A crackling fire in a beautiful fireplace in our lounge or room is something that we have all imagined for our houses.
However, some people are not comfortable with it due to the fire hazard, environmental factor, or just don’t have the right space or it.
Electric fireplaces are a perfect solution to all of this. They feature very realistic flames with great heat output. This article tells you all that you need to know about them.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces
- OUR TOP PICK: Duraflame 3D DFI-5010-01
- RUNNER-UP: PuraFlame EF45DFGF
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Touchstone 80004
Comparison of the Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces
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Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Electric fireplaces are a rather interesting product and you will not only have fun using it but also shopping for it. However, you need to know what to look for in a quality electric fireplace. Therefore, we have outlined some of the key aspects for you.
Flames
Even if their visual appeal is not the primary purpose of your purchase, how real the flames will look is a significant factor. It might heat up the room fast and efficiently, but if it looks fake and artificial at first glance, then there isn’t much use spending all that money. Fireplaces have a great aesthetic value, and the flames of an electric one should also represent that.
Heat Output
After the flames, the next most important thing is to consider the heating capacity of your fireplace. You want various heat settings that not only make the space warm and cozy but should also complement the fire settings that you have chosen. This, along with the no-heat option, will allow it to run all year.
Noise
A fireplace represents peace, serenity, and calmness. Hence, your electric fireplace should not make any loud noises that disturb the peaceful environment it is meant to create. Pay special attention to this factor, and you will thank us later.
Review of the Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces
Now let’s move on to the section that most of you must have been waiting for. Here we have shortlisted the topmost realistic electric fireplaces. These products have been chosen after careful deliberation and have been reviewed honestly.
Best Overall
Duraflame 3D DFI-5010-01
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 1,000 sq ft.
Heat Output: 5,200 BTU/h
Dimensions: 13.07 x 24 x 23.4
Weight: 28.6 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have been absolutely delighted with the performance. Quite a few of them didn’t expect the flames to look so real. They reported that guests were even afraid to touch it for fear of getting burned. Customers found the installation process and the overall handling of the product pretty easy. Moreover, they were satisfied with its heat output and reported that it warmed the room comfortably.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Several factors made this product stand out. One of them is the very realistic and 3D flame; customers that buy electric fireplaces are usually very keen about this feature. The flames on this unit dance around on the top, in front of, and behind the logs. They got every detail right, even down to the glowing embers.
Moreover, this is not just a valuable addition to the décor of your home or office but also gives a year-round comfortable ambiance. Whatever the weather conditions outside, you can rely on this. Its infrared heating system maintains a healthy home environment as it doesn’t suck out all the vapors from the room and maintains its natural humidity. Lastly, this has a zone heating mechanism that falls lighter in the pocket.
Bottom Line
This product deserved to have a place on this exclusive list. It is efficient, has an impeccable aesthetic vibe, and does the job it is designed for rather remarkably. Its high customer ratings, coupled with its awesome features, should prove enough to convince you.
Pros
Features a flexible digital thermostat
Safety feature to prevent overheating
Has a magnificent BTU power of 5200
Comfortable, warm air without sucking
3D realistic flames with varying color, brightness, and speed settings
Cons
Return window of only 30 days
Product support expires in 60 days
Runner-up
PuraFlame EF45DFGF
Specifications
Decibel Level: 1500 dB
Coverage Area: 400 sq ft.
Heat Output: N/A
Dimensions: 35.04 x 8.78 x 26.99
Weight: 46.7 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Since it can be used with or without heat, many users bought it for décor and thoroughly enjoyed its performance. The logs and the flames shooting up from it have a very soothing and realistic effect. Another thing that customers seemed to enjoy was how it doesn’t create a lot of noise while running.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product gives its customer a great experience on all levels and stages, right from the unboxing until it is up and running. The installation process is extremely easy, as is the operation. Furthermore, it is an extremely reliable and durable product, as is evident from the stupendous amount of positive reviews and high ratings.
Moreover, the heating element is also pretty decent. While it doesn’t make a room hot as it is not designed to be a primary heat source, it takes the chill out of a room and makes it cozy and comfortable.
Lastly, although not its defining feature, the remote control is just another aspect that highlights that manufacturers go above and beyond to guarantee a convenient and comfortable experience.
Bottom Line
If you know what you are looking for, have done your due diligence, and decide to buy this, then you will fall in love with this. While it flames won’t fool anyone, they give a pretty amazing view of an electric fireplace. Moreover, its superior performance and smart features are a deal-maker.
Pros
Comes with a one-year warranty
Has 100% energy-saving LED technology
Features a remote control for easy usage
Allows usage with or without heat all around the year
Three different flame settings with different brightness levels
Cons
Can’t be used as a primary heat source
Doesn’t use anti-glare glass so when it is bright inside, it is hard to look inside
Best for the Money
Touchstone 80004
Specifications
Decibel Level: 1,500 dB
Coverage Area: 400 sq ft.
Heat Output: N/A
Dimensions: 50.4 x 5.5 x 21.5
Weight: 59 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Since this is a product that has to be mounted in a wall, many customers were a little reluctant about it. However, the unit’s easy installation process gave them a sigh of relief. People have been using it all year round, with or without heat, and it gives great results regardless.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Touchstone electric fireplace attracted us as a collective package deal. The features you get at this price are astonishing. It has great-quality construction, and its performance is top-notch and doesn’t require you to break the bank.
It has a built-in timer, which is a very handy feature; many of us turn on a device and then forget about it. This feature ensures that you don’t overwork it and the fireplace auto-shuts when the time is over. Moreover, the remote control just adds more convenience. It features a very luxurious design, so expect a lot of compliments from guests.
Bottom Line
To sum up, if you want an electric fireplace with good quality but are on a budget, we strongly recommend you check this out. It has great features, warms up a room to keep it nice and cozy, and is durable as well – what more are you looking for?
Pros
Has a phenomenal heating capacity
Includes glass crystal and faux firelog
Allows an easy assembly and mounting on the wall
Can run for long hours without any issues and maintains the temperature
Very realistic flames with many different settings, intensity, and brightness
Cons
Some people found it loud
On very bright days, it might be a little hard to see the flames
Dimplex DFI2310
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
Coverage Area: 400 sq ft.
Heat Output: N/A
Dimensions: 23.25 x 10.75 x 19.75
Weight: 33 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Customers have been grateful for the unit’s easy operability and boast of the convenience it has allowed them. They have also been pretty satisfied with the construction and have commented that they haven’t run into any major issues over the years.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Unmatched realism is one of the defining features of this product. Buyers that have an interest in aesthetics and the visual appeal should seriously consider this. The LED inner glow logs, pulsating ember technology, and their collective glow make it look extremely real.
Moreover, this unit’s operating cost is highly economical and comes down to an average of two cents for every hour. The heat output is also pretty great and has three settings with a no-heat option as well.
Bottom Line
The Dimplex DFI2310 is an incredible electric fireplace that does the job it was designed for rather beautifully. This unit’s aesthetic vibe is unparalleled, and the realistic glow of the flame and the logs will make you fall in love with it.
Pros
Doesn’t make a lot of noise
Allows for an easy assembly
Has a patented flame technology
Fan-forced heater disseminates air equally
Can be plugged or fitted into a standard fireplace opening
Cons
Visual appeal drops when not in use
Remote doesn’t adjust the heat or flame settings but only turns it on or off
TURBRO Suburbs TS17u
Specifications
Decibel Level: 1400 dB
Coverage Area: 400 sq ft.
Heat Output: 4777 BTU/h
Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 18
Weight: 13.86 pounds
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What Recent Buyers Report
Users have been highly satisfied with the performance of this unit. The fire looks real, and it has a great visual appeal, but even the heat factor is amazing. Some people actually loved it so much; they gave it as a gift to their friends. They also appreciate how it is quiet – so much so that a mic in a gaming room doesn’t pick it either.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The TS17u showcases that a lot of thought, effort, and planning went into its design and construction. First of all, its safety features are tremendous; it is CSA-certified, which means it passed a series of tests and meets all the required standards. If it is knocked over, the device shuts off automatically to avoid any accidents.
Lastly, it doesn’t get hot to the touch as the heating module is beneath the main body, so the front, back, and sides remain cool. Moreover, the heating capacity allows it to work its magic rather quickly, and it can get you to a comfortable temperature in little time. The unique and beautiful design is just a bonus that will glam up any space where you put it.
Bottom Line
To say that the TURBRO Suburbs TS17u is an extraordinary electric fireplace would not be erroneous. It delivers on all its promises and gives a great performance. Moreover, their warranty and excellent customer service department reflect their concern for their consumers.
Pros
Has a great heating capacity
Comes with a one-year warranty
Comes with multiple safety features
Features a compact yet stylish design
Quick and easy assembly and installation
Cons
Doesn’t have a remote control
Not designed for large spaces
Can You Really Find a Quality Realistic Electric Fireplace That’s Affordable?
While the common perception, especially for electronics and electric devices, is that you cannot find a quality product at a lower price, the options from our list will prove to you how that is not true. Yes, more expensive models will have more glamorous features like smoke or fire sound effects, but finding an electric fireplace that performs the basic functions exceptionally well at an affordable price is definitely possible.
You can see from our list that we have chosen products that are not ridiculously expensive, are well within most people’s budget, and are definitely quality products.
Many times, when you pay more for a product, you are paying for the brand logo on the front. However, with a little research and credible reviews, you can easily find an affordable quality electric fireplace.
What Makes an Electric Fireplace More Realistic Than Others?
When you are buying an electric fireplace, you want to make sure that the flames look real and not fake; otherwise, it will ruin your room’s vibe. Below we have highlighted what makes these flames look so real and enticing.
Quality of Material
While expensive models will generally mimic a much realistic fire, even cheaper models can get this element right. You might be taking a hit on the heating capacity, but proper implementation should give you good results.
Technology
The technology used to produce the flames or its holograms contributes a great deal to how realistic the fire would look. Some even use LED lighting to create the effect of a real fire, while others might use rotating mirrors and light.
Fire Effect
Features like brightness, colors, and intensity can greatly alter the look of your fire and give it the tint that you want. Moreover, the speed and its ability to dance about the logs can also give a very real impact.
Some manufacturers take even the tiniest details into account and get the burning in the log, and even the embers’ glow just right. Features like smoke or sound can also enhance the appeal but are found on higher-end products.
Perks of Getting a Realistic Electric Fireplace
A realistic electric fireplace will be one of the best things you buy for a home. Although a real wood-burning fireplace might have nostalgic value, this is actually superior to that on many fronts. Here’s how:
Hassle
Starting and keeping up a fire in a wooden fireplace can be hard work. There is a lot of wood collecting, chopping, and vigilance required for a traditional fireplace. However, this has a very low maintenance cost and requirement and can be turned on with a button’s push – often on the remote control.
Cleanliness
A real fire has ash, smoke, and flying away embers. Hence, the maintenance and cleanliness of the electric fireplace are actually pretty minimal. There is no smoke or residual content; hence, an occasional sweep of a dusting cloth shall be enough. Furthermore, you do not have to worry about cleaning any stuck ash from the chimneys as an electric fireplace doesn’t have these issues.
Safety
Fire hazards or chances of an accident are much lower with an electric fireplace. Moreover, many manufacturers add safety features like built-in timers, auto shut-down mechanisms, and placement of heating modules out of the way to keep any accidents to a minimum. Also, most of them have the option to turn on the flames without turning on the heat, so it can be used easily around kids and pets as well.
Cost-Effective
This might come as a surprise, but an electric fireplace saves a lot more energy due to no fuel consumption. Hence, you can expect to see a drop in your energy bills.
Conclusion
Electric fireplaces are a great invention and alternative to wood or gas-burning fireplaces. It gives you comfort, convenience, visual appeal, and a warm and comfortable environment. This article has covered the topic at great length and tried to educate you on all aspects. We hope you found this helpful and resourceful. Happy Shopping!
People Also Ask
Although the article covers the topic holistically and from all aspects, some questions could pop into your head. Therefore, we have added this section to address queries that have troubled quite a lot of people looking to purchase an electric fireplace.
There is not one single mechanism to explain how flames work on an electric fireplace. They usually employ a combination of techniques to make the flames look realistic. Some may use LED lights, while others might use rotating mirrors. Many use a combination of the two.
Customers usually want to mimic a traditional fireplace perfectly when opting for an electric fireplace. Realizing this demand, many companies and manufacturers offer designs that need to be mounted in the wall and need just the right cutout for it.
This is a concern many customers have, and we are here to finally put it to bed. Electric fireplaces can heat up a room very efficiently without creating smoke, ash, or any harmful emissions. The key is to know that the model you are buying is designed to heat up how big of a room. Once you figure that out, you are good to go.
