10 Best Electric Fireplaces 2026 in the United States

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.

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace, specifically the Sideline 60" Wide model, offers a blend of aesthetic charm and functionality. Its heating capacity of 1,500W efficiently covers up to 400 sq. ft., making it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms. The realistic flame effect, with 30 ember color/flame options, adds a cozy ambiance, and you can choose between log and crystal settings for a personalized touch.

This unit is designed for in-wall recessed installation, ensuring a sleek, modern look and saving floor space. The heater can be hardwired or plugged into a standard 110-120V outlet, offering flexibility during installation. The thermostat control helps maintain your desired temperature, while the included remote (also Alexa/WiFi enabled) provides convenient operation from a distance.

Safety features include a cool-to-touch exterior and tempered glass, reducing the risk of injury. On the downside, it won't replace your primary heat source, as it’s designed to provide supplemental warmth. Also, the need for professional installation may add to the overall cost. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sideline 60" stands out due to its stylish appearance, ease of use, and robust feature set, making it a commendable choice for those looking to enhance their home’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.