The Best Electric Fireplace: Modern and Most Realistic

Updated December 1, 2024.

An electric fireplace is a great complement to your eco-friendly home and environmentally-responsible lifestyle.

Better yet, the sheer convenience that electric fireplaces offer makes them ideal for people who have busy schedules.

There’s no need to buy firewood as there is with traditional wood-burning hearths. There’s much lower risk of uncontrolled fires or gas leaks from propane systems. Yet, electric fireplaces still manage to impart a modern and sophisticated ambiance on your home, keeping it toasty and warm all the while. It’s no wonder homeowners across the country are turning to electric fireplaces in place of gas or traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

For those unfamiliar with electric fireplaces it might not seem that simple at first glance. As you’ll soon learn, there’s no need to be intimidated by all the different styles and designs out there. You’re about to make certain you’re choosing the best electric fireplace for your home.

Top Electric Fireplaces of 2024

We determined that the following electric fireplaces are the best in their class. We’ll start with today’s best electric fireplace overall, then show you others that also have their moment to shine in the right application.

Best Overall: Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace

Our number one recommendation for today’s best electric fireplace is the Touchstone Sideline. We came upon this choice due to a number of factors. First is the fact that homeowners certainly want to buy the longest lasting and most cost-efficient electric fireplace model. The Touchstone Sideline definitely qualifies in both of these important categories.

Second, the Touchstone Sideline electric fireplace simply provides the most value for your money. It’s sleek, attractive, extremely versatile, and very easy to afford. For all of these reasons, plus more that will be discussed below, this model is our top-recommendation for today’s best electric fireplace.

If you are searching for the ultimate in electric fireplace versatility, the Touchstone Sideline will fit the bill perfectly. Not only is the electric fireplace easy to afford, but it’s also extremely durable and built to last for many years to come. You can use the included settings to set the level, tone, and brightness of the realistic flames to your desired preference. This will give your electric fireplace the ultimate appeal that you are seeking.

The level of heat can also be adjusted so that you never have to worry about making the room too hot. You can even run the electric fireplace display in the middle of summer without ever having to turn on the heat. Meanwhile, the Touchstone Sideline can be easily mounted on your wall in order to give it the ultimate utility of function. The electric fireplace will do its job quickly and quietly without taking up too much extra space.

See our full Touchstone Sideline Review for more information.

Best Wall Mount Electric Fireplace: R.W. Flame 50″

If you are searching for an electric fireplace that can be mounted on your wall, the brand new R.W. Flame 50″ is the perfect candidate to consider for the job. This handy new wall mounted electric fireplace is exactly what its name implies: A wall mount unit that snaps securely into place on your wall and heats up your room in a hurry. It’s compact, attractive, affordable, and a great way to save on your electric bills.

The reason to choose a wall mount electric fireplace for your home is simple enough to understand. Number one, you need an affordable method of heating your home. Number two, you don’t have a lot of space to spare. Number three, you don’t necessarily want to devote what little space you have available in your home to a full-sized electric fireplace. A wall mount electric fireplace is therefore the best compromise to make.

When it comes to finding the very best wall mounted electric fireplace, you can hardly do better than the brand new R.W. Flame 50″. These handy electric fireplaces contain all of the features that customers should be looking for in such a unit. It can be mounted on your wall using the included wall mount tool. Installation of these electric fireplaces is usually completed within the space of a few short minutes, after which they can be turned on.

The advantages that come with wall mounted electric fireplaces are obvious. Not only do you save space, but you also end up saving money on your upcoming energy bill. This is because when you mount the electric fireplace on your wall, you give yourself a central heating unit that can keep your bedroom, living room, or other areas warm without having to strain too hard. The advantages that come with using wall-mounted electric fireplaces thus end in major savings, and the unit earns it’s place on our list of today’s best electric fireplaces.

See our full R.W. FLAME 50″ Electric Fireplace Review for more information.

Best Corner Electric Fireplace: Southern Enterprises Redden

You don’t always have the space to place a conventional electric fireplace in. For that matter, you don’t always even the wall space to mount one on. So how do you make for a perfect compromise? You do so by selecting a corner electric fireplace for your room heating needs. The new Southern Enterprises Redden Corner Electric Fireplace TV Stand is the best electric model we have found that fulfills these essential conditions.

The Southern Enterprises corner electric fireplace does just what its name implies. It fits handily and securely into any corner in your home. Once installed, it can also be used as a TV stand. It thus fulfills several vital functions at once, and is suitable for heating rooms up to 400 square feet. All in all, this is one extremely useful electric fireplace that not only looks good and performs at a very high level but also does so in a quiet, modest fashion without taking up too much space.

When it comes to combining comfort and convenience, the new Southern Enterprises Redden corner electric fireplaces really gets the job done in rare style. The classic red brick fireplace finish gives them a traditional look and feel. Meanwhile, these electric fireplaces also double as a handy stand for your TV or PlayStation. You can even mount a few of your favorite portraits or knickknacks on top for even more of a homely flavor.

Best of all, these electric fireplaces are extremely energy efficient. The lifespan for the included LED light bulbs is a very respectable 100,000 hours. You can adjust the color, tone, and setting of the flames to any level that you desire. Meanwhile, you can also the heat output of the electric fireplace so that you never have to worry about sending your electric bill to new, unheard of heights. For sheer efficiency, this is model deserves its place on our list of today’s best electric fireplaces.

Best Free-Standing Electric Fireplace: TURBRO Suburbs 20″

The main reason to select a free standing electric fireplace is because it’s heavy, durable, and dependable. At least, it should be so in theory. It’s true that there are many fly by night units out there that fail in all of these categories. However, when it comes to the next electric fireplace on our list, you can safely take it as an excellent unit that really does live up to the potential that a free-standing electric fireplace should reach.

The TURBRO Suburbs 20″ electric fireplace is definitely reliable. It comes stocked with 1,400 watts or 4,780 BTU of power that can quickly and easily heat up your home. Its heating power extends to 1,000 feet. This gives it an authority that can be matched by very few other electric fireplaces currently available on the market. In addition, the Suburbs 20″ electric fireplace is equipped with a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature to your liking.

A free standing electric fireplace is a unit that can be placed practically anywhere in your home. You can move it to the desired location where it will do the most good. Once placed, you can turn it on and enjoy realistic dancing flames with a warm, fuzzy heat that feels good without sucking all of the air and moisture out of the room. You can even turn it on in the summer without any heat if you simply want to look at the digital flames.

For all of the reasons listed above, the new TURBRO Suburbs 20″ is our candidate for best free standing electric fireplace, and certainly holds its own among other contenders on our list of today’s best electric fireplaces. It’s handy, compact, and industry certified to meet the latest standards of performance and safety. Best of all, it’s simple. It comes with two switches and a knob to adjust the temperature, meaning that you won’t exactly have to keep referring to the user’s manual to master how to work this unit.

See our full TURBRO Suburbs Review for more information.

Best Infrared Electric Fireplace: Classic Flame 3D Infrared Quartz

There are many reasons why some electric fireplace users swear by the infrared design. The most compelling one is that infrared electric fireplaces tend to be more able than other kinds of electric fireplaces to maintain a comfortable level of natural humidity in the air. This is a feature that pays off in dividends. The infrared digital technology that these electric fireplaces use can keep the room warm without drying out all of its moisture.

For people who suffer from heat rashes or are susceptible to too sudden spikes in the temperature, this is a natural boon. The best infrared electric fireplace that we have come across in years is the new Classic Flame 3D Infrared Quartz model. These handy electric fireplaces make the best use of modern technology while still continuing to perform all of the basic tasks of a classic infrared electric fireplace that buyers can depend on.

The Classic Flame 3D Infrared Quartz electric fireplace is tops on our list of the best electric fireplaces because of its wide range of safety features. As listed above, it comes complete with special technology that allows the unit to monitor the included plug for overheating or any kind of short out. This is a feature that keeps your plug safe from causing a fire within the unit itself or within the greater electrical system in your house.

You should also note that this particular electric fireplace model comes with additional safety features. These include a new automatic safety switch that will immediately turn the unit off if it gets tipped over or begins to overheat or suffer any kind of electrical overload. This shut-off switch is likewise calculated to keep this model operating at the peak of its efficiency without ever becoming a safety hazard that can threaten your home.

See our full Classic Flame 3D Review for more information.

Best Linear Electric Fireplace: Dimplex Prism

The appeal of the modern electric fireplace has reached a new high with the recent introduction of the linear model. The Dimplex Prism is an excellent example of this modern breed. It fits snugly into your living room as a sleek, attractive bit of furniture that can even double as a handy tabletop. Meanwhile, it lives up to its essential function by heating up your area with quiet and very efficient grace.

Perhaps the main appeal of a modern linear electric fireplace is its sheer beauty. If you prefer a modernist look to your home décor, the Dimplex Prism will definitely fit the bill. Its horizontal design allows it to blend in effortlessly with your décor scheme. For all of its sheer good looks, it’s a brilliant conversation piece that will add attractiveness and style to your living room while also saving you a fortune.

Linear electric fireplaces continue to amaze the global public with their sheer beauty as well as their versatility. If you are looking for a heater that will quickly warm up your room while offering you an endless selection of entertainment, the new Dimplex Prism will definitely interest you. You can adjust the flame settings to provide a seemingly endless combination of colors and shapes that will combine and repeat.

Apart from its entertainment value, the new Dimplex Prism is also very energy efficient and safe. It comes with a full warranty of guaranteed quality from the maker. This ensures that the unit will do its job in a safe manner while also allowing you access to a guaranteed source of heat that won’t do a whammy on your next energy bill. For all of these reasons and more, we can very highly recommend this model among today’s best electric fireplaces

See our full Dimplex Prism Review for more information.

Runner Ups

Keep in mind that there are plenty of other worthy models out there on the market for your consideration. The fact that the above models were chosen as our top choices is a reflection on their essential efficiency, durability, safety, and cost effectiveness. However, this should not be taken to mean that we consider them the only electric fireplace models that should occupy a special place of attention in your thoughts.

With this end in mind, we’re happy to round off this list with a few of our favorite runner ups. The models on this list are also very safe, efficient, and affordable. In fact, after perusing through these quick capsule descriptions, you may even come to prefer one of them to any of the models listed above as our especial favorites. As always, the customer gets the last word, so let’s have a look at the runner ups.

Touchstone Onyx Electric Fireplace

First on our handy list of suitable runner ups is the new Touchstone Onyx. This electric fireplace heater gives you quite a bit of bang for your buck. It comes with full overall dimensions of 50.4” W x 21.65” H x 5.5” D. It weighs a very portable 46 pounds, meaning that it can be quickly installed on your wall with a minimum of effort. All of the necessary instructions and mounting brackets have been provided.

The Touchstone Onyx will give you your choice of five different flame brightness settings that allow you to adjust the height, color, and frequency of the flames to any level that you desire. Meanwhile, its energy efficiency is excellent. The unit can heat up to 400 square feet without driving up your monthly utility bill. For all of these reasons, plus its handy, compact size, the Touchstone Onyx rates as a runner up.

See our full Touchstone Onyx Review for more information.

Sunlei 36″ Electric Fireplace

The next runner up on our list is the Sunlei 36″ model. This unit offers multi-colored flames that sparkle, sputter, and dance to the exact level that you desire them to. It comes with full remote control capacity that allows you to set the heater to any level of frequency and temperature that you wish. It’s a handy, compact unit that measures 36″ x 8.98″ x 27.01″. The Sunlei is freestanding and can also recessed into a wall.

The Sunlei 36″ model has been specially designed to offer you complete control of the unit using either its convenient touch screen or the included remote control. This remote control also allows you to adjust the heat settings between 750 and 1500 watts. By doing so, you can run the heater at the precise setting you need to warm the room without using up excess energy. This energy-saving feature will pay huge dividends.

GM Home Freestanding Electric Fireplace

If you have been looking for a classic old fashioned freestanding electric fireplace stove, the new GM Home model may be the closest you’ll come. This unit really does resemble a classic old fashioned pioneer stove in more ways than one. It even comes complete with a glass viewing window that gives you a full view of the realistic digital flames. The design comes complete with a large glowing log to add extra authenticity to the view.

However, you should also be fully aware that the GM Home Freestanding model is not quite what it seems. This unit has been fully equipped with a wide range of fully modern safety and energy efficiency features. For example, the model comes with an automatic safety kill switch that will cut the unit off immediately if you should accidentally tip it over. The switch will also operate if the unit should overheat.

See our full GM Home Freestanding Electric Fireplace Review for more information.

Touchstone Sideline Elite Electric Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline Elite has been specially designed for a convenient wall installation. For this reason, it may rank as a favorite among the runner ups on this list for a great many readers. Of all the wall hanging electric fireplace heaters we’ve considered here, this one has garnered quite a disproportionate amount of praise from industry experts and homeowners for its classy looks and energy efficiency.

With that in mind, it should also be mentioned that the new Touchstone Sideline Elite also comes equipped with a wide range of other outstanding features. It includes touchscreen controls as well as a handy remote control. This allows you to customize the shape and level of the realistic flames while also adjusting the temperature to a level that you can easily deal with. The entire unit as a whole weighs a very portable 55 pounds.

See our full Touchstone Sideline Elite Review for more information.

Dimplex Revillusion Electric Fireplace

If you really want to strip things down to the ultimate bare bones electric fireplace experience, you won’t find anything better than the Dimplex Revillusion electric fireplace insert. In fact, this particular unit was only relegated to our list of runner ups because of its extremely stark and simple nature. Not every home owner wants to see nothing but a bare pile of logs. However, some do, and that’s why we have taken care to include this unit here.

In terms of safety and energy efficiency, the present model is a winner. The unit will heat up 400 square feet of your home in any direction. Some owners have reported a total savings of thousands of dollars off of their monthly energy bill by making use of this simple but very effective electric fireplace heater. Results will vary from home to home but it’s worth noting that many industry experts have praised this spare unit. Moreover, it may just be the best electric fireplace insert available today.

3G Plus 50″ Electric Fireplace

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One of the most frustrating parts about looking at electric fireplaces is how much they try to mimic wood-burning fireplaces. While this makes sense, it’s also a little sad. After all, the electric power source allows the manufacturer to do something different – so why not embrace that? One of the best examples of how this can work is this 3G electric fireplace.

The aesthetics on this fireplace are top-notch. It’s really great to see an electric model that is going out on a limb with its design instead of trying to mimic a more traditional wood-burning fireplace entirely. It’s still sizable, of course, but the way it works really makes the entire unit look special. The heating element looks amazing and it’s more of a showpiece than most would think. It’s definitely one of the few electric fireplaces on the market that is arguably better looking than a traditional fireplace.

It is, however, important to note that this electric fireplace isn’t exactly going to work as a primary heating source in your home. As beautiful as it might be, it’s got a fairly average heating element. This makes it great for smaller rooms, but not exactly what you’d expect to heat up a larger living room. As a display piece, though, it remains fantastic – and the fact that it gives off a fairly average amount of heat isn’t going to bother most homeowners. It’s a solid piece that will really liven up any room.

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert

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The PuraFlame Western electric fireplace insert is an ideal electric fireplace. While there are some neat features, what will really grab you is how simple it is to set up and use. While you can play around and make a complex space for it, the truth is that it’s basically good to go out of the box.

There is a lot here to love. First and foremost, this is a good looking electric fireplace insert – it fits nicely in a hearth and gives the kind of look you’d want out of a more traditional unit. It’s also incredibly easy to use, giving off a good amount of heat and working exactly how it should every time. It’s not the most advanced fireplace on the market, but it is one of the fireplace inserts that tends to work the best every time. It’s something of a workhorse, and there’s much worse you could look for in an electric fireplace insert.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the flame effect on this unit. It looks quite fake – not exactly the worst problem in the world, of course, but something that needs to be noted. You’d think that a unit that looks this good would have a nice effect on the flames, but it’s clearly not a priority here. Luckily, the heating element is fine and the rest of the unit looks good enough that you’ll forget that this minor problem exists. The Puraflame Western is another contender for today’s best electric fireplace insert.

See our full PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert Review for more information.

Duraflame Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace

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Duraflame is one of the bigger names in fire, so it only goes to reason that they’d make a good fireplace. What’s surprising here, though, is that the Infrared Quartz really can stand up to some of the luxury brands on the market. It’s a surprisingly good electric fireplace stove that will serve its purpose with distinction.

There are three great things about this unit. The first, and most important, is the heating element. It works quickly and warms up a good-sized room like a charm. The second is the safer plug, which actually monitors the temperature of the unit. If things get too hot, the unit automatically turns off – saving you from a potential fire. Finally, there’s the 3D flame effect which looks much more realistic than what you’d see in most similar models out there.

If you’re wondering what the downside to this one is, it can be summed up in one word – noise. The heating element is strangely loud, and it will get annoying if you have it in a small space. It’s not as noticable in bigger rooms, but those who use it in small rooms will need to spend some time getting used to it. It’s really the only standout problem with this heater, though, which is really nice. It works well and it’s safe, which puts it head and shoulders above most of the other heaters that are currently on the market.

See our full Duraflame Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace review for more information.

Hamilton Electric Fireplace by e-Flame

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This electric fireplace is certainly one of the fanciest-looking on the market. While most of the other electric fireplaces out there either try to go for functionality or for a modern look, this one looks like a real throwback. While that’d be nice on its own, it’s even better because the form hides a whole lot of function.

The biggest question that most people have about this electric fireplace stove is whether or not it puts off any real heat – and fortunately, it does. Despite that, though, it runs very quietly. That’s a real bonus with this type of fireplace, as some tend to be so loud that you don’t want to use them around company. The other very interesting bonus feature is that despite the fact that it runs hot, it also stays cool to the touch. That means you can actually decorate the front of this fireplace just as you would a more standard unit.

Are there problems? Fortunately, there are only a few. The big one is the lack of a thermostat. It would be really nice to set this unit to a specific temperature, but it’s not something that was apparently important enough to be included. The only other real issue is the fact that there are some uncommon manufacturing problems. Fortunately, customer service is great about getting things fixed if they do go wrong. On the whole, the only real problems with this unit are more along the lines of being annoyances than real issues.

Northwest Fire and Ice Electric Fireplace

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There’s definitely a certain image that electric fireplaces are meant to convey. While they are definitely a heating element, there’s something about them that is supposed to be inherently sleek and cool. The Northwest Fire and Ice electric fireplace is a great example of how that should work.

If you’re going to start talking about features with this one, you have to start with the look. It’s sleek and modern, the platonic ideal of an electric fireplace. Coupled with a nice flame effect and a good remote control, you can get warmth exactly when you need it without sacrificing any of the style. It’s a perfect combination of form and function, too, since it [puts out more than enough heat for those who really want to keep a room warm. It’s the rare unit that is exactly as functional as it is beautiful, and for that most owners should be quite grateful.

It’s a shame that the fire doesn’t look more realistic, but that actually fits in well with the aesthetic. This unit looks more like wall art than a fireplace, and that’s definitely something that will fit in some homes. As it stands, it’s really more of a problem that there aren’t more fire color options. If the unit isn’t going to be realistic, it’d be nice to see it embrace a little bit more in terms of color. Of course, if color options are the biggest problems, it should be easy to see that this really is a great electric fireplace.

GM Home 50″ Electric Fireplace

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One of the good things about buying from a brand like GM is that you know you’ll get something that works. There are dozens of different electric fireplaces out there, some of which work a lot better than others. GM has managed to make a unit that does exactly what it’s supposed to do every time, and that’s more important than you might expect.

Aside from being dependable, this unit just looks amazing. It has multiple potential fire colors to help light up your room, which is a great way to embrace the fact that electric heaters are so different from traditional fireplaces. It’s also very easy to use and set up, which means that you won’t have to deal with all the headaches that are found in so many other electric fireplaces. There’s something very nice about knowing that you will have something that basically works right out of the box.

The only real problem with this unit is that it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles of other electric fireplaces. The remote, for example, isn’t quite as ergonomic as some others. There’s also no way for the fireplace to ‘remember’ what temperature it was set to last time it was on. While these might sound like nitpicks, the fact is that it’s hard to find much wrong here. This is a good electric fireplace that looks nice in most rooms – and really, that’s all that it needs to be to be among the best out there.

Different Types of Electric Fireplaces

Depending on your preferences, there are several different types of electric fireplaces to choose from. One of the most popular types of electric fireplaces for younger homeowners is a wall-mounted electric fireplace.

Wall-Mounted and Corner Electric Fireplaces

A wall-mounted electric fireplace is fixed to a specific wall in a home, and kept in place by way of sturdy wall mounts. Homeowners who have a recessed wall in their home can also get a wall-mounted electric fireplace built into the recessed area. In fact, some people find that building an electric fireplace into a wall gives their living space a more elegant aesthetic.

Corner fireplaces are similar to wall-mounted fireplaces, but instead of being mounted to a wall, corner-style electric fireplaces are simply placed next to a corner in a room. Some first-time homeowners appreciate how a corner fireplace creates a new visual focal point for a living space. Some homeowners dress up their corner electric fireplace with a decorative mantel or panels that collapse and cover the fireplace when it is not in use.

Electric Fireplace Inserts

If you live in a historic home, there is a good chance your fireplace and chimney might not work. The design of the old-time fireplace’s mantel is so unique, eye-catching, or beautiful, though, that you don’t want to destroy the traditional fireplace and build a new one. In the past, you would’ve been forced to leave the fireplace un-used and appreciate it only as an antique.

Fireplace inserts were created to bring these beautiful, neglected fireplaces back to life. Fireplace inserts are inserted directly into the fire box of a pre-existing hearth to transform a traditional fireplace into a trendy electric-powered fireplace.

The great benefit of fireplace inserts is that they allow you to enjoy the heat and ambiance of a fireplace without having to ruin your beloved old-time mantel.

Media Consoles With Built-In Electric Fireplaces

Combination media console-fireplaces are perfect for young guys wanting to bring some heat to their bachelor pad. These media consoles are designed so that a large flatscreen television sits on the top shelf of the console, while the middle of the console features a built-in electric fireplace. The electric fireplace is bolstered on both sides by cabinets or entertainment storage shelves so that guys can display their vinyl collection or connect their cable box or gaming console to their television.

Heating Elements

Now that we’ve covered the different types of electric fireplaces available, its important to discuss the actual heating apparatuses electric fireplaces utilize in order to heat up a room.

The most popular heating system used in high-end electric fireplaces is a fan-forced coil heater. Fan-forced coil heat-based electric fireplaces are ideal for rooms that measure between 400 square feet and 500 square feet. When you turn a fan-forced electric fireplace on, the heating coils immediately heat up. As the coils begin to emit heat, a fan located behind the coils blows the heat and warm air out of a vent that is built in to the front of the fireplace. The warm air exits the vent and warms the room.

Other Heating Systems for Electric Fireplaces

While a fan-forced coil system is what most electric fireplaces use to warm a home, there are other electric fireplaces on the market that have ceramic heaters or quartz infrared heating systems.

Ceramic heating systems are the newest innovation in the electric fireplace market. Ceramic-heated fireplace use ceramic heaters and an aluminum grid as a way to transfer heat into a home. When electric current passes through the ceramic, the ceramic warms up. This heat is subsequently picked up by the aluminum, and then blown out of the firebox by a fan through a vent. Like coil-based electric-based fireplaces, ceramic fireplaces work best for smaller rooms.

For those wanting to warm a larger room, a quart infrared-heated electric fireplace is the way to go. This is because quartz infrared-heated electric fireplaces are built to heat rooms measuring up to 1,000 square feet in size.

Other Design Features to Look For In An Electric Fireplace

After you’ve figured out your electric fireplace’s heating system, you’ll definitely want to make sure your fireplace is outfitted with accessories that make your electric fireplace even easier to use.

For example, most top-end electric fireplaces come equipped with a sleep timer so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn off your fireplace before bed. Other electric fireplaces have touchscreen control panels or a multi-colored back light that adds an intriguing visual backdrop to the fireplace.

Wrapping It All Up

This electric fireplace buying guide is a written to help young homeowners wanting to familiarize themselves with the electric fireplace market. Besides describing the different types of electric fireplaces available in stores, we also discussed the different heating systems found in electric fireplaces so that you are able to purchase a fireplace that suits your personal needs.