Best Affordable Electric Fireplace Heater

After 2 weeks of hands on testing and crowdsourcing opinions from home improvement forums, we have concluded that the SEI Elkmont Salem is our top pick for this year’s best performing electric fireplace. With its realistic projected flames as well as energy efficiency, the product deserves high praise [Read more].

Are you constantly shocked by your electric bills only to find out your electric fireplace is the main culprit?

Are you reluctant to show off your electric fireplace to your guests because it looks old fashion?

If so you are probably looking for a possible replacement. And we have a good news for you because we know how hard is it to choose the right electric fireplace.

Over here we will help you save time by featuring only the best products through assessing various buying factors and avoid those that have received poor feedback.

So without further ado, let’s get on with it!

What we nee to Consider Before Buying An Electric Fireplace?

Much like getting a traditional fireplace, there are also a few factors that you need to consider when getting an electric fireplace. In this part of the article, we will highlight the things you need to look for in order to choose the right electric fireplace for you.

1. Ease of Installation

Electric fireplaces come in different types. The most common of which is the wall mounted type. Among the different types of electric fireplaces, wall mounted units are one of the most challenging fireplaces to install.

To use a wall mounted electric fireplace, you will need an electrical outlet where you can plug the unit in. But before that you will have to install it in place, and that could get a bit tricky.

You may need the help of an expert to properly screw the electric fireplace onto a wall. Any faulty or unbalanced installation can lead to faulty operation or worse, malfunction of the unit.

In regards to installation, you also need to take note of the ornaments surrounding your wall. Moreover, the design of your unit have to blend in well with the overall look or color of your wall.​

2. Electric Fireplace Inserts

If you opt for an easier mounting of your fireplace or more convenient installation, you may also consider buying one that can be easily inserted into an existing fireplace.

With this, you do not need to spend much time in placing the screws or balancing the unit on the wall. They usually come in two types, these are electric log inserts and electric fireboxes.

Electric fireplace inserts have the advantage of being easy or convenient to install while also donning a more realistic flame. Most of these inserted units come with natural looking embers and some have realistic sound effects.​

3.​ Size

​Before buying an electric fireplace, you also need to look at its size. Electric fireplaces come in different sizes. Lengths can range from 30 to 60 inches.

You need to measure your allotted space on the wall so that you can determine the right size of the product to get.

If you have an existing space for a traditional fireplace, you can simply take note of the dimensions of the slot and then look for electric fireplace inserts that snug adequately to the space.

4. Flame Options

People enjoy the cozy feel of watching comforting embers or small flames of fire without the hassle of constantly cleaning a traditional fireplace.

With the use of an electric fireplace, you get an excellent looking centrepiece without the annoying smell of gas or kerosene, nor the troublesome smoke produced by traditional fireplaces.

Some electric fireplaces come with several flame options. This means that there are several flame displays produced by the unit. Most of the time, electric fireplaces come with 3 flame settings which you can choose according to your mood or the overall feel of the room.​

5.​ Temperature Levels

As the room temperature changes from time to time, it is also important that you can easily adjust the temperature levels of your fireplace to keep the room comfortable. The levels may vary depending on the product.

However, what matters most is the presence of temperature level controls. You should choose an electric fireplace that has the option to let you decide on the amount of heat it produces.​

6.​ Energy Efficiency

​Lastly, choose an electric fireplace that does not overly increase your electricity bill. There are some units that require only a small amount of energy to operate, saving you more money in the long run.

A lot of factors will affect the overall energy efficiency of the product, this includes: type of display, type of light used and intensity of temperature.

How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products

We have scoured the internet and through several expert review sites and forums to come up with a list of excellent electric fireplaces. As projected, we discovered several products which totaled to 30 electric fireplaces.

We thought it would be great to narrow down the list so we can help you look for the best electric fireplace without spending too much time doing your own research.

We started by establishing the common buying criteria based on the feedbacks collected from home improvement forums and comments from expert review sites.

Consequently, we were able to determine that consumers usually look attentively at the quality of display, size, ease of installation, number of customizable features, efficiency in energy consumption and most especially, price.

With these criteria in mind, we applied scores to each of the 30 enlisted electric fireplaces. We then aggregated the total scores of each of the fireplaces and then arranged them accordingly in ascending order.

We also eliminated products that were known to have issues and complaints from customers. As a result, we were able to determine the top 5 performing electric fireplaces.

We made sure that our evaluation process is free from any inducements from brands and manufacturers to give you a list of products that will give good value for your hard earned money.

Each of these 5 electric fireplaces featured, were assessed thoroughly through product testing and by talking to people who have been using them. We also inspected reputable sites such as TheSpruce and Alexa.com to give us a more well-rounded view of each of the products.

Our Top Picks

The first entry on our list is the PuraFlame Embedded Electric Firebox Heater. This unit comes with three sides and is certified to be energy efficient with the aid of LED technology.

To operate the fireplace, it comes with a compact and slim remote control. With this, you can change the temperature of the output with its convenient temperature level controls that guarantee precise measurements.

The device comes with three flame intensities. Temperature levels can range from 60 to 84 degrees F. Despite this temperatures, the unit remains cool to touch.

Offering more choices, it comes in three different dimensions which you can decide according to your personal preference or the amount of space you have on your living room.

The PureFlame Embedded Heater does not disappoint when it comes to design, with its accurate resin log aesthetic and ember bed. With this, your visitors will surely take a second look.

The great thing about electric heaters is the fact that unlike the usual brick heaters, they do not come with the annoying soot and the appalling scent of gas and fuel.

The unit measures 33 inches wide and is made with durable and robust materials.

Our main gripe with the unit is the fact that it does not come with mounting screws or other essential hardware. With this, installation might be a problem. Be sure to have the unit checked and installed by a professional.

The second entry on our list is the Dimplex DF2310. This 23 inch unit is typically of a larger size but is compact enough to be placed on your living room or any place in the house.

It has a heat output of up to 1375 watts, with this, it looks and feels like the real thing.

It has its patented flame technology that is durable and reliable. The flame settings can be accessed with the use of a slim and compact remote control.

Unlike the previous entry, this product is easy to install as it comes with all the necessary attachments and hardware. The unit can be plugged easily into any standard outlet.

To allow equal distribution of heat and to keep everything cool, it has a built in fan forced heater. The fan boasts of being quiet despite the strong output.

The temperature levels come in 3 settings. These are full heat, half heat or flame only. The dimensions are 23.2 by 19.9 or 10.8 inches.

Our main gripe with the product is that it is more pricey compared to others. However, despite this, you get a durable and reliable electric fireplace.

The third entry on our list is the Moda Flame Houston 50’’ Electric Wall Mounted Fireplace. The unit feels compact and looks as elegant and luxurious.

The unit is easy to install as it comes with all the necessary mounts and screws. Aside from the convenient installation, it also comes with a safety measure that aims to protect the system from overheating. This is important as most fireplaces get hot too easily.

The temperature levels of this fireplace can be set manually, but you also have the preference of setting it with the preset levels. With this, it guarantees utmost customization and convenience.

The choice of which will depend on your personal preference. The heater can be set in 3 levels, which can function with no heat, minimal heat or high heat. The no heat option can only produce a flame.

The product comes with the necessary attachments and screws. With this, installation is ensured to be easy and convenient.However, when testing the unit, we felt that the build was less durable compared to other fireplaces.

The fourth entry on our list is the SEI Cartwright Electric Fireplace. Probably, the main selling point of the unit is its vintage or antique design which can certainly catch the attention of guests. The intricate details provide more elegance to the design.

The unit comes with a convenient remote control which gives you access to the different operations and settings of the product.

The dimension of the SEI Cartwright is 40 x 45 inches. A large yet compact size that can be inserted into any existing fireplace.

The SEI Cartwright has the option of being used with the use of a heater or without. The remote control also gives you access to the thermostat, timelog, stopwatch or timer and flame levels.

The projected flame feels authentic and will give any home a cozy and warm feeling. It has 3 flame options.

Our main concern with the unit is that it does not come with the screws and hardware necessary for wall installment. With this, you need to purchase additional screws and mounts.

The last entry on our list is the SEI Elkmont Salem Electric Fireplace. This electric fireplace has one of the most contemporary design among the products we have featured. The projected flame is so realistic that guests start to question at first whether it is electric or not.

To add more icing to the cake, it even produces that distinct snap and pop sound effect commonly heard in traditional fireplaces. All these features and settings can be customized by its remote control.

The flame can be set within the three preset modes.

The unit measures 45 by 40 inches, making it conducive for being a center point or focal point in your living room, or any room in your house. It has the ability to heat 1500 square feet of area.

It has an output of 5,000 BTUs making it possible for you to warm a medium sized room. Despite this, the screen or glass remains cold to the touch.

It also puts energy saving into one of its priority by using LED lights that can be used for several years while cutting a huge amount on your electric bills.

Our main gripe with this product is that it does not come with the screws needed for installing the unit. You need to buy a set of screws to have it mounted up your wall.

Our Recommendations:

Editor's Pick: SEI Elkmont Salem Electric Fireplace

Among this list of products, we chose the SEI Elkmont Salem Electric Fireplace. This unit has one of the most well rounded features coupled with added features and durability.

Compared to the other fireplaces, this one has a more contemporary look making it suitable for any center piece in any living room. It comes with three flame modes to choose from and has realistic flames.

Added to that, it is equipped with LED lights that are proven to be energy efficient. Moreover, what sets the Elkmont Salem above the rest is that it comes with natural, and distinct snap and pop sound effects that you most commonly hear in traditional fireplaces.

Because of all these admirable features, the Elkmont deserves our top pick.

Runners Up: SEI Cartwright Electric Fireplace and Moda Flame Houston 50’’ Electric Wall Mounted Fireplace

At second place is the SEI Cartwright Electric Fireplace. The unit comes with a durable and consistent remote control. It also produces realistic flames that are sure to amaze guests the first time they see them.

Donning a vintage design, the Cartwright will surely become a good centrepiece for any room in your house.

Coming in not so far behind is the Moda Flame Houston 50” Electric Wall Mounted Fireplace. What makes it better than the others is the fact that it comes with all the necessary mounts and screws and is very easy to install on your wall.

It also flaunts a very sleek and luxurious design to wow your guests.