10 Best Electric Fireplace For Patio 2025 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 72” WiFi-Enabled Electric Fireplace is a striking option designed for in-wall installation, which offers a modern aesthetic perfect for enhancing your patio or other living spaces. One of its key strengths is the impressive heating power of 1,500 watts, making it suitable for a room of up to 400 square feet. This can be particularly beneficial in cooler seasons, providing a cozy atmosphere while enjoying the outdoors.

The fireplace boasts advanced features like a variety of flame and media color options, with a total of 60 combinations available. The realism of the flames, coupled with the included faux logs and crystals, creates an inviting ambiance. Users can control settings through a remote, Alexa, or a smart mobile app, which adds convenience and modernity.

Portability can be a slight drawback, as this unit is designed for recessed wall mounting, limiting where it can be placed. Additionally, while it can be plugged in or hardwired, the complexity of installation may deter less handy individuals, despite the availability of installation instructions. Safety features are well thought out, including the thermostat with an adjustable range, but it’s crucial to ensure proper placement to avoid overheating items above it, as it should be installed at least 8 inches below any overhead objects.

The Touchstone Sideline 45" electric fireplace offers a visually impressive flame effect with 30 realistic ember and flame options, including logs and crystals that create a cozy atmosphere similar to a traditional fire. It provides a heating output of 1,500 watts (about 5,000 BTU), which is effective for warming rooms up to around 400 square feet but may not be strong enough as the sole heat source for larger spaces or outdoor patios. Designed mainly for recessed in-wall installation, it’s best suited for indoor living rooms or bedrooms rather than outdoor patio use, as it lacks weather resistance features needed for outdoor conditions.

Its sleek, modern design with black glass and steel fits well with various décor styles, but the unit’s weight (41 pounds) and fixed installation limit portability. Safety is addressed with cool-to-the-touch sides and back, vent-free operation, and front-facing heater vents that allow placement near TVs with recommended spacing. Remote control, as well as Alexa and WiFi smart home compatibility, adds convenience for adjusting flame settings and heat without leaving your seat.

This fireplace is not designed for outdoor exposure, meaning it could suffer damage or safety risks if placed on a patio without proper shelter. Also, the requirement of a 110-120V power source and potential circuit considerations means some users may need professional installation. For those seeking an indoor electric fireplace that combines realistic flame effects, moderate heat, and smart controls, the Sideline presents a strong option. If your primary need is a patio fireplace, models specifically built for outdoor use with weatherproofing and portability would be more appropriate.

The Touchstone Sideline 40" Smart Electric Fireplace offers a blend of modern convenience and traditional ambiance, making it a suitable choice for indoor patio areas. With a heating power of 1,500W, it can add warmth to a space up to 400 square feet, but it may not replace your primary heat source in very cold climates. Its sleek, recessed design adds elegance and can fit seamlessly into a wall, leaving the sides and back cool to the touch for safe installation near electronics or decorations.

The fireplace's realistic flame effects, with 30 customizable ember and flame color options, enhance the cozy atmosphere and can be adjusted via remote control, Alexa, Google Home, or a mobile app for convenience. However, its portability is limited as it is designed for wall mounting and weighs 40 pounds. Safety features include a cool-to-touch exterior and ventless operation, which simplifies installation and reduces hazards.

Although it lacks specific weather resistance, making it less ideal for fully exposed outdoor patios, the fireplace is a great addition for covered or indoor patio spaces. The included log and crystal hearth options offer aesthetic flexibility, while the heater's front-facing vents allow it to be installed below TVs or artwork. Despite some limitations in portability and weather resistance, the Sideline fireplace excels in delivering versatile flame effects, smart home integration, and a stylish, safe design for enhancing your patio's ambiance.