What could be better than sipping hot chocolate while sitting in front of a warm, roaring fire in the cold winter months or chilly fall evenings and watching your favorite movie? Or relaxing in the summer with an iced tea as you watch your favorite game on the TV in front of a comforting glow of fire minus heat? These would absolutely be the most thrilling and memorable moments in your life! Good news: You can create these moments without undergoing the hassle of a traditional wood fireplace, thanks to the best electric fireplace.
100% safe to use, cheap to maintain, more energy efficient, and highly affordable, electric fireplaces are slowly becoming a favorite for ALL households. With unique designs and remarkable simulated fire appearances, the modern fireplaces inject new style and ambiance to your home for a more luxurious look.
How Do Electric Fireplaces Work?
Electric fireplaces are more flexible than traditional wood or gas-burning fireplaces. This makes them ideal on a cold winter’s night for enjoyment with your loved ones. A freestanding fireplace replaces wood or gas-burning unit with a smoke-less and greener version.
Electric fireplaces function by sucking in cold air, heating it internally using a heating coil and gently forcing the warm air back out into the room through a fan. It works the same way as a hairdryer does. Some electric freestanding fireplaces also use infrared technology that heats objects within a room.
Electric fireplaces provide auxiliary heating for rooms that measure 400 square feet in size. All-electric models give customers the control of the heating elements and the flame effect. Thus electric fireplaces can provide an excellent and adjustable flame without heat, and it can be enjoyed all year round.
Many classic flame electric fireplace manufacturers use advanced matching technology in reproducing realistic fire glow, and the popularity of these space heaters have spread across the United States and Canada. Electric fireplaces are safer compared to wood and gas-fired fireplaces.
If you don’t have enough time to read the whole article, here’s our top 5 best electric fireplaces for you:
But unless you purchase the right electric fireplace, you’ll never enjoy the warmth, comfort, and style of these units.
That’s why we have made up a list of the top electric fireplaces on the market today, reviewed by the industry expert.
We’ll discover these top-rated electric fireplaces in a few moments…
But before that:
What To Look For Before Getting The Best Electric Fireplace Heater?
As usual, we start by enlightening you on some important things you should always look for when purchasing an electric fireplace. Features make a product. The better the features, the more efficient the product proves to be.
Check the primary feature that will lead you to your ideal electric fireplace:
1. Heating Capacity
The main reason why you’re looking for a great electric fireplace is to warm up your room and house. If the fireplace you’re planning to buy does not perform this tasks efficiently, then it’s not worth investing your hard-earned money on.
After all, the primary reason for the construction of that fireplace was to produce sufficient heat to meet your room heating needs. Different electric fireplaces come with different heating capabilities.
Always make sure that the device you are buying has the best heat capacity that goes in line with the needs of your family.
2. Ease of Installation
You want to buy an electric fireplace, head straight to your home and put it into action. Unfortunately, if you purchase a system that gives you a headache on the installation part, things might not go as you wanted them to.
But you can avoid this by buying an easy to install unit that does not make your spend whole day put it into place. Ensure you go for the electric fireplaces that fit easily and smoothly, without much effort.
Most of the units available today comes with the necessary mounting hardware and a list of well-outlined instructions on how you can get the thing ready in a matter of minutes.
Wall-mounted electric fireplace models do not require much installation job. They don’t demand that you reconstruct the wall you hang them on or a major remodeling of your house.
3. Safety Comes First!
Yes, your safety and that of your entire family is another major course for concern when it comes to buying your electric fireplace.
A unit might come with all the features and design of your dream electric fireplace, but if it works in a way that puts the life of the use at risk- that automatically becomes its demarketing effect.
You don’t want to get hurt yourself or your children and pets to get hurt when operating the unit without your assistance. And you can avoid this by looking for units that mind your safety; units that are 100% safe to the touch!
4. Energy Efficient
This is a no-brainer. How much power does the unit you’re planning to buy consume? Have you confirmed the manufacturer’s claims with the reviews of the previous users of that unit? Of course, an ideal unit should consume energy efficiently.
Let it not be a liability that keeps n raising your energy bill every single bill. Rather, it should be a valuable asset that heats up your room allowing you to realize huge savings on the amount of cash you spend on energy annually (at least up to 50% energy saving in most cases).
More factors to keep in mind while searching the market for an ideal electric fireplace…
- Warranty and support are important. Most of these units come with a one year warranty. Some manufacturers also their product warranty at an extra fee at the time you buy. When your unit develops problems, you want to ask for assistance from the manufacturer and get a response as fast as possible. Make sure the support is also reliable
- The size of your electric fireplace matters a lot. The size of your unit should be directly dependent on the size of the room you wish to install it in. These smokeless fireplaces come in various heights and widths. So, taking the measurements of your home space beforehand will be f great help
- Does the system have an EPA approval? Of course, it should have this one to show that it meets all the emission specifications and requirements set by EPA
- Cast iron doors work best. This goes for the electric fireplace inserts. Though most of the modern inserts bear iron, this is an important consideration given that cast iron resists heat more efficiently
- Leaving you in a safe and serene environment
- Pick an easy to use the unit. There are incredibly easy to use units that come with three settings only
- High, Low and Off. Such devices can be operated by everyone, including a two-year-old kid.-Your unit should be easy to maintain
- Affordability is another key factor to consider if you plan to introduce an electric fireplace to your home. Different units come with varied prices and, you’ll acquire one that matches your budget
- Be sure to buy your product from reliable manufacturers only. This helps ensure that you’re purchasing a reliable unit that will serve you for many years.
- If you plan to use your electric fireplace in different rooms, why don’t you consider a portable model that you can shift from one area to another without much hassle?
- Lastly, talk to an expert! Consider taking your floor plan (with some photos and measurements of your home space) to your nearest dealer. They might help you calculate the heating capacity that will suit your home as well as the best options to buy.
Electric Fireplace Reviews:
So far so good.
At this point, I’ll take you straight to our list of Top-Notch electric fireplaces that are ruling the market.
Here we go:
1. Best Electric Fireplace TV Stand Reviews
Altra Furniture Carson Fireplace TV Console, 70″, Cherry/Black
Time to give your entertainment space a new life with the great looking Altra Furniture Carson Fireplace TV Stand!
Designed to hold up to 70inches screen TVs (or 135pounds maximum weight), this stand is a sure way to introduce a sleek, stylish look in your entertainment space. Aside from it also acts a top quality electric fireplace that lets you warm yourself up when the need arises.
The TV stand also works as a great platform to showcase your home theater system. It features numerous, well-built shelves where you can put various audio components.
There are two side cabinets for additional concealed space where you can store your movies, video games, music, gaming controllers, and other items you might have.
The fact that this unit comes with large holes at the back part means you can pass your TV wires quickly and neatly- keeping your components tangle-free!
The ultra-clean lines of this TV stand (and an electric fireplace too) combines with the two-tone cherry/black finish to give it an eye-catching look. Add the metal accents, and this unit stands out in your room! No question, this one one of the best electric fireplaces sold today.
Highlighted Features:
- An electric fireplace that allows you to warm your home
- Accommodates flat-panel TVs of up to 70 inches or a weight of around135pounds
- Enjoy the ambiance of flame with/without heat
- Generates a realistic flame, thanks to the Exclusive Altra Flame inbuilt reflectors that uses patented technology
- Comes with long-lasting LED light sources- up to 500,000 hours of excellent service
- Eye-catching design that makes your room stand out
- Extremely easy to assemble (with the help of a clearly outlined user manual)
Walker Edison W58FP18ES Fireplace TV Stand
Manufactured by Walker Edison, the W58FP18ES Fireplace TV Stand allows you to warm your entertaining space in any room in your home. The wooden media stand not only comes with an electric fireplace but is also a great TV stand that makes your entertainment the talk of the estate. The unit is crafted using the high-grade MDF plus a long-lasting laminate finish that gives it a nice looking and professional appearance.
The active materials sued to bud the stand also enable it to hold flat screen TVs’ of up to 60 inches! In addition to this, you can also store other items such as video games, movies, music, game controllers, and so much, thanks to the multiple compartments that surround the stand. The stand can hold up to 250lbs of weight, including your TV.
And when the fireplace is ON, the unit’s blower transfers all the heat generated towards your room without heating the console. So, don’t worry about your TV and other media components getting heated up in the process.
The Espresso finish TV stand arrives at your doorstep with a step-by-step guide on how to assembly without the help of an expert. The unit is incredibly easy to use. The realistic flame gives your romantic room appearance.
Highlighted Features:
- Rich, textured finish
- Constructed from High-grade MDF and a durable laminate finish
- Supports up to 250 pounds
- Comes with an electric fireplace insert
- Easy to install and use as 1-2-3; no electrician required. Simple plug-in unit-Ample storage space
- Comes with a step-by-step assembly guide
- Accommodates many TV sizes- up to 60 inches-Enjoy adjustable shelving
- The Espresso finish makes your home look more luxurious and cozy
Claremont Convertible Media Electric Fireplace
Claremont Convertible Media Electric Fireplace is specially designed for all entertainment enthusiasts out there. It’s capable of holding flat-panel TVs up to 50 inches, and a total weight of 85lbs. It features triangular shelves (enclosed by glass doors) for media storage on either side of the firebox. These offer you unlimited space for storing all your best media selections.
Directly above the firebox of this amazing TV stands, you’ll discover an extra shelf that comes with convenient back wall cord access. Interestingly, the unit’s mantel features a collapsible panel, advocating for versatile placement against flat walls or corners in your home.
The effortless ambiance is what you get from this unit. Claremont Convertible Media Electric Fireplace enables you to remodel your home without any mess or expense instantly.
The electric fireplace introduces instant ambiance and well-regulated warmth to any space. And you don’t need the help of any technician to install or operate it. The firebox’s front measures 23”Wx20” H. It displays a realistic flame with long-lasting LED lights.
You can opt to use the stand with or without generating any warmth. And if you’re creating heat, it allows you to adjust the flame brightness (giving your room the ideal ambiance).
Highlighted Features:
- The ivory finish makes your house more welcoming
- Easy to operate, adjustable thermostat
- Comes with a safety thermal overload protector
- Adjustable flame brightness
- Realistic flickering flame effect
- Mantel supports approximately 85lbs
- Environmental friendly
- No consumption of woods or fuel
- 100% energy efficient; low maintenance costs
- Remote control (2 AAA batteries needed)
- Accommodates flat-panel TVs of up to 50″
Pleasant Hearth 248-44-34M Elliot Media Fireplace
Pleasant Hearth 248-44-34M Elliot Media Fireplace is one of the best media place plus electric fireplace combinations that will bring the heat, style, and ambiance to any room in your house.
The vent-free firebox has all the perks of a complete electric fireplace aside from being a media cabinet and a great TV stand. It fits up to 50-inch flat-panel TVs.
The curved firebox generates a real-life flame, with some glowing logs and ember bed. Your entertainment space has never been this attractive! It comes with a 4,600 BTU’s fan forced-air heater that efficiently heats up to 400 Sq. Ft space.
That the unit allows you to concentrate heat to where you want it, you can save much energy (and much cash).
With this system, you’ll enjoy up to 11 heating levels and three flame settings that let you set the ideal warmth and brightness for your room. It even allows you to turn on the flame without generating heating and enjoy a nice ambiance all year round!
At the front part of this great unit, there lies an LCD control panel (back-lit) that provides you with timer and temperature functions to make the operation of the entire system as easy as you can imagine.
You’ll even be privileged to use the multi-functional remote control that lets you operate your Pleasant Hearth 248-44-34M Elliot Media Fireplace from across all rooms.
With the electric timer, you can set the unit t shut off automatically from 30minutes- 9 hours. The front tampered glass panel that remains cool to the touch ensures your safety as well as that of your kids and pets.
Highlighted Feature:
- Merlot finish gives the unit an attractive overall design
- Heats up to 400 square feet
- A great media cabinet that comes with numerous storage shelves
- A remote control that allows you to adjust the unit’s timer and temperature settings easily
- Offers you sufficient space for placing decorative items as well as media accessories
- Compatible with various flat screen TV’s- up to 50.”
Altra Furniture Manchester TV Stand with Fireplace, 70″, Black