Five fireplaces line up in electric fireplace reviews, from slim recessed units to a glass-sided stove. Flame colors, brightness and heat settings each change the choice for a buyer. Install style, heat coverage and control options all change from one model to the next.
We ranked the fireplace choices here from the manufacturer details on each Amazon listing. For more fireplace picks, see our best electric fireplace and best rated electric fireplace guides. Our Editorial Policy sets out how the fireplace models were compared. Plug freestanding units straight into a wall outlet, never an extension cord. Hardwired or built-in fireplaces may need a licensed electrician.
Top 3 Electric Fireplaces in These Model Reviews
R.W.FLAME 42″ Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
- 3.86 inches deep, fits 2×4 and 2×6 stud walls
- Touch screen with remote control
- 12 flame and LED bed color modes
Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
- Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounted
- 36 inches wide, only 33 pounds
- One person can hang it on the wall
Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert
- Only 3.86 inches thick, with a nearly invisible bezel
- 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors
- Adjustable flame brightness, colors and speed
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Quick Comparison of the Picks
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  R.W.FLAME 42″ Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace |
| Check Latest Price |
| 2 |  Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace |
| Check Latest Price |
| 3 |  Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert |
| Check Latest Price |
| 4 |  Touchstone Sideline 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace |
| Check Latest Price |
| 5 |  R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater |
| Check Latest Price |
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1. R.W.FLAME 42″ Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
Best 42-Inch
- 3.86 inches deep, fits 2×4 and 2×6 stud walls
- Touch screen with remote control
- 12 flame and LED bed color modes
- 5 flame speeds and 5 flame brightness levels
- Maker lists no thermostat, unlike the Antarctic Star, Electactic and Touchstone picks here
- Maker lists no sleep mode, unlike the Antarctic Star and Electactic picks here
- Controls: touch screen + remote
- Size: 3.86″D x 42″W x 18.11″H
- Install: recessed or wall-mounted
A slim design at 3.86 inches deep suits recessed or wall-mounted installs, with a touch screen and remote control.
Twelve flame and LED bed color modes give a range to choose from, with 5 brightness levels.
Why pick the R.W.FLAME 42″
Start here for a slim design and 12 color modes.
Why skip the R.W.FLAME 42″
The Touchstone 36 pick has a thermostat and Alexa control.
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2. Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
Best Lightweight
- Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounted
- 36 inches wide, only 33 pounds
- One person can hang it on the wall
- Step-by-step instructions with drywall screws
- Maker lists no app control, unlike the Touchstone Sideline 36-inch Recessed pick
- Maker lists no brightness levels, unlike both R.W.FLAME picks and the Electactic pick here
- Timer: 1-8 hours
- Controls: remote + touch screen
- Size: 36” x 3.86” x 18.11”
A 36-inch wide fireplace at only 33 pounds is light enough for one person to hang.
Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounting gives three install styles, with step-by-step instructions.
Why pick the Antarctic Star 36″
Take this one for a 33-pound weight and a 36-inch size.
Why skip the Antarctic Star 36″
The Touchstone Sideline 36-inch Recessed pick has app control for easy changes.
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3. Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert
Best Nearly Invisible Bezel
- Only 3.86 inches thick, with a nearly invisible bezel
- 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors
- Adjustable flame brightness, colors and speed
- Minimalist frame for a built-in look
- Maker lists no voice control, unlike the Touchstone Sideline 36-inch Recessed pick
- Maker lists no log or crystal set, while the Touchstone Sideline 36 includes both
- Timer: 1–8 hours
- Controls: remote + touchscreen panel
- Noise: 45 dB
An ultra-slim frameless design at only 3.86 inches thick gives a seamless full view of the flames.
Twelve flame colors and twelve bed colors give a range to choose from, with adjustable brightness and speed.
Why pick the Electactic 36″
Go with this one for an ultra-thin design and 12 flame colors.
Why skip the Electactic 36″
Look to the R.W.FLAME 25-inch stove pick for a 180-degree view.
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4. Touchstone Sideline 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
Best Voice Control
- Recessed mounting for in-wall use
- Realistic flames that look like a real fire
- Five flame settings, from a soft ember glow to an intense blaze
- A remote control for heat and flame
- Maker lists no touchscreen, unlike three other picks here
- Maker lists no heat coverage area, unlike three other picks here
- Smart control: WiFi app, Alexa, Google Home
- Controls: IR remote with shut-off timer
- Cord: 6-foot, 110-120V outlet
Recessed mounting for in-wall use gives a traditional fireplace look, with realistic flames that look like a real fire.
Five flame settings give a range from a soft glow to an intense blaze, with a remote control.
Why pick the Touchstone Sideline 36
Try this one for a recessed design and 5 flame settings.
Why skip the Touchstone Sideline 36
The R.W.FLAME 42-inch Recessed and Wall-Mounted pick has a touchscreen for easy control.
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5. R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
Best for 180-Degree View
- Realistic dancing flames and a burning log design
- Clear glass on 3 sides for 180 degrees of observation
- Infrared heating mode for room heat
- Adjustable flame speed and log colors
- 4 flame colors, fewer than every other pick here
- Maker lists no timer, unlike the other four picks here
- Flame colors: 4, plus log colors
- Controls: remote control
- Design: Cathedral, arched door
Realistic dancing flames and a burning log design give a true flame look, with clear glass on 3 sides.
Infrared heating pairs with 4 flame colors and adjustable flame speed.
Why pick the R.W.FLAME 25″ Stove
Look at this one for a 180-degree view and infrared heat.
Why skip the R.W.FLAME 25″ Stove
Skip the R.W.FLAME 25-inch Stove if you want more than 4 flame colors.
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How to Read Electric Fireplace Reviews Before You Buy
- Compare one fireplace at a time, starting with size, then flame colors.
- Note the install style, so the fireplace fits your wall or floor.
- Count the flame colors and brightness levels, then look for remote control.
- Check the heat coverage, so the fireplace warms the space you want.
- Plug freestanding units into a wall outlet directly, with no extension cord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fireplace has 5 flame speed modes?
The R.W.FLAME 42 has 5 flame speed modes, plus 12 color modes and a slim design.
Which fireplace weighs 33 pounds?
Go with the Antarctic Star; it weighs 33 pounds, so one person can hang it.
Which fireplace has a nearly invisible bezel?
The Electactic has a nearly invisible bezel, with 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors.
Which fireplace has a 180-degree view?
Pick the R.W.FLAME stove for a 180-degree view; it has clear glass on 3 sides and infrared heat.
Final Thoughts
Electric fireplace reviews help when each model is compared on size, flame and install style. Pick a 42-inch width, a light weight or a frameless look, depending on your wall.
Best 42-Inch: R.W.FLAME 42″ Recessed and Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace Check Latest Price
Best Lightweight: Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace Check Latest Price
Best Nearly Invisible Bezel: Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert Check Latest Price
Compare size, flame and install style, then plug it straight into a wall outlet.
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