10 Best Heat Electric Fireplace 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 72” is designed for in-wall installation, making it a great choice if you want a sleek, modern look that fits flush with your wall. It heats rooms up to around 400 square feet, which is suitable for medium-sized living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. You get two heat settings with a thermostat that lets you set temperatures between 68 and 88 degrees for comfortable warmth. The 1,500-watt heater produces about 5,100 BTUs, which is typical for electric fireplaces in this size but won’t replace a full furnace in very cold climates.

One of the standout features is the flame effect. With 60 color combinations and options for logs, crystals, and driftwood, it offers a cozy and customizable ambiance that looks quite realistic. You can control the flames and heat using a remote, Alexa, or a smart app, which adds convenience especially if you enjoy smart home devices. The unit also remembers your last flame settings, saving you time. Safety-wise, it’s vent-free and comes with a thermostat to avoid overheating. The heat vents are positioned on the upper front, so warm air circulates well. However, because it’s designed for recessed installation, you’ll need to measure your wall opening carefully and be comfortable with a more involved setup or hire a professional.

Energy efficiency is average; running at 1,500 watts means it uses a fair amount of electricity when on high heat. The design with a slim black frame and large viewing window suits modern interiors and gives a strong visual presence. This fireplace is best suited for those wanting a stylish, built-in electric fireplace that provides good heat for medium rooms and rich flame effects with smart controls. It might not be ideal if you need powerful heating for a large area or want a simple plug-and-play model without installation.

The Masarflame 43" Electric Fireplace Insert is designed as a recessed unit that fits into an existing fireplace or wall space, making it a good option if you're looking to upgrade or replace an old fireplace. It provides supplemental heat for rooms up to about 400 square feet, with two heat settings (750W and 1500W) allowing some control over energy use and warmth. The flame effect is quite realistic, featuring resin logs, ember beds with three color lighting options, and five flame intensities. It even includes a built-in speaker that mimics the sound of burning wood, adding to the cozy atmosphere. A timer and remote control add convenience.

In terms of safety, the unit has an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating, which is important for peace of mind. It runs on standard 120V power and operates vent-free, so installation doesn't require venting to the outside, simplifying setup but meaning it’s better for rooms that can handle a bit of extra moisture and heat. The retro three-sided brick interior design gives it a classic look that fits well in both modern and traditional spaces.

The heating capacity is suitable for small to medium rooms rather than large open areas, and because it’s an insert, it requires an existing fireplace or suitable recess for installation. While it offers good energy-saving modes, it doesn't have a detailed thermostat control for precise temperature settings, so you might need to manually adjust heat levels. Some users might find the 6-foot power cord limiting depending on their outlet placement. If you want a stylish, easy-to-install electric fireplace that provides ambiance with realistic flame effects and moderate heating for smaller spaces, the Masarflame 43" insert is a solid choice that combines useful safety features and energy options but is best suited for those with an existing fireplace or recess ready for insertion.

The Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace is a sleek, modern option for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and ambiance to their living space. Its in-wall recessed design creates a cozy atmosphere, mimicking the look of a traditional fireplace with five flame settings and realistic ember effects. The 1,500W heater is capable of warming up to 400 square feet, making it suitable for medium-sized rooms, though it is not intended to serve as a primary heating source.

One of the standout features is its smart home compatibility. You can control the fireplace via Alexa, Google Home, or the included remote, which adds a layer of convenience for tech-savvy users. The ability to run the unit without heat is also a plus, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful flames even in warmer months.

The Sideline requires proper installation, ideally by a professional, especially if you're using existing fireplace openings. Users must ensure there's adequate space around the unit, particularly if placing it below a TV, as it recommends an 8-inch clearance. Additionally, while it does provide a cozy ambiance, the heater's output might not suffice for larger areas, so it's best used as a supplementary heat source. On the design front, the black glass and steel finish is stylish and contemporary, but the unit’s weight of 41 pounds might necessitate proper wall support. Safety features are commendable since the sides and back remain cool to the touch, making it safer for homes with pets and children.