The 6 Best Electric Fireplaces, Tested and Reviewed
Unlike unsightly space heaters, electric fireplaces can add both warmth and a cozy ambiance to any home. Plus, they make a safe, cost-effective, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces, which require constant attention and upkeep.
“Electric fireplaces are a smart way to supplement heat in individual rooms,” says Ben Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric of Central Iowa, a Neighborly company. This is in part because using electric fireplaces as supplemental heating is both cost- and energy-efficient, “since other parts of the home might be left cooler while the room(s) with electric fireplaces are the only places being warmed up a little bit,” explains Kolo.
To find the best electric fireplaces, we tested 23 popular models and evaluated each on its setup, heating performance, design, safety, and value. For expert insight, we consulted Kolo, as well as Kasee Smith, lead designer at Havenly.
Real Flame Foster Stove Electric Fireplace at Amazon
$625
$490
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The compact design makes it easy to move and store.
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Its smaller heat range may not be ideal for larger spaces.
This fireplace isn’t going to serve as the primary heating source in your home, but it does deliver substantial warmth in a small package that can easily go from room to room. We were impressed by the heat output on this little unit—the heat could be felt from up to 4.5 feet away. Note that this fireplace uses convection heating as opposed to radiant, or infrared, heating, so it’s designed to circulate warm air throughout the room.
Additionally, this Costway fireplace has very realistic flickering flames that are visible on three sides of the unit. You can even turn the flames on without operating the heating function, should you still want the ambiance during the warmer months. It comes with an easy-to-use control panel directly on the unit, which features three different controls: a power button, a heat power button, and a temperature control dial that can go from 68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
In terms of safety, this fireplace comes with overheat protection and remains cool to the touch on top, so you can place objects on its surface without running the risk of burns or hot surface ignition fires. Plus, it comes with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification, which ensures that it’s been tested against rigorous standards. It’s constructed with sturdy steel, and it did not tip over when bumped into during our Lab tests.
Overall, this is an effective and straightforward electric fireplace available at a very reasonable price point. After six months of use, the fireplace maintained a consistent heat output and showed no signs of wear. We recommend it to anyone looking for a source of supplemental heating that can easily go from room to room. However, if you prefer the more direct heat of fireplaces that use radiant heating, you may want to choose another model on our list.
Dimensions: 17 x 20 x 10 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Heat Type: Convection | Heat Output: 4,777 BTU | Coverage: 160 square feet | Power Rating: 1,400 watts
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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![Person using screwdriver to fix a leg on the Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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![Person holding a thermometer and pen in front of Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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![Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace displayed between chairs on wooden floor]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock
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![Person checking Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace while reading instructions]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Henry Wortock