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Electric fireplaces add a flame look and optional heat without gas lines or a chimney. The best electric fireplace depends on whether you want it on the wall, in a brick firebox or freestanding.
We compared a slim wall unit, a firebox insert, a freestanding stove, a mantel unit and a compact model. Specs come from listings; we did not hands-on test heat output.
Quick Answer: The Best Electric Fireplace
- Best Overall: Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, The Sideline 36 in Wide
- Best Insert: Dimplex 26 in Multi-Fire XHD Firebox with Logs
- Best Freestanding: duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove with 3D Flame Effect
- Best with Mantel: AMERLIFE 60 in Electric Fireplace with Mantel, Farmhouse
- Best Small: LHRIVER Small Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote, 24 in
The Touchstone Sideline 36 is the best electric fireplace for most rooms because it mounts on or into the wall. Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD is the insert pick for brick fireplaces and duraflame is the plug-in stove.
Best Electric Fireplace Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, The Sideline 36 in Wide | Best Overall | Recessed or wall-mounted electric fireplace | Popular slim wall unit with smart controls | Check Price |
| Dimplex 26 in Multi-Fire XHD Firebox with Logs | Best Insert | Electric firebox insert | Insert for an existing fireplace opening | Check Price |
| duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove with 3D Flame Effect | Best Freestanding | Freestanding electric stove | Freestanding stove look with infrared heat | Check Price |
| AMERLIFE 60 in Electric Fireplace with Mantel, Farmhouse | Best with Mantel | Electric fireplace with mantel | Farmhouse mantel with storage look | Check Price |
| LHRIVER Small Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote, 24 in | Best Small | Small freestanding electric fireplace | Compact with remote | Check Price |
The 5 Best Electric Fireplace
Our picks for the best electric fireplace, ranked by install type, size, controls and value.
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, The Sideline 36 in Wide
1The Touchstone Sideline 36 is a slim, widely sold unit that mounts on the wall or recesses into it.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Slim profile for media walls
- Recessed or wall-mounted
- Smart control option
Cons
- Recessing needs framing work
- Heat output and certifications not independently verified
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 36 in wide
- Heat: Electric heater (see listing)
- Mount: Recessed or wall mount
- Controls: Remote and smart app (check listing)
- Specs: From listing title; confirm details on Amazon
Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Check heat output, clearances and safety listings on the manual before buying.
Check Touchstone Sideline 36 in Smart Electric Fireplace Price on Amazon
Dimplex 26 in Multi-Fire XHD Firebox with Logs
2The Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD firebox turns an unused brick fireplace opening into an electric one.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits into an existing masonry opening
- Log set included
- Well-known brand
Cons
- Measure your opening carefully
- Heat output and certifications not independently verified
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 26 in firebox
- Heat: Electric heater (see listing)
- Mount: Insert into existing opening
- Controls: Remote (check listing)
- Specs: From listing title; confirm details on Amazon
Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Check heat output, clearances and safety listings on the manual before buying.
duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove with 3D Flame Effect
3The duraflame infrared stove is a plug-in freestanding unit with a cabin-style look.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- No installation, just plug in
- Classic stove look
- Easy to move room to room
Cons
- Stove style will not suit every decor
- Heat output and certifications not independently verified
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: Compact stove
- Heat: Infrared quartz heat (see listing)
- Mount: Freestanding
- Controls: Remote (check listing)
- Specs: From listing title; confirm details on Amazon
Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Check heat output, clearances and safety listings on the manual before buying.
AMERLIFE 60 in Electric Fireplace with Mantel, Farmhouse
4AMERLIFE farmhouse mantels give a full fireplace look without construction.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Farmhouse mantel style
- No wall work
- Doubles as a TV console
Cons
- Large and heavy to assemble
- Heat output and certifications not independently verified
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 60 in mantel
- Heat: Electric heater (see listing)
- Mount: Freestanding against wall
- Controls: Remote (check listing)
- Specs: From listing title; confirm details on Amazon
Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Check heat output, clearances and safety listings on the manual before buying.
Check AMERLIFE 60 in Farmhouse Electric Fireplace with Mantel Price on Amazon
LHRIVER Small Electric Fireplace Heater with Remote, 24 in
5LHRIVER 24 inch units suit bedrooms, offices and dorm-size rooms.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact 24 inch size
- Remote included
- Plug-in
Cons
- Small flame area
- Heat output and certifications not independently verified
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 24 in
- Heat: Electric heater (see listing)
- Mount: Freestanding
- Controls: Remote
- Specs: From listing title; confirm details on Amazon
Plug directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip.
Check heat output, clearances and safety listings on the manual before buying.
Check LHRIVER 24 in Small Electric Fireplace Price on Amazon
How We Chose the Best Electric Fireplace
To choose the best electric fireplace, we compared install type, size, controls and value using listing information, not hands-on testing.
Keep stockings, garland and furniture clear of heaters and fireplaces, following the CPSC holiday safety guide.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications and patterns in verified owner feedback; we do not claim hands-on testing we have not done. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Best Electric Fireplace
Use these points to choose the best electric fireplace.
Install type
Wall-mounted, recessed, insert, mantel or freestanding.
Room size
Check heat output on the listing against your room.
Outlet
Use a dedicated wall outlet, never an extension cord.
Flame look
Compare flame colors and brightness settings.
Controls
Remote, timer, thermostat or app control.
Safety listing
Look for a recognized safety certification in the manual.
Electric Fireplace Tips
Safe outlet, right size.
- Plug straight into a wall outlet.
- Check the heat rating against room size.
- Mount on studs or proper anchors.
- Keep the heater vent clear.
Questions about the best electric fireplace:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric fireplace?
Touchstone Sideline 36 for most wall installs.
Can an electric fireplace heat a room?
Many include a heater; check the listed wattage and room size.
Do electric fireplaces need a vent?
No chimney is needed, but keep the heater outlet clear.
Can I plug an electric fireplace into an extension cord?
Manufacturers generally say no; use a wall outlet.
Are electric fireplaces safe around kids and pets?
Check for cool-touch glass and tip-over or overheat protection on the listing.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best electric fireplace is the Touchstone Sideline 36 in Smart Electric Fireplace. Choose the Dimplex 26 in Multi-Fire XHD Firebox if you want an insert, or the duraflame Infrared Quartz Stove a freestanding stove.
Related Guides
More fireplace guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Stocking Holders for Fireplace Without Mantel
- Best Stocking Holders for Brick Fireplace
- Best Stocking Holders for Brick Fireplace No Drill
- Best Light Clips for Brick Fireplace Garland
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
