10 Best Electric Fireplaces 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Forte 40" electric fireplace is a solid choice if you're looking for a recessed wall-mounted fireplace that adds both warmth and ambiance. It offers a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, which can comfortably warm up spaces around 400 square feet—great for a living room or basement but not meant to replace your main heating system. The standout feature is its very realistic flame effect, with 30 ember and flame color options plus log and crystal display choices, creating a cozy, authentic fireplace feel.

Installation is fairly straightforward and ventless, so you don’t need special venting or gas lines, but it does require about 8 inches of clearance above for safety, especially if placed under a TV. The unit stays cool to the touch on the sides and back, adding a safety benefit. For convenience, it includes a thermostat and remote control, allowing you to adjust both heat and flame settings easily. It’s also WiFi and Alexa-enabled, letting you control it smartly via voice or phone app, a nice modern touch.

While it provides good supplemental heat, the heater won’t replace your main heating source, and the unit draws a fair amount of power (up to 12 amps), so you should consider your home’s electrical setup to avoid overloads. The fireplace weighs 45 pounds, so professional help is advised for proper recessed installation. If you want a blend of style, ambiance, and moderate heating with smart controls, the Touchstone Forte is a reliable and visually appealing option.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite 72” is an electric fireplace designed to fit recessed into a wall, giving your room a sleek, modern look without taking up floor space. It has a strong heating capacity, warming areas up to about 400 square feet with its 1,500W heater and a thermostat adjustable between 68-88°F, suitable for maintaining comfortable warmth in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. One standout feature is its highly customizable flame effect, offering 60 color combinations including 6 flame colors and 10 media settings like logs, crystals, and driftwood for a realistic fire experience. This makes it great for creating a cozy ambiance even without heat.

Installation is intended for in-wall mounting, which might require careful measuring and some DIY skills, but instructions are clear and it supports both plug-in or hardwired power options. The fireplace also includes a remote control and can connect to Alexa or smart home apps for easy operation, adding convenience. Safety is considered with vent-free heat and heat vents positioned to prevent overheating nearby objects.

A notable consideration is that it requires a wall cutout of a specific size, so not all rooms may accommodate it easily. Additionally, the remote needs batteries which are not included. At about 100 pounds, it is quite heavy, meaning installation may need two people or professional help. If you're seeking a stylish, smart-controlled fireplace that combines effective heating with impressive visual effects and fits flush into your wall, the Sideline Elite 72 is a solid choice, especially if you value smart home integration and customizable ambiance.

The Dimplex IgniteXL 74" Built-in Linear Electric Fireplace stands out with its combination of aesthetics and functionality. Its heating capacity is notable, providing up to 5,118 BTUs, which is sufficient to warm areas up to 1,000 square feet, making it suitable for larger rooms or open-plan spaces. The flame effect is a highlight, offering multiple colored lighting effects and utilizing exclusive Multi-Fire XD technology to create a lifelike flame that is visually captivating.

Installation of the XLF74 is versatile, allowing either wall mounting or built-in options, though be mindful that the mount is sold separately. It's designed to be hardwired for either 120V or 240V, with 240V providing the best heat output, which might require professional installation. The inclusion of a thermostat and remote control adds convenience, allowing you to adjust the temperature and flame settings from a distance. However, some might find the 132-pound weight and substantial size (74.25" wide) challenging to manage without assistance.

Safety is addressed with a vent-free design, reducing the risk of emissions in indoor spaces. Nevertheless, the lack of explicit safety features like auto shut-off or cool-touch glass is worth noting, especially for households with children or pets. With a modern black finish and a sleek appearance, this fireplace is tailored for both residential and commercial environments, including high-rises or hospitality settings. The five-year limited warranty provides some peace of mind, although potential buyers should consider the logistics of installation and potential additional costs for mounting hardware.