If you don't have a real wood-burning or gas fireplace in your home, the next best thing is an electric fireplace heater. An electric fireplace heater has a heating element just like an electric heater and depending on the type you get, it can look like a real fireplace. The heater can quickly warm a room while emitting cozy fireplace vibes without needing to burn wood or natural gas.
They look fancy, but most electric fireplace heaters can be plugged into a standard household outlet. You can expect that it will use around the same amount of electricity as the average space heater—some even as little as a hair dryer.
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What to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Fireplace Heater
Size: Wall-mounted fireplace heaters don't take up much real estate since they attach to a wall. The screen is long and thin, so it doesn't protrude much from the wall. A freestanding fireplace heater takes up more space in a room, but generally, they sit against a wall or in the corner of a room so they're out of the way.
Heating Capacity: An electric fireplace heater isn't going to heat your entire home, but it can adequately heat one room, supplementing your main source of heat. In fact, it can actually heat a room faster than a conventional fireplace. Most units will indicate the square footage of the room they are designed to heat. A device with a 1,000-watt heater can typically heat a small- to medium-sized room up to around 400 square feet, while more powerful heaters can warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet.
Style: Electric fireplace heaters come in various styles, including freestanding wood stove-inspired models, modern wall-mounted devices, in-wall recessed devices, and electric logs that can be placed inside a traditional fireplace. Wall-mounted devices fit in well with modern decor, while many freestanding units work great with rustic or farmhouse-inspired homes.
Safety Features: House fires can be caused by electric heaters, and they can also cause burns on children or pets, so it's important to choose one that has built-in safety features. Look for an electric fireplace heater that has an automatic shut-off if it overheats or gets knocked over, and if you're worried about someone in your home touching it, you might want one that is cool to the touch.
Take a look at our top picks of the best electric fireplace heaters of 2023 below.
The Best Overall Electric Fireplace Heater
This modern, wall-mounted electric fireplace won't just add heat to your living space, it'll also add style. Its flickering LED flames offer a realistic look, and the heat output can warm a large room up to 400 square feet. Safety features include thermal overload protection, a timer and a safety shut-off. You don't have to worry about hardwiring with this one as it's plug-in powered. A remote is included so you can manage the controls without even leaving the couch. It comes in a white, black, stainless steel or mirrored frame.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 21.625'' x 50.375'' x 5.375''
- Weight: 46 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,118 BTU
The Best Budget Electric Fireplace Heater
Electric fireplace heaters aren't cheap, but this one is on the more affordable end of the spectrum. Even though it's our best budget option, it still has a lot to offer. This freestanding, portable electric fireplace looks like it has a real flame on glowing fireplace logs that can be adjusted to offer different brightness levels. It also has an adjustable thermostat with two heat settings, giving you the control to find the ideal temperature for your space. The heater is equipped with a safety shut-off function that kicks in if it's tipped over and to protect it from overheating.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 17.72" x 11.42" x 23.43"
- Coverage Area: 160 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,118 BTU
The Best Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater
You don't need to have a chimney to enjoy the warmth of a fire. All you need is this wall-mounted electric fireplace with a sleek, stainless steel design that'll add a modern aesthetic to your home decor. The fireplace has a realistic flame effect that can be controlled with the included remote, so you can change the heat settings or flame brightness from anywhere in the room. It's a great space-saving option for a room that could use more heat and a stylish wall piece.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 22'' x 36'' x 3.75''
- Weight: 44 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,118 BTU
The Best Electric Fireplace Heater TV Stand
Set the ambiance in your living room while warming it up and watching your favorite shows on Netflix. This rustic piece of furniture with a modern farmhouse design pulls double duty as a TV stand and an electric fireplace heater. Two adjustable shelves on this fireplace TV stand give you ample storage space and two enclosed cabinets provide space to stow away extra cords and media accessories.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 15.68" x 47.62" x 29.56", 15.75" x 58" x 29.72"
- Weight: 100 lbs., 111 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,100 BTU
- TV Size: 55", 65"
The Best Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater
If you don't have a traditional fireplace and need supplemental heat in a large room, this freestanding infrared electric fireplace stove is a great option. The infrared quartz electric fireplace can heat a room up to 1,000 square feet. Certain electric fireplace heaters can make the air feel dry, but an infrared heater helps to maintain the natural humidity in the air. A 3D flame effect on this device makes it look like real flames are dancing on the logs. You can personalize the flame settings by adjusting the color, brightness and speed settings, and you can also adjust the digital thermostat to control the temperature in the room. This device has overheating protection, shutting off when needed.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 13.07" x 24" x 23.4"
- Weight: 28.6 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 1,000 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,200 BTU
The Best Realistic Flame Electric Fireplace Heater
This is the perfect electric fireplace heater to add to a small room that needs some warmth and coziness. The shape of this quartz infrared heater allows for its own oak mantle for holiday decorations, picture frames, or any other decor you want to place on top. The fireplace produces a realistic dancing flame that adds a warm ambiance to any room. The exterior is cool to the touch, so it's safe to have around kids and pets.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 31" x 11" x 25.5"
- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 150 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,118 BTU
The Best Electric Fireplace Heater for a Corner
What's better than a traditional fireplace mantel? An electric fireplace mantel that can hold a TV. This electric fireplace heater and TV console will fit perfectly in the corner of any room. This wooden console can heat a room up to 400 square feet, delivering cozy warmth and ambiance. It has two cabinets with adjustable shelves and two exposed shelves for decorative items or TV accessories.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 20.25" x 44" x 32"
- Weight: 79 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 8,000 BTU
The Best Electric Fireplace Heater Insert
Place this electric fireplace log set inside your wood-burning traditional fireplace for a low-maintenance way to have a fire that emits plenty of heat. This one comes in two sizes with several options for flame settings and brightness levels. A unique feature of this log heater is a breathing mode that gently lights the ember bed without a bright, flickering flame—perfect for when you're taking a nap or don't want the flare of any light in your eyes.
At a Glance:
- Dimensions: 8" x 20" x 12", 8.8" x 26" x 14"
- Weight: 13.8 lbs., 16.7 lbs.
- Coverage Area: 400 sq. ft.
- Heat Output: 5,120 BTU