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When the weather outside is frightful, stay cozy with these top models.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
We evaluated each electric fireplace based onheating performance, noise, design,andsafety.
For more on how we tested electric fireplaces, seeour testing processbelow.
Theres not too much of a noticeable change between the temperature options.
Credit: Amazon
Overall, the best electric fireplace is this compact choice from Costway.
Its got an overheat protection feature for safety and is sturdy enough to stay in place even when bumped.
The unit is small but it did put out a lot of heat during testing.
The Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace remained cool to the touch while running.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
However, we didnt detect much of a change between the temperature controls.
The flames move and have give off a nice orange glow without being too bright and fake.
Want ambiance without the heat?
The mantel cant hold more than 30 pounds.
Anatural wood mantelhelps ensure this 5100 BTU Real Flame fireplace looks like the real deal.
The mantel is spacious enough to decorate with trinkets, books, or Christmas stockings.
It has an impressive heat output up to 1000 feet and a beautiful flame display in six colors.
We found it convenient to usesettings are controlled via a remote and a touch screen on the fireplace.
The remote works up to 15 or 20 feet away.
However, the fireplace is really heavy, so you cant move it around even though its freestanding.
Its a very basic unit with only one heat setting and no remote.
The fireplace is no-frills, with only one heat setting and no remote control or timer prefs.
With a listed heating range of 400 square feet, thats to be expected.
The heater automatically shuts off after three minutes once it reaches 99 degrees.
While the instructions were straightforward, it took us several hours to install.
The crackling sound effects sounded too fake to us.
There are nine heat configs, allowing you to set the temperature between 60F and 99F.
We noticed a substantial difference between these tweaks, which we appreciated.
We liked the addition of faux birch logs and dainty acrylic crystals for additional ambiance.
The optional crackling sound effects are a nice touch for making it seem even more like a real fireplace.
However, the noises sounded a bit too contrived in our opinion.
Had we chosen to hardwire the unit, it would have seemed even more daunting.
Not only does it look and feel like the real deal, but its compact and easy to move.
For a more traditional option, theReal Flame Anikahas a nice wood mantle.
We also noted if the heater continued to radiate warmth after being turned off and if it became overheated.
Design was another key factor.
We measured ease of use based on how simple it was to operate and adjust options.
Finally, we considered the value of each fireplace.
When choosing the best electric fireplace for your home, be sure to measure the space its going in.
The electric fireplaces we tested were designed to warm rooms between 400 and 1,000 square feet.
Credit: Wayfair
Total BTUs
Btu stands for British thermal unit.
Its often used to define output for bothheating and cooling systems.
We found it pretty stylish, but would have liked the heating vents and controls to be hidden.
The Real Flame Anika Electric Fireplace remote works up to 15 or 20 feet away from the unit.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Kaylene Reyhons
It performed well in our tests, offering heat and realistic-looking flames in several colors.
you’re able to control prefs with a remote or buttons on the unit.
Your Questions, Answered
How do electric fireplaces give off heat?
Though an electric fireplace might have flickering flames, its obviously not the same as a real fireplace.
With an electric fireplace, heat is produced when a fan blows air over a heating element.
Many electric fireplaces feature various controls, which you could adjust much like you would a thermostat.
The furthest distance we felt the heat from the fireplaces during testing was between 3 to 27 feet.
Are electric fireplaces safe to use?
Consideration should be given to where the electric fireplace will be installed and used, they said.
“Adequate space and care should be given for proper installation, including any wiring or cords.
How much electricity does an electric fireplace use?
This depends on its wattage and how long it’s in use.
Will an electric fireplace impact your homes value?
Because electric fireplace enhance a homes aesthetics, typically ahome’s resale valuewill increase.
Do electric fireplaces really warm up a room?
According to Meagher, Btus are important to assess heating capabilities.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Walmart
The Mainstays Farmhouse Fireplace TV Stand is wide enough to hold a flat screen.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Andrea Tenborg
Credit: Amazon
We opted to mount the Turbo Infrared Electric Fireplace, which can also be recessed into the wall.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Lisa Noah
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
