do not emit any harmful gases and fumes such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Electric fireplaces are the most efficient. Electricity converts directly to heat with a 99% efficiency. This compares very favorably to 60-80% efficiency with gas fireplaces.
Electric fireplaces are less expensive than either a wood fireplace or a gas fireplace both in installation costs and running costs.

Cons:

If the power goes out – so does the fireplace.
Depending on the fireplace selected the flame effects won’t be the real thing, no smell, no fire cracking sounds.
Since they are portable, they will not add value to your home at resale.
Electric fireplaces are meant to be supplemental heat, not primary. Regular units will heat 400 sq.ft. – infrared 1,000sq ft.

Recommended Electric Fireplace TV Stand & Entertainment Centers:

✅ These Traditional Electric Fireplace TV Stands by SEI are worth a quick look. They are well made with a good firebox. They are VERY popular and well reviewed.

When selecting an electric fireplace media center, electric fireplace TV stand or electric fireplace entertainment center, there are 2 things to take a look at:

The function and decor of the entertainment center surround. There are hundreds of styles and variations to match any decor. Most centers allow you to place a flat screen TV on top. Another possibility (especially for wide TV’s is to wall mount the TV and center the media center below it. If you don’t have a lot of wall space look for a corner electric fireplace entertainment center.

The electric fireplace firebox (heater and flame effects). You should not get completely carried away just by style. Make sure that the flame effects are good and you will get the heating coverage you want. SEI uses a nice firebox and this furniture maker has some wonderful designs. Stick to our recommended name brands – Southern Enterprises Inc (SEI), ClassicFlame, Dimplex and Real Flame.

We selected a wide range of styles to get your imagination off and running:

✅ Electric Fireplace TV Stands

Dimplex Pierre Electric Fireplace TV Stand Modern Look with Acrylic in SteeltownGet More Info Dimplex Windham Flatpanel TV Stand and Electric Fireplace in Mocha – LogsGet More Info Southern Enterprises Antebellum Media Console Center with Infrared HeatGet More Info Southern Enterprises Narita Electric Fireplace Media Center – Different FinishesGet More Info

✅ Corner Electric Fireplace TV Stands

Claremont Corner Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info ClassicFlameCorner Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info Real FlameCorner Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info SEI Redden Corner Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info

✅ White Electric Fireplace TV Stand

Tennyson White Electric Fireplace w/ BookcasesGet More Info AntebellumAntique White Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info Claremont White Corner Electric Fireplace TV StandGet More Info Real FlameLarge White Electric Fireplace Tv StandGet More Info

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Comprehensive & Honest Electric Fireplace Reviews

What follows in the balance of this post are images and links to our COMPREHENSIVE electric fireplace reviews. We are very proud of the detailed research that goes into them in order to help you make a more informed buying decision. They are grouped by fireplace type. Scroll On Down and enjoy.