The Best Electric Fireplaces for 2021
/For this post, I have put together a collection of the best electric fireplaces currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the PuraFlame Western because it features a realistic flame effect, 1500W fan heater, and remote control.
An electric fireplace is a quick way to add the appearance of a traditional fireplace without the need for installing gas lines or adding a chimney. Most of the units simply plug into a standard wall outlet, making installation quick and easy.
The flame effect is created by projecting and reflecting light, the specific method will vary depending on the manufacturer. Most models include an electric fan heater that can provide supplemental heat to a room.
There are two main types of electric fireplaces to consider: insert and freestanding.
Insert
The insert type is mounted in an existing fireplace opening as part of a conversion or recessed into a wall. These are typically 33 inches wide for a standard square design or 50 inches wide for a contemporary appearance. This type will require more steps for installation than a freestanding unit, however, it does provide the fireplace presence while taking up minimal space within a room.
Freestanding
The freestanding versions are typically mounted in a mantle frame or as a unit with a traditional wood stove look. Some of the unit options can also function as a TV stand for an integrated appearance. The freestanding type is usually simpler to install than an insert since it just requires placing it within a room, however, it will take up more space.
RELATED:
The 10 Best Propane Heaters
The 10 Best Window Fans
The following electric fireplaces use innovative techniques to create a realistic fire appearance.
So here is my list of The Best Electric Fireplaces for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: PuraFlame Western 33” Electric Fireplace
The PuraFlame Western 33 inch electric fireplace insert features an adjustable intensity realistic flame effect with a fan heater.
Equipped with a 750/1,500 watt fan heater that can be controlled separately from the flame effects.
Provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.
Features realistic resin logs and along with a faux ember bed.
Features a three-sided brick wall interior.
Equipped with electronic temperature control for precise adjustments.
Includes a remote to control the fireplace from anywhere in the room.
Plugs into a standard outlet for simple installation.
Check out this quick unboxing and demonstration video of the PuraFlame Western:
Runner-up: Duraflame DFI-5010-01 3D Electric Fireplace
The Duraflame DFI-5010-01 features a 5,200 BTU heater that can provide supplemental warmth to a room up to 1,000 square feet.
Equipped with an infrared quartz heat system to help maintain the natural humidity in the air.
Includes a realistic layered 3D flame effect than can function with or without heat.
Features a metal body for durability.
Equipped with an adjustable thermostat and remote control.
Features a beveled glass door with side windows
Best Premium Option: Touchstone 80004 50” Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone 80004 features a 1,500 watt heater that can provide supplemental warmth to rooms up to 400 square feet.
Features two heater temperature settings: high and low.
Creates realistic flames with five different fire levels: ranging from a fire appearance to a soft ember glow.
Includes multiple color modes
Offers the ability to turn on the flames without using the heat.
Equipped with a remote to control both the heat and flame settings.
Includes a timer that shuts of the unit from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.
Best Rustic Design: TURBRO Suburbs TS20 Electric Fireplace
The TURBRO Suburbs TS20 features a rustic design with panoramic viewing glass.
Features a thermostat with a temperature range from 68 to 95 degrees F.
Equipped with a 1400 watt heater.
Includes an automatic off function in the event of overheating.
Maintains a cool outer surface while operating.
Best Modern Design: PuraFlame Alice 50” Electric Fireplace
The PuraFlame Alice 50” electric fireplace features a thermostat with a temperature range from 61 to 82 degrees F.
Equipped with a heater that can provide supplemental warmth for rooms up to 400 square feet.
Features two heat settings: high (1500W) and low (750W).
Includes four flame color settings.
Offers the ability to operate the flames with or without heat.
Includes a timer that can be set from 30 minutes up to 9 hours.
Features either a plug-in or hard-wire connection.
Best Flame Options: R.W.FLAME 50” Electric Fireplace
The R.W.FLAME 50” electric fireplace can provide supplemental heating for up to 400 square feet.
Includes a 750/1,500 watt heater.
Offers 12 color modes for the flames and flame bed.
Features a timer that can be set from 1 to 8 hours.
Includes five flame brightness levels.
Equipped with five flame speed modes.
Includes a sleep mode that dims the lights while heating.
Best Value: Homedex 50" Electric Fireplace
The Homedex 50” electric fireplace features nine different color settings.
Includes a 750/1,500 watt fan heater with a thermostat range from 62 to 82 degrees F.
Provides supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet.
Includes five flame intensities.
Offers the ability to operate the flame effect with or without heat.
Equipped with a timer that can be set from 1 to 8 hours.
Features a touch panel to adjust settings.
Includes a remote control.
Best Standard Gas Fireplace Replacement: R.W.FLAME 36" Electric Fireplace
The R.W.FLAME 36" electric fireplace features five flame and burning log color modes.
Equipped with realistic-looking flames.
Features red, yellow, orange, blue, and automatic color modes.
Includes a touch panel to control the settings.
Features a timer that can be set from 1 to 8 hours to shut the unit off.
Includes a sleep mode that dims the lights while heating.
Equipped with a remote control to change the settings from across the room.
Best TV Console Combo: Ameriwood Home Brooklyn Electric Fireplace
The Ameriwood Home Brooklyn electric fireplace features a multi-purpose design.
Equipped with a heater that can provide supplemental warmth for rooms up to 400 square feet.
Functions as a TV console that can support up to a 50” flat-screen.
Includes two glass panel doors that open up to two adjustable shelves.
Offers the ability to operate the flames with or without heat.
Includes an open shelf area below the top surface for storage and TV accessories.
Features an LED light source lasts up to 50,000 hours
Best Budget Option: Tangkula 36" Electric Fireplace
The Tangkula 36" electric fireplace features a 750W/1500 watt heater with a temperature range of 62 to 82 degrees F.
Features a realistic flame appearance with nine flame color options.
Offers five flame brightness settings ranging from dim to full glow.
Includes a built-in timer that can be set from 1 to 8 hours.
Features overheat protection that automatically turns it off if the temperature gets too high.
Installs as either a wall mount or insert.
Features touch screen controls along with a remote for easy adjustments.
I hope this list of the best electric fireplaces was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C