We Tested the Best Electric Fireplace Heaters to Warm Your Home (2024)

Our Top Picks

Out of all of the electric fireplaces we've tested, the Costway Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater continues to be the clear winner. We love that it was easy to set up—we just had to screw on the legs. Even though it is compact, this space heater provided powerful heat that we felt up to about 5 feet away, almost instantly. Safety features include overheat protection, CSA certification, and a cool-to-the-touch exterior.We also found it pretty sturdy, and it didn't tip over easily.

If space is an issue, you won't have to store this heater in the winter. The flame feature works independently from the heat. The heater boasts windows on three sides, providing plenty of views of the fire. During testing, we observed that the movement and color of the flames appeared quite realistic.

The fireplace features a simple control panel with a knob to adjust the heat, an on/off switch for the heater, and an on/off switch for the unit (flames only). We didn’t notice much of a difference between the heat settings, and the unit lacks a remote control. But overall, we think this is a relatively affordable option for anyone who wants to add a cozy fireplace to their home with little effort.

How It Performed Long-Term

After testing this heater for six months at home, we couldn't think of anything we wanted to improve. Used in a house with kids, we appreciated the simple settings, cool-to-the-touch top, and LED light, so we weren't as worried about safety issues.

It provided extra heat to a bedroom and playroom over the winter months and was very quiet (we couldn't hear a thing), so it wasn't disturbing. During warmer months, we found it was lightweight and easy to store in a garage or closet.

_{Dimensions: 19.7 x 10 x 23 inches |Weight: 17.5 pounds | Heat Output: 5000 BTUs | Wattage:1400W |Coverage Area:400 square heat |Mount Type: Freestanding|Number of Heat Settings: 4 different settings between 62 and 82 degrees| Safety Features: Overheat protection, cool touch exterior, CSA certified}

We've tested this heater at home for over six months and in the lab during a larger test of space heaters, and it has continued to impress us each time. We think it's a great value at less than $225, considering it provides heat effectively and year-round ambiance.

We love the look of this electric fireplace heater. It's stylish and compact, and looks like a wood stove without the hassle of using firewood. The controls are hidden by the door, giving it an even more realistic touch.

Like our best overall option, this fireplace has viewing windows on three sides and the glow looked like a real firebox. Although you can’t change the color of the flames, there are five settings to change the brightness.

Since this is an infrared heater, it heats the people and objects in the room instead of the air. We confirmed this when testing: We didn't record any change in the room's temperature. However, we did note that the unit did a good job of heating on all settings. The heater also comes with a remote to change those settings, although at first, we found the instructions to be unclear.

This UL-tested heater has several safety features, including overheating protection on the plug and a programmable automatic shutoff timer. Also, while testing, we noticed that the top and the sides of the heater did not get hot (although we felt like the top was too warm to display items). The grill, however, did get quite hot.

How It Performed Long-Term

After over six months of testing, we've found no issues in its performance or appearance, even after using the flames consistently every night (about four hours each time), and the heat (2 to 8 hours each night) during colder temperatures. The timer continues to be a favorite feature, so we didn't worry about leaving it on accidentally.

Also, although we were initially confused by the remote and instructions, we didn't note any issues during long-term use. If we could change anything, we would want to make the flames a bit more realistic, but we are impressed overall.

_{Dimensions: 24 x 12.9 x 23.4 inches |Weight: 26.4 pounds | Heat Output:5200 BTUs |Wattage: 1500W | Coverage Area:1,000 square feet |Mount Type:Freestanding |Number of Heat Settings: 3| Safety Features: UL listed}

We love the Real Flame Silverton Electric Fireplace because it looks like a custom-made fireplace, complete with trim molding, and creates a warm focal point in any room. The mantel can support up to 31 pounds, so although it can’t support a TV, it’s perfect for picture frames and other types of decor. This fireplace also stands out for its ability to adjust both the brightness of the flames and their color.

Although it’s not the easiest unit in this list to assemble, it took two of us less than an hour, and we found the illustrated directions easy to follow. The only assembly glitch we found was getting the top of the cabinet to fit onto the base, but we fixed that by loosening some screws.

Once assembled, we found it easy to use the settings located on the firebox panel and the remote. The remote works up to 25 feet away.Although this fireplace doesn’t have an overheat shutoff feature, you can set a timer so the heater turns off after up to nine hours.

While this fireplace stands out for its authentic look and flame display, we didn’t feel it was as powerful heating-wise as we’d hoped. However, if you want to add a fireplace to your home without the hassle of installing a chimney and hearth, this is a beautiful option that looks custom-made.

How It Performed Long-Term

We were thoroughly impressed with the fireplace we had at home for over six months. Initially, we used it in a bedroom but later realized that its large size would work better in our dining room. Although it isn't exactly portable, we could move it in two parts, so it isn't too heavy. When used in our bedroom, we found the flames comforting and used them often, even when we didn't need the heat.

We also found that it did heat our bedroom well (up to 4 feet at first, and the entire room after some time), even though we didn't note a lot of warmth in the lab. We wish there were more heat settings you could program, but other than that, we found it to be an effective heater.

We also found it's not too loud (we could talk over it), although we did note that it makes a beeping sound when you change settings. If you choose to use it for ambiance (with the heat off), it's perfectly quiet.

_{Dimensions: 41 x 48 x 13 inches |Weight: 101 pounds | Heat Output: 4700 BTUs | Wattage: 1500W|Coverage Area:1000 square feet |Mount Type: Freestanding, brackets to attach to wall|Number of Heat Settings:6 | Safety Features: UL listed}

If you are looking to add a fireplace but are wondering where to place it, the Walker Edison Fireplace TV Stand is a great space-saving solution. Although it doesn’t have a traditional mantel, it is designed to support a TV (up to 150 pounds) and provides ample storage.

The cabinets on either side of the firebox have glass doors, with a long shelf on top. It took a couple of us two and a half hours to complete the setup (with 25 steps!), but the finished product looked good.

Beyond being a stylish and practical piece of furniture, this unit also has a very effective heater. While testing, we were surprised at how strong the heat felt—we could feel its warmth more than 7 feet away. However, the fireplace has only one heat setting and lacks a remote.

Although the controls on the unit are simple to use, we wish there was a remote so we could change the settings while relaxing and watching TV. We really enjoy the multicolored flames.

How It Performed Long-Term

We loved this TV stand even more while using it at home in a finished basem*nt for over six months. It helped make this space usable, even during the cold winter months in Iowa. We found the storage space extremely useful and used the different cabinets and shelves to store magazines, candles, speakers, and gaming consoles.

The cabinet doors are easy to open and close, and we haven't noted any changes in their appearance or functionality (it still looks new!). While sitting 4 to 6 feet from the fireplace on the couch, we've found ourselves using fewer blankets during the winter since the coziness of the heater removed the chill from the room. Although it isn't silent, the heater's sound isn't distracting, and we could watch TV without any issues.

_{Dimensions: 58 x 16 x 32 inches |Weight: 120 pounds | Heat Output:4600 BTUs |Wattage: Not listed | Coverage Area:400 square feet |Mount Type:Freestanding |Number of Heat Settings:1 | Safety Features: CSA certified}

In our opinion, the Callaway Grand Electric Fireplace is well worth the splurge if you want to add a classic fireplace and mantel to your living space without a chimney. Our first impression when testing this unit was that it was a beautiful piece of furniture.

It’s more of an investment than a small electric stove, but your family could gather around the “fire” and decorate the mantel and space above it for every holiday. We also like that it is available in white or chestnut oak to match your home's interior. Although it won't hold a TV, the mantel is sturdy enough to hold up to thirty pounds of decor.

It took two of us around an hour and a half to assemble the fireplace, but this seems reasonable, given it is a sturdy piece of furniture. We found the instructions clear and easy to follow: All the cabinet pieces were labeled with a number, and the instructions showed the part number in the graphics. After assembly, you simply have to plug the fireplace in. So, make sure wherever you set it up is close to an outlet.

This is an infrared fireplace, so it heats the objects and people in the room—not the air. When we tested the heating power, we felt warm above the level of the heat box up to 3.5 feet away, but most powerfully at 3 feet away. Although there are six settings ranging from 72 to 99 degrees, we didn’t notice much difference between them.

We like that this fireplace has a remote to control all the settings, with no control panel on the unit to take away from the authentic look. Safety features include CSA certification, but the unit does lack tip-over shutoff or overheat protection. However, this is a sturdy piece of furniture that should not tip over easily, and it comes with a wall anchor kit to secure it. It also features a timer so you can program it to shut off after a period of time.

_{Dimensions: 63 x 17.24 x 48 |Weight: 200 pounds | Heat Output: Not listed | Wattage:1500W |Coverage Area:1000 square feet |Mount Type:Freestanding with anchor kit |Number of Heat Settings: 6| Safety Features: CSA certified}

If you want to add a rustic stone fireplace to your home almost instantly, we recommend the Hearthstone Home 36-Inch Electric Fireplace. During testing, we were pleasantly surprised at how easy this was to assemble, given its size. It took us only about 15 minutes to get it going, from the time we slipped it out of the box, removed the plastic, and screwed in a bracket on one side of the heat box.

We like that you can adjust the brightness of the flames (four settings) and that it has a programmable timer (up to 9 hours). Plus, it has a wood mantel that is perfect for displaying seasonal decor or other small items. It comes with a remote and is CSA-certified. This unit doesn’t offer automatic tip-over shutoff, but since it’s so sturdy, we think it would be hard to knock over.

We didn't feel any heat from this fireplace more than three feet away; therefore, we wouldn't recommend it as a powerful heater for a large space. However, this is an excellent option if you love the classic stone fireplace style and want to enjoy the ambiance of the flames year-round in a smaller amount of square footage.

_{Dimensions: 36 x 34 x 11.5 inches |Weight: 72.6 pounds | Heat Output:3400 BTUs | Wattage: 1000W | Coverage Area:1000 square feet |Mount Type: Freestanding |}

_{Number of Heat Settings:| Safety Features: CSA certified}

If you lack floor space, this wall-mounted electric fireplace has a sleek look and space-saving functionality. It's adjustable, flickering LED flames create a realistic look. This unit is equipped with a powerful 5,118-BTU heater and is best suited for rooms up to 400 square feet (about the size of a two-car garage). It offers great safety features, including a timer, safety stop, and thermal overload protection. For added convenience, it also includes a remote control.

Although this is the only electric fireplace we have not tested in our lab, based on our research, we think it's easy to install and looks great. We also like that it is available in four frame styles: white, black, mirrored, and stainless steel.

The one major drawback is although you can adjust the brightness, this fireplace doesn’t produce multicolor flames (although most products in this list don’t). But it’s a great option if you like a modern aesthetic and want to utilize wall space.

_{Dimensions: 50.38 X 5.38 x 21.63 inches |Weight: 46 pounds | Heat Output:5118 BTUs |Wattage: 1500 | Coverage Area:400 square feet |Mount Type:Wall-Mounted |Number of Heat Settings: 2 | Safety Features: Automatic safety shut off, Thermal Overload Protection, ETL listed}

Final Verdict

After testing 23 electric fireplace heaters in our lab, our best overall pick is the Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace. It provides enough heat for small- to medium-sized rooms and has realistic flames, as well as three windows, so more people in the room can enjoy the ambiance. It continues to stand out above the rest, even after months of testing. We also love the Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, our best stove pick, and one of our favorite heaters we've ever tested. It has many of the same features as our best overall, as well as a remote.

Testing the Best Electric Fireplaces for Design and Ease of Use

FAQ

• How much electricity do electric fireplace heaters use?

  If you know how many watts the heater draws per hour, you can determine how much it costs to run it. Electric fireplace heaters generally use 1,000 to 1,500 watts per hour, but some models might also be equipped with a low, 750-watt setting. Multiply the wattage per hour by how many hours each day you plan to operate your electric fireplace heater. Then, multiply this number by 30, then by 1,000. This gives you the total kilowatt-hours of energy the heater uses in a month. On your utility bill, check the cost per kilowatt-hour to estimate the cost of using the electric fireplace heater.

• Do electric fireplaces need a vent?

  No, electric fireplace heaters do not require vents. They do not burn any type of fuel, so there is no exhaust that needs to be vented. On the other hand, a vent is necessary for the safe expulsion of emissions from conventional fireplaces that burn gas or wood.

• How big a room does an electric fireplace heat?

  Most electric fireplace heaters with 1,000-watt heaters can warm rooms up to about 400 square feet (about the size of a two-car garage). Electric fireplaces with more powerful 1,500-watt heaters may be able to warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet in size (two and a half two-car garages).