Every 25 seconds or so, a US fire department responds to fire calls somewhere. This includes home fires caused by heating equipment.
While we want to stay warm at home, we need to think about our family's safety, too.
With this in mind, my team and I tested and reviewed the most popular (and safest) freestanding electric fireplaces, with one unit emerging on top.
5 Best Freestanding Electric Fireplaces in 2020
Dimplex Celeste Freestanding Electric Fireplace
Our top favorite among the best electric fireplaces for the home is the Dimplex Celeste.
This fireplace can heat rooms up to 400 square feet and gives you options to manage the temperature with an adjustable thermostat for that warm ambiance without the traditional heater hassle.
Out of all the portable fireplaces on this list, we've observed that this electric fireplace has the most realistic 3D flames to match any traditional wood unit.
Another nice touch is that you can enjoy this heater's coziness all year long since the flames effect design can be turned on independently from the heat. The protective glass stays cool to touch even when in use, so it's safe even with kids around.
Key Features:
- Realistic 3D Flames Effects
- Remote Control Adjustment
- Programmable Thermostat Options
- Automatic Overheat Protection
- Air Filtration
Duraflame DFS-450-2 Freestanding Electric Fireplace
Our second pick for the best electric fireplaces for any home is the Duraflame fireplace with realistic flames design.
This top unit is made to heat up medium-sized rooms in your home of up to 400 square feet. Place it against the wall and admire the beautiful log fire to match traditional wood heater ambiance.
The best freestanding electric fireplaces are designed to provide supplemental heat when picking perfect temperature options in any part of your home.
This unit's heating capacity area can reach up to 400 square feet or as big as studio type apartments or traditional large rooms.
Similar to our #1 best pick, this stove heater will provide the benefit of controlling the temperature options of the room with an adjustable thermoregulator (from 62 to 82 degrees).
Another similarity is that you can also use it even when it’s not cold outside. The ember bed set and glowing log flames effects are separate from the heater function.
For a low price and adequate home coverage, this unit might be an easy choice to achieve a warm home ambiance.
Key Features:
- Heat Coverage Size: 400 sq ft Rooms
- Built-In Tip-Over Safety Features (For Overheat Protection)
- Log Burner 3D Realistic Flames (With or Without Heat)
- Has an Ember Bed and Glowing Log Set
- Easy to Install
- Safe for Kids and Pets as Glass Remains Cool
Donyer Mini Portable Electric Fireplace Heater
Are you looking for the best portable electric fireplace heater that can also fit in a tiny home?
How about on a coffee table, a bookshelf set, or even a side table against the wall to match the room’s wood decor?
If so, you might want to consider this as one of the best electric fireplace heaters.
This mini fireplace set has one of the smallest traditional footprints out there. You can easily put it on a desk, table, or can make a fireplace TV stand. These are options you may want to think about.
These electric fireplaces provide dual heat settings (high and low) for a comfortable ambiance, low (750W), and high (1500W).
Something you might appreciate about this wood-like electric fireplace heater is that it comes in two color options: Black and White so that it can blend well with your existing wall decor.
So, if you’re looking to warm up a large room for an affordable price and want something that’s not too obtrusive, you might want to consider this as the best electric heater.
Key Features:
- Coverage Area Size: 100 Square Feet Rooms
- Fence Type Air Outlet
- Log Burner Realistic Flame Effects (With or Without Heat)
- Overheating Protection Settings
- Easy to Install
- Energy Efficient
Tacklife Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater
While testing the best electric fireplaces, this was another fireplace that stood out from the pack.
What we liked most about it, and maybe you will too, is the vintage stove heater design and large window for viewing the flames, and for that added ambiance. These electric fireplaces are ideal if you have a large space or area.
It can warm up any room, but can be a bit heavy at 27 pounds. The best way to go about it is to just place it against the wall, and you're good.
Like all of the other best fireplaces on this page, it can provide independent flame settings thanks to its Two Heat Settings feature. So you can keep it on and enjoy the ambiance no matter what time of year it is.
Key Features:
- Two Heat Settings with Adjustable Thermostat
- Thermal Heat Safety Cut Off Device
- Log Burner Realistic Flame Effects (With or Without Heat)
- Independent Heat Flame Settings
- Ideal for Large Rooms
- 2-year Warranty
Lifesmart Oak Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater
If you’re looking for one of the best electric fireplaces that can provide a touch of traditional elegance and style to your living space, consider this wood-like fireplace.
The dark oak cabinet and mantel can be a beautiful addition against the wall of any traditional large room in your house. You can even match it to your wall-mounted decors. Plus, it’s powerful enough to cover up to 1,000 square feet, making it best for basements, living rooms, garages, and more.
The digital thermostat settings mounted on the fireplace provide specific heat temperature levels for rooms in addition to the remote control.
Also, this is one of the most affordable portable realistic wood fireplaces that includes caster wheels. This convenient feature gives you the ability to roll it around from wall to wall without lifting a finger.
If these are the features you’ve been looking for in the best electric fireplaces to heat up your home, then consider this unit.
Key Features:
- High, Low and Eco Heat Setting
- Features a Quakertown Dark Oak Cabinet and Mantel
- Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove
- E-Z Glide Casters
- Heat Area: 1,000 sq ft
Key Takeaways to Consider
Now that we’ve shown you our top picks for the best portable electric fireplaces, it's time you go through the key features to help you decide before buying.
By figuring out which top programs are important, you’ll find it easy to pick fireplaces that meet your needs while potentially saving money in the process.
Heating Area of Freestanding Heaters
Nothing could be worse than buying a new freestanding fireplace and still feeling cold while it’s on. All because you bought a fireplace that’s too small for your room.
Most home appliances, inexpensive heaters come in various sizes and have a maximum heating area they can cover. Some are made for a small room while others can handle a large living room.
We stated the heating coverage area of the best electric fireplaces we reviewed above.
This is because it’s always important to know the heating capacity of fireplaces. It’s also important for you to know how big your room is before you buy a unit to get the best deal.
The heating coverage of the products we listed above can go as high as a thousand, and as little as 200 square feet.
Here are a few examples that can help you figure out what size you might need:
- 150 square feet will cover a 10′ x 15′ room
- 400 square feet will cover a 20′ x 20′ room
- 1,000 square feet will cover a 25′ x 40′ room
Temperature Control
One of the luxuries of having a modern home fireplace is that you can manage the heat temperature of your environment through an adjustable thermostat. The heat thermostat is what automatically turns your heating system on and off to maintain a set degree, whether it's high or low.
Fortunately, some of the best freestanding electric fireplaces we tested include a digital thermostat for heat temperature adjustment.
Other products are operated by a switch that you have to manually shut off once the room got warm enough.
Both options get the job done, but you might prefer one type over the other. So, keep this in mind before making any purchase for your home.
Electric Fireplace with Remote Control
A remote control is a product designed for convenience. It is a must-have for persons who don’t fancy getting up once they get comfortable.
Not all portable electric fireplaces come with a remote control, though. If it doesn’t, then there are switches mounted on the device that let you make high or low adjustments on the heating capacity.
Independent Flame Technology
One of the modern features that caught our attention during our review of the best freestanding electric fireplaces, was the independent flame fireplace function. These flames are an eye-catcher.
This feature is designed to let you enjoy the realistic flame effects of the glowing logs without the unit producing heat. It’s just a program designed to provide a relaxing room vibe and style for your home. These realistic flames can be a good focal point in the living room.
A modern independent flame is one of the biggest perks of having an electric fireplace as this easy function makes gathering spots around the house a lot cozier all year round.
Dimensions of Automatic Fireplace
A final thing to consider about portable electric fireplaces is that they come in a variety of different sizes. One heater we tested even had a style small enough to fit on my bookshelf.
For example, if the desired area where you want to place the electric fireplace is roughly at 300 square feet, then look for electric fireplaces that can heat up to that extent.
Getting a unit that can heat less or way more than the desired heating area won’t make sense.
Other ones are a bit larger, so think hard about where you want to put it before you make a final decision. Take a quick measurement of the area to ensure that the modern freestanding electric fireplace you fancy the most will fit in that spot.
7 Safety Tips
There's nothing more important than the safety of our loved ones. We would never want to put any of them at risk.
All things considered, we came up with these safety tips to remember when you buy a freestanding electric stove fireplace.
1) Turn Off and Unplug When Not in Use
This tip not only promotes safety but potentially reduces electric consumption for your home. Everybody knows that even when an appliance is turned off but still plugged, it still consumes electricity.
Another benefit of this safety tip is to avoid instances in which someone might accidentally switch on or off the electric stove fireplace. If you have young kids, this is a safety tip you should practice.
2) Avoid Extension Cords
Unless stated by the manufacturer that it’s safe to plug it in an electric cord, then don’t. Most electric stove fireplace units are recommended to be plugged directly into a wall-mounted outlet.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to plug heat-producing appliances directly on a wall-mounted socket. Extension cords are unable to support the wattage needs of these appliances. This could be a real fire hazard.
As a safety tip suggestion, strategically place electric fireplaces near an electrical socket placed quite high on the wall.
3) Use a Fireplace Safety Gate
A safety gate is designed to provide a means of protection not only for a real fireplace stove but it should be used with an electric stove fireplace too. Though some of the units we mentioned above cannot burn by touching the surface. Some don’t have this feature, which can put children and pets at risk of getting burned.
4) Indoor Use Only
A freestanding electric fireplace stove is designed for indoor use only, never use it outdoors. You can use it in the garage, though, since it’s still considered an enclosed space.
It might not work outdoors, since it’s an electric stove fireplace, it might get wet when it rains outdoors. We all know a wet electrical appliance screams danger.
5) Allow Adequate Air Intake and Ventilation
Since this is a heat-producing appliance, it is suggested not to block the air intake and venting system. So avoid pushing it further to the wall. Allow a small room for the ventilation system to discharge. This is especially recommended for small living spaces that are 100 sq ft and below because the tendency is that the place is too small for adequate ventilation.
Also, do not block its air intake. If these systems are obstructed, they could not operate properly, and the chances of overheating capacity are high. Plus, it will consume electricity.
6) Keep Gasoline and Flammable Liquors at a Distance
Since an electric fireplace stove produces supplemental heat, flammable substances should be kept at a distance because this is a potential fire hazard. [1]
Why liquors? We all know that alcohol is a flammable substance. Here is the list of flammable liquors;
- Absinthe
- Amaretto
- Cognac
- Everclear
- Gin
- Grand Marnier
- Kahlúa
- Overproof rum
- Bacardi 151
- Stroh 160
- Poitín
- Sambuca
- Scotch whiskey
- Vodka
The big question now, “Can I drink alcoholic beverages when the electric fireplace stove is switched on?”. Yes, you can drink alcoholic beverages even if the electric stove fireplace is switched on as long as you keep distant. Most importantly, do not spill any flammable alcohol on the electric fireplace stove. If you want, you could drink beer since it’s not flammable.
7) Keep It Away From Water
Avoid placing the electric fireplace stove in wet surfaces or locations in your home. Do not put it near the laundry, bathroom, water dispenser, or kitchen sink. Make sure to plug it into a higher wall-mounted socket.
FAQs
Yes, it is okay to leave an electric fireplace on overnight. Yet, for safety purposes and peace of mind, it is recommended to turn off and unplug an electric fireplace from the wall socket if not necessarily needed. Remember that electricity is charged per hour, and every second is charged when an appliance is still plugged into a wall-mounted socket.
Yes, the 3D flame appears like a real fireplace. Many users report not being able to tell the difference between the flames.
Yes, you can set your freestanding electric fireplaces on the carpet. It’s secure to put the electric fireplace on top of a room rug or home mat since you don’t have to deal with real fire.
Yes, an electric fireplace is proven to heat a room up and provides a warm ambiance. Various research, studies, experiments, and customer satisfaction review can back this claim. An electric fireplace has features that work by dissipating warm directly in an enclosed space. Unlike a real wood fireplace, the supplemental heat doesn’t exit a chimney.
Regardless if the room’s size is 150 or 300 square feet, depending on the fireplace, it can heat up a room. Some studies even claim that an electric fireplace is much safer than traditional fireplaces made from real wood or gas. [2]
An electric fireplace creates a supplemental heat design from the infrared quartz heating element. What does an infrared quartz heating element do? The cold air drawn from the enclosed space is sucked by the infrared quartz fireplace stove. It is then converted into warm air and is forced back to the room by the internal fan of the electric fireplace.
An electric fireplace works the same easy way as a portable heater. If there is more cold air in the enclosed room or space, there will be more air for the electric fireplace to warm up.
No, freestanding electric fireplaces are not difficult to install. It’s easy to install and place against the wall because most of these products come straight out of a box. Just plug directly into a wall-mounted socket (remember no extension cords allowed, read manufacturer’s instructions).
If you want to set it in an existing wood fireplace, you can hire someone to install the electric fireplace heater for you. This is just an easy option for OC people if you don’t want any wires hanging, and for a neater finish, of course.
Otherwise, just choose the part of the room near a wall socket and turn the fireplace on.
The Best Freestanding Electric Fireplace Is ….
With its realistic 3D flame feature and fully adjustable flame brightness setting, we recommend Dimplex Celeste Freestanding Electric Fireplace as the #1 freestanding electric fireplace for your home. The 5-style option lets you create an illusion of a real fireplace based on your style or preference.
It’s cool to the touch even when switched on, so this fireplace is safe for kids and even pets. The Dimplex Electric Fireplace also comes with an air purification treatment system that ensures good air quality in the room.
Dimplex Celeste Freestanding Electric Fireplace
Our #1 Recommendation
- Realistic 3D Flames Effects
- Remote Control Adjustment
- Programmable Thermostat Options
- Automatic Overheat Protection
- Air Filtration
