What to Know When Buying an Electric Fireplace

It can be difficult to figure out where to begin when shopping for a new electric fireplace. In addition to the obvious decisions like the appearance of the unit, there are many technical considerations you’ll need to make, as well. The process can seem daunting at first, which is why we’ve put together this helpful guide. We’re here to answer some of the most common questions you may find yourself asking as you begin shopping for the right electric fireplace for your home.

What is the Most Realistic Electric Fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are much easier to install and maintain than their gas or wood cousins. However, this typically comes at the cost of some of the realism of the fireplace. Fortunately, innovative manufacturer designs have reduced this gap considerably.

Our choice for the most realistic electric fireplace–the Dimplex Opti-V –is realistic enough to fool guests into thinking it’s a real wood-burning fireplace at first glance. The Opti-V fireplaces achieve this superior level of flame presentation through the use of integrated LED lighting and carefully positioned mirrors. The inner LED logs pulsate to simulate the look of glowing embers, while flickering flames reflect off the mirrors to create an ultra-realistic display with an almost three-dimensional appearance. To top it all off, integrated speakers crackle like a real wood-burning fireplace for a unique sensory experience.

Many brands will offer a similar set of features with varying degrees of realism. Check out a product’s descriptions for more information. Better yet, watch a video of the unit in operation to get an idea of what to expect, if possible. Many of our products feature burn videos, so be sure to check!

How Long Do Electric Fireplaces Last?

An electric fireplace is a durable piece of equipment designed to last many years. Assuming proper installation, you’ll get many years of use out of your fireplace with minimal hassle.

We only offer premium fireplace units, meaning you’ll always be getting recognizable quality—not just with top-of-the-line units, but with more basic models, as well.

Unlike many of the electric fireplaces you might find in a big box store, our products are also backed by trusted manufacturers. In the event your fireplace stops operating correctly, technical support is available and spare parts are easier to come by, meaning you’ll be back up and running in no time.

For specific warranty offerings, be sure to consult the owner’s manual of your fireplace. Different brands offer different warranties, so this can be an important differentiating factor when comparing fireplace models. We list product manuals on each product page to help you easily locate this information.

What fireplace provides the most heat?

Though electric fireplaces do not put off the same energy as gas or wood, many models still offer impressive heat output. Most electric fireplaces offer a similar amount of heat as an electric space heater—about 5,000 BTU/hour. If heat is your ultimate goal, however, look for an electric fireplace unit capable of running on a 220VAC circuit, and you’ll get nearly twice the heat output of a space heater.

The Napoleon Alluravision is an excellent electric fireplace option for homeowners looking for a powerful heating option. When running on a dedicated 220VAC circuit, this unit is rated for 9,000 BTU/hour, which allows the Alluravision to comfortably heat up to an 800-square-foot room without sacrificing any visual appeal of the fireplace.

For many, a 220VAC circuit is not an issue, but be sure your installation can handle this requirement. If you’re looking for a fireplace capable of operation using a standard 120VAC outlet, be sure to note the heat output will be reduced. Most fireplaces in this range operate with a heat output of around 4,500 BTU/hour to 5,000 BTU/hour, which can comfortably heat an area of approximately 400 to 500 square feet.

Napoleon Alluravision Deep Depth Linear Electric Fireplace Insert

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Are Electric Fireplaces Easy to Install?

Electric fireplaces are incredibly easy to install! In many cases, very little prep work is required, and an easy installation process is one of the biggest reasons why electric fireplaces are so popular.

The term “electric fireplace” actually covers a range of products with different installation processes. Here are some of the different options to choose from and what you can expect during installation.

Built-in Electric Fireplaces

Built-in electric fireplaces are great options for those remodeling or building a new home. The fully “built-in” design provides the cleanest finished product for a truly impressive appearance in any room. In most cases, these fireplace units still only have minimal framing requirements, which means they remain easy to install, as well.

Wall-Mount Electric Fireplaces

Wall-mount electric fireplaces are the simplest electric fireplace to install—if you can hang a TV, you can install a wall-mount electric fireplace. These fireplaces are also a great option in locations where built-in options may not be possible, like rentals or in rooms with walls not able to be cut into.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

Whether due to maintenance requirements, messy cleanup, or some other reason, many homeowners just stop using their wood fireplaces altogether. Electric fireplace inserts can renew these spaces and give new life to a room by easily incorporating into an existing space with little hassle. The finished product restores the beauty of the fireplace without the extra upkeep requirements.

Electric Fireplace Mantels

For a complete fireplace look at a fraction of the price, check out electric fireplace mantel sets. These convenient products offer the classic look of a fireplace mantel with an included firebox to ensure a perfect fit. This category also includes fireplace TV stands, which create an impressive focal point to complement the centerpiece of many rooms, a flatscreen television.

Our Product Expert’s Recommendations

Looking for a quick professional opinion? Here are our product expert's top picks based on what you're looking to get from your fireplace.

The Best Electric Fireplace for Realism

The impressive Dimplex Opti-V series of fireplaces are the most realistic. These fireplaces never fail to impress and are the closest you can get to a traditional fireplace appearance without the need to install venting, chimneys and other necessary components required for gas or wood fireplaces. Though the initial investment is higher, the cost becomes much more reasonable when considered over the life of the unit. Not only that but some of these costs can actually be offset by energy savings and increased home value.

The Best Electric Fireplace for Heat

The Napoleon Alluravision is a great all-around option for heating. This premium option offers an impressive combination of heating capability and visuals at a mid-range price point. Additionally, Napoleon’s commitment to producing quality products and standing behind them with industry-leading customer service and support makes this an easy recommendation.

Napoleon Alluravision Deep Depth Linear Electric Fireplace Insert

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As we’ve noted, there’s no “best” fireplace, but there’s always the best option for you. Let us help you find the right electric fireplace for your needs by calling 877-374-2070 to speak with one of our product experts. We will be happy to assist you.

Product Specialist Nathan J. contributed to this article.