A fireplace can provide a warm and cozy element to your home while creating a nice focal point. Watching the flames as they dance offers a mesmerizing experience. If you have a home that doesn’t have a traditional fireplace already built-in you can still enjoy the benefits with some of the most realistic electric fireplace units. Adding one of these to your home can also increase its value.
Intro | Most Realistic Electric Fireplace
Electric fireplaces are surprisingly affordable ranging from as low as under $100 upwards to $1000 — with some premium models costing multiple thousands of dollars. Of course, the more high-end you get the greater the cost depending on your taste. These units are quite simple to put in any home; in fact, the hardest part is choosing the right one. An electric fireplace heater may be portable or can be permanently affixed to your space. There are many added features and details available that can make the decision even more difficult. There are some careful considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right unit for your home. Fortunately, everything you need to know about choosing an electric fireplace that fits perfectly into your living space can be found right here.
One of the primary benefits to having a fireplace is adding warmth to a room. With an electric fireplace you can actually cut the cost of your heating bill by supplementing your central heating system with an energy-efficient model. These units produce heat through one of two systems: forced fan or infrared quartz. With forced fan heat systems warm air is pushed out into the room as a fan blows through heated coils. In infrared quartz heating systems an infrared light is used rather than coils to transmit warmth. These are more high-tech, capable of putting out greater heat distribution and won’t reduce the level of humidity.
Classic Flame Lexington (33WM881-C232) | Stylish Fireplace
Features and Specs to Consider
When you’re set out to choose the most realistic electric fireplace for your space there are several aspects you will need to keep in mind. One thing you will need to do is measure the space you wish to place your fireplace. If you have an existing fireplace you want to replace with an electric model you will need to measure the inside of the firebox to ensure you choose the right sized electric fireplace insert to fit.
Another careful consideration to keep in mind when looking at the specifications on electric fireplace units is the BTU.This is the measurement of heat produced. The greater the number of BTUs the more heat it is capable of putting out. Why is this important? Well if you have a small room you’re wanting to add a little extra warmth to such as a bedroom or even a bathroom you really don’t need a unit that produces more than 5,000 BTUs.
Forced-fan electric units are a suitable choice for areas under 400 square feet. For a larger living space up to 1,000 square feet an infrared quartz heating system is ideal and can produce up to 9,600 BTUs.
Most electric fireplace heaters have added features equipped to add convenience and allow you to create a custom experience like a remote control to adjust settings. Some units feature settings that allow you to adjust the brightness of the flames from a soft glow to intense light. You may even have a setting to adjust the flame speed as well. Additional features you may want to consider include:
- A timer
- Air purification system
- Flame only/heat only
Types of Realistic Electric Fireplaces
There are various types of electric fireplace units that range in sizes big and small to fit any room. You are certain to find a style that will blend in perfectly with any decor and suits the size of your room even in an apartment.
Mantel Fireplaces —
These models, as the name suggest, have their own mantel to resemble a real traditional fireplace. A mantel electric fireplace can create a nice appeal to a room and provide a centerpiece.
MagikFlame Electric Fireplace and Mantel
Colors : Antique Ivory / Cherry Wood / White. Beautiful and one of the Most Realistic Fireplaces you can buy.
Features:
- Revolutionary HoloFlame technology including 26 real video flame effects with genuine crackling log sounds!
- Clean and safe around children and pets and uses less electricity than a light bulb.
- Cherry wood electric fireplace is premium quality with a superior finish. This extra large mantel is sure to be the center of attention in your living room. Perfect for use in your home, living room, condo or high-rise.
- Fireplace mantels come in three different colors and styles. Pick the perfect mantel to fit your style and decor. Our mantels range from modern and chic to a traditional look.
- Fake fireplace that simulates wood burning, gas, and fantasy flames. Select a unique flame to match the mood of any moment. We have the most abundant flame selection. Features an alluring and genuine fire for any occasion. You’ll have so many flames to choose from you’ll never get bored.
- This cherry wood mantel size is: 55″w x 48″h x 16”d.
- Our ultra-realistic electric fireplaces are handmade and manufactured in the USA in limited quantities. To maintain quality, we build in small batches and rigorously test each unit to ensure perfection before it arrives. Last year, demand exceeded capacity. Order now while units are in stock and ready.
- Patent pending holographic technology makes it appear as if you logs are actually burning
- 26 realistic flame effects with rolling smoke and burning embers
- 26 different realistic log crackling sounds to increase the realism
- Toggle on/off nature sounds (rain + thunder/ocean waves/nature) for a more relaxing experience
- Backlit touch-screen interface can be used in a dark room for easy control of your fireplace
- Bluetooth app for Android devices lets you use your smart phone to control your fireplace
- Included remote control for easy control of your fireplace from the couch or bed
- Built in 4,600 BTU heater provides zone heating on chilly nights
Overview
Add a touch of elegance with this electric mantel fireplace that is sure to create a stunning focal point to a room. MagikFlame uses a unique Holoflame technology to bring you the most realistic electric fireplace there is to offer. It even features the sounds of logs crackling to enhance the illusion of a real fire in addition to various nature sounds. It produces up to 4,600 BTUs per hour to sufficiently warm up a space up to 1,000 square feet. It comes with a remote to adjust settings between the thermostat for maintaining an optimal temperature to one of the numerous fire effects featured with the unit. There is also a free app available for iphones or Ipad devices that allows you to adjust the settings from a separate room.
VIDEO | Learn More about the MagikFlame Electric Fireplaces
The MagicFlame electric fireplace and mantel packages come in various finishes and are made of premium quality real wood. These featured styles in mantels are designed to match any interior decor or preference from traditional heirloom features to sleek modern styles. These also vary slightly in dimensions.
Aphrodite Antique Ivory – painted to appear as if it’s aged and features old-world style scroll detail and beading on the front. It has a depth of 18”, height of 43” and measures 55” wide.
Neo Premium Cherry Wood – features a dark cherry finish with fluted side posts and hand-carved embellishments. This mantel style measures 55” wide, height of 48” and a depth of 16”.
Artemis Dark Espresso / White – Features a semi-gloss finish with sleek, modern features and crown molding. This same style, Artemis, is also available in a white finish. The mantel measurements are as follows: 52” wide, 15” depth, and height of 43”.
Trinity Premium Classic White – painted in an Alpine white semi-gloss finish, this style features crown molding along the base and top sections of the mantel and embellished with old-world style carving details. It measures 55” wide, 48” height, and depth of 18”.
Southern Enterprises Sicilian Harvest
Stylish and one of the Most Realistic Fireplaces you can buy.
Features:
- Overall Dimensions: 44.75″ W x 14″ D x 40.25″ H / Firebox Front Dimensions: 23″ W x 20″ H
- Mantel supports up to 85 lbs. and accommodates up to a 42″ flat screen TV
- Safety thermal overload protector
- Plugs into standard wall outlet
- Uses about the same energy as a coffee maker
- Supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet
- Lifelike multicolor flames and burning logs with embers
- Remote control adjusts thermostat, timer, logs, and flames separately with ease
- Classic brick style interior and optional down light illumination
- Safe, self-regulating heater turns off when desired temperature is met
- Child safety lock accessible from remote control
- Conveniently plugs into standard wall outlet with 6′ cord
- Long life, energy efficient LED bulbs
- Glass remains cool to the touch
- Use without heater for year round enjoyment
- Once powered off, logs and flames slowly turn down
- Temperature ratings: 62-82 degrees at 4 degree intervals
- Heating/power: 120V/60Hz, 1500W, 12.5 Amps
Overview
Enjoy the cozy warmth this electric fireplace puts out with a radiant heat to comfortably warm up to 400 square feet. The ivory finish, fluted columns, and decorative scroll detail add elegance and traditional charm to accent your room. This model is also available in a warm brown Mahogany finish. The mantel can support up to 85 pounds and functions as a placement for a flat panel TV under 43” wide.
The freestanding unit is easily portable to add supplemental heat to a different room and ideal for renters. The firebox features realistic multi-colored flames that flicker for added effect. The energy-saving 1500 Watt heater is self-regulating and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. It can be controlled by the remote control included to adjust temperature as well as various effects. The remote is equipped with a child-safety lock and the unit features a cool-touch protective glass. As an added safety measure it’s also equipped with a safety thermal overload protector.
Also available in Ivory
Stacked Stone Free Standing Electric Fireplace
This faux stone mantel electric fireplace provides a great textural element and focal piece to a room while supplying heat with the infrared quartz heating system. The fireplace can efficiently put out up to 5,200 BTUs to warm up a space up to 1,000 square feet. The heater features SpectraFire technology for life like flames which can be adjusted through flame speed and brightness. To adjust settings or set the timer you can use the remote control included. The fireplace is safe for use around children and pets.
Dimplex GDS26L5-904ST Fieldston Pine
Beautiful and one of the Most Realistic Fireplaces you can buy.
Features:
- Wood slab top features a hand carved look and overextends the mantel for a commanding centerpiece
- Sturdy, wood corbels contrast the natural stone-look finish
- Faux stone feels like the real thing and complements the rustic design cues for a cottage motif
- Simple, single step hearth base accompanies the overall design
- 26-inch self-trimming electric firebox
- Patented, life-like flame effect with inner glow logs molded from wood logs for a realistic look
- On-demand heat with thermostat control warms a room or area up to 400 sq. ft. and comes with remote control for on/off
- Interior light and flame speed control
- Flame operates with or without heat
- Patented, life-like flame effect with inner glow logs molded from wood logs for a realistic look
Overview
Here’s another rustic stone hearth electric fireplace to consider for your home. It features a pine mantel and comes equipped with a 26” firebox. The 1500 watt unit can put out up to 5,118 BTUs to adequately warm up a space of up to 400 square feet. You can also use the remote control it comes with to adjust the thermostat accordingly to your preference. The settings on the flames can be adjusted as well to be displayed with or without heat or use just the heat without the flames to customize your experience.
Media Console Electric Fireplaces —
These fireplace units feature a media center that serves as a functional entertainment system to accommodate a TV set and other media devices. These models range in size and styles and may feature additional space that can serve as storage or for displaying photos and decor.
Southern Enterprises — AMZ3339EF Media Electric Fireplace
Features:
- Realistic faux black River Stone juxtaposes handsomely with the clean woodwork of the sienna finish.
- Recessed-door shelf hides the clutter of media accessories.
- Firebox has multicolor flames, glowing embers, and an interior brick design for a lifelike look.
- Remote control adjusts thermostat, timer, logs and flames.
- Conveniently plugs into standard wall outlet with 6′ cord.
- Temperature ratings: 60-82 degrees at 4 degree intervals.
- Heating/power: 120V/60Hz, 1500W, 12.5 amps. Batteries: 1 CR2025 (included), energy efficient LED bulbs light the fire.
- Flames and logs each have 5-level adjustment, or off. An automatic shutoff and glass that remains cool to the touch ensure the fireplace warms safely.
Overview
This freestanding media electric fireplace features a beautiful Southwest style with a Sienna finish and artificial black river stone trim. The 1500W unit can efficiently warm up a room of up 400 square feet. It comes with a remote control to adjust settings including the thermostat for temperatures from 60-82 degrees Fahrenheit as well as set a timer. The flames and logs can also be adjusted between 5 levels from off to just the flames and logs without the heat to create a nice ambiance even when its warm. The remote control features a child safety lock and added safety features are incorporated with a cool-touch protective glass and auto shut-off. The media center fireplace features a hidden shelf to store a media console and accessories with a recessed door.
Electric Fireplace Insert
These units are compact, easily portable and made for already built-in fireplaces such as those with a mantel. They come in a variety of styles from full units with decorative trim kits to fill in the gaps to simple log set inserts that feature realistic logs on a grate.
Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces
These heating units are slim in design to mount onto a wall without taking up much space. This type of unit is very suitable for apartments or small homes with limited floor space for a free-standing unit.
AKDY 36” Fireplace | AX-510DLB
1500W, Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater
Features:
- 1,500-Watt electric fireplace heater with 5,200 BTU to quickly heat room
- 400 sq. ft. heating capacity ideal for the bedroom and living room
- Stainless steel convection wall heater with electronic push-button controls, features 2 heating levels
- Electronic push-button controls to choose your desired heating level
- Stainless steel and clear tempered glass front to protect internal components
- Realistic flames with included logs and pebbles, interchangeable for a customized look
- Multi-color LED backlighting perfect for setting the mood
- Remote included to adjust the temperature from across the room
- Constructed of steel for durability and resistant to heat
- Stainless steel wall mount electric fireplace hangs perfectly on any wall with an ultra-slim design
- Auto-shut off safety feature to prevent against overheating and CSA certified for US and Canada
Overview
This slim wall-mounted fireplace gives your walls a nice facelift with a stylish design featuring a curved tempered glass and interchangeable logs and pebbles. It is nearly half the cost of more expensive models of the same caliber yet produces the same level of quality. The 1500-Watt unit can put out up to 5,200 BTUs to quickly warm a room. It comes with a remote to conveniently control settings for adjusting temperature or choosing between one of two heating levels. The unit is constructed of durable steel for heat resistance and features an automatic safety shut-off to protect against overheating. The slim design can serve as an insert to slip into an existing standard-sized fireplace opening in a room or can be mounted to a wall.
Corner Fireplaces —
This style is another option for those with limited space that wish to enjoy the benefits of an electric fireplace. These are also portable and easy to move around if you wish to transfer to an alternate room or for use in a temporary location such as a rental home or apartment.
Southern Enterprises | Cartwright Mission Oak Convertible Slate
Features:
- Beautiful Mission styling
- Incredibly realistic looking flame effects & log set
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet
- Multi-function remote control included
- Sizes :
- Overall: 45.5″ W x 15.5″ D x 40.25″ H (flat)
- Overall: 45.5″ W x 26.5″ D x 40.25″ H (corner)
- Firebox front: 23″ W x 20″ H
- Plugs into standard wall outlet
- Weighs 116.5 pounds
- Classic brick style interior and optional down light illumination
- Safe, self-regulating heater turns off when desired temperature is met
- Conveniently plugs into standard wall outlet with 6′ cord
- Long life, energy efficient LED bulbs
- Glass remains cool to the touch
- Large mantel holds up to 85-lbs. or a 42-in. flat-screen.
- Remote control adjusts thermostat, timer, logs, and flames separately.
- LED lights also offer optional down light illumination.
- Safety features include automatic shutoff and glass that remains cool to the touch (safe, self-regulating heater turns off when desired temperature is met).
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Cartwright Mission Oak.
Overview
This model is an electric mantel fireplace that features a corner-convertible design to fit a corner or can be used against a flat wall as a traditional mantel fireplace. It can support up to a 42” wide television and up to 85 pounds. The mantel and surrounding trim are finished in Mission Oak with wood grain characteristics and feature natural earth tone stone for realistic quality. The firebox is designed with LED lighting that produces realistic flickering flames in multiple colors and a backlight.
The 1500 watt unit provides radiant heat of up to 400 square feet. A remote control is included to allow you to conveniently adjust the thermostat from 62 degrees Fahrenheit up to 82 degrees as well as additional settings. There is a child safety lock feature on the remote. For added safety, the unit does feature an automatic shut-off as well.
Choosing the Right Placement
A fireplace adds a nice and decorative focal point to a room; however some homeowners may have difficulty choosing the best placement for one. First thing’s first, consider the amount of usage you intend to get from your fireplace. Take that into consideration in the type of room where it will be used in.
If you’re opting to put your electric fireplace in a space where you frequently entertain, but watch tv less frequently (or not at all) you would most likely make the fireplace your primary focal point. On the other hand, if the unit is going to be installed in a family room where you watch tv more frequently then you’d likely want to have the TV as the primary focal point and the fireplace secondary.
Many electric fireplace mantels are designed to accommodate a TV up to a certain size. Combining the two focal points into one is an option but under certain conditions. Placing a TV above a fireplace will create a higher viewing point. If the room is somewhat small you may not have the layout and space to set your furniture at a comfortable distance from the tv without having to look up at it if placed above the fireplace or on the mantel. In this case, it’s best to place the fireplace as a secondary focal point against a separate wall from the TV or in a corner if that’s an option.
It may be that combining the TV above the fireplace is the only option based on the layout and design of the room it will be placed in. If this is the case, consider the size of your TV when choosing an electric fireplace mantel or media center to ensure it will fit. Another option is to hang your TV above the fireplace anchored to the wall. You can purchase mechanisms designed to position your TV at an angle that is comfortable for viewing.
MagikFlame | The Most Realistic Fireplace you can Buy
MagikFlame is the most realistic and most advanced fireplace you’ll find. Sure, it’s expensive, but if you want the best fireplace then this is the one for you. The video above is only one of 26 flame settings available for you to choose from. Also, there are five different MagikFlame models to choose from. Whatever your preference or decor, there’s a fireplace for you. Your guests will be jealous whenever they come over, it really is that good.
Converting an Existing Fireplace to an Electric
If you don’t want the mess and hassle of cleaning that comes with wood-burning fireplaces then today’s modern electric fireplaces provide a great alternative. These are less time-consuming than traditional fireplaces because you don’t have to chop wood, fight with lighting it or cleaning afterwards.
Electric fireplaces are also safer to use in your home. There are no sparks produced that shoot up in the chimney or potentially ignite a fire. Because there is no soot or ash produced it is also cleaner for your home.
If you currently have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, you will need to remove the grate and clean out all of the ash and soot. Close the damper to your chimney to prevent drafts. Before you install your electric fireplace, be sure to read the user manual thoroughly that came with your unit. Each manufacturer has specific requirements for the make and model of their units which you should be aware of before use.
Most electric fireplace heaters require a dedicated circuit. Ensure the nearest outlet to the fireplace meets the electrical requirements of the unit which is typically 120V, 15 amps, 60Hz, but some models may require a 240-volt outlet. If you must use an extension cord for the fireplace be sure to use one that is rated properly according to the manual.
Once you have read over the manual and removed all packaging materials you can insert the fireplace insert into your fireplace opening. If it comes with a glass front secure the glass into place prior to putting the heater in the fireplace opening. Run the power cord under or around the insert and plug into the nearest outlet. It’s that simple.
If the fireplace insert will be a permanent fixture in your home, you may want to make additional customization’s. For instance, if you don’t like the appearance of the cord running across the hearth you can have a professional electrician install an outlet within the fireplace opening. Another option is to have the unit hardwired directly to your home’s electricity.
Safety Tips and Advice
Although electric fireplace heaters are much safer than traditional fireplaces, it’s still important to follow a few safety tips to avoid potential fire hazards or injury.
Just as with any heating element, keep any object or materials that may be flammable clear from the fireplace.
Opt for a unit equipped with safety features such as automatic shut-off if the unit begins to overheat. Consider additional safety features if you have children such as child safety lock features on remote controls and cool touch glass.
Ensure the electrical wiring in your home is adequate to handle the load of an electric fireplace. Most electric fireplace units run between 700-1500 watts.
If you desire the warmth, calming atmosphere and enjoyment of a fireplace without the potential dangers associated with fire, your best bet is to go with the most realistic electric fireplace unit. These are the ideal choice and safest alternative for families with young children and pets.
