Best Electric Fireplaces for Modern Homes in 2025
Electric fireplaces have become a popular choice for many looking to add warmth and style to their homes without the hassle of traditional wood or gas fireplaces. They offer the look and feel of a real fire, but with easy installation and the ability to control heat and flame settings with a switch or remote. Many models also use LED technology to create realistic flames, making them a safe and convenient option.
These fireplaces come in various styles, such as wall-mounted units, freestanding models, and inserts that fit into existing fireplace openings. This variety means they can work in many spaces, from small apartments to large living rooms. They also can serve as supplemental heat sources, helping to lower your energy bills by heating only the room you are in.
When choosing an electric fireplace, it’s important to consider the size of the unit and the heating capacity to make sure it fits your space well. Look at the flame realism and lighting options, as well as ease of use and installation. Power consumption and safety features like automatic shutoff are also key factors. We tested several models to find the best electric fireplaces that combine style, heat, and efficiency.
Best Electric Fireplaces
We have tested and reviewed a range of electric fireplaces to find the best options for different needs and spaces. Our list includes models that offer great heat output, easy installation, and realistic flame effects. Explore our picks to find the right fireplace for your home.
1) R.W.FLAME 60″ Electric Fireplace
This electric fireplace fits well in smaller spaces while offering good heat and easy controls.
Pros
- Slim design fits flush against walls, taking up little space
- Adjustable flame colors and speeds add cozy ambiance
- Dual heat settings save energy or warm quickly
Cons
- Remote control has a short range for changing settings
- Flame colors look artificial rather than true fire
- Installation needs precise framing for a clean fit
We found the slim design is great when space is tight. It only sticks out about 4 inches from the wall, which keeps the room feeling open. The look is modern but simple, so it blends into many styles.
The adjustable flames caught our attention. You can set different colors and brightness levels. It’s fun to change the look, but the flames don’t look exactly like a real fire. Still, the effect was enough to create a warm mood without the hassle of a wood or gas fire.
Heating worked well for a room up to around 400 square feet. Switching between 750W and 1500W saves energy or warms fast. The quiet operation was a plus for us since it didn’t interfere with conversation or TV.
For installation, the fit is clean but must be framed correctly to avoid gaps. The remote is convenient, but it didn’t always work from across the room. Overall, this fireplace gave us a good balance of style, warmth, and convenience for the price.
2) Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
This electric fireplace stove is a solid choice for warming medium-sized spaces while adding a realistic fire look and cozy feel.
Pros
- Realistic 3D flame effect with adjustable brightness
- Infrared heat keeps the room comfortable without drying the air
- Portable and easy to move between rooms
Cons
- Heat may not be enough for very large or extremely cold areas
- Requires assembly when first used
- Remote can be a bit sensitive at times
We found the Duraflame stove’s flame effect very convincing. The glowing logs and layered flames gave the room a natural fire vibe, even with the heat turned off. It added warmth and a nice ambiance anytime of year.
The infrared heating worked well in our space, warming up to around 1,000 square feet. It didn’t dry out the air like some heaters can. However, if you have a large or poorly insulated room, this might not provide enough heat by itself.
Moving the stove from room to room was simple thanks to its portable design. The controls on the stove and remote give you plenty of options to adjust flame brightness and heat levels. It did take some small assembly, but setup was straightforward and quick overall.
3) ZAFRO Electric Fireplace Stove
This electric stove offers classic style with good heat output, making it a solid choice for small spaces.
Pros
- Vintage design adds charm to any room
- Heats quickly with two power levels
- Flame brightness is easy to adjust
Cons
- No remote control included
- Heat tends to stay low and directed near the floor
- Sticker removal can be difficult
The ZAFRO stove stands out with its retro look. We enjoyed how it fits well in different rooms without taking up much space. The three-sided glass lets you view the flames from multiple angles, which adds to the cozy feel.
Heating is effective for a small area, and switching between 1000W and 1500W modes is simple. We noticed the heat is gentle and mostly near the base, so it’s better for close-up warmth rather than whole-room heating.
One downside is it doesn’t come with a remote, which means adjusting settings manually. Also, the sticker on the front was tricky to peel off. Overall, this unit blends style with steady performance in a compact package.
4) Touchstone Sideline 50″ Electric Fireplace
This electric fireplace fits well for those wanting a stylish, easy-to-install heat source with real-feeling flames and smart controls.
Pros
- Flames look very realistic and can be adjusted in color and brightness
- Remote, Alexa, and app control add great convenience
- Cool-to-touch sides and ventless design make it safe for many setups
Cons
- Heater warms medium-sized rooms but won’t replace main heating
- Requires a careful 8-inch clearance under TVs or mantels
- Can need a stronger circuit if other electronics are on the same line
We liked how natural the flames looked when turned on. The logs and crystals inside give it depth and a cozy vibe. Changing flame color and brightness using the remote or voice commands worked smoothly and made it easy to set the mood without getting up.
Installation was straightforward, especially since it can recess in a wall or fit into an existing fireplace opening. It stays cool on the edges even when heating, which felt safer in the living room. The ventless design means we didn’t have to worry about adding vents or ducts.
While the electric heater provided nice warmth to our room, it didn’t replace our main heat source. We recommend measuring your space carefully to make sure it fits and leaves enough clearance under TVs. Overall, this fireplace was a solid choice for upgrading a fireplace space with tech-friendly features and a realistic fire look.
5) OKD 52″ Electric Fireplace TV Stand
This fireplace TV stand fits well in our living rooms and offers great warmth with a very realistic flame display.
Pros
- Realistic 3-sided flame view with adjustable colors and brightness
- Solid construction with spacious mantel and storage
- Easy controls including remote and timer for convenience
Cons
- Assembly takes time and patience
- Stone veneer looks less real than expected
- Weighs quite a bit, making it hard to move
The 3-sided glass flame display caught our attention right away. The flames look very real, and having three colors to choose from helps set the exact mood we want. We used the remote frequently, especially to adjust brightness and set the timer for overnight warmth.
The TV stand is sturdy and holds our large TV with no wobbling. The top shelf gave us extra room for media gear, and cord holes kept cables tidy. The antique white finish fits nicely with rustic or farmhouse decor, but the “stone” panels didn’t feel very high quality when seen up close.
Building the stand took a good part of the afternoon. The instructions were clear but the process took twice as long as expected. Once set up, the heater warmed up rooms fairly quickly. It’s not loud, and the safety shut-off gave us peace of mind.
Overall, this unit combines style and function well and is worth considering if you want a cozy heater that doubles as a smart TV stand.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best electric fireplace, we should consider the size of the room. A fireplace too small won’t heat well, and one too big may use more energy than needed.
Next, we look at heating options. Many fireplaces have adjustable heat settings and a thermostat to control the temperature. This helps us save energy when full heat isn’t needed.
The style and design matter too. We want something that fits our space and looks good with our decor. Fireplaces come in wall-mounted, freestanding, or insert types.
Safety features are important. Look for models with automatic shut-off to prevent overheating. A cool-to-touch glass front is also a plus.
We also consider ease of installation. Some fireplaces plug into regular outlets, while others might need hardwiring. We pick one that fits our setup and skills.
Remote control and timer features add convenience. These lets us control the fireplace without getting up and set it to turn on or off automatically.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Size | Matches the room’s square footage |
| Heat Settings | Adjustable with thermostat option |
| Style | Fits the room’s decor and space |
| Safety | Auto shut-off and cool-to-touch glass |
| Installation | Plug-in or hardwired, depending on need |
| Extras | Remote control, timer, flame control |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are electric fireplaces expensive to run?
Electric fireplaces are generally affordable to operate. Most models use between 750W and 1500W, which typically costs less than running a traditional heater. Costs depend on your electricity rate and how often you use the heat feature.
2. Do electric fireplaces give off real heat?
Yes, many electric fireplaces provide supplemental heat for rooms between 400–1,000 sq. ft. They use fan-forced heat or infrared heating. While they won’t replace a central heating system, they work well for warming single rooms.
3. Can I install an electric fireplace under a TV?
Yes, but only if the manufacturer recommends it. Many wall-mounted units require 6–12 inches of clearance below the TV to protect it from rising heat. Always check the model’s installation guide.
4. Do electric fireplaces need ventilation or a chimney?
No. Electric fireplaces are ventless and do not require chimneys, gas lines, or outside ventilation. This makes them much easier to install compared to gas or wood-burning fireplaces.
5. Are electric fireplaces safe for kids and pets?
Most models are designed with cool-to-touch surfaces and automatic shut-off features. This makes them safer than traditional fireplaces. However, it’s still best to supervise children and pets around any heating device.
