Top 6 Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces With Best Flame Effects – 2020

Quick to set up and easy to use, electric fireplaces are built to heat from large individual rooms to small homes.

Check out our list of the six most realistic electric fireplaces below with carefulness!

  • Touchstone 80014 Electric Fireplace – Best for freezing winter
  • PuraFlame Alice Recessed Electric Fireplace – Best for all year round heating
  • PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert – Best overall
  • Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert – Best for nature lovers
  • Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand – Most versatile
  • Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace – Best for heating in large rooms

Most realistic wall-mounted electric fireplaces

ImageProductDetails
sample-table__image Best for freezing winter Touchstone 80014
  • A strong electric fireplace that performs well without losing its attractive appearance
  • Type: Wall-mounted
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sample-table__image Best for all year round heating PuraFlame Alice Recessed
  • Best choice for large room, ensures your family’s comfort and relaxation at its fullest all year round
  • Type: Wall-mounted
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sample-table__image Best overall PuraFlame Western
  • This fireplace keeps your working and living areas warm and cozy while consuming not much energy
  • Type: fireplace insert
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sample-table__image Best for nature lovers Pleasant Hearth
  • From its appearance to its construction, the fireplace is packed with all desired eco-friendly features``Type: fireplace insert
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sample-table__image Most versatile Ameriwood Home Chicago
  • If you have a small condo, this fireplace, which can replace multi-use furniture, will be exactly what you are looking for
  • Type: mantel
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sample-table__image Best for heating in large rooms Lifesmart Infrared Quartz
  • Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace comes in handy when it comes to zone heating your immense home
  • Type: mantel
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Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace – Best for freezing winter

Touchstone 80014 Sideline Electric Fireplace
Touchstone 80014 - Sideline Electric Fireplace - 36 Inch Wide - in Wall Recessed - 5 Flame Settings - Realistic 3 Color Flame - 1500/750 Watt Heater - (Black) - Log & Crystal Hearth Options
Pros

  • Designed for in-wall installation
  • Tempered glass construction for ultimate durability
  • A built-in timer for users’ convenience

Cons

  • A lot of wall space needed for installation

A strong electric fireplace that performs well without losing its attractive appearance – that’s the best way to describe the Touchstone Sideline® 36.

Like any other models in the Touchstone Sideline’s lineup, this unit has such a dazzling signature realistic flame that is hard to find at other brand’s electric smokeless fireplace.

With 2 heat settings (high & low) and 5 flame settings, the Touchstone 80014 Electric Fireplace is an essential addition providing a room or meeting and reception areas as large as 400 square feet with mesmerizing flames.

Though you can effortlessly install the Sideline® 36with basic drywall screws, it needs a lot of space to be installed on walls.

Product Specifications

Wattage750 and 1500 watts
BTUs5,118 BTUs
Heating Area400 square feet
Dimensions36 x 5.5 x 21.4 inches
Weight45 pounds
Highlight FeaturesTwo heat settings, realistic flame with 5 settings, multiple modes, faux fire log, and glass crystal.

Rather than an appealing focal point on a large wall, Touchstone 80014 Electric Fireplace is the best device for freezing winter.

PuraFlame Alice Recessed Electric Fireplace – Best for all year round heating

PuraFlame Alice Recessed Electric Fireplace
PuraFlame Alice 40 Inches Recessed Electric Fireplace, Wall Mounted for 2 X 6 Stud, Log Set & Crystal, 1500W Heater, Black
Pros

  • Can be used with or without heat
  • Space-efficient flush mounting
  • A lot of flame color & ember bed color settings and effects

Cons

  • Not recommended for a small room

Which is the best way to use your aging fireplace without wood burning and ashes cleanup? The PuraFlame Alice Recessed Electric Fireplace is here to help.

Besides 2 electrical connections -hard-wiring and plug-in – making it easy to have a fire going, this electric fireplace also draws users’ attention for its ability to warm up any ambiance types.

With 14 effects and 13 LED colors, you can brighten the extremely realistic Ultra High-Intensity LED lights from a log set to crystal stones to suit your personal taste.

That way, whether it is hot or cold indoor, you can adjust the heat strength of this CSA-approved equipment according to your own preference.

The only issue with this fireplace is its large body making it a bad choice for a small room.

Product Specifications

WattageHigh 1500W and low 750W
BTUs5,118 BTUs
Heating Area400 square feet
Dimensions45 x 23.4 x 10.8 inches
Weight62.6 pounds
Highlight FeaturesBrightness settings, different LED backlight, wall mounted or freestanding, easy installation, and overheating protection.

PuraFlame Alice Recessed Electric Fireplace ensures your family’s comfort and relaxation at its fullest all year round.

Most realistic electric fireplace inserts

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert – Best overall

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
PuraFlame 26 Inches Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
Pros

  • Easy to install and uninstall
  • 100% energy-saving
  • Deliver more precise temperature

Cons

  • Only work with 120V power

Engineered to fit within your well-built brick fireplace, and change it into an electric heat source, the PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert is the best overall option.

What users love most is the faux logs and crystals recreating a real flame’s look and an easy-to-adjust thermostat with a maximum of 84 °F and a minimum of 60 °F ensuring that you are always comfortable in a 400 square-feet room.

Though the PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert is good, it is not the most popular model because it only works with 120V power.

Product Specifications

WattageHigh 1500W and low 750W
BTUs5,118 BTUs
Heating Area400 square feet
Dimensions27.95″ L X 8.78″ W X 24.61″ H
Weight18.6 pounds
Highlight FeaturesLife-like resin logs, ember bed, and 3 flames with variable intensity and brightness, and adjustable thermostat.

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert keeps your working and living areas warm and cozy while consuming not much energy.

Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert – Best for nature lovers

Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert
Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert with Removeable Fireback with Heater, Black
Pros

  • Operate with or without heater
  • Fitted into almost any existing fireplaces
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Noisy

From its appearance to its construction, the Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert is packed with all desired eco-friendly features making it the most realistic electric fireplace among nature lover.

They use real wood accompanied by glowing embers looking incredibly real to make this unit’s logs. It means that you can use this carbon-neutral model for many years to come.

Mixed with the most advanced technologies, it allows users to customize the way their fireplace looks and feels to meet their special requirements in a heartbeat without any potential incidents of real flames.

Noted that the Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert causes some noise while running, you cannot sleep tight near the fire.

Product Specifications

WattageHigh 1500W and low 750W
BTUs4600 BTUs
Heating Area400 square feet
Dimensions23 x 11.8 x 21.7 inches
Weight23 pounds
Highlight FeaturesRealistic flame effect and randomly glowing logs and ember bed, multi-function remote control, powerful fan forced-air heater.

If you love nature, then you’ll love Pleasant Hearth Electric Log Insert.

Most realistic mantel electric fireplaces

Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand – Most versatile

Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand
Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand for TVs up to 50", Black
Pros

  • Able to support up to a 50” flat panel TV
  • Have glass doors and shelves for storage
  • Sleek look

Cons

  • Assembly required before use

Not interested in an electric fireplace fitting inside your room’s wall or a wall-mounted unit? Then, the Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace TV Stand – the most versatile mantel option is your best bet.

This model is a 2-in-1 solution for those living in a small apartment or condo.

Not only does this dual-function unit offer a powerful source of warmth but it also has a shelving space that can support a flat panel TV up to 50 inches with a maximum weight of 70 pounds.

It means that those having neither a TV console nor a fireplace don’t need to look any further than this stunning espresso electric fireplace.

What users don’t like about the Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand is the fact that it takes them a lot of time to assemble before use.

Product Specifications

Wattage1400W
BTUs4600 BTUs
Heating Area400 square feet
Dimensions15.9 x 47.2 x 31.8 inches
Weight95 pounds
Highlight FeaturesAltraFlame Patented Tech, top divided open shelf, 2 side cabinets.

If you have a small condo, Ameriwood Home Chicago Fireplace TV Stand, which can replace multi-use furniture, will be exactly what you are looking for.

Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace – Best for heating in large rooms

Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace
Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace in Burnished Oak Finish w/Remote
Pros

  • Deliver soft yet efficient infrared heat
  • Can be used with or without heat
  • Remote control and an internal thermostat for users’ convenience

Cons

  • Take longer than usual to reach the expected temperature

Are you in search of a heater that provides a warm feeling while keeping the air in your home moisturized? Then, the Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace is worth your consideration.

What makes this model outstanding is the automatic shut-off feature allowing you to adjust your desired temperature.

It will automatically turn on the heating element when the temperature indoor drops below the ideal level. And when your room’s already nicely heated, it will turn off its own.

That way, rather than wasting energy on heating the entire 1,000-square-feet room, it focuses the heat towards objects and people.

However, the biggest downside is that it might take longer than other units to reach the expected temperatures.

Fortunately, even when you fall asleep near the fire, you can set the countdown timer up to 12 hours.

Product Specifications

Wattage1500W
BTUs5100 BTUs
Heating Area1,000 square feet
Dimensions28”L X 11”W X 20”H
Weight40 pounds
Highlight FeaturesQuakerstown dark oak cabinet and mantel, 3 heat settings with eco mode, two levels of realistic fire glow.

Lifesmart Infrared Quartz Fireplace comes in handy when it comes to zone heating your immense home.

How to choose the most realistic electric fireplace (buying guide)

Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces With Best Flame Effects

Types of electric fireplaces

Wall-mounted electric fireplace

It is easy to operate. All you have to do is to plug your device into a suitable electrical outlet.

Electric fireplace insert

The most versatile unit that matches your existing fireplace’s size without much change.

Electric mantel fireplace

This model improves the indoor air without creating any holes on the walls in your home.

Dimension

If you don’t mind screwing a fireplace onto your wall or you have a small house, an electric fireplace is not a bad idea. However, you should determine the perfect size of your fireplace to have it match your house’s size.

A forced fan unit works well in a 400 square-feet room while an infrared quartz style can heat up a room of up to 1,000 square feet.

BTU

BTU – British Thermal Unit is heat measurement. On average, an electric fireplace can put out a decent amount of 5,000 BTU to provide enough warmth for a small or medium room – approximately 400 square feet.

Also, you can find a model with BTU as high as 10,000. However, expect it to consume more electricity!

Who makes the most realistic electric fireplaces?

Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces With Best Flame Effects

Pleasant Hearth

A world-class brand specializing in wood stoves, electric fireplaces, fireplace accessories, fireplace glass doors, and gas logs, Pleasant Hearth almost needs no introduction.

Its electric log insert wins users’ heart for not only a wide selection of styles suiting any living rooms but also for its eco-friendliness and excellent performance.

Touchstone

Another reliable manufacturing company is Touchstone. This Pennsylvania-based brand with 14 years’ experience in this industry will satisfy even the pickiest customers.

FAQs

Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces With Best Flame Effects

Can you leave electric fireplace overnight?

You can but shouldn’t leave your electric fireplace overnight because not only does this add up much to your electricity bill but it also dries out your skin & nasal passages as well as creates many potential safety risks.

Is it expensive to run an electric fireplace?

With and without heat – they are the two modes that an electric fireplace can be used.

Each mode has a different cost of operation. The good news, though, is that it doesn’t cost much even when you run the unit with both the heat and flame effect.

How much electricity does a 1500 watt electric fireplace use?

It depends on the electricity cost in your living area. But, it costs from .002 to .03 (3 cents) per hour for a standard unit that uses 1.5 KW/ hour to provide warmth without the heat.

Are electric fireplaces noisy?

While some older electric fireplaces are a bit noisy, most brand-new models are calming and soothing.

Can electric fireplaces damage TV?

No, they can’t. As there is no need to burn any fuel to create an electricity fireplace flame effect, you don’t have to worry about clearance issues for your equipment’s surrounding.

How high off the floor should an electric fireplace be?

More than 1.5 feet off the floor is ideal.

Conclusion

Resembling a wood burning stove but much more straightforward to use, an electric fireplace not only adds an ultra-modern look to your traditional home but also gives it a cozy feeling.

Our list of the most realistic electric fireplaces above can help you find the best option to work in your home.

More about home heating:

Most efficient electric heaters

Most efficient wood stoves for home use

Best 240v Electric Garage Heaters

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