6 Best Electric Fireplace Heaters in 2026

An electric fireplace heater should do two jobs: deliver useful supplemental warmth and create a flame display you want to look at even when the heater is off. The difficult choice is not the most convincing flame photograph. It is whether a freestanding stove, an existing-fireplace insert, or a permanently installed wall unit suits your room, circuit, and furniture layout. Six specific models below cover those different installation decisions, with their published electrical ratings and physical sizes checked against manufacturer materials.

Quick Verdict: The TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Smart is our Best Overall choice for a movable 1,400-watt stove with a timer, three-sided flame view, and phone or remote controls at a listed $199.99. Choose the PuraFlame Western 26-inch insert instead when an unused hearth needs a finished firebox. This selection is editorial analysis of published product documentation as of October 2026, not in-house testing.

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By DIY Ideas 4 Home Editorial Team

The Best Electric Fireplace Heaters Reviewed

We screened manufacturer product pages, model-numbered specifications, installation instructions, and direct US list prices, then ranked the units on heating power at the stated supply voltage, suitability for their installation style, flame-only operation, and protective controls. Published room coverage figures are estimates rather than equal-condition lab comparisons. Direct prices in October 2026 span $89.99 for a basic stove to more than $1,000 for a dual-voltage built-in; the Dimplex manufacturer does not display a list price for the exact model. Electrical fire safety matters more than any advertised square-foot figure: the CPSC’s January 23, 2026 advisory says portable heaters need three feet of clearance from combustibles and a direct wall connection, not a power strip.

TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Smart: Best Overall

Best For: Adults furnishing an occupied family room who want a real-looking portable fireplace with adjustable controls and no carpentry.

The TS25 Smart offers a rare middle ground between a plain heater disguised as a stove and a built-in fireplace that commits you to a wall opening. Its three-sided view makes sense when a seating arrangement approaches the fireplace from more than one direction. Unlike the smaller TS17, it provides a remote, Wi-Fi operation and an automatic timer. Those conveniences matter if you want to adjust the ambience from a chair, but they do not eliminate the need for someone to supervise an operating portable heater.

TURBRO’s product page for the Suburbs TS25 Smart identifies the black version as SKU 707-98-125AWIFI-BK, prices it at $199.99, and describes a 1,400-watt infrared heater with separate flame operation and overheat shutdown. Its published series comparison assigns the Smart version three brightness levels, a 30-minute-to-six-hour timer, and a displayed 72 to 82-degree-F thermostat range. TURBRO advertises coverage as high as 1,000 square feet for the stove family; that is not evidence that 1,400 watts could replace central heat in a poorly insulated room. The product page specifically supports crackling sound and smartphone control rather than relying on an accessory sold separately.

A supplier-listed size for the TS25 Smart is 24 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 25 inches high, with an approximate weight of 31 pounds. That is furniture-sized, not a heater you should casually lift when hot. Leave a safe path around its legs and keep fabric well away from the warm air outlet, even when the outer cabinet looks like a traditional metal stove. The model’s overheat protection is documented, but the available listing does not establish a model-specific tip-over switch, so households with pets likely to collide with it should verify the manual before ordering. Compare the color and Wi-Fi SKU on the invoice; original TS25 specifications are not automatically specifications for the TS25 Smart.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi and included remote add control beyond the mechanical TS17.
• Six-hour timer helps plan an occupied evening without manual shutoff.
• Three-sided flame view works beside L-shaped seating rather than a wall.

Cons:

• At roughly 31 pounds, relocating the appliance is a two-handed task.
• Its claimed 1,000-square-foot reach overstates what some drafty rooms will feel.

Who Should Buy It: Choose this for an unfitted living room with adult supervision; choose the PuraFlame Western 26-inch Insert if an existing hearth makes freestanding legs unnecessary.

TURBRO Suburbs TS17: Best Budget

Best For: Apartment residents who need a compact decorative fireplace without remote controls, construction work, or a premium cabinet.

The appeal of the TS17 is that it looks like a miniature wood stove but behaves as a simple electric fan heater. Its conventional thermostat dial makes it approachable in a guest room or first apartment where nobody wants app setup or a complicated display. The compromise is significant: there is no scheduled off-time and no couch-side remote. A buyer seeking a timed end to an evening’s heating should spend more on the TS25 Smart rather than assuming all decorative fireplaces include that feature.

TURBRO’s product page for the Suburbs TS17, SKU 707-98-122A, lists $89.99, a 1,400-watt electrical rating at 110 to 120 volts, approximately 11.67 amps at 120 volts, and an adjustable thermostat. The same page identifies a six-foot power cord, manufacturer-claimed noise at or below 37 dBA, and an overheat protective cutout. It presents the TS17 as CSA certified with certificate reference 273527, but buyers should compare that certification and identification on their shipped unit. Flames can operate without heat; their basic appearance and single brightness setting are the reason this stove costs less than the app-equipped alternative.

In the manufacturer’s documentation the TS17 weighs about 13 pounds, much less than the TS25 Smart, and the product is presented as an 18-inch freestanding design. Those facts make it easier to shift between appropriately prepared locations once it is fully cooled. The heater outlet still gets hot, despite promotional text about other exterior surfaces remaining cool; do not rest objects against it or treat the top as a shelf while it runs. A mechanical thermostat may cycle automatically, but nobody should confuse cycling with a timer or unattended-use permission. The brand describes a one-year warranty for its Suburbs stove family.

Pros:

• Manufacturer lists a new-unit price under $90 in October 2026.
• Thirteen-pound weight is manageable after the unit cools completely.
• Six-foot cord offers placement flexibility without a separate extension cord.

Cons:

• A single basic flame setting limits the visual effect after dark.
• No timer means the user must switch it off before leaving.

Who Should Buy It: Buy it for a straightforward compact stove; choose the Napoleon Entice 36 NEFL36CFH-1 if valuable floor space is better kept clear.

PuraFlame Western 26-Inch: Best For Existing Hearths

Best For: Homeowners with a cold, unused fireplace opening who prefer brick-effect walls and glowing resin logs to a television-like flame panel.

The Western 26-inch insert solves a problem no freestanding stove in this group addresses: an existing fireplace can look finished without rebuilding the chimney or converting the opening to gas. The visible interior brick finish and raised resin logs create a traditional focal point, while its three adjustable flame intensities work even when no heat is required. That combination is especially relevant in shoulder seasons, when a living room may be comfortable yet a dark fireplace opening still looks bare. The important trade-off is measuring the cavity precisely rather than buying from the nominal 26-inch name.

PuraFlame’s product page for the Western 26-inch Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound lists a $329.99 price and specifies remote operation, adjustable thermostat, three flame settings, and a manufacturer-estimated supplementary heating area of 400 square feet. The manufacturer’s Western-series listing identifies 750-watt and 1,500-watt heating settings for the 26-inch insert. Unlike a gas log appliance, the electric insert needs a suitable 120-volt receptacle, not a flue. The brand explicitly says the unit cannot be hardwired and should not serve as a home’s main heat source. The sound effect adds a fireplace cue but may be undesirable to someone who prefers silent ambience.

The published dimensions are 28 inches across the face, 24.6 inches high, and 8.78 inches deep, while the inner firebox body is approximately 25.2 inches wide by 23.2 inches high by 7.8 inches deep. Its 1.5-inch trim edges are intended to mask modest gaps, not solve a firebox that is physically too small. Check the front vent and thermostat access against the opening, arrange the receptacle without pinching its cord, and verify that no household fuel-burning fireplace will be used simultaneously. PuraFlame includes a one-year warranty on this specific product page.

Pros:

• Two heat settings provide a 750-watt option below full output.
• Twenty-eight-inch facade covers suitable older hearth openings with trim.
• Three flame intensities and optional heat preserve summer fireplace ambience.

Cons:

• Cannot be hardwired into an existing fireplace electrical circuit.
• The insert depends on cavity dimensions, not merely room square footage.

Who Should Buy It: Select it when an existing firebox matches its body dimensions; choose the Dimplex Nova 23 XHD23L for a narrower planned mantel opening.

Napoleon Entice 36 NEFL36CFH-1: Best For Slim Walls

Best For: Homeowners wanting a horizontal flame display above a low console without losing a deep section of the living room.

The Entice 36 is the solution here for a room that has wall area but not spare floor area. Its shallow enclosure can be hung on a suitable wall rather than housed in a conventional mantel, and its modern nearly frameless appearance suits contemporary furniture. The advantage over the 24-inch-wide TURBRO TS25 Smart is a continuous horizontal flame view, not materially greater plug-in heat. Installing it at a comfortable viewing height is important because furniture, children, and television equipment can limit the allowed vent clearance.

Napoleon’s product page for Entice 36, model NEFL36CFH-1, states 1,500 watts and a manufacturer-rated 5,000 BTU per hour on a regular 120-volt outlet, with a stated supplemental area around 400 square feet. Its October 2026 starting price is $645.15, with the manufacturer displaying a $759 MSRP and explaining that additional installation items can cost extra. A remote adjusts flame intensity, flame color, ember-bed appearance, heater and timer. Since the device has a front-facing heater, confirm the grille’s exact location before placing a television or shelf anywhere nearby; a heat rating does not constitute blanket approval for mounting beneath every screen.

The 36-inch Entice is listed as 36 inches wide, 16.94 inches tall, and only 5.4 inches deep. Those dimensions matter most when planning a narrow room because a deeper cabinet may block a walkway or require a bulky surround. Napoleon permits surface hanging or a compatible recessed arrangement; framing, anchoring into appropriate structure, electrical routing and permitted finishes should follow the NEFL36CFH-1 installation instructions. Its nearly flush design makes cable concealment attractive, but do not improvise a concealed plug or bury a cord in a wall. Installation labor can rival the difference between this unit and a freestanding stove, so obtain a location-specific quote if the wall needs renovation.

Pros:

• Only 5.4 inches deep for a clean, low-projection wall profile.
• Included remote adjusts ten flame and ten ember-bed color options.
• Plug-in 120-volt heating avoids a dedicated 240-volt circuit.

Cons:

• Even surface mounting involves sound anchoring and clearance planning.
• Dealer-listed starting price excludes some potential installation materials.

Who Should Buy It: Choose it for an uncluttered modern wall; consider the Napoleon Element 36 NEFB36H-BS-2 if a traditional mantel-style built-in is already planned.

Napoleon Element 36 NEFB36H-BS-2: Best For 240 V Heat

Best For: Renovators who can plan a permanent framed fireplace and safely budget for an electrician-installed higher-output circuit.

The Element 36 is the unusual option in this lineup whose heating capacity really does change when the electrical installation changes. On a standard 120-volt supply, its output is in the familiar fireplace-heater range. Professionally connected at 240 volts, however, it is published at substantially greater wattage. That difference makes it an appropriate candidate for a planned renovation rather than an impulse purchase for a rental apartment. Its classic log presentation also suits a room where a linear black glass wall display would look out of place.

Napoleon’s product page for the Element 36 identifies exact model NEFB36H-BS-2 and lists 1,450 watts with approximately 5,000 BTU per hour on 120 volts, versus 2,800 watts and 9,000 BTU per hour when correctly hardwired for 240 volts. The brand estimates up to 400 square feet on the lower voltage and up to 800 square feet on the higher voltage; these coverage claims depend on room heat loss and are not guarantees. Its October 2026 starting price is $1,044.65 against an indicated MSRP of $1,229 before possible additional components. It is still an electric-resistance heater, so extra output requires extra electrical input rather than a hidden efficiency gain.

At approximately 36 inches wide, 32 inches high, and 11.25 inches deep, the Element’s cabinet is significantly deeper than Napoleon’s Entice 36. Check both overall depth and framing specification before committing to a fireplace chase; its self-trimming design does not override minimum manufacturer clearances. At 240 volts and 2,800 watts it needs appropriately specified wiring and overcurrent protection, which is a licensed electrician’s job, not a cord swap. Ask the installer to confirm heating mode, grounding, and compatibility with the intended branch circuit before ordering the finish materials. For a room that has only a standard outlet, the price premium buys appearance and integration more than additional heat.

Pros:

• Published 2,800-watt option delivers more heat on a proper 240-volt supply.
• Traditional 36-inch firebox styling suits a mantel or framed opening.
• Self-trimming construction simplifies finishing an accurately framed fireplace cavity.

Cons:

• Higher heating output adds qualified electrical installation cost and planning.
• Its 11.25-inch cabinet depth may require a new wall chase.

Who Should Buy It: Buy for a planned 240-volt renovation; the TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Smart is easier for tenants with only an ordinary 120-volt receptacle.

Dimplex Nova 23 XHD23L: Best For Custom Mantels

Best For: Furniture builders and homeowners fitting a 23-inch firebox into a measured enclosure rather than a large existing masonry opening.

The Nova 23, model XHD23L, serves the buyer who already has a custom mantel concept and needs a defined rectangular electric firebox rather than a freestanding stove or 36-inch wall feature. It offers a restrained traditional log appearance in a smaller housing than the PuraFlame Western 26-inch facade. More importantly, the model-specific documentation includes physical measurements, a front heat vent, and electrical requirements that cabinet makers can plan around. A mantel should be designed for a heating appliance’s installation instructions, not only around its visible front frame.

Dimplex’s product page for the Nova 23-inch Plug-In Electric Firebox XHD23L lists a 120-volt, 1,465-watt heater with 5,000 BTU per hour stated output, a thermostat, timer, remote and adjustable flame brightness and speed. The manufacturer describes front-vented fan-forced supplemental heating, not a combustion fireplace. Its documentation states a two-year limited warranty and a six-foot power cord. Dimplex does not publish an official US list price on the XHD23L model page, so the comparison table correctly says No official list price; request a current quote on the exact 23-inch variant before comparing the total against PuraFlame. A dealer listing for a different Nova size is not a reliable substitute.

The XHD23L measures 23 inches wide, 20.5 inches high and 7.5 inches deep according to Dimplex’s technical specification, and its stated unit weight is 23 pounds. A nominal 23-inch fireplace opening is not necessarily a compatible cutout: ventilation, fastening access and service clearance may require additional room. Dimplex supplies a model-specific three-part spec sheet and owner’s manual, so those documents should guide any millwork rather than an improvised hole in cabinetry. The brand advertises a relatively quiet 42 dB, but its measurement conditions are not detailed enough for a fair sound ranking against the separate stove listings. Allow access to the six-foot cord without creating a buried extension.

Pros:

• Documented 23-inch body supports a closely planned custom mantel design.
• Six-foot cord and front vent define practical electrical and airflow routing.
• Two-year limited warranty provides a longer stated term than some rivals.

Cons:

• No manufacturer-posted price prevents a clean upfront value comparison.
• Custom cabinetry must preserve specified ventilation and service access.

Who Should Buy It: Choose it for precise 23-inch millwork; select the PuraFlame Western 26-inch Insert instead when a wider old fireplace opening calls for brick-effect trim.

How to Choose an Electric Fireplace Heater

The first decision is physical: whether you want to move the appliance, fill an existing opening, mount a display on a wall, or build an enclosure. Only then compare electrical output, safety details and flame controls. Heating capacity and visual width are separate quantities; a fifty-inch flame can still be generated by an ordinary 1,500-watt heater. In October 2026, entry-level freestanding stoves were available around $90 to $200 directly from TURBRO, while more permanent wall or built-in models in this set started at several hundred dollars before carpentry.

Compare Watts at the Voltage You Actually Have

A common US 120-volt fireplace heater rated at 1,500 watts consumes up to about 12.5 amps while its element runs at full power. At the same wattage, an infrared-labeled stove and a fan-driven electric firebox produce approximately the same total heat; the airflow and nearby radiant feel may differ. Do not let an advertised 1,000-square-foot claim override the room’s insulation, outside temperature, open doors or ceiling height. The TURBRO TS17’s 1,400 watts and the Dimplex XHD23L’s 1,465 watts are close in theoretical maximum heating rate, even though they look and install very differently.

The Napoleon Element 36 is the exception because the manufacturer states 2,800 watts in its correctly wired 240-volt operating configuration, compared with 1,450 watts at 120 volts. A higher-voltage mode is not a plug adapter feature. A qualified electrician must evaluate conductor size, breaker rating and the maker’s instructions before connecting it. If your goal is dependable whole-home winter heat, central HVAC design matters more than a fireplace’s decorative size; these appliances are generally for occupied zones or supplemental use.

Measure the Firebox, Wall and Heated-Air Outlet

A wall-mounted electric fireplace demands different checks from an insert. For the 36-inch Napoleon Entice, the 5.4-inch overall depth is a useful spatial limit, but bracket mounting, vent direction, approved clearances and proximity to electronics must still be read from its exact manual. For the PuraFlame Western 26-inch, the insert body is about 25.2 inches wide while the decorative front spans 28 inches; confusing those two widths can leave either a loose trim gap or a product that will not enter the opening. Take height and depth measurements in several locations because old masonry fireboxes may taper.

Also plan for opening the controls, retrieving a remote receiver and eventually removing the appliance for service. A freestanding stove needs stable, level flooring and a location outside normal walking paths; it should not become a shelf for blankets or seasonal decorations. A permanent fireplace may need a framed alcove or a licensed contractor even if the heating element plugs into 120 volts. When a fireplace is installed beneath a television, the manufacturer’s ventilation distances take precedence over styling photos.

Verify Protective Features and Electrical Instructions

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s January 23, 2026 home-heating notice says portable electric heaters should stand at least three feet from drapes, furniture, bedding and other combustible materials, be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and be switched off during sleep. That advice is especially relevant to the TURBRO stoves, which remain movable heating appliances despite their fireplace appearance. Never run a heater through a power strip or under a rug, and do not route cords inside a wall. The device’s own manual may require further separation at its air outlet, top or sides.

Look for model-specific evidence of overheat cutoffs, tip-over switches where applicable, recognized safety listing marks and any CPSC recall. An overheat switch is not a license to leave a heater operating in an empty room, and a stationary built-in generally has different mechanical hazards from a portable stove. Verify that a wall unit is designed for the proposed mounting method; the Dimplex XHD23L and Napoleon Element are not interchangeable substitutes just because both look like traditional fireboxes. Keep working smoke alarms installed and follow the exact electrical requirements on the rating label.

Separate Flame Features From Heating Value

Flame-only mode is worth paying attention to because households may want a focal point through spring and fall without warming the room. The Western’s log and brick view is especially suited to an old masonry fireplace, while the Entice’s adjustable flame and ember colors better suit a contemporary entertainment wall. The TS25 Smart offers crackling sound and smartphone control, but its heater is still a 1,400-watt electric-resistance device. Wi-Fi convenience does not make it safer for unattended operation or inherently cheaper per hour at full output.

Compare the controls you will actually use: a mechanical dial may be sufficient for a guest room; a remote or programmed timer becomes valuable when you regularly sit across a wide living room. The heater fan can produce sound even if the flame effect is quiet, and manufacturer dBA figures may use different measurement distances or settings. Finally, treat electronic controls and flame lighting as parts that may require warranty support. The warranty term and access to replacement components can matter more over several heating seasons than another flame-color setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

These questions help buyers understand operating costs and installation boundaries after they have narrowed down their preferred fireplace style. Always use the exact model’s operating instructions for conditions not covered by the overview.

Can I use the flames without turning on the heater?

Yes, on all six models discussed here, the manufacturer identifies a flame effect that can be operated separately from room heating. That lets you use the visual fireplace as decor in warmer months. The flame lighting and internal electronics still consume some electricity, but the 1,400- to 1,500-watt heating element does not have to operate. Check which controls retain flame settings after the unit is unplugged, since that behavior can differ by model and is not established by a generic product category description.

Will an electric fireplace raise my electricity bill?

Yes, whenever its heating element runs. A unit drawing 1,500 watts uses about 1.5 kilowatt-hours during one continuous hour at full heat; at an illustrative rate of 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, that would be roughly 26 cents before taxes and other billing charges. The thermostat can reduce consumption by cycling the element, while a flame-only session normally draws much less. Use your actual utility tariff and anticipated hours of operation instead of taking a broad monthly savings claim at face value. Heating one occupied zone can lower total household use only if other heating is adjusted appropriately.

Can I install a fireplace directly below my television?

Only if the exact fireplace installation manual and television manufacturer’s instructions permit the planned separation and ventilation. Some wall fireplace designs direct heated air forward; others may allow heat to collect above the opening. TV heat tolerance, mounting hardware, wire routing and nearby shelves all affect the setup. Napoleon’s Entice 36 page describes its low-profile wall mounting, but that alone is not a universal clearance approval for every display. If you cannot document a safe arrangement, relocate one of the devices instead of judging by showroom photographs.

Does an electric fireplace need a chimney or real logs?

No. These electric models create decorative flame effects with lighting and use electric elements for heat, so they do not burn the synthetic logs or need a combustion flue. However, reusing an existing wood fireplace may require a suitable outlet, cleaning and inspection of the unused opening, and protection against future mistaken use of a real fire. PuraFlame specifically says its Western insert is a plug-in appliance that cannot be hardwired. Do not assume a different manufacturer permits cord concealment or installation in a sealed niche without ventilation.

Final Thoughts

For a straightforward living-room purchase, the TURBRO Suburbs TS25 Smart remains our Best Overall choice because its $199.99 listed price buys controllable 1,400-watt heat, a six-hour timer, app operation and a decorative three-sided stove. The detail that can reverse that choice is not flame realism but the room’s physical layout: an available masonry opening favors the PuraFlame Western 26-inch Insert, while an already-planned 240-volt renovation can justify the larger-output Napoleon Element 36. Before checking the current purchase price, confirm the exact variant, a safe wall outlet or approved dedicated circuit, manufacturer clearances and any model-specific safety notices. That preparation prevents an attractive fireplace from becoming an awkward or unsafe installation.