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The Expert Guide

Electric Fireplaces: Style, Heat, and How to Install Them

An electric fireplace gives you flame and warmth on a standard outlet — no gas line, no chimney, no annual service call. We’ve specialized in them since 2006, carrying Modern Ember, Dimplex, Modern Flames, Napoleon, and SimpliFire — and it’s the only thing we do.

2006Specializing in electric since
100,000+Homes warmed
24 hrsMost in-stock orders ship in
FreeShipping on fireplace units

Start with how it installs

Installation type narrows the catalog faster than anything else. Find the one that matches your wall, then filter by size and finish.

Traditional electric fireplace insert recessed flush into a white wall
Framing required

Built-In & Insert

Recessed into a framed wall for a flush, finished look — or dropped straight into an existing wood or gas firebox.

Shop inserts
Linear wall-mount electric fireplace mounted on a stacked stone wall
No framing

Wall-Mount

Hangs on the wall like a TV. No framing, no drywall work, no demo — the easiest install and the renter-friendly pick.

Shop wall-mount
Freestanding white electric fireplace mantel package standing against a wall
Assembles, no install

Freestanding Mantel Packages

Firebox and mantel ship as a set and assemble like furniture, then simply stand against the wall. No framing, no wall work, nothing to build into.

Shop packages
Freestanding electric fireplace stove with glowing logs beside a wall
Plug & play

Freestanding & Stoves

Set it down, plug it in, done. Classic stove looks and portable units you can move room to room — or pack away come spring.

Shop freestanding
Electric log set installed inside an existing masonry fireplace opening
Drop-in retrofit

Electric Log Sets

Keep the masonry fireplace you already have. A log set slides into the existing opening and brings the flame back.

Shop log sets
Outdoor rated electric fireplace on a covered patio with lounge seating and greenery
Covered spaces

Outdoor Rated

Built for covered patios, screened porches, and three-season rooms where moisture rules out an indoor unit.

Shop outdoor

Three questions that narrow it fast

01

How wide is the wall?

Measure the wall or the opening first, then pick a width that reads proportional to the room. Most shoppers size up when the wall allows — a fireplace that’s too small for its wall is the regret we hear about most. Retrofitting an existing firebox? Measure width, height, and depth before you shop.

How to measure for an electric fireplace · What size do I need? A room-by-room guide

02

Do you actually want the heat?

Most 120V electric fireplaces put out roughly 5,000 BTU — supplemental zone heat for a bedroom, office, or living area up to about 400 sq. ft. It takes the chill off one room; it is not a furnace replacement. Larger and hardwired models push further.

Want the ambiance year-round instead? Nearly every model runs its flame effect with the heater switched off, so it still earns its wall in July.

03

Which flame look do you want?

This is the part worth caring about. Some flame technologies chase brightness and clarity; others build depth, ember glow, and layered movement that reads convincingly from across the room. If realism is your priority, shop by flame technology before you shop by price.

Modern Ember Highmark linear electric fireplace with orange flames over a dark ember bed
Flame color, brightness, and ember bed are adjustable on many models — the same fireplace can read warm and traditional or cool and modern.

Compare realistic flame effects · Dimplex vs. Modern Flames, side by side

Shop electric fireplaces by size

Already know your width? Jump straight to it.

Why buy from Electric Fireplaces Direct

Hearth specialists, not generalists

Our team fields framing, clearance, and spec questions all day. If we don’t know, we research it and come back to you — we don’t guess.

Support after the sale

Installation help, warranty claims, and return coordination are handled by the same people who sold you the unit.

Fast, free shipping

Most in-stock items ship within 24 hours. Because electric is all we ship, our logistics are built for it. Fireplace units ship free.

Satisfaction guaranteed

Not happy with your fireplace package? We refund 100% of the purchase price, less return shipping. No fight required.

Not sure where to start?

Answer a few questions about your room, your wall, and the look you’re after, and we’ll match you to the right electric fireplace in under two minutes. Or skip the quiz and talk to someone who does this every day.

Specialists available Mon–Thu 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–3pm CT. Prefer to read first? Browse the Learning Center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Fireplaces

How realistic are the flames on an electric fireplace?

Modern electric fireplaces use advanced LED technology and customizable flame settings to create an incredibly lifelike fire effect. Some models even include crackling sound effects and glowing ember beds for added realism.

How much heat does an electric fireplace produce?

Most electric fireplaces feature a built-in, fan-forced heater capable of warming rooms up to 1,000 square feet. They are designed to provide supplemental heat, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or basements.

Do electric fireplaces require venting or a chimney?

No, electric fireplaces do not produce smoke or emissions, meaning they don’t need a chimney, venting, or gas lines. This makes them easy to install in any space.

Can I use an electric fireplace without heat?

Yes! Electric fireplaces allow you to enjoy the flame effects year-round by running the display without heat.

Can I mount an electric fireplace under a TV?

Yes, many wall-mounted or recessed electric fireplaces are designed to be installed below a TV, as they emit heat from the front or bottom to prevent overheating. Always check the manufacturer’s clearance recommendations.

Are electric fireplaces energy-efficient?

Electric fireplaces are highly energy-efficient, using LED lights and fan-forced heating to generate warmth without the energy waste of traditional wood or gas fireplaces. Since they don’t require fuel, they can help lower heating costs in colder months.