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Are electric fireplaces safe?

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An electric fireplace can keep you warm all winter, but it’s important to follow safety tips

If you’re building a new home or refurbishing your living space, you might be considering your options in terms of heating. Electric fireplaces have become a popular choice in place of traditional wood-burning fireplaces because they’re easy to install and operate.

An electric fireplace heater is designed to look like a traditional wood-burning fireplace. However, it uses electricity to generate heat and is flameless. Electric fireplace heaters are very safe to use, but there are some safety features and tips you should know. We rounded up the best electric fireplace picks for you to consider, too.


In this article: R.W. Flame Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric FireplaceAmeriwood Home Overland Electric Corner Fireplace and Walker Edison Wren Classic 58-Inch Fireplace Entertainment Center

How do electric fireplaces work?

An electric heated fireplace uses electricity to run, either by plugging into an outlet or being wired into the wall. There are two main types of heating methods used in electric fireplaces:

Generally, forced fan fireplaces work better for smaller rooms while infrared quartz fireplaces are more effective for heating large spaces. Another benefit of infrared quartz is that it won’t dry out the air in the room, while forced fan fireplaces tend to reduce the humidity level.

Electric fireplaces do not use flames. However, most of them use LED lighting and mirrors to simulate flickering, realistic flames just like a traditional fireplace.

Types of electric fireplaces

Pros of electric fireplaces

There are many benefits to choosing an electric fireplace, including:

Cons of electric fireplaces

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces do have some advantages over an electric fireplace, including:

Are electric fireplaces safer than space heaters?

Electric fireplaces and space heaters work almost exactly the same way. The difference is the level of heat and flame effects you can get with an electric fireplace.

So, space heaters are not inherently more dangerous than electric fireplaces. However, the ability to move a space heater around easily makes them more prone to being used incorrectly.

How to use your electric fireplace safely

Electric fireplaces are very safe due to the safety standards applied to electrical appliances today. But, like any electric appliance, they present a fire risk. So, to use your electric fireplace safely, make sure you:

Best electric fireplaces

Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater

This electric fireplace can provide heat for rooms up to 1,000 square feet in size and lifelike imitations of flames and embers thanks to its 3D flame effect. It features a brick-style back panel and a glass door that really opens, giving it even more of that real fireplace feel.

R.W. Flame Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace

If you want a more modern electric fireplace, this sleek 36-inch model fits into wall recesses and comes with a remote control for flame brightness and color. With this electric fireplace insert, you can choose between 12 different flame color modes and five flame speed modes to set your preferred mood. The brand also offers large electric fireplace options up to 68 inches wide.

RedLemon 52” Electric Fireplace with Mantel

This electric fireplace has a remote control and featuers realistic-looking logs and embers, along with a 3D flame. It heats a space of up to 450 square feet and the flame effect can be operated with or without heat, so you can enjoy the look of a roaring fireplace even if you don’t need to be warmed up.

Walker Edison Wren Classic 58-Inch Fireplace Entertainment Center

This rustic electric fireplace TV stand accommodates TVs up to 65 inches, featuring a small electric fireplace with two adjustable shelves. The engineered wood entertainment center has a richly textured surface, available in 12 neutral finishes. This electric fireplace cabinet comes in 58-, 70- and 80-inch versions. 

Ameriwood Home Overland Electric Corner Fireplace

This electric corner fireplace is built from engineered wood and is available in multiple colors, accented by faux stone around the insert. There are six storage cubbies, and the mantel accommodates TVs up to 50 inches wide. You can choose from three brightness settings and adjust the temperature with the included remote control or use the panel on the front of the insert.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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