Simple controls and a plug-in setup are a good place to start in electric fireplace easy to use reviews. A stove, a mantel and a portable heater each work in a different way. A remote control, a glass door and a 1,000-square-foot heater give three ways to choose.

We sorted the fireplace choices in this guide from the manufacturer details on each Amazon listing. For more reviews and affordable picks, see our electric fireplace reviews and best affordable 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 Simple Controls

Best Overallduraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove

duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove

  • Glass door that really opens, with side windows
  • Brick-style back panel
  • Infrared heat that warms a room up to 1,000 square feet
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Best with MantelHOMCOM 32" Electric Fireplace with Mantel

HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel

  • Mantel that holds photos and works as a TV stand
  • 3D flame in a cabinet
  • Heat that works apart from the flame
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Best Temperature RangeSilonn 24" Portable Electric Fireplace Heater

Silonn 24″ Portable Electric Fireplace Heater

  • A 1400W heater for room warmth
  • 3D flames that look real
  • Temperature control from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
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Fireplace Specs at a Glance

#ProductKey Features
1duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove
duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove
  • Heat: Infrared
  • Coverage: Up to 1,000 sq. ft.
  • Thermostat: Adjustable
  • Controls: Independent flame and heat
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2HOMCOM 32" Electric Fireplace with Mantel
HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel
  • Size: 31.75″W x 8.75″D x 29.75″H
  • Power: 1400W
  • Coverage: 323 sq ft
  • Controls: Remote control
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3Silonn 24" Portable Electric Fireplace Heater
Silonn 24″ Portable Electric Fireplace Heater
  • Power: 1400W
  • Temperature: 62°F to 82°F
  • Timer: 1-8 hours
  • Controls: App and remote
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4LegendFlame EF290 23" Electric Log Set
LegendFlame EF290 23″ Electric Log Set
  • Size: 23″ W x 20″ H x 10″ D
  • Heat: 750W/1500W
  • Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.
  • Sound: Crackling
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5Touchstone Forte 40" Recessed Electric Fireplace
Touchstone Forte 40″ Recessed Electric Fireplace
  • Size: 40″ recessed mount
  • Heat: 1,500W with thermostat
  • Flame colors: 30 ember color/flame options
  • Smart control: Alexa, Google Home, app
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1. duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove

Best Overall

duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove
Pros
  • Glass door that really opens, with side windows
  • Brick-style back panel
  • Infrared heat that warms a room up to 1,000 square feet
  • Glowing logs, with 3D flames for a cabin look
Cons
  • Maker lists no remote control, unlike the Forte pick here
  • Maker lists no ember color options, unlike the Forte pick here
  • Controls: Independent flame and heat
  • Flame brightness: Adjustable
  • Design: Opening glass door, side windows
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A glass door that really opens and side windows give a stove look, with a brick-style back panel.

Infrared heat warms a room up to 1,000 square feet, with glowing logs and 3D flames for a cabin look.

Strong points of the duraflame Stove

Choose the duraflame with a stove look and infrared heat.

Limits to weigh with the duraflame Stove

The Forte pick has a remote control for easy operation.

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2. HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel

Best with Mantel

HOMCOM 32" Electric Fireplace with Mantel
Pros
  • Mantel that holds photos and works as a TV stand
  • 3D flame in a cabinet
  • Heat that works apart from the flame
  • 1400W of heat output
Cons
  • 323 square feet of heat, less than the 1,000-square-foot pick here
  • Maker lists no flame settings, unlike the 5 on the Forte pick here
  • Controls: Remote control
  • Protection: Overheat protection
  • Flame: LED log, usable without heat
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A mantel for photos that doubles as a TV stand comes with a cabinet look, with a 3D flame inside.

Heat works apart from the flame, so the flame stays on with the heat off.

Strong points of the HOMCOM Mantel

Use the HOMCOM with a mantel and a 3D flame.

Limits to weigh with the HOMCOM Mantel

The Forte pick has 5 flame settings for a range of looks.

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3. Silonn 24″ Portable Electric Fireplace Heater

Best Temperature Range

Silonn 24" Portable Electric Fireplace Heater
Pros
  • A 1400W heater for room warmth
  • 3D flames that look real
  • Temperature control from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Five brightness settings you can change without opening the door
Cons
  • Maker lists no flame colors, unlike the Forte pick here
  • Maker lists no Alexa control, unlike the Forte pick here
  • Controls: App and remote
  • Noise: 37 dB
  • Protection: Overheat, child lock, tip-over off
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A 1400W heater comes with 3D flames that look real.

Temperature control from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit and 5 brightness settings give a range to choose from.

Strong points of the Silonn Portable

Pick the Silonn 24-inch with portable heat and 3D flames.

Limits to weigh with the Silonn Portable

The Forte pick has 30 ember color and flame options to choose from.

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4. LegendFlame EF290 23″ Electric Log Set

Best for Small Openings

LegendFlame EF290 23" Electric Log Set
Pros
  • A 23 x 20 x 10-inch size
  • Free standing in small and large openings
  • Resin logs and an ember bed
  • Crackling sound adds a real fire feel
Cons
  • Supplemental heat for up to 400 square feet, less than the 1,000-square-foot pick in this article
  • No flame colors in the maker’s specs, unlike the Forte pick here
  • Sound: Crackling
  • Controls: Remote control
  • Power: 120V polarized plug
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A 23-inch size fits small and large openings, with a simple install.

Resin logs and an ember bed give a wood-burning look, with heat up to 400 square feet.

Strong points of the LegendFlame EF290

Find the LegendFlame EF290 with a 23-inch size and resin logs.

Limits to weigh with the LegendFlame EF290

Skip this one if you want heat for more than 400 square feet.

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5. Touchstone Forte 40″ Recessed Electric Fireplace

Best Recessed

Touchstone Forte 40" Recessed Electric Fireplace
Pros
  • Recessed mounting, with a traditional look
  • Flames with a real fire look, for a warm feel
  • 5 flame settings, from a soft glow to an intense blaze
  • Remote control to change heat and flame
Cons
  • Maker lists no crackling sound, unlike the LegendFlame log set here
  • The remote needs AAA batteries that are not included, unlike the Silonn pick’s remote with batteries included
  • Smart control: Alexa, Google Home, app
  • Controller: IR remote
  • Cord: 6-foot, hard-wire ready
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Recessed mounting gives a traditional fireplace feel, with realistic flames that have a real fire look.

Flame settings give a range from a soft glow to an intense blaze, with a remote control.

Strong points of the Touchstone Forte

Get the Touchstone Forte with recessed mounting and 5 flame settings.

Limits to weigh with the Touchstone Forte

The LegendFlame log set has a crackling sound for a real-fire feel.

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How to Read Electric Fireplace Easy to Use Reviews Before You Buy

  • Measure the wall or floor first, so the fireplace fits.
  • Look for a remote control or app, so the controls stay simple.
  • Decide on a recessed unit, a log set or a mantel, then check how it installs.
  • Check the heat coverage, so it warms the room you want.
  • Plug a freestanding unit into a wall outlet on its own, with no extension cord.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fireplace heats up to 1,000 square feet?

A 1,000-square-foot heater comes with the duraflame stove, plus infrared heat and 3D flames.

Which fireplace has a mantel?

For a mantel, choose the HOMCOM; it has a 32-inch size and a 3D flame.

Which fireplace has 5 brightness settings?

The Silonn 24 has 5 brightness settings, plus 1400W power and 3D flames.

Which fireplace is recessed?

Look for the Touchstone Forte; it is recessed and has 5 flame settings and a remote control.

Final Verdict

Electric fireplace easy to use reviews help when each model is compared on controls, size and install style. Pick a stove, a mantel or a portable heater, depending on your room.

Best Overall: duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Check Latest Price

Best with Mantel: HOMCOM 32″ Electric Fireplace with Mantel Check Latest Price

Best Temperature Range: Silonn 24″ Portable Electric Fireplace Heater Check Latest Price

Compare controls, size and install style, then plug it straight into a wall outlet.

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