8 Best Freestanding Electric Fireplaces 2022 : Reviews & Buying Guide

8 Best Freestanding Electric Fireplaces 2022 : Reviews & Buying Guide Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.


Shopping for a freestanding electric fireplace?

You’ve come to the right place.

A freestanding electric fireplace is a good choice for people who don’t have a fireplace where they can install an electric fireplace insert.

A freestanding electric fireplace sits on the floor and connects to a standard power outlet. You don’t need to insert it within an existing fireplace or mount it on the wall.

Even if you have a traditional fireplace in your living room, getting a freestanding electric fireplace gives you the flexibility to use it in any room.

If you are not looking for a freestanding electric fireplace, see our reviews of other electric fireplaces (including wall-mounted, mantel-style, and fireplace inserts).


What’s on This Page?

This 15-minute buying guide will help you find the best freestanding electric fireplaces for your home.


Electric Fireplace Inserts vs. Freestanding Electric Fireplace

Electric Fireplace Inserts vs. Freestanding Electric Fireplaces

If you have a traditional fireplace in your home, an electric fireplace insert may be a better choice. A fireplace insert is designed to go inside an existing fireplace and resemble a real wood fireplace.

The main benefit of a fireplace insert is that you get to fill your old fireplace instead of leaving it empty. You get to enjoy the charm of a traditional fireplace but without all the smoke and cleaning work.

Most electric fireplace inserts also tend to be more powerful. This is especially important if you want an electric fireplace with a built-in heater that can keep your large living room warm.

On the downside, electric fireplace inserts need more work in terms of installation. Depending on the wattage of the heater, you may need to hire an electrician to hardwire it.

You may also need to purchase and install a trim kit to make the insert look good in your old fireplace.

In contrast, a freestanding electric fireplace comes ready to use. It’s plug-and-play. Most freestanding models come complete with wood paneling or a metal trimming, so you don’t need to buy any extra parts.

While an electric fireplace insert is great for homeowners and rented apartments with an existing fireplace, a freestanding electric fireplace is ideal for homes, apartments, and rooms without a fireplace.


8 Best Freestanding Electric Fireplaces

Note: some links below are Amazon.com affiliate links (learn more)

 

FireplaceAwardHeaterMax heating spaceSizeWeightFinish
Duraflame 3D

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove with Remote Control - Portable Indoor Space Heater - DFI-5010 (Black)
Most realistic flame5200 BTU1000 sq. ft.13.07D x 24W x 23.4H in28.6lbsMetal
Ameriwood Home Chicago

Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace TV Console for TVs up to a 50", Espresso
Best with TV stand4600 BTU400 sq. ft.15.87D x 47.24W x 31.77H in94.2lbsWood
Belleze 3D

Belleze 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove 31-inch with Remote Control (Brown) Portable Indoor Space Freestanding Heater – 1400W with Long Glass View
Best with infrared heater4777 BTU400 sq. ft.10.6D x 31.1W x 24.5H in55lbsWood
Lifesmart

Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace in Burnished Oak Finish w/Remote
Best value5100 BTU1000 sq. ft.11D x 28W x 20H in40lbsWood
e-Flame USA

e-Flame USA Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove - 3-D Log and Fire Effect (Black)
Best electric stove5115 BTU400 sq. ft.11.6D x 22.3W x 25H in23lbsMetal
Duraflame DFS-450-2

Duraflame DFS-450-2 Carleton Electric Stove with Heater, Black
Best for a small room4600 BTU400 sq. ft.19.72D x 16.25W x 11.61H in15.8lbsPlastic
TURBRO Suburbs TS20

TURBRO Suburbs TS20 Electric Fireplace Heater, Freestanding Fireplace Stove with Realistic Dancing Flame Effect - CSA Certified - Overheating Safety Protection - Easy to Assemble - 20
Best budget4777 BTU1000 sq. ft.10D x 17W x 20H in15.5lbsMetal
Real Flame Calie

Real Flame Calie Electric Media Fireplace, Large, Dark Walnut
Best media center4780 BTU400 sq. ft.18D x 67W x 30.5H in143lbsWood

1. Most Realistic Flame: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove with Remote Control - Portable Indoor Space Heater - DFI-5010 (Black)

The Duraflame electric fireplace uses 3D flame effects to create an extremely realistic fireplace. All that’s remaining is a nice crackling sound (which you can add separately, by the way).

The 5,200-BTU Duraflame 3D electric fireplace can heat spaces to 1,000 square feet, making it a great choice for large living areas, bedrooms, and other large rooms.

Pros

  • Heats large rooms.
  • Realistic 3D flame effects.
  • Adjustable flame settings.
  • Low noise level.
  • Multifunctional remote control.

Cons

  • 1,000 sq. ft. a claim is a bit of a stretch.

Our Review

The 3D flame effect technology gives the Duraflame a very realistic look. At first glance, your guests won’t tell whether it’s a wood or electric fireplace.

If you want to make it even more realistic, consider buying a fire crackler and pacing it near the fireplace.

Using the included remote control, you can adjust the intensity and brightness of the flame.

The integrated supplemental heater puts out 5,200 BTUs or about 1,500 watts. It’s an infrared heater, so it’s able to heat a large area without using as much energy as a fan-forced space heater.

It also quieter and doesn’t dry out the air.

You can adjust the thermostat using the remote control as well as set a timer for auto shut-off.

As for construction, the Duraflame 3D electric fireplace has a metal body with glass at the front and sides. It has an industrial look that blends well with most kinds of decor.

You can choose from several color options, including black, red, cream and grey.

Other features include overheating protection and an auto shut-off timer.

Issues & Limitations

The manufacturer says the Duraflame 3D electric fireplace can heat spaces to 1,000 square feet. But many customers say that’s a bit of a stretch.

The fireplace works most effectively in a medium to large room up to around 700 square feet.

You can still use it in an extra-large space, but you’ll mostly be enjoying the aesthetics of the fireplace, not its warmth.

Bottom Line

The Duraflame 3D is a great choice for those who want a freestanding electric fireplace that’s very close in appearance to a real wood fireplace.


2. Best TV Stand: Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace

Ameriwood Home Chicago Electric Fireplace TV Console for TVs up to a 50", Espresso

Some freestanding electric fireplaces also double up as a TV stand. If you want a design like that, we recommend the Ameriwood Home Chicago electric fireplace.

The wood cabinet surrounding the electric fireplace can hold up to a 50″ television.

Pros

  • Doubles up as TV stand.
  • Beautiful wood cabinet with shelf space for media devices.
  • Integrated heater for medium size rooms.
  • Realistic LED flame effects.

Cons

  • No remote control.
  • Report of damage during shipping.
  • No heat or flame control – only on and off.

Our Review

The Ameriwood Home Chicago electric fireplace consists of a 19.1″ wide fireplace set within a cabinet made from MDF and particleboard.

The assembled cabinet measures 47.2″ wide, 15.8″ deep and 31.7″ high. The surface is wide enough to hold a 50″ or smaller TV. The max weight capacity is 70lbs.

You can choose from a variety of finishes, including espresso, black, grey, natural, and oak.

At the top of the cabinet are two open shelves where you can store media devices like a cable box. You also get two side cabinets with glass doors where you can store books, DVDs, and other items. Each cabinet has a couple of shelves for better organization.

The flames inside the electric fireplace look pretty realistic. The fireplace uses LED lights to create the effect of glowing logs and a flickering fire.

The fireplace also doubles up as a space heater. The 4,600 BTU output is enough to warm small and medium-size spaces up to 400 square feet.

Issues & Limitations

The Ameriwood Home Chicago electric fireplace does not come with remote control. This wouldn’t be so bad if it had a multifunctional control panel.

But it doesn’t. There are only two on/off switches on the fireplace: one for the flames and the other for the heat (you can turn them on and off independently).

There are no buttons to adjust the heat level, change the appearance of the flames, or set a timer. The lack of heat adjustment is especially inconvenient. If the room gets too warm, your only option is to turn off the heater; you cannot turn the heat down.

Another complaint from customers is that their cabinet arrived with some damage. For most, it was just a couple of scratches, but others had to return the fireplace.

Make sure you inspect all parts before you assemble the fireplace. If there’s serious damage, return it.

Bottom Line

The Ameriwood Home Chicago electric fireplace is perfect for those who want a 3-in-1 freestanding electric fireplace, space heater, and TV cabinet.


3. Best Infrared Heater: Belleze 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove 31-inch with Remote Control

Belleze 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove 31-inch with Remote Control (Brown) Portable Indoor Space Freestanding Heater – 1400W with Long Glass View

An infrared heater runs quieter and uses less power compared to a fan-forced convection heater. Belleze 3D is one of the best freestanding electric fireplaces that comes with a built-in infrared heater.

Pros

  • Energy-saving and quiet infrared heater.
  • Comes with remote control.
  • Separate heat and flame controls.
  • Beautiful wood cabinet.

Cons

  • You can’t use it as a TV cabinet.
  • No timer.

Our Review

The firebox is the same size as that of the Ameriwood Home Chicago electric fireplace. It’s 20.2″ wide. However, the outer wood cabinet is much smaller with a width of 31.1″. This makes the Belleze 3D fireplace a great choice for small homes and apartments.

The built-in infrared space heater warms rooms up to 400 square feet. Because it doesn’t depend on a fan to spread heat, it is very quiet. It also uses way less power compared to a convection heater.

The flame effects look very realistic. The log and embers glow as if it’s a real wood fireplace, and the flames flicker in a realistic yellow color behind the glass front.

Using the control panel or the included remote control, you can adjust the intensity of the flames or turn them off altogether and leave only the heater on.

You can also adjust the heat level or turn it off and enjoy only the flames.

Issues & Limitations

Despite having an exterior wood cabinet, you cannot place a television on the Belleze electric fireplace. The manufacturer says heat can damage objects placed on top of the cabinet. It’s also likely the cabinet is not designed to hold something heavy like a TV.

The Belleze electric fireplace also doesn’t have a timer feature, either on the control panel or remote control. If you fall asleep on the couch or if you are using the fireplace in your bedroom, it’ll stay on until you turn it off.

It’ll waste energy, but there’s no risk of the house burning down. Overheat protection ensures the heater doesn’t get dangerously hot.

Bottom Line

The Belleze 3D is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact freestanding electric fireplace with an infrared heater.

It would have been nice to be able to use it as a TV cabinet, but it looks great even with nothing placed on it.


4. Best Value: Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace

Lifesmart Large Room Infrared Quartz Fireplace in Burnished Oak Finish w/Remote

Looking for a good bargain on a freestanding electric fireplace? We recommend the Lifesmart Large Room infrared electric fireplace.

Pros

  • Heats large spaces.
  • Beautiful wood cabinet.
  • Quiet and energy-efficient infrared heater.
  • Casters for easy portability.
  • Remote control with adjustable

Cons

  • It takes time to heat the room to a comfortable temperature.
  • Not ideal for use as a TV cabinet.

Our Review

For a lower price than most freestanding electric fireplaces, the Lifesmart fireplace has more heating power and offers more features.

It has the same firebox within a wood cabinet design of many other electric fireplaces. It has a charming cozy look that works perfectly for most spaces.

Measuring only 28″ wide and 11″ deep, the cabinet is perfect for small homes and apartments.

The flames look highly realistic, complete with glowing embers and logs at the bottom. You can adjust the brightness of the flames, so you can make them more visible during the day.

The integrated heater uses infrared technology to warm spaces up to 400 square feet. The heater is fairly quiet and uses less power than a convection heater. Your electric bill will go up but not by much.

The included remote control has buttons for adjusting fame brightness, temperature, and setting the timer. Note that you can turn to operate the heat and flames independently. When it’s warm, you can turn the flame on while leaving the heater off.

One thing we love about the Lifesmart electric fireplace is how easy it is to move from room to room. Unlike most freestanding electric fireplaces, Lifesmart comes with casters so you can roll it along the floor.

Issues & Limitations

The built-in heater takes a few hours before warming the room to a comfortable temperature. But once the room is warm, it does a great job keeping it at that temperature.

To warm the room faster and save energy, keep doors and windows closed and make sure your home insulation is good.

Another issue with the Lifesmart Large Room electric fireplace is that you cannot use it as a TV cabinet, at least not for large TVs.

For one, it is too low for comfortable viewing. The cabinet is only 20″ high. Two, the cabinet doesn’t feel strong enough to hold a large TV.

Bottom Line

The Lifesmart Large Room electric fireplace is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable electric fireplace that looks great, has realistic flames, and is well made.


5. Best Electric Stove: e-Flame USA Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove

e-Flame USA Regal Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove - 3-D Log and Fire Effect (Black)

If you like the charm of wood-burning stoves, you’ll find the e-Flame USA Regal electric stove just as beautiful.

With a metal body, mesh door, and sides and cylindrical design, it looks cozier than most boxy electric fireplaces.

Pros

  • Beautiful design.
  • Overheating protection.
  • Quiet, especially for a fan-forced heater.
  • Adjustable brightness and heat.

Cons

  • No remote control.
  • Plastic legs.
  • Too small for a large room.

Our Review

The e-Flame USA Regal has the beauty and charm of traditional wood stoves. It has a half-cylinder design with a mesh door and sides that allow you to see the glowing logs and flames inside.

The stove has a metal body, but the legs are plastic. Note that the metal exterior doesn’t get hot, so it’s safe for kids and pets. The heat comes from vents under the heater.

Using two dials on the fireplace, you can adjust the heat level as well as the brightness of the flames. You can also turn off either the heat or flames on its own. On a hot day, you can still enjoy the stove by turning on just the flames.

The e-Flame USA Regal electric stove has a heat output of 5,115 BTUs, enough for spaces up to 400 square feet.

Issues & Limitations

The e-Flame USA Regal electric stove doesn’t come with remote control, meaning you have to stand up, walk to the stove and bend down any time you want to adjust heat and brightness or turn the fireplace on or off.

Another issue is the construction. The body is metal, but the legs are plastic. They are sturdy enough to support the fireplace (it’s not very heavy), but an all-metal construction would have guaranteed a longer lifespan.

Something else to note is that the Regal electric stove is smaller than the images would have you believe. It’s just 22″ wide and 25″ high. It’s a bit too small to stand out in a large room.

Bottom Line

The e-Flame USA Regal electric stove is a great choice for anyone who prefers a stove-style electric fireplace to the usual boxy designs.


6. Best for a Small Room: Duraflame DFS-450-2 Carleton Electric Stove with Heater

Duraflame DFS-450-2 Carleton Electric Stove with Heater, Black

The compact size of the Duraflame DFS-450-2 electric fireplace makes it a good choice for small rooms without much space to spare.

Pros

  • Space saver.
  • Realistic logs and flame.
  • Safe for kids and pets.
  • Overheat protection.

Cons

  • Not ideal for a large room.
  • No remote control.

Our Review

We don’t recommend the Duraflame DFS-450-2 for a small room because it has a low heat output. It produces as much heat as other larger electric fireplaces; 4,600 BTU, enough for a 400 sq. ft. space.

The reason Duraflame DFS-450-2 is perfect for small rooms is its compact design. Measuring 16.2″ wide and 19.7″ deep, it is a space saver.

The built-in heater warms up the room quickly, and you can adjust the heat level.

The fireplace looks very realistic with glowing embers at the bottom and flickering flames. As with any other electric fireplace, you can control the heater and flame independently. You can use the fireplace all year round, turning off the heat when it’s warm.

As for construction, the Duraflame DFS-450-2 electric fireplace has a metal interior frame, but the exterior cabinet is plastic. It doesn’t get hot, so it’s safe for pets and kids.

Issues & Limitations

While the Duraflame DFS-450-2 has a powerful heater, we don’t recommend using it in a large room. Because of its small size, it’ll be barely noticeable.

The Duraflame electric fireplace doesn’t come with remote control, making it inconvenient to adjust heat and flame settings.

Bottom Line

The Duraflame DFS-450-2 is a great choice for anyone without space for a large freestanding electric fireplace. The DFS-450-2 puts out plenty of heat while using very little space.


7. Lowest-Cost: TURBRO Suburbs TS20 Freestanding Fireplace

TURBRO Suburbs TS20 Electric Fireplace Heater, Freestanding Fireplace Stove with Realistic Dancing Flame Effect - CSA Certified - Overheating Safety Protection - Easy to Assemble - 20

If you are shopping on a budget, the TURBRO Suburbs TS20 is one of the cheapest freestanding electric fireplaces in the market. It heats rooms larger than pricier fireplaces do.

Pros

  • Powerful infrared heater.
  • Sturdy metal body and legs.
  • Adjustable thermostat.
  • Easy to assemble.
  • Heats large rooms.
  • Good value for money.

Cons

  • No remote control.

Our Review

The TURBRO Suburbs TS20 heats large spaces of up to 1,000 sq. ft. Unlike the Duraflame 3D (our first pick above) that we found to heat less than the claimed 1,000 sq. ft., customers say the TURBRO Suburbs heats large rooms without a problem.

The TURBRO Suburbs also has better construction than pricier models. It has a metal frame and legs, so it’s likely to last a long time.

The front and sides have tempered glass that allows you to see the flames inside. The glass stays cool to the touch, so it’s safe for your little one.

Another feature we did not expect at this price is thermostatic temperature control. Unlike other electric fireplaces that only have two or three heat levels, the TURBRO Suburbs lets you adjust temperature anywhere between 68F and 95F.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with remote control, so you have to stand anytime you want to change the temperature.

Note that the TURBRO Suburbs has independent heat and flame controls. You can turn on one of them while leaving the other off.

Assembling the fireplace is easy; you just need to attach the four metal legs.

Issues & Limitations

Remote control would have been a nice addition.

Bottom Line

The TURBRO Suburbs is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget electric fireplace that’s well made and has powerful heat output.


8. Best Media Center: Real Flame Calie Electric Media Fireplace, Large, Dark Walnut

Real Flame Calie Electric Media Fireplace, Large, Dark Walnut

There are electric fireplaces with a TV cabinet, and then there are those with a full media center like the Real Flame Calie electric media fireplace.

The Calie fireplace can support large televisions that weigh up to 100lbs. You also get plenty of storage space for your media devices, books, DVDs, games, and other stuff.

Pros

  • Full media center.
  • Beautiful MDF cabinet.
  • Comes with multi-function remote control.
  • The idea for large televisions.
  • Lots of storage.
  • Well packed – no reports of damage during shipping.

Cons

  • Expensive.
  • A bit smaller than the images indicate.

Our Review

The Calie electric fireplace is a full media center. You can place a large TV on top (up to 100lbs) with space left or a soundbar or a couple of speakers.

There’s also a top shelf for the cable box or internet TV box plus two glass-front side cabinets for books and other items.

One common issue with these cabinet-style fireplaces is damage during shipping. The MDF cabinet arrives with scratches and gouges. There are no such reports with the Calie electric fireplace.

The entire cabinet is shipped in three boxes, and each part is bubble wrapped for protection.

The fireplace itself looks very realistic. You can adjust the intensity and color of the flames. You can also adjust the temperature of the built-in heater.

The 4780-BTU heater is designed to warm rooms up to 400 square feet.

We love that the fireplace comes with remote control. You can use it to change temperature, adjust the flame appearance, and set a timer.

Issues & Limitations

As expected, the Calie electric fireplace is much more expensive than most freestanding electric fireplaces. If you are on a budget, consider a fireplace with a smaller cabinet like the Ameriwood Home Chicago reviewed above, or go for a fireplace without a cabinet.

One thing to note about the Calie media center is that it’s shorter than you expect. It’s wide enough to accommodate a large TV, but most customers wish it were a bit taller.

Also, note that the assembly takes time. The instructions are clear, and all parts are well labeled, but with dozens of screws to tighten, it’ll take you 2-3 hours to assemble the whole thing.

Bottom Line

The Calie electric fireplace is a great choice for anyone looking for a 3-in-1 electric fireplace, space heater, and media center.


Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Freestanding Electric Fireplace

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove with Remote Control - Portable Indoor Space Heater - DFI-5010 (Black)

Here’s what to consider when shopping for a freestanding electric fireplace.

Design and Finish

The primary reason for buying an electric fireplace is aesthetics, so it’s important that you choose the right design that’ll you’ll love and which will look good in your home.

Here are some of the most common options available in the market.

  • Metal electric fireplaces- These are electric fireplaces with a metal frame and body, though some incorporate some plastic parts. These fireplaces have a traditional or industrial appearance. Most come with multiple color options.
  • Wood cabinet fireplaces- Instead of a metal exterior, these electric fireplaces have a wood finish, usually made with MDF. They are great if you prefer a warmer and cozier style.
  • TV cabinet/media center fireplaces- Some electric fireplaces can double up as a media center or TV cabinet. They are more expensive but offer more functionality.
  • Electric stove- An electric stove resembles a cozy wood-burning stove, complete with a metal body and a mesh screen.

Integrated Heater (and Heat Output)

It’s harder to find an electric fireplace without an integrated heater. Most come with an infrared or fan-forced heater.

A built-in heater provides supplemental room heating. You can turn off your AC and only heat the room currently occupied.

And since most electric fireplaces allow you to control the heat and flame independently, you can switch off the heater when it’s warm and enjoy just the flames.

Make sure you check what kind of heater the fireplace uses. Infrared heaters are the best. They are quiet and use less power than convection heaters.

Most electric fireplaces use a hybrid type of heater that’s a mixture between infrared and convection heaters.

The heater directs infrared radiation onto a heat exchanger made from copper, ceramic or some other material. A fan then blows heat from the heat exchanger around the room.

A hybrid heater is still quieter and much more efficient than a full convention heater.

Something else to check is the heat output. Most electric fireplaces give out between 4,000 and 5,000 BTUs of heat, enough to heat small and medium-size rooms of up to 400 square feet.

Size

The right size comes down to how much space you have. Check the dimensions of the electric fireplace you want to buy and compare them to the size of the space available in the room.

Also, note that a too-small electric fireplace may look underwhelming in a large room. You want something bigger that adds to the room’s aesthetics.

Portability

If you plan to use the electric fireplace in more than one room, get a lightweight one that you can easily move around.

Some electric fireplaces even come with casters for easier mobility.

Remote Control

If you don’t like the idea of standing up every time you want to switch on the fireplace or adjust a setting, look for an electric fireplace that comes with remote control.

Other Features

Timer: Allows you to set an auto shut-off timer. Handy in case you forget to turn the electric fireplace off or if you fall asleep.

Overheat protection: A must-have for any electric fireplace with a heater. It prevents the heater from getting too hot and potentially becoming a fire hazard.

Flame settings: Look for an electric fireplace with brightness adjustment. This is especially handy during the day when it can be harder to see the flames and embers. You simply turn up the brightness to make the fireplace stand out more. Other fireplaces also provide intensity and color adjustment.


FAQs

free standing electric fireplace

Can you leave a freestanding electric fireplace overnight?

Yes, you can. Most electric fireplaces have to overheat protection, so the fireplace will not get too hot and burn the house.

But to save energy, we recommend getting an electric fireplace with an auto shut-off timer.

How much electricity do electric fireplaces use?

With the heater on, about 1500 watts, less if you choose a lower heat setting.

Consumption is much lower when the heater is turned off since only the lighting used to make the flame effects are using electricity.

On average, an electric fireplace uses 18 cents per hour with the heater on, 9 cents at a lower heat setting, and less than 3 cents with the heater off.

Can you plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?

Yes, most electric fireplaces are designed to run off a 120V outlet.

Do electric fireplaces need to be vented?

No, they do not since they don’t burn any fuel and thus don’t release any gasses. The ‘fire’ you see is just an illusion created using lights.

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