10 Best Electric Fires 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, known as 'The Sideline,' is a 72-inch wide in-wall recessed electric fireplace that offers a range of features catered to create a cozy and realistic fireplace experience. One of its key strengths is its realistic flame effect, boasting 30 different ember color/flame options that allow for a customizable ambiance. The inclusion of both log and crystal hearth options further enhances its aesthetic versatility. The heat output is 1,500W, suitable for warming up a room of up to 400 square feet, making it a good supplemental heating source but not a replacement for primary heating systems.

The control options are extensive, offering remote control, Alexa, and WiFi-enabled operations, providing convenience and flexibility for users to adjust settings from a distance. Installation is straightforward for those comfortable with DIY projects, with the option to wall mount or recess the unit. Safety features include cool-to-touch sides and back, important for preventing burns or accidents, especially in homes with children or pets. Additionally, it is ventless, which simplifies installation and enhances safety.

The energy efficiency is notable, as the fireplace can be operated with just the flame effect without the heat, saving on energy costs during warmer months. However, at 95.3 pounds, the unit is quite heavy, which may pose challenges during installation. Additionally, the fireplace pulls a maximum of 12 amps, so careful consideration of the electrical circuit is necessary to avoid overloading. Despite these minor drawbacks, its combination of realistic flame effects, multiple control options, and safety features make it a strong candidate for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in various room settings, from living rooms to bedrooms.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 60" electric fireplace is a strong choice for anyone wanting a stylish and flexible heating solution with modern features. It offers good heat output, capable of warming spaces up to 400 sq. ft. with its 1500W heater and adjustable thermostat. This makes it suitable for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices where supplemental heat is needed. It supports both wall-mount and recessed installation, which allows it to fit nicely into different room layouts without taking up floor space.

One of the standout features is its highly customizable flame effect. With 6 flame colors, 5 speed options, and 13 ember bed colors plus down lighting, it creates a cozy and dynamic ambiance that can be tailored to your mood or décor. The added crackle sound is a nice touch for anyone who appreciates the feel of a real fireplace. Control is convenient and modern, thanks to smart home compatibility via Alexa and WiFi, allowing remote and voice control of heat and visual settings.

Energy efficiency is decent for an electric unit with a vent-free design, though running the 1500W heater will impact electricity bills if used extensively. Installation requires careful measuring due to its large size and recessed depth, which could be a challenge for some. It’s also a heavier unit at 66 pounds, so professional installation might be needed. This fireplace is well suited for buyers who want a blend of attractive aesthetics, flexible setup, and smart controls, but it may be less ideal if you want a simple plug-and-play model or need a quieter, lower-power heater.

The Modern Ember Highmark 100 Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace is a stylish and versatile option for adding warmth and ambiance to rooms up to about 400 square feet. Its standout feature is the flexible installation—it can be mounted directly on the wall or recessed into it, giving a sleek, modern look without visible vents thanks to its hidden vent design. The fireplace offers a wide range of flame and ember colors (10 each), plus adjustable brightness and flame speed, allowing you to tailor the visual effect to your style or mood. You can run the flames with or without heat, making it useful year-round.

Heat output is adequate for medium-sized rooms, and the unit lets you set a specific temperature between 68° and 88°F or turn the heat off while keeping the flame effect. Controls are user-friendly with an included remote and WiFi capability, so you can operate it via a smartphone app or voice commands through Alexa or Google Home, adding convenience. Energy efficiency is decent for an electric fireplace, though it does consume around 1465 watts when heating. Safety-wise, it’s vent-free, which means no external vents or gas; however, this requires proper room ventilation during use, especially for prolonged heating. The product comes with driftwood and crystal ember accessories for a realistic look.

One downside is its large size and weight (136 pounds), which might require professional help for installation. Also, while the flame effects are customizable, some users might find them less natural compared to real flames. This fireplace suits those wanting a modern, customizable electric fireplace with smart controls and a clean installation appearance, perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where style and ease of use matter.