Flame effects and a heater can add warmth to a room with the best budget electric fireplace. A mantel, a stove and a recessed unit give a home three different looks. Remote control, a TV stand and a 180-degree view add useful extras here.
Fireplace choices in this guide were picked from the manufacturer details on each Amazon listing. For more choices, see our best affordable electric fireplace and best value electric fireplace guides. Our Editorial Policy sets out how the fireplace choices were judged. 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 With Flame Effects
HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel
- A mantel for photos that doubles as a TV stand
- A 3D flame in a cabinet
- Heat that works independent of the flame
R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
- Dancing flames and a burning log design
- Glass on 3 sides for a 180-degree view
- An infrared heating mode for room heat
Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
- Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounting
- 36 inches wide and only 33 pounds
- One person can hang it
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Electric Fireplaces Compared
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel |
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| 2 |  R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater |
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| 3 |  Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace |
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| 4 |  Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert |
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| 5 |  COSTWAY Electric Fireplace TV Stand |
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1. HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel
Best with Mantel
- A mantel for photos that doubles as a TV stand
- A 3D flame in a cabinet
- Heat that works independent of the flame
- Remote control and 1400W of heat
- Maker lists no thermostat, unlike the Antarctic Star, Electactic and COSTWAY picks here
- Heat covers 323 square feet, less than the 400-square-foot picks here
- Controls: Remote control
- Power: 1400W
- Flame: LED log, usable without heat
A 3D flame sits in a cabinet, with a mantel for photos that doubles as a TV stand.
Heat works apart from the flame, so the flame can stay on with the heat off.
Who the HOMCOM Mantel suits
Choose the HOMCOM if you want a mantel and a 3D flame.
Who might skip the HOMCOM Mantel
The COSTWAY pick has a built-in thermostat that holds the room temperature.
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2. R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater
Best for 180-Degree View
- Dancing flames and a burning log design
- Glass on 3 sides for a 180-degree view
- An infrared heating mode for room heat
- Log colors with a flame speed you can adjust for a custom look
- Four flame colors, fewer than the 12-color picks here
- Maker lists no timer, unlike the Antarctic Star, Electactic and COSTWAY picks here
- Flame colors: 4, plus log colors
- Controls: remote control
- Design: Cathedral, arched door
Dancing flames and a burning log design give a true flame look, with glass on 3 sides.
Infrared heating warms a room without drying out the air, with a flame speed you can adjust.
Who the R.W.FLAME 25″ Stove suits
Use the R.W.FLAME Stove if you want a 180-degree view and infrared heat.
Who might skip the R.W.FLAME 25″ Stove
Look past the R.W.FLAME 25-inch Stove if you want more than 4 flame colors.
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3. Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
Best Lightweight
- Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounting
- 36 inches wide and only 33 pounds
- One person can hang it
- Step-by-step instructions and drywall screws
- Maker lists no 180-degree view, unlike the R.W.FLAME stove pick here
- Maker lists no flame brightness control, unlike the R.W.FLAME, Electactic and COSTWAY picks 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 on the wall.
Recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounting gives three install styles, with instructions to follow.
Who the Antarctic Star 36″ suits
Pick the Antarctic Star if you want a 33-pound, 36-inch-wide fireplace.
Who might skip the Antarctic Star 36″
The R.W.FLAME 25-inch pick has infrared heat for room warmth.
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4. Electactic 36″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Insert
Best for Color Options
- 3.86 inches thick, with a nearly invisible bezel
- 12 flame colors plus 12 bed colors
- Adjustable brightness, colors and speed
- A minimalist frame for a built-in look
- Maker lists no mantel or shelf space, unlike the HOMCOM and COSTWAY picks here
- Maker lists no flame-only mode, unlike the other four picks here
- Timer: 1–8 hours
- Controls: remote + touchscreen panel
- Noise: 45 dB
A frameless design at only 3.86 inches thick gives a full view of the flames, with a nearly invisible bezel.
Twelve flame colors and twelve bed colors give a range to choose from, with brightness and speed you can adjust.
Who the Electactic 36″ suits
Choose the Electactic if you want a 3.86-inch-thin design and 12 flame colors.
Who might skip the Electactic 36″
Choose the R.W.FLAME stove pick for infrared heat.
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5. COSTWAY Electric Fireplace TV Stand
Best for TVs Up to 55 Inches
- 4777 BTU and heat for up to 400 square feet
- Temperature control from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
- A built-in thermostat that holds the room temperature
- A remote control with a 20-foot range and a control panel
- Timer stops at 6 hours, shorter than the 8-hour Antarctic Star and Electactic picks here
- Maker lists no flame colors, unlike the R.W.FLAME, Antarctic Star and Electactic picks here
- Timer: 0.5 to 6 hours
- Controls: LED panel + remote (20 ft range)
- Fits TVs: up to 55 inches
A fireplace with 4777 BTU heats a space up to 400 square feet, with a thermostat for the room temperature.
Temperature control from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit gives steady heat, with a remote control that works from 20 feet.
Who the COSTWAY TV Stand suits
Get the COSTWAY if you want a TV stand for TVs up to 55 inches and 4777 BTU.
Who might skip the COSTWAY TV Stand
The Antarctic Star pick has 12 flame colors to choose from.
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How to Pick the Best Budget Electric Fireplace for Your Room
- Measure the wall or floor first, so the fireplace fits your space.
- Decide on a mantel, a stove or a recessed unit, then check the install style.
- Count flame colors and brightness levels, then compare the heat settings.
- Match the heat coverage to the room you want to warm.
- Use a wall outlet for freestanding units, with no extension cord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which electric fireplace has a mantel?
For a mantel, choose the HOMCOM; it has a 32-inch size and a realistic 3D flame.
Which electric fireplace has a 180-degree view?
The R.W.FLAME stove has clear glass on 3 sides, plus infrared heat and 4 flame colors.
Which electric fireplace lists a 33-pound weight?
Look for the Antarctic Star; it weighs 33 pounds and one person can hang it.
Which electric fireplace has a 20-foot remote range?
The COSTWAY has a 20-foot remote range, plus 4777 BTU and a built-in thermostat.
Our Verdict
The best budget electric fireplace gives flame light, extra heat and a look that fits your room. Pick a mantel, a stove or a recessed unit, depending on your wall.
Best with Mantel: HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel Check Latest Price
Best for 180-Degree View: R.W.FLAME 25″ Electric Fireplace Stove Heater Check Latest Price
Best Lightweight: Antarctic Star 36″ Recessed Electric Fireplace Check Latest Price
Match the fireplace to your room, set the flame, and plug it straight into a wall outlet.
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