ConsFirst / Electric fireplaces
Electric fireplaces: the downsides, first
Electric fireplaces are mostly about the look: owners like the flames, but the heater inside is typically around 5,000 Btu, so the heat is modest and best for one room, and fan noise comes up again and again. Here are the most popular electric fireplaces in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared13 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 electric fireplaces, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Duraflame
$$FreestandingScore 4.3/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)14,217 ratings. The Spruce also links listing B01N7ZEO7D, which shows the same count, so ratings are pooled across finishes and variants.This is the top pick in the most roundups: best overall at Good Housekeeping and in both of The Spruce's guides, which tested it four times. It has realistic flames and strong infrared heat, and you only attach four legs to set it up. But the front grill gets hot and the settings are hidden behind the door. On Amazon, more owners complain about the temperature control than praise it.
Top complaints
- Front grill gets hotVery common
Both Spruce guides list a hot front grill as the main con. The grill sits right in front of the infrared element, and the top gets too warm to display items, though the sides stay cool.
- Hidden controls, basic remote, fiddly temperature controlVery common
The control panel is behind the door, and the remote has no display, so you have to open the door to check the timer, heat or thermostat (The Spruce). On Amazon, temperature control gets more negative than positive mentions (259 vs 338), and the remote is mixed (312 vs 236), with some owners saying it only turns the unit on and off.
- Fan noise and clicking for some ownersMentioned often
Noise level is mixed on Amazon (368 positive, 221 negative): some find it very quiet, while others report loud fans and constant clicking. The Spruce measured it as 'pretty quiet' with a decibel meter.
What owners love
- Realistic 3D flames
Good Housekeeping calls the layered 3D flame remarkably realistic. The Spruce says it looks very real if you don't look too closely, best on the highest of five levels. Realism gets 530 positive and 32 negative mentions on Amazon.
- Strong heat for a plug-in
It is rated at 5,200 Btu, and the maker claims it covers up to 1,000 sq ft (Good Housekeeping, Popular Mechanics). The Spruce says it heats well on all settings, with a blower that pushes warm air about 10 feet. Amazon's 'Heater' aspect is 506 positive to 9 negative.
- Set up in minutes and lasts
Assembly is just attaching four legs (The Spruce). One Spruce test unit was still working 'like a champ' after three years in an unfinished basement.
Skip it if…- Small kids or pets might touch the front grill
- You want to see settings at a glance or use an informative remote
- You want colored or adjustable-speed flames
Good for- A plug-in stove look with no installation
- Real supplemental heat for a living room or basement
- Running the flames without heat
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism4.5
Why 4.5?
Called remarkably realistic (Good Housekeeping) and very realistic from a distance (The Spruce); Amazon realism 530 positive to 32 negative. No color or speed options. - Heat output4.5
Why 4.5?
5,200 Btu infrared, the top of the usual range (The Spruce). It heats well on all settings, though The Spruce couldn't register a temperature change in some large rooms. - Quietness3.5
Why 3.5?
Measured as pretty quiet (The Spruce), but noise is mixed on Amazon (368 positive, 221 negative), with reports of fan noise and clicking. - Easy install5.0
Why 5.0?
No installation needed: attach four legs and plug it in (The Spruce, Good Housekeeping). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
A Spruce unit survived three years in a basement; Popular Mechanics notes plastic legs.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best overall (updated 2026-08-20; also best overall in its heater guide, updated 2026-09-11): quiet, effective heat, realistic flames and simple setup. The con is a hot front grill.
- Good Housekeeping: Best overall (updated Feb 2026): realistic adjustable 3D flames, powerful infrared heat and no installation. The con is a larger footprint.
- Popular Mechanics: Best freestanding (Dec 2024; picked on specs, not tested). The con is plastic legs.
#2
Modern Ember
$$$Wall-mount / recessedScore 3.9/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample: only 69 ratings (2-star 0% + 1-star 4%).The Spruce's premium wall-mount and smart pick: a big 60-inch unit that impressed its tester with heat in a 350 sq ft basement, with realistic flames, quiet running and good app controls. But it costs about $1,000 more than The Spruce's other wall-mount pick, setup took about 2 hours, the icon-only remote is confusing, and there is little Amazon owner data.
Top complaints
- Confusing remoteVery common
Both Spruce guides say the remote isn't intuitive: its buttons only have icons, so it's hard to tell which setting each controls. The tester prefers the app. The remote gets 4 negative and 2 positive mentions on Amazon.
- Challenging, two-hour setupMentioned often
The Spruce lists a challenging initial setup: about 2 hours, longer when hard-wired and recessed, and arranging the embers and logs was the trickiest part.
- Expensive; single-user app; a reliability reportMentioned often
The Spruce notes it costs about $1,000 more than its best wall-mount pick, and the app can't be connected to several users at once. Reliability is mixed in a small Amazon sample, with one owner saying it turned off completely after 30 seconds.
What owners love
- Real heat for a basement room
The tester was impressed by the heat in a roughly 350 sq ft basement family room, and the built-in thermostat keeps it from overheating the room. He felt heat from about 3 feet right away, though the whole room takes longer (The Spruce). Amazon owners also praise the heat.
- Realistic, highly customizable flames
It offers 10 flame colors, 10 ember-bed colors, and brightness and speed settings. The Spruce calls the flames realistic with the right settings, and Amazon owners find it realistic.
- Quiet, with a cool-touch exterior and good safety
The Spruce lists quiet operation, great safety features and a cool-touch exterior. After daily use for months, it still looks and works like new.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You want a simple, labeled remote
- You want a quick DIY install
Good for- A large statement fireplace on a wall or recessed
- App and voice control
- Lots of flame and ember color options
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism4.5
Why 4.5?
Realistic with the right settings, and the most customization of The Spruce's picks (10 flame and 10 ember colors). - Heat output4.0
Why 4.0?
Impressive heat in a 350 sq ft basement, with a thermostat (The Spruce); praised by Amazon owners. - Quietness4.5
Why 4.5?
'Quiet during use' (The Spruce). - Easy install2.5
Why 2.5?
About 2 hours, with a challenging initial setup (The Spruce); hard-wiring and recessing add time. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Works like new after months of daily use (The Spruce); one early-failure report in a tiny Amazon sample.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best smart (updated 2026-08-20): realistic flames, quiet, useful app controls, and can be plugged in or hard-wired. Cons are an unintuitive remote and a challenging initial setup.
- The Spruce (heater guide): Best wall-mounted (updated 2026-09-11): sleek, powerful heater, cool-touch exterior. The con is that the app can't be shared across several users at the same time.
#3
PuraFlame
$$InsertScore 3.9/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)4,601 ratings (2-star 1% + 1-star 3%).Both Good Housekeeping and Bob Vila name it the most realistic: a brick-lined firebox, resin logs, glowing embers and crackling sounds that slide into an existing fireplace. Its 400 sq ft heat is limited, though, and some owners report trouble installing it.
Top complaints
- Limited heating rangeVery common
Good Housekeeping's con is a limited heating range compared with larger models (rated to about 400 sq ft), and Bob Vila says it is not a primary heat source. On Amazon, heat output is 394 positive to 110 negative.
- Installation difficulties for someMentioned often
Bob Vila's con is that some users report installation difficulties. Good Housekeeping, by contrast, says you just slide it into the opening and plug it in.
- Noise, remote and flame settings draw some complaintsMentioned often
These are minority complaints on Amazon: noise (67 negative of 278), remote (38 of 128) and flame settings (19 of 75), though most owners praise the quiet blower.
What owners love
- Most realistic fire look
Its three-sided brick interior, resin logs and glowing embers make it Good Housekeeping's 'most realistic' pick, and Bob Vila's too. Amazon realism is 299 positive to 51 negative.
- Crackling sounds and adjustable flames
It has integrated crackling sounds, three flame effects, adjustable brightness, and a remote with timer (Good Housekeeping, Bob Vila). Amazon owners call it relaxing (80 positive, 1 negative).
- Good value, quiet blower
One Amazon owner says it costs a fraction of a chimney repair (value is 304 positive to 28 negative), and owners appreciate the quiet blower.
Skip it if…- You need it as a main heat source
- You have no existing fireplace opening
- You dislike fan noise
Good for- Reviving an unused wood-burning fireplace
- The most traditional, realistic fire look
- Crackling sound effects
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism5.0
Why 5.0?
Named most realistic by both Good Housekeeping and Bob Vila; Amazon realism is strongly positive. - Heat output3.0
Why 3.0?
750/1,500 W, about 400 sq ft; limited range (Good Housekeeping) and not a primary heat source (Bob Vila). - Quietness3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners mostly praise the quiet blower (211 positive, 67 negative). - Easy install4.0
Why 4.0?
Slide into an existing opening and plug in (Good Housekeeping), though Bob Vila notes some installation difficulties.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Most realistic (updated Feb 2026): incredibly realistic flames and log set, adjustable settings and easy to slide in. The con is limited heating range.
- Bob Vila: Most realistic (updated Feb 2025): classic design, crackling sounds and three flame effects. The con is that some users report installation difficulties.
#4
Real Flame
$$FreestandingScore 3.7/5
2%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: only 213 ratings (2-star 1% + 1-star 1%).This mantel unit looks like a built-in fireplace, and The Spruce rates it its most realistic. Its tester's unit still worked like new after two years. But it is big, assembly took two people about an hour and The Spruce called it tricky, the mantel can't hold a TV, and the Amazon rating sample is small.
Top complaints
- Assembly takes two people and can be trickyVery common
The Spruce says it took two people just under an hour, and getting the top of the cabinet onto the base needed loosened screws. Its methodology notes say one Real Flame unit took two people more than two hours. Good Housekeeping's con is that assembly is required. Amazon owners, by contrast, mostly call it easy to assemble.
- Large, and the mantel won't hold a TVVery common
The Spruce lists 'doesn't support a TV' as its con (the mantel holds about 31 lb) and says it takes up a lot of space, so it isn't the best for compact rooms.
- One fan speed, beeps, unclear overheat shutoffMentioned often
The Spruce's heater guide says there is only one fan speed, it beeps when you change settings, and it has no overheat shutoff feature, just a timer of up to nine hours. Good Housekeeping's spec box lists automatic heat shut-off as 'Yes'.
What owners love
- Realistic LED flames and embers
The Spruce's 'most realistic' pick: the LED flames dance and dim like a real fire, with five brightness settings and adjustable color. Amazon owners also praise the realistic flames.
- Warms the room, quietly
The Spruce found it heats the space quickly, with a relatively quiet blower that doesn't drown out conversation. It has six temperature settings from 72 to 99°F, and the maker claims up to 1,000 sq ft. Amazon owners mention good heat output and quiet operation.
- Still like new after two years
The Spruce tester's unit stayed in perfect condition after being moved between rooms, and still worked like new after two years of use.
Skip it if…- You want to put a TV on it
- Your room is small
- You want a one-person, no-assembly setup
Good for- A traditional mantel look without a chimney
- Displaying decor on the mantel
- Year-round flames without heat
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism4.5
Why 4.5?
The Spruce's most realistic pick, with lifelike LED flames and adjustable color; Amazon owners agree. - Heat output3.5
Why 3.5?
Heats a room quickly (The Spruce), but at about 4,700-4,780 Btu, with heat felt up to about 4 ft at first. - Quietness4.0
Why 4.0?
Low-volume blower that doesn't interrupt conversation, and silent with heat off (The Spruce), though it beeps on adjustments. - Easy install2.5
Why 2.5?
Two people and about an hour, with a fit issue (The Spruce); assembly required (Good Housekeeping). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Like new after two years and a move (The Spruce); the small Amazon sample shows few low ratings.
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best with mantel and most realistic (updated 2026-08-20); also best with mantel in its heater guide. The con is that it can't support a TV.
- Good Housekeeping: Best with mantel (updated Feb 2026): a classic design with adjustable flames and heat. The con is that assembly is required.
#5
Touchstone
$$Wall-mount / recessedScore 3.4/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)3,721 ratings for the 80004. The Spruce's pick, the Sideline Deluxe 86273 (B094145NLN), shows 8% (2-star 2% + 1-star 6%) of only 136 ratings.A long-running favorite: Good Housekeeping's best overall insert, with 3,721 Amazon ratings and few low ones. Owners say it installs in under 30 minutes. But noise is its weak spot (more negative than positive Amazon mentions), heat is supplemental, and swapping between logs and crystals means removing the glass, which is tricky.
Top complaints
- Hum and fan noiseVery common
Noise is the most negative aspect on Amazon (102 positive, 112 negative). Some say it is super quiet, but others report a slight hum with the flames, and one reports a grinding noise after a couple of weeks.
- Swapping logs and crystals is a choreMentioned often
Good Housekeeping says removing the glass pane to change the media is a little tricky. The Spruce says you need two people to take the glass off, so choose logs or crystals carefully at install.
- Heat is modest for someMentioned often
Heat output is mostly positive on Amazon (295 positive, 103 negative), but one reviewer calls it 'low heat, not designed for regular use'. Popular Mechanics says the pricier Sideline Elite doesn't offer much warmth for the price.
What owners love
- Quick install
Installation is 368 positive to 21 negative on Amazon; owners say it takes under 30 minutes and can be removed with two screws.
- Realistic flames with color choices
Good Housekeeping found the fire realistic, with three flame colors and five intensities. The Spruce calls the brand reliable and its flames realistic-looking. Amazon owners praise the realistic flame display and its color options.
- Works reliably, with overheat cutoff
Functionality is 221 positive to 36 negative on Amazon. Good Housekeeping says the heat runs 68-88°F and the unit shuts off automatically if it ever heats past 88°F.
Skip it if…- You're sensitive to fan hum
- You need serious heat
- You want to change the logs or crystals often
Good for- Recessing a sleek fireplace into a wall
- A quick install
- Flame-only ambiance year-round
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism4.0
Why 4.0?
Realistic per Good Housekeeping, The Spruce and Amazon owners, with several colors and intensities. - Heat output3.0
Why 3.0?
1,500/750 W; takes the chill off per Amazon owners (295 positive, 103 negative), and is capped at 88°F (Good Housekeeping). - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Noise is more negative than positive on Amazon (102 vs 112), citing a hum and some grinding. - Easy install3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners report under 30 minutes (Amazon), but recessing needs a wall opening, and changing media means removing the glass (Good Housekeeping, The Spruce). - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Functionality is 221 positive to 36 negative on Amazon; The Spruce calls the brand reliable.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping (inserts): Best overall insert (updated 2026-02-10): easy to use, comes with logs and crystals, and has many color and intensity settings. The con is that the glass is tricky to remove when swapping media. Its text describes Alexa and Google support (smart versions), but the Amazon link goes to the 80004.
- The Spruce: Best wall mount: recommends the newer Sideline Deluxe smart version (86273) based on testing a now-discontinued Touchstone (80026). Realistic and quiet; the con is a remote that isn't intuitive.
- Popular Mechanics: Best smart (Sideline Elite, Dec 2024, not tested): hardwire option and 60 color combos, but not much warmth for the price.
#6
R.W.FLAME
$$Wall-mount / recessedScore 3.3/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)9,370 ratings (2-star 1% + 1-star 4%).A best-seller (over 9,000 Amazon ratings) that Good Housekeeping picks for recessed and wall mounting: slim, cheap for its size, and loaded with flame colors. But Amazon owners are split on reliability, with units that quit and a remote that only works within about 10 feet. It gets loud on high, and the heat suits smaller rooms.
Top complaints
- Stops working; weak remoteVery common
Functionality is mixed on Amazon (288 positive, 130 negative): some owners say it quits working. The remote gets more negative than positive mentions (91 vs 117), with reports that it only works within about 10 feet.
- Loud on the highest settingMentioned often
Noise is split on Amazon (95 positive, 90 negative): some find it very quiet, others say it gets loud at its highest setting.
- Heat best for small rooms; visible control panelMentioned often
Good Housekeeping's con is that heat output is best suited to smaller rooms (5,000 Btu, up to 400 sq ft). Popular Mechanics notes the control panel at the bottom right may look conspicuous. Heat output is 442 positive and 138 negative on Amazon.
What owners love
- Lots of flame colors and settings
It has 12 color modes plus five brightness and speed settings (Good Housekeeping). Amazon owners like changing flame and ember-bed colors independently (color options are 399 positive to 17 negative).
- Slim and flexible to install
It can be wall-mounted with the included bracket or recessed; Good Housekeeping cites online reviewers who found it easy to install, and its responsive touchscreen.
- Looks great for the money
Appearance is 1,383 positive to 55 negative on Amazon, and value is 395 positive to 59 negative; owners call it a nice focal point in basements. Popular Mechanics calls it great value for its size and features.
Skip it if…- You want a traditional log-fire look
- You need dependable long-term operation
- You want quiet heat on high
Good for- A modern linear look on a budget
- Playing with flame and ember colors
- Thin walls (wall-mount or recess)
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism3.5
Why 3.5?
Highly customizable colors and speeds (Good Housekeeping) and a strong Amazon appearance score, but a modern color-flame look rather than a realistic log fire. - Heat output3.0
Why 3.0?
5,000 Btu for up to 400 sq ft, best for smaller rooms (Good Housekeeping); Amazon heat output 442 positive to 138 negative. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Evenly split on Amazon (95 positive, 90 negative), and loud on high. - Easy install4.0
Why 4.0?
Wall bracket included and easy to install per reviewers cited by Good Housekeeping; recessing needs a wall opening. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Functionality is mixed on Amazon (288 positive, 130 negative), with units that quit.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best recessed (updated Feb 2026): ultra-slim, with many flame options and two install methods. The con is heat for smaller rooms. Also best for wall mounting in its inserts guide (updated 2026-02-10).
- Popular Mechanics: Best modern insert (Dec 2024, picked on specs; it lists a 60-inch size): great value and 12 flame options. The con is control panel placement.
#7
TURBRO
$FreestandingScore 3.3/5
10%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)4,768 ratings (2-star 3% + 1-star 7%).Good Housekeeping's best value: a small plug-and-play stove that puts out good heat for about $90. But durability is the big negative on Amazon, where owners report heating elements failing within six months. It has no remote, and its flames can't be adjusted.
Top complaints
- Heating elements failing within monthsVery common
Durability is a negative aspect on Amazon (33 positive, 123 negative), and Amazon's summary says multiple owners report heating elements failing within 6 months. 'Disappointing' gets 70 negative mentions.
- Smaller than expected; value splitMentioned often
Size is mixed on Amazon (77 positive, 62 negative), with some saying it is smaller than expected for the price. Value for money is also split (79 positive, 56 negative).
- Fixed flames, no remote, crackle sound divides ownersMentioned often
Good Housekeeping's con is that flame effects aren't customizable, and its spec box lists no remote control. On Amazon, noise is mixed (49 positive, 44 negative): some enjoy the crackling sound, others find it annoying.
What owners love
- Good heat for its size
Good Housekeeping says it heats rooms quickly and warms up to 400 sq ft. On Amazon, heating performance is 344 positive to 22 negative.
- Plug and play
No assembly is required; it is ready to use out of the box (Good Housekeeping).
- Cheap, with a classic stove look
Good Housekeeping highlights the low price, arched doors and lifelike flames. Some Amazon owners say it is perfect for small spaces.
Skip it if…- You want a unit that will last several winters
- You want a remote or adjustable flames
- You expect a big stove for the price
Good for- Tight budgets
- Small rooms, dens and home offices
- Plug in and go, with no assembly
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism3.0
Why 3.0?
Lifelike but fixed flames (Good Housekeeping); Amazon realism is 60 positive to 25 negative. - Heat output3.5
Why 3.5?
Heats up to 400 sq ft quickly (Good Housekeeping); heating performance is strongly positive on Amazon. - Quietness3.0
Why 3.0?
Noise is split on Amazon (49 positive, 44 negative), partly over the crackle sound. - Easy install5.0
Why 5.0?
No assembly; plug and play (Good Housekeeping). - Durability2.0
Why 2.0?
Durability is 33 positive to 123 negative on Amazon, with heating elements failing within about 6 months.
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping: Best value (updated Feb 2026): affordable, heats quickly and needs no assembly. The con is non-customizable flames. The body text calls it the 'Suburbs TS20', but the heading and link are the TS17.
#8
Walker Edison
$$TV standScore 2.8/5
Amazon 1–2 star share
not available
The Spruce's best TV stand in both of its guides. It puts out impressive heat, holds up to 100 lb and TVs up to 80 inches, and has hidden storage. But assembly is long and heavy (cam locks kept loosening), the fan is louder than The Spruce would like, and the flames aren't very realistic. We found no Amazon listing for this exact model.
Top complaints
- Complicated, time-consuming assemblyVery common
The box is heavy, there are many pieces, and the long unit was hard for one person to set up. The cam locks loosened and popped out several times and had to be retightened (The Spruce).
- Loud fanVery common
Both Spruce guides list the fan as louder than they'd like; it sounds like a regular fan, and the tester turns the TV up to drown it out.
- Not the most realistic flamesMentioned often
The Spruce says the logs and flames aren't the most realistic, though it still likes the look.
What owners love
- Impressive heat for a TV stand
It easily warmed the tester's 240 sq ft living room (The Spruce).
- Storage and capacity
100 lb weight capacity, TVs up to 80 inches wide, and two cabinets with adjustable shelves on each side (The Spruce).
- Flexible settings and safety touches
It has four brightness levels, the option to pause flame motion, heat-only mode, a timer and remote. It comes with anti-tip brackets, and the glass doesn't get hot (The Spruce).
Skip it if…- You want a quiet fireplace
- You want an easy one-person assembly
- Flame realism matters most
Good for- Combining a TV stand and fireplace
- Real heat in a small living room
- Hidden storage
Scores (tap for why)
- Flame realism2.5
Why 2.5?
Not the most realistic logs and flames (The Spruce), though brightness and motion are adjustable. - Heat output4.0
Why 4.0?
Easily warmed a 240 sq ft living room; 4,777 Btu per The Spruce's heater guide. - Quietness2.5
Why 2.5?
Fan louder than The Spruce would like; noticeable while watching TV. - Easy install2.0
Why 2.0?
Heavy, many pieces, and cam locks popped out during assembly (The Spruce). - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Sturdy, 100 lb capacity and fine after three months of winter use, but the cam locks loosened during assembly (The Spruce).
What experts say
- The Spruce: Best TV stand (updated 2026-08-20; same pick in the heater guide, 2026-09-11): impressive heat, stylish design and remote. Cons are complicated assembly and a louder-than-ideal fan.