best electric fireplaces (inserts)

If you just want a fireplace to add ambience to your living room, an electric fireplace may well be the best option for you. The best electric fireplaces are clean, safe and easy to install.

Electric fireplaces vs. Traditional wood fireplaces
Electric fireplaces are mainly a cheap, clean and safe alternative to traditional wood burning. Traditional wood fireplaces produce too little heat - about 90% of it is lost through the chimney - and are polluting, raising serious health concerns. See: Fireplaces & Health Threats

Advantages of electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces do not require venting (contrary to what happens to wood, gas or pellet fireplaces) and are easy to maintain and install.

Installing may require an electrician to perform some electrical work, but in many cases it’s basically as simple as plugging the fireplace into any 120-volt outlet.

They are also safe and clean: they do not emit monoxide carbon or other pollutants, which makes them a healthy option.

On the other hand, there many efficient models, with a cost that is a small fraction of that of other fireplaces: prices between $100 and $300 are common (only more sophisticated models, with special finishes, have higher prices).

Disadvantages

Typical electric fireplaces have a small or relatively small heat output. Typical heat outputs are often below 5,000 BTUs.

But that isn't usually a problem, since their goal is not to heat an entire house or to be used during long periods. Their running costs would be too large. Electricity is too expensive, and electric fireplaces aren't designed to be used intensively in heating mode. Their main goal is room ambience...

Which type of electric fireplace is best for you?

Electric fireplace companies are offering a wide set of “types” of fireplaces: inserts and non-inserts, corner units, wall units, flame-only units, flame and heat output units...

But the differences are mostly aesthetical and associated with the location of the fireplace in the room. Their technological core, and their advantages and disadvantages are the same.

Once chosen the “type” of electric fireplace, the truly important and what defines the best fireplace for you is the quality and the features of each model...

Choosing the best electric fireplace

Chose a model with a realistic flame... Advanced realism is a major feature to create a cozy mood and atmosphere year-round. Till recently their flame-effect was very unconvincing, but there are now models with a very good flame-effect.

Also choose an economical model. A leading manufacturer is claiming a cost of 2 cents per hour on flame operating mode and 8 cents/hour on both heat and flame mode, for a unit with 4,750 BTUs of heat output.

A built-in thermostat (for temperature control) and an on/off remote control are now standard. A built-in fan-forced heater, to distribute the heat evenly, is also an advantageous feature of the best electric fireplaces...

Pay attention to their many finishes. There are many options, responding to contemporary and traditional designs.

Look also for a unit with a large warranty (one-year warranty on parts is a minimum).

Decorative electric fireplaces

The standard fireplace models have both flame-only effect and heat capability, but you can find flame-only decorative models.

See: Gas Logs, Gel and Decorative electric fireplaces

The best electric fireplace reviews.

If searching for reviews on electric fireplaces, you may take a look to Amazon.com customer reviews. See them here: Electric fireplaces

Alternatives to electric fireplaces

Electric fireplaces are clean, safe, inexpensive, easy to install and maintain, and can produce a cozy ambiance and a reasonable heat output.

But… there are other direct heating alternatives like electric heaters, air-source heat pumps or electric furnaces, not to talk of gas fireplaces or gas stoves...