10 Best Electric Fireplaces 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, specifically the Sideline 60" Wide model, offers a blend of aesthetic charm and functionality. Its heating capacity of 1,500W efficiently covers up to 400 sq. ft., making it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. The realistic flame effect, with 30 ember color/flame options, adds a cozy ambiance, and you can choose between log and crystal settings for a personalized touch.

This unit is designed for in-wall recessed installation, ensuring a sleek, modern look and saving floor space. The heater can be hardwired or plugged into a standard 110-120V outlet, offering flexibility during installation. The thermostat control helps maintain your desired temperature, while the included remote (also Alexa/WiFi enabled) provides convenient operation from a distance.

Safety features include a cool-to-touch exterior and tempered glass, reducing the risk of injury. On the downside, it won't replace your primary heat source, as it’s designed to provide supplemental warmth. Also, the need for professional installation may add to the overall cost. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sideline 60" stands out due to its stylish appearance, ease of use, and robust feature set, making it a commendable choice for those looking to enhance their home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite 72” is an electric fireplace designed to fit recessed into a wall, giving your room a sleek, modern look without taking up floor space. It has a strong heating capacity, warming areas up to about 400 square feet with its 1,500W heater and a thermostat adjustable between 68-88°F, suitable for maintaining comfortable warmth in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. One standout feature is its highly customizable flame effect, offering 60 color combinations including 6 flame colors and 10 media settings like logs, crystals, and driftwood for a realistic fire experience. This makes it great for creating a cozy ambiance even without heat.

Installation is intended for in-wall mounting, which might require careful measuring and some DIY skills, but instructions are clear and it supports both plug-in or hardwired power options. The fireplace also includes a remote control and can connect to Alexa or smart home apps for easy operation, adding convenience. Safety is considered with vent-free heat and heat vents positioned to prevent overheating nearby objects.

A notable consideration is that it requires a wall cutout of a specific size, so not all rooms may accommodate it easily. Additionally, the remote needs batteries which are not included. At about 100 pounds, it is quite heavy, meaning installation may need two people or professional help. If you're seeking a stylish, smart-controlled fireplace that combines effective heating with impressive visual effects and fits flush into your wall, the Sideline Elite 72 is a solid choice, especially if you value smart home integration and customizable ambiance.

The Westinghouse 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Heater is a strong choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish electric fireplace that combines heating with decorative appeal. Its heating capacity provides up to 5110 BTUs, enough to warm medium-sized rooms comfortably, with adjustable settings between 750W and 1500W and a thermostat that can be set from 62°F to 82°F, allowing for personalized temperature control. The flame effect stands out with up to 144 color combinations and five adjustable brightness and flame speed levels, plus interchangeable log and ember beds, which create a highly customizable and visually pleasing experience.

Installation is flexible, as the unit supports both wall mounting and in-wall recessed setups, fitting openings just over 59 inches wide. This makes it suitable for various room layouts, though users should ensure proper clearance above the unit for safety. The fireplace supports modern conveniences like Alexa and Google Home compatibility, along with app and remote control, making it easy to operate without leaving your seat.

Safety features include overheat protection and automatic shutoff, adding peace of mind during use. However, to avoid electrical issues, it’s important not to plug other appliances into the same 120V 15A circuit. The unit is on the heavier side at 66 pounds, so professional installation might be beneficial. It fits well in living rooms, bedrooms, and other indoor spaces where both ambience and supplemental heat are desired. While it’s not designed to replace a primary heating system for very large areas, it excels as a stylish, user-friendly electric fireplace with smart features and strong safety measures.