Electric fireplaces offer the same look and heating properties as wood- or gas-burning fireplaces while being quick and easy to install and relatively maintenance-free! Whether you're looking for an electric insert or log set to put in an existing fireplace or want the full fireplace mantel package, we've got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best electric fireplace for your home, including how to determine the best heat output for your square footage.

What Is an Electric Fireplace?
Benefits of an Electric Fireplace
Types of Electric Fireplaces
How Much Heat Do Electric Fireplaces Produce?
Electric Fireplace Features

What Is an Electric Fireplace?

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Electric fireplaces are plug-in heaters that mimic the look and feel of real fire while remaining smoke-free and safe to use. These are sought-after alternatives to gas and wood fireplaces, which require venting and frequent maintenance. Compare your options in Gas vs. Electric Fireplace: Which Is Best For Your Home?.

How Do Electric Fireplaces Work?

Electric fireplaces plug into standard household outlets (120V, 240V). They typically have a switch or a remote control that allows you to turn the fireplace on and off. Since electric fireplaces are flameless, they instead use internal mechanisms to draw in cool air from the surrounding room, convert it into warm air, and release it back out. You may also be able to turn off the heat setting while keeping the flame image display on for a comforting look without the added heat.

Do Electric Fireplaces Need to be Vented?

Nope! You don't have to worry about venting an electric fireplace because they aren't actually burning any fuel like gas or wood fireplaces.

Where Should I Install an Electric Fireplace?

You can install an electric fireplace anywhere near an indoor standard household outlet (120V, 240V). Unless specified by the manufacturer, you can usually put electric fireplaces right up against walls or near furnishings without worrying about potential clearance space, since there's no flames involved. Check the manufacturer's instructions to be sure it’s okay with your specific fireplace.

Tip!

Get more guidance on measuring for a fireplace in our fireplace measurement guide or get more inspiration for where to install them with these Electric Fireplace Ideas to Warm Up Your Home Design.

Benefits of an Electric Fireplace

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Wondering if an electric fireplace is the best heating option for your space? Review this section to explore all the potential benefits that come with choosing an electric fireplace model:

Safety

Nothing is actually burning inside of an electric fireplace, which means they don't produce any of the hazards associated with real or gas fireplaces, including sparks, smoke, or chemical fumes. Most electric fireplaces are safe to use around children and pets because there isn't the concern of open flames like with wood or gas fireplaces.

Versatile

Because all electric fireplaces really need for installation is an electrical outlet, you have a lot of freedom with where you can place them. Many people choose to use an old fireplace mantel to house their new electric fireplace, but you can place an electric fireplace and mantel package or a wall-mounted variety in any room in your home without worry – you can even install one under a TV! An electric fireplace is perfect if you live in an apartment because you can use an electric fireplace freely in locations that don't allow gas or wood-burning fireplaces (like rentals). Many electric fireplaces also come with an option to adjust the heat output or to turn off the heat setting altogether while still enjoying the look of a cozy fire. This means you can use one year-round, even during a hot summer.

Cost- & Energy-Efficiency

Due to their ease of installation and lack of supplementary materials (like gas, wood, etc.), electric fireplaces are some of the most cost-efficient fireplaces available. Electric fireplaces also allow you to effectively heat certain areas of your home that you use the most while keeping your central heating low, which can help you save on your monthly electricity bill. Don't worry about the fireplace itself contributing to your energy bills – the best electric fireplaces may only contribute a few dollars to your monthly bill.

Low-Maintenance & Long-Lasting

With an electric fireplace, there's no need to get on your hands and knees to sweep up soot and ash. You also won't need to spend any time cleaning around the fireplace rim or worrying about smoke control. Electric fireplaces require little to no maintenance and can last you years.

Types of Electric Fireplaces

The best electric fireplace for you will be different depending on your personal style, space, and any existing fireplace components you already have in your home (like a fireplace alcove and/or mantel surrounds). Explore these electric fireplace options to determine the best style for your space.

Wall-Mounted: Ultra-modern in design, wall-mounted electric fireplaces are either installed directly onto (surface-mounted) or into the wall (recessed). Surface-mounted electric fireplaces are quick to hang up, while recessed models offer a more built-in look. Both of these wall-mounted electric fireplace options save space while providing cozy vibes to any room in your home.

Insert: Already have a fireplace and mantel? Fill it with an electric fireplace insert that was designed for that empty space. The dimensions of these fireplace inserts match the dimensions of standard fireplace alcoves for a snug fit. Be sure to measure your fireplace's dimensions and check the Weights & Dimensions tab of the products you like to see if they're compatible before you buy.

Fireplace & Mantel Package: If you purchase one of these packages, you'll receive a mantel with an embedded electric fireplace. Electric fireplace and mantel packages are the best options if you aren't sure how to incorporate a fireplace into your space. This is because they come with everything you need for a freestanding fireplace, including a mantel shelf and fireplace surrounds!

Stove: There's nothing quite like the quaint, antique-inspired look of a freestanding fireplace stove. Electric fireplace stoves create the look of a wood-burning stove that belongs in a cozy cabin or farmhouse – just plug it into a standard household outlet! These types of electric fireplaces are also great for smaller spaces because of their compact, mantel-free designs.

Log Set: If you love the look of a wood-burning fireplace minus the smoke and maintenance, an electric log set is exactly what you need. These faux logs plug into a standard outlet and are designed to go inside an existing fireplace alcove, and they glow just like the real thing. These sets have a metal base, usually designed to look like a fireplace grate, with faux logs stacked on top. They aren't just for show – just like other electric fireplace types, electric log sets do produce real heat!

How Much Heat Do Electric Fireplaces Produce?

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So, do electric fireplaces give off heat? The answer is absolutely yes! Electric fireplaces can produce heat for spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft., unless programmed to heat larger spaces. They typically have the power to output 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, but there are a variety of options that have higher heat output capacities.

BTU stands for British thermal units. It measures how much heat you need to increase the temperature of 1 lb. of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. You can determine the optimal BTU output for an electric fireplace by multiplying the designated room's total square footage by 20 BTUs. In A/C and heating systems, one square foot equals 20 BTU outputs. Review How to Calculate Square Footage for Rooms to determine the total square footage of the room where you want to put an electric fireplace. Then jump to the next section to browse electric fireplace heat output by sq. ft. or by the corresponding BTU outputs.

Electric Fireplace Heat Output Ranges

Wayfair sells electric fireplaces by the area (in sq. ft.) they can effectively heat. Be sure to pay attention to this metric to ensure that you purchase an electric fireplace that can adequately heat your space. Choosing an electric fireplace with a heat output that corresponds to your room size can help reduce energy bills and ensure your room isn't over- or under-heated.

Decorative: No heat.

Small: Rooms between 0–250 sq. ft.

Medium: Rooms between 250–400 sq. ft.

Large: Rooms between 400–1,000 sq. ft.

Extra-Large: Spaces over 1,000 sq. ft.

Electric Fireplace Features

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With a better idea of how to choose an electric fireplace that meets your heating needs, check out these cool features to enhance your fireplace's aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Multicolor Flame: In addition to replicating the look of real fire, electric fireplaces can go a step further to create dazzling displays that transcend realism. We're talking about multicolor flames in gorgeous, vibrant hues of purple, blue, green, and more. These electric fireplaces can provide endless intrigue and fun that kids and guests will love.

LED Flame: With LED lights, electric fireplaces can create flames that flicker just like the real thing. LEDs are also an efficient alternative to more traditional light bulbs. If you're looking for a realistic electric alternative to a traditional fireplace, LED fireplaces are the best electric fireplaces to go with.

Adjustable Thermostat: For ultimate versatility, opt for an electric fireplace that allows you to adjust its temperature with a thermostat. You can use these electric fireplaces year-round because you can simply lower or raise the temperature in accordance with the weather. You can also go with a model that has a "flame without heat" setting for when you just want the look of a fire.

Infrared Heating: Traditional electric heaters work by heating and convecting the air around them. Infrared heaters use radiation to raise the heat of the objects around them (furniture, walls, even people). Those objects then emanate their own heat, which efficiently heats the entire room. Infrared electric fireplaces are quiet and don't require time to warm up like other electric heaters do.

Remote Control: One of the most convenient features of some electric fireplaces is their remote control compatibility. With a remote control, you can turn your electric fireplace on or off, adjust its heat settings, and more from the comfort of your sofa.

Tip!

Take things up a notch by going with an electric fireplace that can connect to a smartphone or other smart devices so you can control fireplace functions by accessing an app or saying a command.

Storage/Bookshelves: Make the most of your electric fireplace and mantel package by purchasing a model that comes with built-in storage features, including bookshelves and cabinets. These storage-included electric fireplaces are optimal if you live in a smaller space but still want the traditional fireplace mantel look – their storage components will make up for the lost floor space.

Safety Shutoff: Electric fireplaces with a safety shutoff feature will automatically turn the fireplace off if it breaches an unsafe temperature.

Cool Touch: If you have little ones or curious pets, consider a cool touch electric fireplace. These fireplaces are specifically designed to produce heat without overheating fireplace components like grates or glass covers that could otherwise cause burns.

Tip!

Looking for the benefits of an electric fireplace, but missing the outlet? Try a gel or bioethanol fireplace for another eco-friendly alternative to gas or wood fireplaces. Just like electric fireplaces, they don't create soot, require a chimney or vents, or release potentially harmful gases or chemicals. Unlike electric fireplaces, you don't need to plug them into an electricity source. To ignite a flame in this type of fireplace, you need to fill the burner space with the appropriate amount of gel or bioethanol fuel and use a fire starter.

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Now that you know how to choose the best electric fireplace for you, start shopping!