What to Look For When Buying an Electric Fireplace

On this page (7 sections)

1. What should you measure before buying an electric fireplace?
2. Which installation style fits your room?
3. How much heat do you need?
4. Which flame effects and controls matter?
5. What safety and electrical details should you check?
6. Which electric fireplace features are worth comparing?
7. How do you narrow down the right electric fireplace?

When buying an electric fireplace, check the opening and installation style first, then compare heat settings, controls, flame options and safety features. Match each choice to your room and how you plan to use the fireplace.

A unit that looks right can still be the wrong buy if it does not fit the wall, furniture or existing firebox. Measure before you choose a style or compare features.

For wall mounted, recessed and insert options, start with our guide to electric fireplaces for the wall.

What should you measure before buying an electric fireplace?

Measure the available opening and the space around it before comparing features. A wall mounted unit, a recessed fireplace and an insert each need a different kind of fit.

For a wall mount, measure the wall area and check the unit's width, height and depth. Also account for nearby shelves, a mantel or a TV, and follow the specific clearance instructions.

For a recessed unit, measure the planned cavity and confirm the required framing depth. A shallow body may still need extra space for wiring or installation parts, so use the instructions for the exact model.

For an insert, measure the firebox opening at the front and inside the cavity. Compare width, height and depth, and check whether the insert needs clearance around it or a trim kit to cover gaps.

A stated heating coverage area does not tell you whether the unit will fit your room or opening. Our guides to recessed fireplace depth and electric fireplace insert sizes explain those measurements in more detail.

Which installation style fits your room?

Choose an installation style based on the wall or opening you have and the work you want to do. Wall mount units need a suitable wall, recessed models need a cavity, and inserts need a compatible firebox or furniture opening.

Some units support more than one style. The R.W.FLAME 60 Inch Recessed Fireplace supports recessed or wall mounted installation, while the Westinghouse 50 Inch Smart Fireplace is designed for wall mounting or recessed installation.

If you are choosing between an insert and a wall mounted model, compare the room changes each option requires in our electric fireplace insert vs wall mount guide.

What should you check when buying an electric fireplace for a wall?

For a wall fireplace, confirm that the installation method matches the unit. A wall mount does not automatically mean a model can also be recessed, and a recess ready model still needs a correctly sized cavity.

Check where the power cord and controls sit, how the unit mounts, and what clearance it needs above. If you plan to hang it over furniture, measure the finished position before drilling.

A wide linear fireplace can become a focal point, but width alone does not tell you how it will look on the wall. Compare the wall width, screen size and surrounding furniture; our best linear electric fireplaces guide covers that style.

How much heat do you need?

Treat heat output and coverage as supplemental guidance, then decide whether the fireplace is meant to add warmth or serve as your main heater. Many electric fireplaces offer more than one heat setting, but room conditions affect how warm the space feels.

Compare wattage, temperature controls and the brand's stated coverage. The R.W.FLAME has 750W and 1500W modes, and the Westinghouse has adjustable heater output with a thermostat settable from 62°F to 82°F.

Coverage figures are not a guarantee for your room. Ceiling height, drafts, insulation and room layout can change the result.

For more context on stated area, read how big a room an electric fireplace can heat. If you want a unit mainly for appearance, check whether it can run its flames without heat; our guide explains using an electric fireplace without heat.

Which flame effects and controls matter?

Choose flame settings and controls you will actually use, rather than counting every available mode as a must-have. Brightness, color, speed and remote or app control can change how easy it is to set the room's look.

The R.W.FLAME offers multiple flame and LED bed colors, brightness levels and speeds, controlled by its touch screen or remote. The Westinghouse offers flame and ember color combinations, separate brightness and speed settings, plus remote, app and compatible voice assistant control.

An insert with a log set may suit a traditional firebox look. The PuraFlame Western has a resin log, while the Innoflame 23 Inch Log Insert has a flame and log effect with 4 flame brightness settings.

Think about controls before buying if you will use the fireplace from across the room or want to change the flame without changing the heat. For a closer look at appearance, see what makes an electric fireplace flame look real.

What safety and electrical details should you check?

Read the installation, clearance and electrical instructions for the exact unit before buying. Do not assume every electric fireplace uses the same circuit or can be installed in the same way.

Westinghouse recommends at least 11.8 in of clearance from the ceiling, mantel and anything mounted above its fireplace. It also advises against plugging other appliances into the same 120V, 15A circuit.

The PuraFlame Western is a plug in unit and cannot be hardwired. Its stated use is supplemental heat, not a main heat source, so choose a separate primary heater if that is what your room needs.

Some models include overheat protection or automatic shutoff features. Check the unit's instructions for what those protections cover, and do not treat them as a substitute for correct placement and installation.

Which electric fireplace features are worth comparing?

Compare the features that affect fit, daily use and the job you need done. These examples show how different units can suit different installation plans.

R.W.FLAME 60 Inch Recessed Fireplace

This 60 in unit supports wall mounted or recessed installation, with a 3.86 in depth and 750W or 1500W heat settings. Measure the cavity or wall carefully, since the width and depth affect the fit.

It offers touch and remote controls, plus flame color, speed and brightness settings. Its stated supplemental heating coverage is up to 400 sq ft.

Westinghouse 50 Inch Smart Fireplace

This model supports wall mounting or recessed installation and fits openings of 49 x 15 x 6 in. Its rear installation dimensions are 48.75 x 14.35 x 5.56 in, so compare those measurements with the planned cavity.

The Westinghouse has adjustable heat output and a thermostat settable from 62°F to 82°F. It includes interchangeable faux log and crystal ember bed sets.

PuraFlame Western Insert

The PuraFlame Western is an insert with overall dimensions of 35 1/16 x 26 31/32 x 8 25/32 in. Compare those measurements with the firebox, not just its front opening.

It has 750W and 1500W settings, an adjustable thermostat and supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft. PuraFlame says it cannot be hardwired, so plan for a plug outlet.

Innoflame 23 Inch Log Insert

The Innoflame insert has a 23 x 19 3/4 in furniture front opening and needs a rear opening of at least 24 x 20 3/16 in. Its installation requires access behind the furniture, so measure that route as well as the front opening.

It has a built in thermostat settable from 64°F to 82°F, a 1 to 8 hour timer and 1400W heat output. The brand gives a stated coverage of up to 400 sq ft.

How do you narrow down the right electric fireplace?

Choose the fireplace that fits the installation, provides the type of heat you need and has controls you will use. Start with measurements, then compare style and features.

If you have an open wall and want a broad feature, compare wall mount units by width, depth and clearance. If you have an existing firebox, compare insert dimensions with the opening and the available outlet.

For a furniture project, check both the front opening and the access needed behind the cabinet. Choose heat and controls after the fit works.

Next, compare electric fireplaces for the wall if you are still deciding between a wall mount and recess. If warmth is a key part of the decision, check electric fireplace running costs before choosing a heat setting or usage plan.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before buying an electric fireplace?

Check the unit's outside dimensions, the opening it needs and whether it mounts on the wall, recesses into a wall or fits an existing firebox. Then compare heat settings, controls, flame options, clearances and power needs.

Read the installation instructions before cutting into a wall or ordering an insert.

Do electric fireplaces need a dedicated circuit?

Electrical needs vary by model, so follow the unit's instructions and local electrical requirements. Westinghouse advises against plugging other appliances into the same 120V, 15A circuit.

Check the circuit before installation, and use a qualified electrician if you are unsure.

How much heat should an electric fireplace provide?

Choose heat output based on the room and whether you want supplemental warmth or a primary heat source. Coverage figures are estimates, not a promise that a unit will heat every room of that size.

PuraFlame describes its insert as supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft and says it is not a main heat source.

Can an electric fireplace run without heat?

Some electric fireplaces let you use the flame effect without heat, but check the controls for the exact unit you are considering. PuraFlame says its 3 flame intensity settings can be used with or without heat, which can suit ambiance use in warmer weather.