Top 10 Best Portable Electric Fireplaces in 2023

The demand for portable electric fireplaces keeps increasing, and we’re not surprised about that. They come with many wonderful features that make them highly irresistible.

Many of them have beautiful hyper-realistic flames that will add a touch of class to your apartment. Apart from their elegance, you can operate many of them with or without heat. So, you can leave them on all through the four seasons of the year.

Since they don’t produce real flames, you won’t have to cope with ashes and smoke. That makes them safe for your kids and pets. Also, many of them come with their remote control so that you can sit on your sofa and control them.

The best part is that they are all easier to install than a traditional fireplace. Due to these attractive qualities, more people are shifting from the traditional fireplace to electric ones. So, the demand of fireplaces climbs higher and higher.

To cash in on the increasing demand, many brands began to churn out different categories of electric fireplaces. While this is a welcome development, it comes with a little challenge.

There are so many brands and models of fireplaces in the market with varying sets of features, and this makes it a little difficult for people to make a choice. That’s why we stepped into the situation. We combed the market and checked out many fireplaces.

Now, based on what we found out, we have been able to list out ten best portable electric fireplaces for you. We also outlined the features of every one of them.

Our Picks of 10 Best Portable Electric Fireplaces:

1. e-Flame USA Hamilton Free Portable Electric Fireplace

What we love most about this fireplace is that it is a freestanding fireplace. It requires no installation. So, you only need to set it up, plug, and switch it on.

Weighing 18.5 pounds makes it light enough for you to easily move it around your apartment. You can use it in your motor home, office, apartment, garage, basement, or even your guestroom.

It also has realistic burning effects that have become the trademark of electric fireplaces. No matter how much heat this appliance is dishing out, it will continue to stay cool to touch.

We tested it for a couple of days, and we are sure of that. You can turn this piece of beauty on all through the year with high heat, low heat, or zero heat. Since it does not burn real logs, it is odorless and smokeless.

We also noticed that the heat of this fireplace spreads very fast, and its heat distribution is even. Sometimes it may overheat, but that should not get you worried because of its safety feature.

The feature cuts it off when it begins to overheat. Also, this device saves more energy than many other fireplaces.  Most importantly, it can easily heat up an area of 400 square feet. In addition, we need to mention its 6-foot power cord that makes the location of an outlet less of a restriction.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • This fireplace weighs only 18.5 pounds, and this makes it very light.
  • It is a freestanding fireplace that requires no installation.
  • No matter how much heat it produces, its body will remain cool to touch.
  • It is smokeless and odorless.
  • You can use it with or without heat.
  • The fireplace distributes heat evenly.
  • It has an Amazon rating of 4.1 stars.
  • The appliance can easily heat up a 400 square area.

[/su_list]

2. TURBRO Suburbs 20″

This 20-inch freestanding fireplace requires no installation. You don’t need to break your wall to install it. Another feature that we love is the room temperature control that it gives to users.

You can easily control the temperature in your apartment with the thermostat. One safety feature that we love is the ability to shut off automatically when knocked down accidentally or when it begins to overheat.

It is also necessary to bear in mind that this product comes with a 1-year warranty. The legs and body of the fireplace are made of metal, and this makes for durability and ruggedness.

The tempered glass door of the appliance can be opened. The realistic flame effects make the unit very beautiful and charming when it is on. Due to its high level of safety, the fireplace has been certified by CSA.

Like other electric fireplaces, this one is odorless and smokeless. This is why we would say it is safe for kids, pets, and aged ones. It weighs only 15.5 pounds, but it competes well with bigger fireplaces.

Nothing about its size will make you believe that it can heat up an area of 1,000 square feet.  Its Amazon rating of 4.1 stars also confirms its quality. Despite its great features, this fireplace has a little shortcoming.

It gives off a certain smell when you just get it out of the box or when you have stored it for a long time. However, that’s not a big deal as the smell will fizzle out in a few minutes.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • This appliance comes with a 1-year warranty.
  • It requires no installation since it is a freestanding appliance.
  • An Amazon rating of 4.1 stars confirms the quality of the product.
  • Despite its sturdy look, it weighs only 15.5 pounds.
  • It is CSA-certified.
  • You can control the temperature around you with its thermostat.
  • It will go off when knocked down accidentally.
  • This 20-inch fireplace can heat up an area of 1,000 square feet.

[/su_list]

3. KOOLWOOM Portable Electric Fireplace Stove Heater

The wooden frame of this appliance makes it quite attractive. It has a width of 28.1 inches, and it is also a freestanding heater that gets the job done.

The distinguishing feature of this device is known as zone heating. This feature allows you only to heat up some select rooms that have occupants. This reduces the energy consumption of the device.

We also love its five levels of brightness. Its 12-hour timer feature will allow you to time the device’s operation. Also, its 1-year warranty gives you additional peace of mind.

Like many others, this heater has two heat settings. The higher heat setting consumes 1500 watts while the lower one takes only 1000 watts.

In addition, we also like its safety feature that cuts it off when it begins to overheat. Although it weighs 39.68 pounds, the wheels at its base make mobility very easy.

Also, you don’t have to worry about your kids pushing the fireplace because the wheels have a child lock feature. The 71-inch power cord should be long enough, even if your apartment is big.

Since it comes with a remote control, you can stay on the couch and control the device from a distance, probably while watching your television. Its LED display gives you the working status of the fireplace, and it is legible enough for you to see it from a distance.

Since it works with or without heat, you can operate it every single day of the year. Like the other two fireplaces reviewed above, this one also has a current Amazon rating of 4.1 stars. Being certified by UL, CSA, and ETL speaks volumes about its level of safety.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • The device has wheels at its base for ease of mobility.
  • You can control it from a distance with its remote control.
  • The fireplace comes with a 1-year warranty.
  • It is a freestanding fireplace that requires no installation.
  • We think a 71-inch power cord is long enough.
  • Having an Amazon rating of 4.1 stars confirms its quality.
  • It offers two heat settings.
  • And five brightness levels.

[/su_list]

4. e-Flame USA Jasper Free Standing Electric Fireplace (Black)

This freestanding heater weighs only 17.47 pounds. You already know that a freestanding fireplace requires no installation. It is suitable for your office and every part of your home.

We love the fact that its body never gets hot even while heating your apartment. You can use either of its two heat settings or turn off the heating unit completely.

Fast and even distribution of heat is another reason why we rated this appliance high. Also, it has a safety feature that cuts off the heating unit when it begins to overheat.

Its power cord is 6 feet long. In addition, you’ll notice that the device is quieter than many other electric fireplaces. We love the great design of the product.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • This heater weighs only 17.47 pounds.
  • Being a standalone device, it requires no installation.
  • You can touch its body even while in use since it will remain cool.
  • The heater gives or no smoke or odor.
  • It can be operated all through the year since it works with or without heat.
  • Its heat distribution is uniform.
  • It has an Amazon rating of 4.1 stars.
  • The unit has the capacity to heat up an area of 400 square feet.

[/su_list]

5. HomCom 16″ 1500W Portable Electric Wood Stove Fireplace

This is another standalone fireplace that you’ll love. It has a sturdy metal frame. So, it is quite rugged. Also, its legs are strong and stable. Besides, it has two heat settings. The lower one consumes 750 watts while the higher one takes 1,500 watts.

So, you should only select the higher heat setting when it is necessary. You can also use it without heat at all. So, it is possible for you to enjoy the ambiance created by its hyper-realistic flames all year round.

Also, you can control the temperature around it with its thermostat. Despite its portable size, the unit can heat up and area of about 323 square feet. The heater has two safety features that we love. The heating unit will be shut off when the device begins to overheat.

Secondly, when the device gets knocked down suddenly, it gets shut off automatically to prevent fire hazards. It weighs only 17.2 pounds and has an Amazon rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • The unit is very easy to set up.
  • Being a standalone heater means it does not require an installation.
  • It offers thermal control through its thermostat.
  • The unit weighs only 17.2 pounds.
  • It has an Amazon rating of 4 stars.
  • An area of 323 square feet is its maximum heating capacity.
  • It has a sturdy metal frame.
  • You can use either of its two heat settings.
  • And you can use it without heat at all.

[/su_list]

6. Duraflame DFS-450-2 Carleton Electric Stove with Heater

Although this electric heater looks smallish, it can easily heat up an area of 400 square feet. In addition, with its zone heating feature, you can zone your apartment for heat distribution so that only the rooms with an occupant will be heated.

This will reduce the energy consumption of the unit. Besides, the heat will also be higher. Also, its picture window is mesmerizing and charming. Like the others, it also offers realistic flame effects with glowing log and ember.

Additionally, the appliance can work with our without heat. So, if you don’t need the heat, you can still enjoy the ambiance created by the exquisite flame.

Since it is always cool to touch even while in use, it is safe for an apartment with children and pets. This gets even better. The device will shut itself off automatically if it gets knocked over suddenly.

We love this particular safety feature. It is also protected from overheat. Once the heat becomes too high, it will shut off to cool down.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • This heater stands alone. You don’t need to mount or insert it in your wall.
  • It can easily heat a 400 square feet area.
  • There’s a zone heating feature for energy conservation.
  • It works with or without heat.
  • Since it is always cool to touch, it is safe for kids and pets.
  • It shuts off automatically when knocked over suddenly.
  • The device also shuts off when it begins to overheat.
  • It has an Amazon rating of 4.1 stars.

[/su_list]

7. DONYER POWER 14″ Portable Electric Fireplace

The weight of this standalone heater is what attracted us first. Having a weight of 10.36 pounds makes it light and portable. Despite its small size, it can heat up an area of 300 square feet.

It has a thermal control that shuts it off when it gets too hot. When that happens, you should switch it off and unplug it. Wait for about 5 minutes before you plug it back and switch it on.

It has two heating modes, and the higher heating mode consumes 1,500 watts, while the lower one takes only 750 watts. Its 14-inch width makes it one of the smallest freestanding heaters that we have come across. You can also use it without heat. It has an Amazon rating of 4.3 stars and a 1-year warranty.

However, we need to fill you in on certain precautions. Don’t go closer than 4.7 inches to the heating device. You may encounter a certain smell when you use it for the first time or after a long time. Don’t let it bother you since the smell will vanish in a matter of minutes.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • The unit stands alone, so it requires no installation.
  • Weighing only 10.36 pounds makes it very light.
  • It can heat up an area of 300 square feet.
  • The device goes off when it gets too hot.
  • It has a 14-inch width.
  • The unit comes with a 1-year warranty.
  • It has an Amazon rating of 4.3 stars.
  • You can use either of its two heat settings.

[/su_list]

8. e-Flame USA Regal Free Portable Electric Fireplace (Red)

If you’ve been following, you’ll observe that this is the third e-Flame heater on this list. This confirms that e-Flame is a leader in this fireplace manufacture industry.

It is a freestanding fireplace like the others, but it weighs 23 pounds. You can leave this device where there are kids and pets because its body never gets hot.

It comes with two heat settings, and you can also operate it without heat at all. It goes off when it begins to overheat. Although it may not be the quietest fireplace, it is relatively quieter than many other fireplaces.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • It will handle a 400 square feet enclosure.
  • The current Amazon rating of the unit is 4.1 stars.
  • You’ll love its uniform distribution of heat.
  • The unit works with or without heat.
  • Some of its users have confirmed its durability.
  • It weighs only 23 pounds.
  • The appliance is smokeless and odorless.
  • Its body is always cool to touch.

[/su_list]

9. FLAME&SHADE Portable Electric Fireplace

Like others, this is also a freestanding fireplace, and it weighs only 19.35 pounds. It’ll interest you that the device is CSA-certified. It comes with a 72-inch power cord with a 3-pin plug.

Also, it has a thermal control. Its fuel bed simulates real burning of logs. You can control the temperature around with its thermostat.

It comes with a 1-year warranty, and it can heat an area of 400 square feet. It currently has an Amazon rating of 4 stars.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • This fireplace comes with a 72-inch cord.
  • It is CSA-approved.
  • You can control the temperature in your apartment with its thermostat.
  • It comes with a 1-year warranty.
  • The unit requires no installation because it is a freestanding one.
  • It can handle a 400 square capacity enclosure.
  • Users have given it a rating of 4 stars.
  • It is smokeless and odorless.

[/su_list]

10. Dimplex CS33116A Compact Electric Stove

This device weighs 35.4 pounds, and it can heat an area of 400 square feet. You’ll love the fact that it can work with or without heat. With this unit, you can also control the temperature around.

You can do that with its thermostat. Since it is a freestanding appliance, there is no installation required. Set it up and plug it in.

You can sit down on your sofa and control it from a distance with its remote control. Right now, it has a current Amazon rating of 4 stars. Here is an important precaution. Don’t plug it in the same circuit with other electrical appliances like the TV.

This fireplace will not only draw amps, it could cause the fuse to blow or the circuit breaker to trip off. Its life-like flame should also be mentioned.

Features:
[su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#228B22″]

  • The device does not require installation since it is a freestanding one.
  • It is quite easy to set up.
  • The device has a current Amazon rating of 4 stars.
  • It weighs 35.4 pounds.
  • The unit can heat up an area of 400 square feet.
  • You can use it with or without heat.
  • You’ll love its hyper-realistic flame.
  • You can control it with its remote control.

[/su_list]

Electric Fireplace VS Space Heater – Which Is Safer?

When it comes to comparison report for electric fireplace VS space heater, both of them have their advantages and disadvantages.

However, in terms of safety, electric fireplaces are much safer than space heaters. Find several reasons electric fireplaces are safer below.

Space heaters work on forced-air mechanism, and this raises dust. We don’t have to remind you that dust causes allergy issues. You don’t want to cope with health issues.

That’s why we are happy to let you know that electric fireplaces don’t work on forced-air mechanism, so they don’t have allergy issues.

Space heaters emit gases that could be harmful to human health, but electric fireplaces don’t emit any gas at all. Also, the body of space heaters is usually hot and could burn your kids and pets.

On the other hand, electric fireplaces are cool to touch even while giving out heat. Well, the body of space heaters may not be too hot, but the grills emit so much heat and could cause serious burns.

What happens if you turn on your space heater for your kids, and one of them accidentally touches the grill?

They’ll get burnt. Fireplaces don’t pose such risks. You can leave your kids around a fireplace with peace of mind.

Electric fireplaces have both low-heat and zero-heat options. They don’t have to give out high heat all the time. This makes them safer. Most of them also have a safety feature that makes them trip off when they begin to overheat.

Conclusion

Many fireplaces go off automatically when they are mistakenly knocked over. In a fireplace, the firebox is placed at the middle of the appliance, so it doesn’t make direct contact with anything.

Electric fireplaces do not produce real flames, so there’s no risk of suffocation and smoke with them. More importantly, the heat they give can be controlled.

So, with all the points raised above, it is very clear that electric fireplaces are much safer than space heaters. Nevertheless, you can still make your electric fireplace even safer. We have given a few safety tips for electric fireplaces below.

Safety Tips for Electric Fireplaces

  • Don’t plug your electric fireplace in the same circuit with other appliances.
  • Never plug a fireplace to an extension cord. It may not be able to withstand the heat of the fireplace, and it could explode.
  • Always turn off your fireplace when leaving your apartment for a long time.
  • Ensure you don’t place any flammable object around your electric fireplace to prevent it from getting burnt.
  • Electric fireplaces are meant to be used indoor. Don’t use them outside or expose them to weather.
  • Take the time to read their user manual completely before you set them up. You could be able to prevent a fault.

What is the Best Portable Electric Fireplace?

After comparing the features of all the fireplaces reviewed here, we found out that the best portable electric fireplace is the e-Flame USA Hamilton Free Portable Electric Fireplace.

First of all, this unit can easily heat an area of 400 square feet. Besides, we found out that its heat spreads around very fast. Everyone will begin to feel the heat within some minutes after putting it on.

Weighing only 18.5 pounds makes it very light, so you can easily change its position in your apartment. Every part of the device remains cool to touch, no matter how much heat it is generating.

The device produces neither smoke nor odor, so you don’t need to bother about them. Most importantly, its heat distribution is uniform. Consequently, we highly recommend it for you or anyone else. Buy it, and you’ll be glad you did.

June Brandt
Latest posts by June Brandt (see all)