Best Fireplace Heaters of 2022 – Complete Guide

The first thing that people notice when they enter your living room is its ambiance. And the thing that adds most to this is the fireplace heater. Fireplace heaters not only enhance the environment of your room but also provide you and your guests with much-needed warmth.

There are so many different kinds of models in the market that it’s really hard to pick one. For instance, electric heaters offer convenience, but they are also relatively expensive. However, you could achieve the right balance if you do a little bit of research and find the most appropriate model for yourself.

This review discusses the best fireplace heaters in the market. We also compare them against their pros and cons to give you a clear picture. Moreover, there’s a buying guide to further ease out the selection process.

Comparison of the Best Fireplace Heaters

How to Choose a Fireplace Heater

You should look for a unit that produces a good amount of heat, but that is not the only important thing. Since these heaters come in many different sizes, it is important you make a wise choice. Here are some important features to look out for:

Heat Production

Heat production is the most important consideration to make, especially when you live in a very cold area and are in need of intense heat. The heat output is mentioned in BTUs, and you should compare this figure with the maximum footage of your room. Most units can only warm a room of 400 square feet. However, if you invest a little more money, you can also find a model that will warm a room of 1000 sq. feet.

Thermostat and Timer

Most models come with a timer, but you need to ensure that the timers are precise and accurate to ensure the perfect heating. Another important feature is the thermostat that you can use to adjust the temperature according to your preference. On days that the weather is nice, you could keep the temperatures low, and when there is rain or snow, you can increase the temperature to ensure good warmth. 

Remote Control

You don’t always want to get up and make the adjustments to the unit yourself. This is where a remote control comes in handy. You want a good range so that you can change the temperature or the display of your unit from a distance. So when choosing a model, make sure the remote doesn’t only offer an on/off function.

Display

The heater’s main purpose is to keep you warm, but a good display can really uplift your mood. Most modern electric units offer LED screens that are cool to touch and come with crystal ember beds and faux logs.

Review of the Best Fireplace Heaters

When we first scoured the internet, we were awe-struck. There were so many amazing models in the market that finding only a few to include in this list seemed like an impossible task. However, we evaluated all the units based on their reviews, pros, and features, and came up with this unique list.

What Is a Fireplace Heater? 

There have been a lot of changes in home heating over the years. Users have shifted from appliances that use fire to those that offer convenience without creating a lot of mess. Using actual fire creates a lot of smoke and requires a lot of maintenance. A gas heater is another option, but many people find gas appliances dangerous and hence prefer using better alternatives.

One such alternative is the fireplace heater. Such a unit offers comfort, convenience, and saves a lot of your money. Moreover, it offers enhanced safety and protection from accidents. Such units come with a lot of fancy accessories like LED lights and fancy embers. However, when you remove all of that, you will notice a very simplistic design that is capable of providing you warmth.

They are also available in a variety of sizes. However, most models come with space-saving designs to ensure you can fit the heater anywhere you like.

How Do Fireplace Heaters Work? 

Fireplace heaters work like most other space heaters. You will have to plug it into any suitable outlet. You will need some hardwiring, but this will mostly depend on your model’s type and size. The units will work by drawing cool air inside, heating it internally, and then pushing it outside. They also produce a flame so that you can enjoy the ambiance without having to deal with smoke or ash. 

When the heater is switched on, resistance is created inside the unit. This will prevent the flow of electrons and ensure the heating element warms up and produces the required amount of heat. There is also a blower inserted that pushes this heated air out of the unit and into your room. This will keep you comfortable and cozy for a long time. 

These units also offer a range of advanced safety features to ensure you don’t experience any hazards or get into any accidents. However, remember that these appliances are mostly fit for zone heating and should not be expected to heat an entire house.

Types of Fireplace Heaters

The type of heater you end up buying will depend on the size of your home and your preference. But you need to measure the size of your space so that you can ensure an easy installation. Here are some of the most popular types of heaters in the market for you to consider.

Wall-Mounted

A wall-mounted unit operates easily and simply requires a plug to be inserted into an electrical outlet. Such units are also very lightweight and are hence easy to carry and install. They are installed higher up on your walls to ensure an even spread of heat. You can also keep the unit away from the reach of your pets and your children.

Inserts

These come in handy when you already have a fireplace, and you don’t want to invest in the whole package. You can only buy the main unit, and you are good to go. Such a type offers you the traditional look with flames and logs. You also get a realistic-looking model that increases the ambiance of your room. Some units in this category also come with embers that glow.

Mantel

If you want to add supplemental heating to your room without having to create any holes or spaces in the wall, then this type is perfect for you. Mantel heaters look like traditional units and are designed specifically to increase the warmth in your living rooms. Some models also come with purifiers to ensure cleaner air.

Stoves

Stoves have been very popular for a long time; many people still want to enjoy the traditional look without having to deal with smoke or its smell. The old models required a lot of ventilation; however, modern electrical units do not. They are freestanding, so you won’t have to insert them into walls. Moreover, they can just be kept on the ground to save installation costs.

Comparison Overview

When you have to draw comparisons between amazing units, it is often very hard. Here is a comparison of different types of fireplace heaters to give you a clearer picture of what to expect from each purchase.

Infrared Fireplace Heater vs Electric

Electric heaters are definitely more powerful than their infrared counterparts. If you are sitting in an office alone and need some warmth, you should invest in the latter. This is because such units aren’t capable of heating large rooms quickly. They also direct heat in a single direction and are more suitable for single-person usage.

For good ambiance, however, you should definitely try out an electric heater. These come with modern features yet ensure a very traditional and vintage look. There is also more diversity in electrical options so you can choose among different sizes, brands, and BTU settings.

Electric Fireplace vs Space Heater

There has been a major debate between these two. Fans of each type are ready to swear by their preference, which makes it very hard to draw unbiased comparisons between them. However, after looking through the features, we concluded that electric models tend to be much better. They not only come with a relatively higher BTU, but they also take less time to heat the room.

You can only heat up small spaces with these units. They also tend to work better when heat needs to be transmitted in one direction only. Infrared options, on the other hand, are more dispersive and radiate more heat. A major downside to them is that they are relatively expensive.

Infrared Heater vs Natural Gas Flame Fireplace Heater 

An infrared space heat or heat lamp, as it is often called, works at relatively higher temperatures and transfers heat to the surroundings. Such units are really efficient and fast and can instantly warm up a person or even a room. They are also safer in comparison because they don’t make use of any direct heat source. Moreover, they allow you to adjust the heater in one particular direction and ensure a quick heat-up.

On the other hand, gas appliances take longer to heat the room or the people inside it. They also provide a more consistent performance; therefore, it is almost impossible to warm up a particular area sooner than other areas. Gas units are also cheaper and are recommended for people who have a tight budget.

Fireplace Heater Safety Tips

Fireplace heaters are relatively safer than most other types in the market. However, this makes people handle them very carelessly. Regardless of how safe a unit is, you still need to follow a few guidelines to ensure you don’t get into any accidents. Here are the main safety tips you need to remember.

Installation

You should always try to install the fireplace heater near a good and reliable socket. This will give it the necessary power to operate. However, if the socket is far away, you shouldn’t attempt to connect an extension lead. The heater is likely to overheat the lead and cause a fire. You should either move the appliance near to it or have an electrician insert another socket nearby.

Usage

Fireplace heaters come with a safe covering outside that is cool to touch. However, when the unit has been switched on for quite some time, it is going to heat up.

Touching the exterior surface might be safe for you, but it might seriously harm your child or your pet. You should either keep your model away from their reach or ensure they don’t go nearby while the unit is on.

Ventilation

Another common mistake that a lot of people do is hang their laundry or damp clothes over the unit to dry. This can cover the ventilation vents that discharge warm air. These appliances need to remove this air for safe functioning. Hence you should ensure that nothing blocks these vents during usage.

Unplug

If your unit is not in use, make sure it’s disconnected from the power outlet. This is because children have a habit of pressing buttons out of curiosity. This could switch on your model and could seriously harm your child.

Maintenance

As long as people are getting warm, they don’t really take out the time to inspect the plugs and cords of their electrical appliances. This can be really dangerous because the cords can wear out with time and may falter in their function. You need to ensure they aren’t broken or torn.

Are Fireplace Heaters Safe?

They are completely safe and come with a lot of safety features. You need to follow the guidelines above to avoid any accidents.

Can I Leave My Electric Fireplace on All Night?

When not in use, fireplace heaters should always be switched off. This will ensure longevity. But if it’s very cold, you can keep your fireplace switched on for the whole night. However, ensure that there is no flammable equipment lying in the vicinity of the unit.

Do Electric Fireplaces Have to Be Vented?

Most units require some level of venting. This is to allow the exhaust fumes to escape from the room. This also ensures that the air inside doesn’t get toxic or difficult to breathe.

Cleaning an Infrared Fireplace Heater

Like most other products, fireplace heaters also require a good amount of maintenance. This is to ensure that your unit operates properly for a long time. This also ensures you and your kids remain safe from any accidents. Here is how you can clean your heater easily.

1. The first step is to gather all the important items needed. These include a microfiber duster, a sponge cloth, and a vacuum. You can also have a screwdriver or a nozzle attachment, but these are optional.
   
   
2. Turn the heater off and disconnect it from the socket. Give it at least half an hour to completely cool off.
   
   
3. Then, with a clean microfiber duster, clean the heater’s surface and wipe down any dust that you see. You can also use a damp sponge to wipe down the entire surface of the unit.
   
   
4. Give the heater some time to dry before unscrewing the cover and removing the exterior. You should spray the inside of the compartments with compressed air to remove any debris. 
   
   
5. You can also target the vents and use a smaller nozzle to reach the corners of the model. You can also spray the air to increase efficiency.
   
   
6. Then, vacuum the appliance using a hose. The hose should preferably come with a brush attachment. You should try to keep the air away from wires to ensure they don’t get damaged.
   
   
7. You can also slowly run the brush over the vents to ensure a thorough cleaning. You can also use the damp sponge again to remove any sticky debris accumulated over time.
   
   
8. Once you have done the interiors, you can also use the vacuum to dust off any leftover heat from the exterior body.
   
   
9. You should screw the cover back together, or you can also replace the cover from time to time to ensure better functioning.
   
   
10. You should also avoid spraying water directly on the heater’s surface because this can seriously damage the wires.

This was just a small overview of what needs to be done. For a more thorough process, check out the video below.

Conclusion 

When it comes to fireplace heaters, you don’t have to worry about the cost. These are relatively cheaper, and their compact size allows you to save a lot of space.

Today’s fireplace heaters have also evolved a great deal and now offer extraordinary features like convenience, durability, safety, and ease of usage. However, all this is dependent on whether you make the right choice or not. The market is flooded with all kinds of products. All you have to do is compare each unit’s pros and cons and see which one suits your needs the most.

People Also Ask

People have been obsessed with these heaters for quite some time now. They are amazed at how something so cheap could be so efficient. We found some very common queries on the internet by enthusiastic and potential buyers. By answering some of these queries, we hope to make things clearer for you.