#1
Best Overall
Electric Fireplaces
The Best Electric Fireplaces of 2026
Six electric fireplaces for renters, wall-mount fans and homeowners converting an old hearth, from a plug-in stove to a smart linear unit.
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An electric fireplace does two jobs: it looks like a fire, and it adds some heat to one room. Most do the first job better than the second. Nearly all use a 1,500 W heater, which puts out about 5,100 BTU, enough to take the chill off a bedroom or den but not to warm a whole house.
That makes the right choice mostly a question of where it goes. A freestanding stove needs only an outlet. A linear unit goes in or on a wall. An insert drops into an existing masonry fireplace. We built this list around those three situations, then ranked the picks on flame look, heat, fit, controls, reliability, safety and price.
One honest note up front: even Consumer Reports, which lab-tested ten inserts, says the tested flames all look fake to some degree. Expect a pleasant glow, not a wood fire.
Quick picks
Our top recommendations
#2
Best Smart Wall-Mount / Recessed
Touchstone 80004
View on Amazon Read full review →#3
Best Large Ultra-Thin
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
View on Amazon Read full review →#4
Best Flame Customization
Touchstone 80036
View on Amazon Read full review →#5
Best Insert for an Existing Fireplace
PuraFlame Klaus 33"
View on Amazon Read full review →#6
Best Value
Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
View on Amazon Read full review →Compare picks
Compare our recommendations
Key specifications and differences across our recommended products.
| Product | Award | Score | Install type | Width | Depth | Max heater power | Heat output (rated) | Manufacturer-claimed heating area | Lowest verified price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duraflame DFI-5010-01 | Best Overall | 7.2/10 | Freestanding stove | 24 in | 12.9 in | 1,500 W | 5,200 BTU/h | 1,000 sq ft | $259.99 |
| Touchstone 80004 | Best Smart Wall-Mount / Recessed | 7.2/10 | Recessed or wall-mount linear | 50.38 in | 5.5 in | 1,500 W | 5,000 BTU/h | 400 sq ft | $549.00 |
| R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) | Best Large Ultra-Thin | 7.0/10 | Recessed or wall-mount linear | 68 in | 3.9 in | 1,500 W | — | 400 sq ft | $359.99 |
| Touchstone 80036 | Best Flame Customization | 7.0/10 | Recessed or wall-mount linear | 49.75 in | 5.5 in | 1,500 W | 5,000 BTU/h | 400 sq ft | $999.00 |
| PuraFlame Klaus 33" | Best Insert for an Existing Fireplace | 6.8/10 | Fireplace insert (existing firebox) | 33.06 in | 7.8 in | 1,500 W | — | 400 sq ft | $429.99 |
| Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert | Best Value | 6.5/10 | Recessed insert | 28.5 in | 5.7 in | 1,500 W | 5,118 BTU/h | — | $135.99 |
Head-to-head
Compare two picks side by side
Duraflame DFI-5010-01 vs Touchstone 80004
Duraflame DFI-5010-01 vs R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
Duraflame DFI-5010-01 vs Touchstone 80036
Duraflame DFI-5010-01 vs PuraFlame Klaus 33"
Duraflame DFI-5010-01 vs Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
Touchstone 80004 vs R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
Touchstone 80004 vs Touchstone 80036
Touchstone 80004 vs PuraFlame Klaus 33"
Touchstone 80004 vs Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) vs Touchstone 80036
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) vs PuraFlame Klaus 33"
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) vs Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
Touchstone 80036 vs PuraFlame Klaus 33"
Touchstone 80036 vs Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
PuraFlame Klaus 33" vs Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
#1
Best Overall
Duraflame DFI-5010-01
The plug-in stove most reviewers recommend, with no installation at all
Full product review →
7.2
/10
Lowest verified price
$259.99
at Amazon
A 24-inch freestanding stove-style electric fireplace with a 3D flame effect and a 1,500 W infrared quartz heater. It runs on a standard outlet and is controlled by remote or a hidden panel.
Why we like it
Six outlets recommend this stove: Family Handyman, This Old House, Popular Science, Bob Vila, Top Ten Reviews and Reviewed. Family Handyman's testers describe its 3D flames as realistic-looking, and the flame runs with or without heat, so it works as decor in summer.
The heater is a 1,500 W, 5,200 BTU infrared quartz unit with a thermostat. There is nothing to mount or wire, which makes it the natural choice for renters. It sits in the budget-to-mid price range.
What to know
Skip it if you want a tall, built-in look or a remote that can set the temperature, or if you need tip-over protection around kids or pets.
Pros
- No installation; just plug it in
- Flame runs with or without heat
- 1,500 W infrared quartz heater with thermostat
- Widely recommended across six outlets
- Manual rating label states UL 1278 / CSA C22.2 No. 46
Cons
- No tip-over switch, per Popular Science
- Remote cannot set the temperature
- Only about 2 ft tall
- Some owners report a burning smell or early failure
- The 1,000 sq ft claim is optimistic for a 1,500 W heater
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
7.8
Heating performance
6.8
Installation & fit
7.5
Controls & features
6.5
Reliability & build quality
6.5
Safety & indoor air
6.5
Value
8.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $259.99 | In Stock | View deal |
| Walmart | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
| Target | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
#2
Best Smart Wall-Mount / Recessed
Touchstone 80004
A slim 50-inch smart linear fireplace that recesses or mounts on the wall
Full product review →
7.2
/10
Lowest verified price
$549.00
at Amazon
A 50-inch linear electric fireplace just 5.5 inches deep, with Wi-Fi, Alexa and Google control and a 1,500 W heater with thermostat. It can be recessed or wall-mounted, plugged in or hardwired.
Why we like it
This Old House, Reviewed and Top Ten Reviews recommend it, and Consumer Reports lab-tested Touchstone's 36-inch sibling in its insert test. It offers three flame colors and a 10-color ember bed, and app and voice control are rare at this price.
Install flexibility is the draw: recess it, mount it flat, or hardwire it for a clean look in a modern living room. It is a premium-priced pick.
What to know
Skip it if heat matters most or you want a realistic flame; some owners find the flames unrealistic and the heat modest. Touchstone's page names no UL or ETL mark.
Pros
- Only 5.5 in deep
- Recessed or wall-mount, plug-in or hardwired
- Wi-Fi with Alexa and Google
- Thermostat, three flame colors, 10-color ember bed
- Recommended by three outlets
Cons
- Some owners find the flames unrealistic
- Remote can be finicky
- Won't heat a large space
- No safety mark shown on the maker's page
- 1-year warranty
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
7.0
Heating performance
6.5
Installation & fit
8.3
Controls & features
8.5
Reliability & build quality
6.5
Safety & indoor air
6.0
Value
7.5
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $549.00 $829.00 | In Stock | View deal |
| Walmart | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
| Best Buy | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
#3
Best Large Ultra-Thin
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
A big 68-inch ultra-thin flame at a mid-range price
Full product review →
7.0
/10
Lowest verified price
$359.99
at Amazon
A 68-inch linear fireplace, 3.9 inches deep, that fits a 2x6 stud wall or mounts on the surface. It has 12 flame and 12 bed colors, a 68–88°F thermostat and an 8-hour timer.
Why we like it
Bob Vila names it its best wall-mounted pick, and other sizes in the R.W.FLAME line are picks at Popular Science and This Old House. Consumer Reports also lab-tested the brand's 36-inch insert.
It is ETL certified with an overheat shut-off, and at 3.9 inches it fits an ordinary 2x6 wall. A wide flame is a lot of visual impact for a mid-range budget.
What to know
Skip it if your wall is not solidly built; it weighs 67 lb. Owners of other sizes in the line report finicky remotes, noise and low heat.
Pros
- ETL certified with overheat shut-off
- 3.9 in deep; fits 2x6 studs
- 12 flame and 12 bed colors
- 68–88°F thermostat and 8-hour timer
- Mid-range price for its size
Cons
- 67 lb, so the wall must be solid
- Series owners report remote and noise issues
- No smart control
- Heat is the same 1,500 W class as smaller units
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
6.5
Heating performance
6.5
Installation & fit
8.5
Controls & features
7.5
Reliability & build quality
6.0
Safety & indoor air
7.5
Value
8.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $359.99 $515.99 | In Stock | View deal |
#4
Best Flame Customization
Touchstone 80036
The most flame, ember and media options in a smart linear fireplace
Full product review →
7.0
/10
Lowest verified price
$999.00
at Amazon
Touchstone's upgraded 50-inch unit with 6 flame colors, 10 media-bed colors and log, driftwood and crystal media. It adds Wi-Fi app and voice control to a 1,500 W heater with thermostat.
Why we like it
Bob Vila calls it its best smart fireplace. Touchstone lists 60 flame and bed color combinations, a 68–88°F thermostat with a constant-on option, and three media types, so you can tune the look to your room.
The install options match the standard Sideline: recessed or wall-mounted, 5.5 inches deep.
What to know
Skip it if you care about heat or value. The heater is the same 1,500 W as the cheaper Sideline, and the price is premium. This pick rests mainly on a single reviewer's recommendation.
Pros
- 60 flame and bed color combinations
- Log, driftwood and crystal media
- Wi-Fi with Alexa and Google
- Thermostat with constant-on option
- Recessed or wall-mount
Cons
- Premium price for the same heater as the cheaper Sideline
- Touchstone's page names no safety mark
- Limited independent testing
- 1-year warranty
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
7.2
Heating performance
6.5
Installation & fit
8.3
Controls & features
8.5
Reliability & build quality
6.5
Safety & indoor air
6.0
Value
5.0
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $999.00 $1,499.00 | In Stock | View deal |
#5
Best Insert for an Existing Fireplace
PuraFlame Klaus 33"
The most traditional log-and-brick look for an existing fireplace
Full product review →
6.8
/10
Lowest verified price
$429.99
at Amazon
A 33-inch insert with resin logs, a brick-pattern interior, a glass door with mesh screen and a 750/1,500 W heater with thermostat. It is meant to convert an unused masonry fireplace.
Why we like it
Bob Vila, This Old House, Popular Science and Popular Mechanics all pick it, and Bob Vila's staff tester called it the most realistic-looking electric heater he tested. The metal body, glass door and cool-running glass give a classic hearth appearance.
It costs more than basic inserts but less than premium wall units.
What to know
Skip it if you want hardwiring, since it cannot be hardwired, or if you are sensitive to reliability risk: some owners report heater and thermostat failures. No published safety mark was found.
Pros
- Most realistic look according to Bob Vila's tester
- Resin logs, brick interior and glass door
- 750/1,500 W heater with thermostat
- Flame runs without heat
- Recommended by four outlets
Cons
- Owner reports of heater and thermostat failures
- Cannot be hardwired
- Crackle sound isn't very realistic
- No published safety mark
- Listed height varies with trim
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
7.8
Heating performance
6.5
Installation & fit
6.5
Controls & features
7.0
Reliability & build quality
6.0
Safety & indoor air
6.0
Value
6.5
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $429.99 $469.99 | In Stock | View deal |
| Walmart | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
#6
Best Value
Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
A budget insert with a real thermostat for a simple surround or niche
Full product review →
6.5
/10
Lowest verified price
$135.99
at Amazon
A 28.5-inch recessed insert with three flame colors, five brightness levels, a 62–82°F thermostat, an 8-hour timer and remote. It weighs 27.5 lb and is 5.7 inches deep.
Why we like it
Bob Vila calls it the best-value insert. It is the rare very cheap unit that lists honest heat output (2,559 and 5,118 BTU) rather than inflated area claims, and it has a true thermostat.
Owner feedback is limited but positive on heat, which suits a DIYer building a simple surround or media-wall niche.
What to know
Skip it if you want a realistic flame or well-documented long-term reliability. Evidence on this model is more limited than for the other picks, and the flame is basic. Treat it as recessed-only.
Pros
- Budget price
- True 62–82°F thermostat
- 8-hour timer and remote
- Honest BTU figures
- Light at 27.5 lb
Cons
- Basic flame
- Limited independent and owner evidence
- Some owners say listed dimensions are overstated
- Safety certification claims are from the seller side
- Recessed installation only
Score breakdown
Flame realism & ambiance
6.0
Heating performance
6.5
Installation & fit
6.5
Controls & features
7.0
Reliability & build quality
5.5
Safety & indoor air
6.5
Value
8.5
Where to buy
Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.
| Retailer | Price | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Lowest | $135.99 $159.99 | In Stock | View deal |
| Target | Check price at retailer | Check at retailer | Check at retailer |
Our process
How we review electric fireplaces
PickMetric's picks come from research across independent tests, manufacturer specs and owner feedback. We compared 15 products using reviews from Bob Vila, Family Handyman, This Old House, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Reviewed and Top Ten Reviews, Consumer Reports' list of tested inserts, manufacturer pages and manuals, and owner comments.
Criteria were weighted by what matters to buyers: flame realism (25%), heating performance (20%), installation and fit (15%), reliability and build (15%), controls and features (10%), value (10%) and safety and indoor air (5%). Heat was judged on rated wattage and BTU, not the square-footage claims on boxes. Every pick was then challenged in a structured review before publication.
How We Picked
We started with 15 candidates drawn from published reviews at Bob Vila, Family Handyman, This Old House, Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Reviewed and Top Ten Reviews, plus Consumer Reports' list of tested inserts, manufacturer specs and manuals, and owner feedback. Prices and stock were checked on Amazon on October 31, 2026.
Each product was scored on seven weighted criteria, with flame realism and heating performance counting most. Then every pick was challenged in review rounds before publication.
That process changed the lineup. A seventh candidate, the LegendFlame EF290, was dropped because no publisher recommends it and owner feedback was mixed. The Touchstone Sideline Elite lost points on controls and flame because its case rested on a single source, which moved it below the R.W.FLAME 68. Safety wording on the Duraflame was also tightened to what its manual label states, and its health score was lowered for the missing tip-over switch.
One limit applies: Consumer Reports' detailed results are paywalled, so independent lab verdicts for individual models are not part of our scores.
What to Look For
Match the type to your space
Freestanding stoves and heaters need only an outlet. Linear units recess into a wall or mount on it, and you need the right stud depth. Inserts fit an existing firebox, so measure the opening first, including the height with trim.
Expect spot heat, not whole-house heat
Most units here use a 1,500 W heater, about 5,100 BTU. Ignore box claims of heating 1,000 square feet; judge by wattage and BTU. These units suit a bedroom, den or office.
Check the controls
A true thermostat holds a temperature, while high/low switches do not. A flame-only mode lets you enjoy the fire without heat. Check whether the remote can adjust temperature, since not all can.
Weight and depth
Large wall units can be heavy. The R.W.FLAME 68 weighs 67 lb, so confirm the wall can carry it. Depth ranges from under 4 inches to about 8.
Flame realism is relative
Consumer Reports says the flames on all the inserts it tested look fake. Look at photos and video, and prefer units with adjustable brightness and speed.
Health, Materials & Safety
Electric fireplaces burn nothing, so they produce no combustion emissions. That is the main indoor-air advantage over gas or wood.
Safety listings vary. The R.W.FLAME 68 is ETL certified with an overheat shut-off. The Duraflame's manual label states UL 1278 and CSA C22.2 No. 46. Touchstone's page shows overheat protection but names no UL or ETL mark, and the PuraFlame Klaus has no published mark that we found. If a listing mark matters to you, prefer the R.W.FLAME or Duraflame.
The Duraflame has no tip-over switch, per Popular Science, which matters around children and pets. Some owners also report a burning smell when first used, so run a new heater in a ventilated room.
The CPSC recalled infrared quartz electric fireplaces from Twin-Star in 2023 for a fire hazard. That recall covered a different model sold at Lowe's, and the DFI-5010 is not included. Always register your unit and avoid extension cords.
Other Electric Fireplaces We Considered
LegendFlame EF290: No publisher recommends it, and owner feedback is mixed, with fit problems in smaller fireboxes.
PuraFlame Western 33: Consumer Reports tested it, but it published no verdict. It is the Klaus's sibling, and its model variants are confusing.
Dimplex XHD28L: Consumer Reports tested it, but no publisher recommends it. Its price is high for the same 1,500 W-class heat, though it has a 2-year warranty.
Electactic 68: It overlaps with the R.W.FLAME 68, which is certified and better known.
Masarflame 40 insert: It costs more than the Klaus and has no thermostat.
Real Flame Callaway Grand: A heavy, expensive mantel unit with reports of fragile components.
Napoleon Element 42: Full output needs a 240V hardwired install, and we found no Amazon listing.
FAQ
Do electric fireplaces actually heat a room?
Yes, in a small to medium room. A 1,500 W heater produces about 5,100 BTU, like a space heater. It will not replace a furnace.
Do electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?
With heat on, a 1,500 W unit uses about 1.5 kWh per hour, like any space heater. With flame only, usage is far lower.
Can I run the flame without heat?
On most of these, yes. The Duraflame and R.W.FLAME 68 and the PuraFlame Klaus list a flame-without-heat mode.
Do I need an electrician?
Plug-in units such as the Duraflame need none. Recessed units can plug in too, but hardwiring should be done by a licensed electrician. Check wall framing before installing a heavy unit.
Can I put an insert in a wood-burning fireplace?
Generally yes, if it fits the firebox. Measure width, height and depth, and have the chimney damper closed.
Are they safe to leave on?
Choose units with overheat protection and a safety mark, keep clearance around the heater, and turn it off when you leave.
Bottom line
For most people, the Duraflame DFI-5010-01 is the easy answer: plug it in and you have a fire. If you want a fireplace built into the wall, the Touchstone Sideline and R.W.FLAME 68 cover smart and big-and-affordable respectively. Converting a real hearth points to the PuraFlame Klaus, and a tight budget points to the Costway. Whatever you choose, treat it as supplemental heat and a source of ambiance, and check that the outlet and wall can handle it.