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Our favorite flame-free picks will keep you warm and cozy this winter.
Photo:Real Simple
However, conventional fireplaces can be high maintenance, especially for those in smaller homes.
For expert insight, we consultedBen Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric of Central Iowa.
Read on for our favorite picks, including authentic stove heaters and modern TV stands.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
The setup process is a bit tedious.
It has several configs, including four flame adjustments, five flame brightnesses, and six flame colors.
Plus, the flames can operate without the heat function, making it perfect for year-round use.
The Real Flame Silverton’s mantle is a perfect spot for living room decor or a flatscreen TV.PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
To adjust the heat, switch the thermostat to one of six temperatures between 71F to 99F.
All adjustments can be made using the touchscreen panel or the included remote control.
And, since the unit uses radiant heating rather than convection, it operates very quietly.
After six months of use, it still works as if it were brand new.
We also love the mantel, which gives it a more contemporary look.
While the flames weren’t very realistic, we loved how well it blended with our decor.
It doesn’t come with a remote control.
Decorative and functional, this two-in-one fireplace and entertainment center is any hosts dream.
Even after six months of use, the heat output and flame quality are top-notch.
While it isnt the most customizable unitit only has two settingswe appreciated its basic yet effective design.
Plus, its CSA-certified.
However, if youre looking for a basic, dual-purpose option, this one is a great choice.
The heat range isn’t strong enough for large spaces, and the fake chimney is difficult to assemble.
It has mission-style glass doors, glass side panels, and even a fake chimney.
The heat range only goes up to 82F, lower than most options on our list.
We went with the logs, which added unmatched coziness to our space.
We found this heater super easy to operate, either using the touchscreen panel or the remote.
It produced noticeable warmth from the middle grillecomfortably warm without being too hot.
There are also two grilles on either side, but they don’t emit any heat.
First, we timed how long it took to unbox and assemble each fireplace, following the manufacturers instructions.
We also made sure each one met safety standardsall of the options on our list passed rigorous safety tests.
Next, we turned on the heat and rotated through the various flame and heat configs.
For the rest of the testing process, we left the heaters on the highest setting.
We also measured how far we could stand from the fireplace and still feel warmth.
Then, we took the temperature and humidity from a thermometer placed five feet away from the fireplace.
Freestanding units are the easiest to installall you oughta do is plug them in.
double-check to consider the size and layout of your space.
As Kolo puts it: Convection heating warms the air and objects while radiant heating warms just the objects.
The manufacturer will indicate the square footage the heater can accommodate.
options
Electric fireplaces vary in terms of customizability.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
All four of our top picks have separate heat and flame controls.
Questions You Might Ask
Who should get an electric fireplace?
An electric fireplace is similar to aspace heaterbut with the cozy look and feel of a conventional fireplace.
Heat from the Walker Edison Glenwood Highboy could be felt up to 7.5 feet away.PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
Are electric fireplaces cost and energy efficient?
What safety features are most important in an electric fireplace?
Growing up in the suburbs, Jamies favorite part of winter was reading by the fireplace with her family.
We then took the fireplaces home to evaluate their real-world performance over six months.
We also consultedBen Kolo, owner of Mr. Electric of Central Iowa.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
The flames on the Real Flame Foster Stove were the most realistic out of every electric fireplace we tested.PHOTO: Real Simple / Henry Wortock
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Real Simple
We built 23 electric fireplaces in our lab to compare them.Real Simple
Some fireplaces come with mantles while others have fake chimneys.Real Simple
