10 Best Fireplace Heaters 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline 50" electric fireplace is a stylish and convenient option for adding warmth and ambiance to your living space. It heats up to about 400 square feet with a 1,500-watt heater, making it well-suited for cozying up smaller rooms or basements, though it won’t replace your main heating system. This unit runs on electricity and is vent-free, so installation is straightforward—just recess it into your wall or use the included wall-mount bracket. It stays cool on the sides and back, which adds a safety benefit, especially around children or pets.

One of the Sideline’s standout features is its realistic flame effect, offering 30 different ember and flame color options plus log or crystal hearth styles. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere similar to a real fire but without the mess or fumes. The 5 flame settings let you adjust the glow from subtle embers to a lively blaze. You can control the flames and heat using the included remote, or even through Alexa, Google Home, or a smartphone app—great for hands-free convenience.

Energy efficiency is typical for electric fireplaces, meaning it uses electricity directly without fuel combustion. While it consumes up to 12 amps, it’s generally compatible with standard home circuits but might need circuit considerations if you have many devices on the same line. It’s recommended to leave at least 8 inches between the fireplace and your TV to avoid heat issues. Installation is easy for those comfortable with mounting and measuring, but consulting a professional is advised if fitting in an existing fireplace opening, especially to secure old gas lines or vents. The unit’s limited weight (59 pounds) helps with handling during setup. This fireplace combines safety, smart controls, and flexible installation into an appealing package, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to add ambiance and supplemental heat without complicated venting or fuel handling.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 72” electric fireplace is a strong choice for anyone wanting a modern, stylish in-wall fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance. It offers a decent heating capacity suitable for rooms up to about 400 square feet, with two heat settings controlled by a thermostat adjustable between 68 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Its electric fuel type means no venting or gas lines are needed, making installation easier and safer, especially since it’s designed specifically for recessed wall mounting.

The sleek black frame and realistic flame effects—with 60 color combinations and included decorative logs, driftwood, and crystals—make it visually appealing and customizable to different moods. Control-wise, it is quite flexible, allowing operation via remote control, smartphone app, or even Alexa voice commands, which is convenient for daily use. Energy-wise, it consumes 1500 watts, which is typical for electric fireplaces, but it may add to your electric bill if used extensively.

Safety features include vent-free operation and heat vents positioned on the upper front to prevent overheating. It requires careful measurement before installation due to its large size and recessed design, and some users might find the need for AAA batteries for the remote a minor hassle. This fireplace is a good fit for living rooms, offices, or bedrooms where a stylish and efficient heat source is desired, though it won’t replace a traditional wood or gas fireplace’s heating power. It combines modern technology and aesthetics with practical heat output, making it a great choice for those prioritizing ease of use and ambiance.

The duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater is a solid choice if you're looking for a portable electric heater that adds both warmth and style to your space. It heats rooms up to 1,000 square feet with infrared heat, offering a decent heating capacity for medium-sized rooms. Since it runs on electricity and plugs into a standard outlet, it’s easy to set up with no complicated installation or ventilation needed.

This model stands out with its attractive cinnamon finish, glass door, and side windows that show off a realistic 3D flame effect and glowing logs, which can be enjoyed even without the heat on. This makes it a nice option not just for heating but also for creating a cozy ambiance year-round. You can adjust the flame brightness and heat separately to match your mood or needs. On safety, it includes an automatic timed shut-off feature, which is reassuring for indoor use. Being vent-free means no fumes, but it’s important to keep the room well-ventilated since it’s an electric heater. The thermostat is adjustable, allowing you to control the temperature easily, and it comes with a remote control, adding convenience.

In terms of energy efficiency, using this heater as a supplemental heat source can help save on overall heating costs by avoiding heating your entire home when you only need one room warmed. However, at 1500 watts and 5200 BTUs heat output, it’s not the most energy-efficient option compared to some modern heaters but still reasonable for its size and features. Portability is a plus, weighing about 28.6 pounds, so you can move it between rooms if needed. Keep in mind, assembly is required, and it runs on standard electric power plus 2 AAA batteries for the remote. If you want an electric fireplace stove that looks great, provides comfortable heat for a medium room, and lets you enjoy a realistic fireplace vibe without the hassle of wood or gas, this duraflame model fits well. It’s best for those who want supplemental heating with style and simplicity rather than a primary heating solution.