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When the weather outdoors is frightful , persist cosy with these top models .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Is there anything good than a fireplace for adding warmth and ambience to a elbow room ? A log - fueledstone hearthwith a mantle might first number to mind , but if your blank space does n’t have that traditional setup , an electric fireplace can do quite nicely .
“ When used and put in decent , galvanising fireplaces are safe to expend at home , ” say a spokesperson from theU.S. Fire Administration . It is important to determine that all cords , connections , wires , and outlets are in proper work order to maintain safe while they are in use .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Since there are no undecided flames and the heating plant ingredient are insert , electric open fireplace can be great for those with small children or ducky at home . “ Electric fireplaces are very standardized toother place hummer , so we would evoke readers refer toUSFA ’s web site " the U.S. Fire Administration spokesperson says .
What We Tested
To observe the best electric fireplaces , we tried 23 fashion at our Des Moines , Iowa , examination laboratory . We evaluated each electrical fireplace base onheating operation , noise , innovation , andsafety . For more on how we prove electrical open fireplace , seeour testing processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Costway Freestanding Electric Fireplace
The fire await naturalistic and can be turn on even without the bullet .
There ’s not too much of a detectable change between the temperature configurations .
Overall , the best galvanic open fireplace is this compact choice from Costway . The unit look like a much heavier iron hearth , but you may easily move this unit wherever you want theglow of warmthin your distance . During testing , we obtain it was well-heeled to set it up as all that was needed was a screwdriver to attach the legs .
Credit: Amazon
The CSA - attest whole is cool to the touch , so you could even use the top as asurface for decor . It ’s acquire an overheat protective cover feature for safety and is sturdy enough to remain in place even when bumped . The unit is small but it did put out a fortune of heat during testing . However , we did n’t detect much of a variety between the temperature options .
The flames move and have give off a dainty orange glow without being too lustrous and fake . There ’s a three - sided view , so you may see the flaming “ dancing ” from multiple directions . Want ambience without the heat ? you could turn on the fire result severally from the heating element , making it a great value for year - round purpose .
Product Details : Dimensions:20 x 11 x 23 column inch |Area Heated : Not listed |Total BTU:4,777 BTU |Temperature Range:68 - 95 ° F
The Costway 20-Inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace remained cool to the touch while running.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Key Terms to Know
Best with Mantel
Real Flame Anika Electric Fireplace
We felt the heat in all corner of the elbow room and even in next rooms thanks to impressive heat yield .
The mantel ca n’t hold more than 30 pound .
Anatural forest mantelhelps check this 5100 BTU Real Flame open fireplace looks like the substantial deal . The mantel is roomy enough to adorn with trinkets , books , or Christmas stockings . It has an telling heat yield up to 1000 feet and a beautiful fire presentation in six colors .
During testing , we feel the heat in all corners of the elbow room , and even in the next rooms of our menage . We found it commodious to use — options are controlled via a remote and a contact sieve on the fireplace . The distant work up to 15 or 20 feet aside .
It is also CSA certify and FCC - compliant , with two anti - topple guard devices and an automatic shutoff that made us sense safe putting it to use in our home plate . However , the fireplace is really operose , so you ca n’t move it around even though it ’s freestanding .
While this is the good galvanizing fireplace for an inviting ambiance , it does n’t hail with any audible crackle burden , which we would have loved for even more realism , and the mantel ca n’t maintain more than 30 pounds , so it ’s best not toput a TV on it .
ware contingent : dimension : Area Heated : Up to 1000 feet|Total Btu:5100|Temperature Range:71 ℉ to 99 ℉
Best with TV Stand
Mainstays Farmhouse Fireplace TV Stand
Since it doubles as an entertainment centre and storage building block , it ’s multifunctional .
It ’s a very basic whole with only one heat setting and no remote .
If you ’d like to employ your electric open fireplace to display a television , this Mainstay option is wide of the mark enough tohold a flat - filmdom . Since it doubles as an entertainment center and storage selection , withshelved cabinetson either side , it serve well a form of routine .
The fireplace is no - frills , with only one heat setting and no remote ascendance or timekeeper preferences . We were impressed by the unit ’s design , specially for the price — the top piece is substantial wood , which makes it look a bit more premium , though the eternal rest is particle board .
It adequately warmed the orbit near the heater , but was n’t hefty enough to heat our entireopen design kitchenand animation room . With a list heating plant stove of 400 square foundation , that ’s to be expected . The heater mechanically shuts off after three minutes once it reach 99 degrees .
We like not worry about forgetting to turn it off , though we would have liked a timer option for upright ascendancy . While the instructions were square , it direct us several hours to install . We recollect the flames and log count obviously fake , but it still created a nice atmosphere in the way .
Product detail : Dimensions:50 x 15.5 x 30 inch |Area Heated:400 hearty feet |Total Btu : Not listed |Temperature Range : Up to 99 ℉
Best Insert
Turbo Infrared Electric Fireplace
It has a range of impressive features such as WiFi connectivity , nine warmth configurations , and 13 ember bed colors .
The crepitation sound effects sounded too bastard to us .
galvanic fireplace insertsare various since they can either be mount onto a bulwark or recessed into a wall or mantel . This option from Tubro yarn-dye us with its aerodynamic design , infrared heating , variety of circumstance , and realistic flames . We control how powerful it was during examination , as we felt the heating system up to 27 feet aside from the unit .
There are nine heat setting , allow you to set the temperature between 60 ℉ and 99 ℉ . We noticed a hearty deviation between these circumstance , which we appreciated . We like the increase of faux birch logs and dainty acrylic crystals for additional ambiance .
The unit total with Wifi so you could control it via remote , cellphone app , or a sassy equipment like Amazon Alexa — perfect for making certain your place is warm when you get home .
The optional crackling effectual effects are a nice speck for progress to it seem even more like a substantial fireplace . However , the randomness vocalise a piece too contrived in our opinion . you’re able to also change the flame ’s semblance , stop number , and brightness , choose from 13 coal seam colors , and set a timekeeper .
We did n’t observe it to be the most DIY - friendly of all the fireplaces we tested — finding studs in the wallwas a bite daunting , though we were ultimately capable to do it ourselves . Had we choose to hardwire the building block , it would have seemed even more intimidating .
On a prescribed note , the open fireplace seemed very secure , as it has a baby lock and the front deoxyephedrine stay cool while the warmth was on . It is available in six sizes , from 50 to 98 inches , so there are several option to choose from .
ware Details : Dimensions:4.6 x 50 x 18 inches |Area Heated:5118 square feet |Total Btu:5118 |Temperature Range:60 ℉ to 99 ℉
The Bottom Line
TheCostway 20 '' Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heatertopped our list of good electric fireplaces . Not only does it look and feel like the material trade , but it ’s stocky and easy to move . For a more traditional choice , theReal Flame Anikahas a nice wood mantle .
Our Testing Process
To find the best electrical open fireplace , we assay 29 models and used a bias methodological analysis to evaluate them . First , we installed the units at home , noting how hard the setup appendage was and whether we ground the instructions and let in material helpful .
We considered the number of and mogul of thetemperature preferences , heating area , and how quick the unit was able to warm a particular outer space . We also note if the fastball continued to radiate heat after being turned off and if it became overheated .
plan was another key component . We focused on thefireplace ’s overall way , plus how realistic the flames and any fake log or other details looked . We appear into whether brightness , color , and fire focal ratio could be correct , and evaluated extra features like timers , outside controls , and apps .
Credit: Wayfair
We measure ease of purpose based on how simple it was to operate and aline configurations . Safety was also top of nous during examination — we looked at whether the outside stayed coolheaded to the touch , and if the building block had overheat security or automatic shut - off . Finally , we turn over the value of each fireplace .
What To Know About Electric Fireplaces Before Shopping
Dimensions
Do you need your electric open fireplace to be portable , or do you desire to keep it stationary much like a traditional fireplace ? When choosing the best electric fireplace for your home , be sure to measure the space it ’s go in .
gravid unit will belike have to be mounted , so you ’ll need to ensure you have enough wall space to do that . If you go with a freestanding stylus , it ’s important that you leave enough space that you wo n’t bump into it often or that it wo n’t touch your piece of furniture , blankets , or anything else flammable .
Area Heated
The size of your distance is also crucial in learn the optimal galvanic fireplace for your motive when it come to the heating field . The electric fireplaces we tested were plan to fond rooms between 400 and 1,000 satisfying feet .
“ Beyond choose a smaller output unit of measurement for a diminished infinite , some product or manufacturers might admit some guidance on what size of it room or volume of space is most appropriate , ” said the interpreter from the U.S. Fire Administration .
Total BTUs
Btu bear for British thermal unit . It ’s often used to define output for bothheating and cooling arrangement . Generally , the larger the space you want to inflame ( or cool ) , the more Btus you want , but it is subjective , according to the voice from the U.S. Fire Administration .
“ Ideally , an electrical fireplace will not be used as a primary oestrus source but rather for ambience or temporary heat , ” they explicate . “ Regardless of the passion output , be indisputable to take a product that has been list or certified by a nationwide realize testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories ( UL ) , Canadian Standards Association ( CSA ) , etc . ”
Certifications
When shopping for electric open fireplace , consumer should look for models that are UL , ETL , or CSA certified which means that they have been tested and certified by a nationwide or internationally recognized examination lab .
“ disregardless of the heat production , be sure to select a product that has been listed or indorse by a nationally recognized examination laboratory such asUnderwriters Laboratories(UL ) [ and ] Canadian Standards Association ( CSA ) , ” says the representative from the U.S. Fire Administration .
CSA certificate , issued by the Canadian Standards Association , ensures that galvanising fireplaces are safe to practice , especially for the Canadian market , but is also recognized in the United States and other country . ETL is a safety certificationfrom Intertek .
The Real Flame Anika Electric Fireplace remote works up to 15 or 20 feet away from the unit.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Safety Features
For additional peace of head , look for galvanising fireplaces with features such as automatic shut - off timers , overheat protection , and cool - touch exteriors . Some models admit child guard lock as an additional precaution , which we propose for any home with small children or even to a fault curious pet .
galvanising fireplaces have no heart-to-heart flames , and they also eliminate therisk of accelerator leaksthat come withgas fireplaces , so they can be a safer option overall .
Placement
There is no estimable piazza toinstall an galvanic open fireplace — you may put it anywhere , provide that it ’s wired correctly . You ’ll likely want to rank it in “ an surface area of the home that homeowner apply to host , so usually hold out room , family rooms , and dining rooms , ” says electrical expertRyan Meagher , lead estimator at BVM Contracting .
Maintenance
Since they do n’t use fuel or firewood , electric fireplaces do n’t ask heavy - responsibility cleaning or maintenance like a gas or wood - burn hearth would . To ensure it stays in backsheesh - top condition , use amicrofiber clothto wipe down the exterior , as too much dust restricts airflow from the vents , which leads to overheating .
Keith Richardson , president of Arizona Fireplaces , says to make certain you replace the batteries in the remote control about once a year . “ Sometimes we get a call from a client stating their hearth is break when all they really needed was a new battery ! ” he says .
Others We Tested
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace
Though theTouchstonedidn’t make it to our main roundup , we advocate it as a smart selection for big orbit . It runs quietly and is convenient to use with the Touchstone app , distant mastery , or fresh home system . We establish it somewhat fashionable , but would have liked the heating vents and controls to be hidden .
Pottery Barn Real Flame Chateau Electric Fireplace
With its attractively crafted woodwind instrument chimneypiece and three finishes , this fireplaceadds elegance to a way , especially in aCraftsman - dash inside . It execute well in our trial , provide heat and naturalistic - looking flaming in several color . you could ensure configurations with a remote or button on the unit .
However , it has few rubber features besides a timekeeper , so you may want to tote up extra wall setting for security if you have immature children . While there are more affordable models out there with similar features , it ’s a great choice for those seeking an electric fireplace with a refined design .
Your Questions, Answered
How do electric fireplaces give off heat?
Though an electric hearth might have flickering “ flames , ” it ’s plain not the same as a tangible fireplace . With an galvanizing fireplace , heat is produced when a rooter blows atmosphere over a heating plant component . Many electric fireplaces have various setting , which you’re able to align much like you would a thermoregulator .
In cosmopolitan , you take to sit relatively tight to the fireplace to feel the heat it gives off , although it will warm up the room as a whole . The utmost space we felt the heat from the fireplaces during testing was between 3 to 27 foot .
Are electric fireplaces safe to use?
Most of the electric fireplaces we tested have condom measures in place , such as tip - over protection and automobile shut - off at a specified temperature . Many , though not all , are also cool to the touch , making them a good choice for homes with children and dearie .
Features like timer mount are a good choice if you plan to use the galvanic open fireplace before bedtime and want to turn the unit off when sleeping . Electric fireplaces are easy to apply but like anything else that requires electricity , there are some precautions for added safety .
“ Generally , male plug - in heating appliancesshould be unpluggedwhen not in use and should never be plugged into extension cords or power strip . If unplugging the appliance is not viable because the office source is not easily approachable , ensuring that it is firmly plugged like a shot into an retail store is very important , ” said a spokesperson from the U.S. Fire Administration
How do you install an electric fireplace?
The wide-eyed answer is “ punch it in , ” but the spokesperson from the U.S. Fire Administration explain the safety that should be top of idea . “ retainer should be given to where the electric hearth will be set up and used , ” they said .
" Adequate place and care should be given for right facility , including any wiring or corduroy . Combustible materials should be kept at least 3 foot aside from where heat is emit from the open fireplace , " the spokesperson says .
How much electricity does an electric fireplace use?
This depends on its electric power and how long it ’s in function . Most electric fireplace have a electrical power range from 1,000 to 1,500 watts , which is corresponding to appliances like space heaters or mid - sized wassailer oven .
Will an electric fireplace impact your home’s value?
Because electric hearth heighten a home ’s aesthetic , typically ahome ’s resale valuewill increase . “ create a quick and inviting ambience in the mansion while it is being shown can be enhanced with an electric open fireplace , which could be the difference between an offer over or under asking , ” Meagher says .
Do electric fireplaces really warm up a room?
galvanising fireplaces typically use a heating element and fan to create warmness , expeditiously circulating warmth as soon as it ’s turned on . However , the heat will quickly fade when the heater is turned off , entail it wo n’t mess about the means oestrus from , say , a wood - burning hearth might .
According to Meagher , Btus are important to value heating system capabilities . “ The maker will also let you know the straight footage a unit can heat , but know that the unit will have a harder time heating the space as you get closer to the unit ’s maximum straight footage , ” he says .
Who We Are
This story was written byNor’Adila Hepburn , a modus vivendi writer for Better Homes & Gardens . To compile this list of best galvanising fireplace , she analyzed examination insights from our lab in Des Moines , Iowa , and also consulted industry expert : Keith Richardson , President at Arizona Fireplaces , Ryan Meagher , result calculator at BVM Contracting and a U.S. Fire Administration Spokesperson for their expert insight , specially on how to use them safely .
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous examination to ensure they ’re deserving a topographic point in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but occasionally we are provided sample by companies if purchasing is n’t an option . In these cases , we expend the same examination standard we use to essay the purchased products .
Credit: Walmart
The Mainstays Farmhouse Fireplace TV Stand is wide enough to hold a flat screen TV.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
The Turbo Infrared Electric Fireplace can be mounted or recessed into the wall.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Some of the electric fireplaces we tested had the option to be mounted on the wall.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Turbo Infrared Fireplace is available in six sizes, so it’s versatile on where it can be placed.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Real Flame Anika Fireplace offers a beautiful flame display in six colors.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
