Adding an electric fireplace to your home is an excellent way to add elegance and value to every room in your house. Whether you’ve outgrown your wood-burning fireplace or are looking to upgrade your space, now is the time to invest in an electric fireplace. However, picking the best out of the hundreds of realistic models available can be challenging, especially if you’re not looking for a higher-end faux fireplace to add heat and style to your space.
The best electric fireplaces under $300 include:
 1. Cambridge Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace | ||
 2. COSTWAY Remote Control Electric Fireplace | ||
 3. Walker Edison Wood Fireplace Stand | ||
 4. Cambridge Freestanding Electric Fireplace | ||
 5. Northwest Electric Fireplace-Wall Mounted |
The rest of this article will explain the features of these faux fireplaces in detail. Read on for more information on these and safety tips when using these appliances.
1. Cambridge Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace
Click Image To Check Pricing
This Cambridge 42” (106.68 cm) electric fireplace, found on Amazon.com, is perfect for those who want a modern and contemporary look. The wall-mount electric fireplace comes with a high-quality multi-color flame system that brings out the best of this unit.
The flames are pretty realistic and move according to your preferred speed. Still, you can customize them to change colors continuously, creating a dramatic flair in your home that you can control.
It comes with remote control for your convenience, but you can also control it manually.
It is made of high-quality alloy steel and crystal stone, which means it will resist heat and damage for a long time.
This electric fireplace is not big but rather small to medium-sized, so if you have a smaller space, this might be the best electric fireplace for your home.
It also features high (1350W) and low (700W) heat settings, making it perfect for many different spaces.
2. COSTWAY Remote Control Electric Fireplace
Click Image To Check Pricing
The Costway electric fireplace from Amazon.com is one of the best ways to save money on heating your home without sacrificing style or functionality.
It comes with an easy-to-use touchscreen and smart remote controls that make it simple to change the temperature and brightness settings at will. This wall-mounted fireplace fits perfectly into any décor theme by producing no other noise than that of the fire itself.
It has two heat options (750W and 1500W), and it comes with LED lights that help you set the mood, depending on your needs.
The flames are realistic, and it comes with a heating function which makes this electric fireplace one of the most functional units out there. The body is made of high-quality alloy steel and tempered glass, making it resistant to heat, wear, and damage, including against corrosion.
This electric fireplace has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by consumers who have purchased it online, making it an excellent value for money.
3. Walker Edison Wood Fireplace Stand
Click Image To Check Pricing
If you’re looking for something that goes well with any interior design style, then look no further.
The Walker Edison Furniture Company 58” (147.32 cm) black electric fireplace is the perfect contemporary addition to any home, and it’s available on Amazon.com. Its storage console has a beautiful MDF finish and has two adjustable shelves on the sides for more convenience.
The Walker Edison Furniture Company 58” (147.32 cm) electric fireplace can heat 400 sq ft (37.16 sq m) spaces, making it perfect for medium-sized rooms.
It has an adjustable thermostat control and features two heat settings (high/low) for the perfect temperature every time. In terms of design, this is considered one of the best electric fireplace heaters for your money since it comes with a TV stand that is sure to give your living room or family room the modern touch it needs.
Installing this faux fireplace is a breeze, as all you have to do is plug it in and get warm.
4. Cambridge Freestanding Electric Fireplace
Click Image To Check Pricing
This electric fireplace from Amazon.com is the best choice for those looking to have an elegant addition to their living space without having to worry about high costs.
The Cambridge freestanding 20” (50.8 cm) electric fireplace is made of high-quality alloy steel and plastic, which means it can resist heat and damage for a very long time. It has high (1500W) and low (750W) heat settings, and it can help warm up areas of 210 sq ft (19.50 sq m), making it the perfect unit for smaller spaces.
This electric fireplace has also been rated 4 stars out of 5 by consumers who have purchased it online, which means it is an excellent choice for the money you’re willing to pay.
5. Northwest Electric Fireplace-Wall Mounted
Click Image To Check Pricing
If you’re looking for a wall-mounted electric fireplace that goes well with any décor, then this unit found on Amazon.com is perfect for you.
This 30.5” (77.47 cm) electric fireplace has an LED backlight which creates great mood lighting if installed in a dark room. It has a tempered glass frame and comes with a touch screen control panel that’s very easy to use.
It comes with high (1500W) and low (750W) heat settings, and it is capable of warming up areas of 400 sq ft (37.16 sq m), making this one of the best electric fireplaces for your money.
Besides, it features a remote control, which makes it even more convenient.
This electric fireplace has been rated 4 out of 5 stars by consumers who have purchased it online, which means you won’t be disappointed with your purchase.
What To Consider When Buying an Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace is a functional unit you can install in any room. When you’re considering buying one of these appliances, it will help to think about the following factors.
Energy Efficiency
Simply put, the more efficient the electric fireplace, the cheaper it’ll be for you to run. Energy efficiency is measured in terms of BTUs per hour, so higher values mean better energy efficiency.
Brands with an Energy Star certification are more efficient than those without one. Therefore, it would make sense to go for an Energy Star-certified unit.
Heat Settings
The heat setting feature in electric fireplaces offers incredible convenience without the flame.
Typically, these fireplaces usually have two or three heat settings. The difference between these is how much power is used at any given time. For smaller spaces, a mid-level heat setting is recommended, which will help you save more energy in the long run.
Controls
You’ll have to decide where you want to put your electric fireplace once it arrives. As such, you should look for a unit that comes with a remote control so that you can adjust its settings from anywhere in the room.
A unit without a remote control may have buttons on its front panel.
However, they aren’t as convenient to work with when compared to using an actual remote control like the one you use for your TV or cable box.
Style Preference
No matter what style of fireplace you go for, be sure that it matches the interior design of your home or office. That way, your new electric fireplace won’t look out of place with all the other decorative items you have around it.
Heating Capacity
If you’re looking to use your electric fireplace as a supplementary source of heat, the unit’s heating capacity is crucial for you to consider. A bigger heating capacity can be helpful if there are areas in your home that are hard to reach by central heating systems.
Also, consider the maximum heating capacity of the fireplace, as it would help you know how large an area you can heat with it.
Electric Fireplace Safety Tips
An electric fireplace is a valuable appliance to have indoors. However, you need to make sure you take good care of it at all times. It’s essential that you adhere to proper safety procedures when using your electric fireplace.
Let’s discuss them now.
Always Unplug the Unit When Working on It
Unplug your unit before cleaning or changing its filters and bulbs, or even just inspecting it. If you suspect that the cord or plug has been damaged in any way, you should have them replaced instead of doing the repairs yourself.
Inspect It Regularly
Even if your electric fireplace comes with a warranty, it’s essential to inspect it regularly to make sure everything is working correctly. You can get help from an electrician if you feel unsure about what you need to look for when inspecting your unit.
Don’t Leave Your Unit Unattended
An unattended fireplace can be a potential fire hazard, so don’t leave your unit running while leaving the house or going to sleep at night without supervision. Doing so can lead to safety issues, not just for you but also for your family and the people living in your neighborhood.
Always Keep It Away From Water
Keep your unit away from water at all times, as this can damage its internal components. Also, don’t use flammable liquids or other similar objects to start it up. This can be extremely dangerous if something goes wrong with the fireplace’s electrical circuitry.
Refer to the Unit’s Manual Before Using It
You’ll want to refer to your unit’s manual before using it whenever there are problems you need help with fixing or questions that require answers. The manual will contain everything you need to know about operating and maintaining your electric fireplace properly so that you won’t run into any issues when using it.
Place It Out of Reach of Children and Pets
Child-proof and pet-proof your electric fireplace by keeping it out of their reach, especially when they’re in a playful mood. Never let them climb on top of an electric fireplace to play around with it, either. That could be extremely dangerous, especially if they start to fiddle with the unit’s controls.
Electric Fireplace FAQs
If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade to your home’s décor without having to break the bank, then look no further than any of the five electric fireplaces on this list. Each unit featured here provides excellent value for money and will help make a stylish addition to any interior design theme.
But many people often have many questions about electric fireplaces. Let’s take a look at these and the answers, so you can make a more informed decision.
Do Electric Fireplaces Use a Lot of Electricity?
These fireplaces are made of fire-safe materials and generate heat without any real flame, so they don’t have to expend much energy heating up the room.
Instead, what you’re really powering with an electric fireplace is an incandescent bulb or two as well as some relatively cheap electronics contained in the hearth itself–an igniter and possibly a blower for circulating heat from those bulbs throughout the cavernous space behind your mantel.
In other words, any given appliance draws power from the wall socket only when it’s drawing current to produce light or heat. Conversely, it “stores” that same amount of energy when not in use, and it’s ready to spring into action as soon as you flick the switch.
This video explains how an electric fireplace works:
Is It OK To Leave an Electric Fireplace On Overnight?
It is not okay to leave your electric fireplace on overnight. In the worst-case scenario, fluids can leak from the appliance’s heating element, resulting in a fire hazard. Therefore, it’s best to turn it off and unplug it before leaving your house or going to bed at night.
Are Electric Fireplaces Worth It?
Electric fireplaces are worth it. An electric fireplace offers convenience by adding instant warmth and a beautiful ambiance with no mess to clean up afterward. Besides, most feature safety sensors and have no radiant heat emissions, so you won’t catch your arm on fire while sitting nearby.
Do Electric Fireplaces Need To Be Vented?
Electric fireplaces are not open to the air, so they do not need to be vented. They have a metal plate on the back of the unit that is cooled by convection, and this cools pieces that come in contact with it.
Generally, ventilation is only vital when using substances that produce real flames, such as firewood. This ensures enough outflow of the gases they produce when burning, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and inflow of oxygen to avoid suffocation or poisoning.
What Is the Difference Between an Electric Fireplace and an Infrared Fireplace?
The main difference between an infrared and an electric fireplace is how they produce heat. An infrared fireplace uses infrared light to create the look and feel of a real flame. In contrast, an electric fireplace operates like an electric space heater.
Tip: Generally, it’s best to pick an infrared fireplace if you need to heat larger spaces. Unlike the typical electric fireplaces that can heat 400 sq ft (37.16 sq m) rooms, an infrared fireplace can heat rooms as large as 1000 sq ft (92.90 sq m).
Can Electric Fireplaces Catch Fire?
Electric fireplaces cannot catch fire because they do not produce actual flames. Instead, a heating element produces heat, raising the room’s temperature. This type of fireplace does not have anything that could ignite a flame.
However, since these appliances use electricity, it is always important to take the proper precautions.
Can You Roast Marshmallows on an Electric Fireplace?
You can’t roast marshmallows on an electric fireplace. These faux fireplaces can never roast marshmallows as they do not produce actual flames. Electric fireplace emits heat, but there is no source of ignition or flame that would ignite a fire, which you need for roasting.
Using electric fireplaces at home has definitely made life easier for those looking to heat their surroundings. While you may not be able to roast marshmallows on an electric fireplace, you can still enjoy the cozy heat it provides.
Do Electric Fireplaces Heat a Room?
Electric fireplaces can heat a room. Electric fireplaces use electricity to heat a room, just like an electric space heater. These fireplaces emit heat to the environment but do not produce actual flames.
Looking For Electric Fireplaces?
Are you looking for the best electric fireplace? We’ve got you covered. Check out our article on the top 5 best electric fireplaces on the market and find your perfect fit today! The Fireplace Lifestyle team has done all of the research so that you don’t have to. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy reading about these incredible fireplaces. Our goal is to help people like yourself find their dream fireplace with ease. So take a look at what we have to offer – we know it will be worth your time!
