Comparison: Best Electric Fireplace 36 (Updated | Dec 19th)
Looking to transform your living space with the perfect blend of warmth and style? A 36-inch electric fireplace might be your ideal solution. These versatile heating marvels offer the cozy ambiance of traditional fireplaces without the hassle of wood or gas. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you choose? We’ve done the heavy lifting for you, researching and testing the top models to bring you an honest, straightforward comparison.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for retro sound experience: Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert
- Best for smart home integration: Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed – 30 Realistic Ember Color/Flame Options – 1
- Best for ultra-thin frameless: Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat
- Best for flexible installation: Sweetcrispy 36” Electric Fireplace Insert
- Best for realistic log speaker: Valuxhome Electric Fireplace
- Best for sleep mode comfort: Benrocks 36” Electric Fireplace Inserts
- Best for customizable ambiance: BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control
- Best for ultra thin design: R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
- Best for large coverage area: Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise
- Best for modern tv stand: TRONLEE 36″ Modern Freestanding Electric Fireplace with Mantel
Product Comparison: Best Electric Fireplace 36
Retro Sound Experience
Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert, Retro Recessed Fireplace Heater with Fire Cracking Sound, Remote Control & Timer, 750/1500W, Black
Masarflame
The Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert offers a perfect blend of retro charm and modern technology. With its three-sided interior brick wall design, it creates an authentic fireplace experience. The unit features realistic resin logs and ember bed with 3 color atmosphere lights and 5 variable flame intensities. What sets this fireplace apart is the built-in speaker that simulates the sound of charcoal cracking, enhancing the ambiance. It provides supplemental heat for rooms up to 400 sq.ft with two energy-saving heating options (750W/1500W). The fireplace can be operated without heat for year-round enjoyment, making it a versatile addition to any home, office, or special occasion space.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Realistic crackling sound
- Multiple flame settings
- Energy efficient operation
- Easy installation
- Year-round usability
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating capacity
- Requires recessed installation
Smart Home Integration
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed – 30 Realistic Ember Color/Flame Options – 1,500W Heater w/Thermostat – Log & Crystal Hearth Options – Alexa/WiFi Enabled
Touchstone
The Touchstone Sideline 36″ Smart Electric Fireplace delivers the cozy atmosphere of a traditional fireplace with modern convenience. Designed for recessed in-wall mounting, it features five flame settings that range from a soft ember glow to an intense blaze. The realistic flames are so convincing that friends might be nervous to touch them. The Sideline comes with both faux-fire logs and crystals, allowing you to customize the look. It can be operated with or without heat, making it suitable for all seasons. The unit can be hardwired or plugged in, and its front-facing heater vents allow installation just 8 inches below a TV. While it helps warm a cool room, it’s designed as supplemental heating rather than a primary heat source.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Highly realistic flames
- Flexible installation options
- Remote control operation
- Can use logs or crystals
- Safe for TV placement
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Not a primary heat source
- Requires professional installation
Ultra-Thin Frameless
Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
Electactic
The Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace combines ultra-slim design with impressive functionality. At only 3.86 inches thick with a nearly invisible bezel, it creates a seamless, built-in look that transforms any wall into a stylish centerpiece. Customization is key with 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance for any mood. The fireplace offers two heating modes (750W/1500W) to warm spaces up to 400 sq.ft, with a convenient 1-8 hour timer. Control is effortless with both remote and touchscreen options. The unit operates at a whisper-quiet 45 dB and includes overheat protection for peace of mind. Energy-efficient LED technology makes this fireplace both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ultra-slim modern design
- Extensive color customization
- Dual control system
- Quiet operation
- Energy efficient LED
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating range
- May require professional installation
Flexible Installation
Sweetcrispy 36” Electric Fireplace Insert, Wall Mounted & Recessed Fireplace, 1500W Freestanding Fireplace Heater with Remote & Touch Panel Control, Adjustable Flame Effect, 12H Timer for Indoor use
Sweetcrispy
The Sweetcrispy 36″ Electric Fireplace offers versatile heating and ambiance options for your home. With 1500W power, it effectively warms medium-sized rooms while providing customizable flame effects. You can adjust flame colors, speed, and intensity to create the perfect atmosphere. The unit features multiple installation methods – wall-mounted, recessed, or freestanding – making it adaptable to various spaces. Safety features include overheating protection and a child lock, giving you peace of mind. The remote control allows convenient operation from across the room, while the timer function helps conserve energy. This fireplace combines functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating a cozy focal point in any room.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multiple installation options
- Customizable flame effects
- Remote control convenience
- Energy-saving timer
- Built-in safety features
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating coverage
- Professional installation needed
- Higher power consumption
Realistic Log Speaker
Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
Valuxhome
The Valuxhome 36-inch Electric Fireplace Insert delivers both warmth and ambiance to your living space. Designed to heat rooms up to 400 square feet, it provides supplemental warmth with 5000 BTU output and two heat settings (750W/1500W). What sets this fireplace apart is its realistic flame effects with five brightness levels and three top light colors. The unique log speaker feature creates authentic crackling sounds, mimicking a traditional wood-burning fireplace. The unit can operate with or without heat, making it perfect for year-round use. Installation requires a specific wall opening, but once installed, it creates a seamless, modern look. The 1-9 hour timer and overheating protection ensure safe, worry-free operation.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Realistic crackling sounds
- Multiple flame settings
- Heats up to 400 sq.ft
- Year-round decorative use
- Built-in safety features
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Specific installation requirements
- Limited color options
- Moderate heating capacity
Sleep Mode Comfort
Benrocks 36” Electric Fireplace Inserts, Recessed & Built in Wall Electric Fireplace Heater with Fire Crackling Sound, Adjustable Top Light & Flame Speed, Overheating Protection, 750/1500W Black
Benrocks
The Benrocks 36” Electric Fireplace Insert combines modern design with practical functionality. This unit features realistic flame effects with burning log visuals that can be enjoyed with or without heat. The fireplace offers three top light colors and five flame brightness levels, allowing you to customize the ambiance to your preference. With dual heat settings (750W/1500W), it provides efficient heating for medium-sized rooms. The two-sided interior brick wall design adds depth and authenticity to the flame display. Operation is simple with both wireless remote control and touch screen options. Built-in speakers simulate the sound of crackling firewood, enhancing the realistic experience. The unit includes a 1-9 hour timer and overheating protection for safe operation.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Realistic flame effects
- Dual control options
- Crackling wood sounds
- Sleep mode feature
- Lifetime technical support
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating range
- Complex installation process
- Requires wall recessing
Customizable Ambiance
BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control, 750/1500W Ultra-Thin Wall Fireplace Heater W/Timer Adjustable Flame Color and Brightness, Log Set & Crystal Options
BETELNUT
The BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace combines sleek design with powerful functionality. Its ultra-thin profile makes it perfect for wall mounting or recessed installation, seamlessly fitting into any room decor. The fireplace features realistic flame effects with customizable colors and speeds, creating the perfect ambiance. With crystal and carbon log accessories, you can switch between different aesthetic styles. The heating system offers 750W and 1500W settings, effectively warming spaces up to 400 square feet. The temperature can be adjusted from 62°F to 82°F, with a timer function for 1-8 hours. The tempered glass front panel adds both safety and elegance to this energy-efficient, ETL-certified heating solution.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Realistic flame effects
- Multiple color options
- Energy efficient heating
- Remote control operation
- Sturdy construction
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating area
- Complex installation process
- Higher price point
Ultra Thin Design
R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, Ultra Thin ad Low Noise, Fit for 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 Stud, Remote Control with Timer,Touch Screen,Adjustable Flame Color and Speed
R.W.FLAME
The R.W.FLAME 36-inch Electric Fireplace offers a perfect blend of style and functionality for modern homes. With an ultra-thin profile of just 3.86 inches, it’s significantly slimmer than previous models while maintaining the same performance. The fireplace features 12 flame and LED flame bed color modes, along with 5 flame speed settings and 5 brightness levels, allowing for complete customization of your ambiance. The automatic flame design creates a dynamic, ever-changing visual effect. With energy-saving modes of 750W and 1500W, it can efficiently heat spaces up to 400 square feet. The ETL-certified unit includes safety features like auto-heat kill protection and maintains natural humidity in the air.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Ultra-thin design
- Multiple flame settings
- Energy efficient
- ETL certified safety
- Maintains air humidity
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating coverage
- Complex remote functions
- Installation requires precise measurements
Large Coverage Area
Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise
RealSmart
The RealSmart Electric Fireplace Insert offers exceptional versatility with three installation options: fully recessed, partially recessed, or wall-mounted. This 36-inch unit features a remarkably slim profile of just 0.2 inches with a high screen ratio of 55%, making it a perfect fit for modern interiors. The fireplace delivers stunningly realistic flame effects with 12 dynamic colors, 12 solid bed colors, 5 speed levels, and 5 brightness settings. The heating system covers areas up to 600 square feet, with temperature settings from 65°F to 95°F and a timer function of 1-12 hours. The intuitive LED touch screen and remote control make operation effortless, while the tempered glass front ensures both durability and safety.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multiple installation options
- Large heating coverage
- Extensive flame customization
- Slim modern design
- Smart control features
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher energy consumption
- Complex programming options
- Limited color choices for exterior
Modern TV Stand
TRONLEE 36″ Modern Freestanding Electric Fireplace with Mantel, Minimalist TV Stand Electric Fireplace Mantel for Living Room, Bed Room, Walnut
TRONLEE
The TRONLEE 36″ Modern Freestanding Electric Fireplace with Mantel combines functionality with contemporary aesthetics. This versatile piece serves as a room centerpiece, electric fireplace, and TV stand all in one. The crisp white finish with clean lines complements modern decor, while the 23-inch electric fireplace provides realistic flame effects at the touch of a button. The fireplace functions as supplemental zone heating with adjustable temperature and flame brightness settings. The sturdy engineered wood construction features a wide, flat top surface perfect for mounting TVs up to 50 inches or displaying decorative items. Assembly is straightforward with all hardware included, and the smooth surface makes cleaning simple. Safety features include automatic overheat protection.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multi-functional design
- Sturdy construction
- Easy assembly
- Safety features included
- TV stand capability
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating power
- Smaller fireplace insert
- Requires significant floor space
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a 36-inch electric fireplace?
Consider heating capacity, flame realism, and installation options like wall-mounted or insert. Look for adjustable brightness, heat settings, and energy efficiency to suit your needs.
How do wall-mounted and insert models compare?
Wall-mounted units are easier to install and offer a modern look, while inserts provide a built-in appearance. Inserts may require more setup but often blend seamlessly with existing decor.
Are electric fireplaces energy-efficient?
Yes, most models use LED technology for flames and have low energy consumption. Opt for units with thermostats and timers to maximize efficiency.
What features enhance the ambiance?
Look for realistic flame effects, customizable colors, and crackling sound options. Some models even include ember beds or log sets for added authenticity.
How much do 36-inch electric fireplaces cost?
Prices range from $200 to $1,000, depending on features and brand. Budget models offer basic heating, while premium ones include advanced flame technology and smart controls.
Do electric fireplaces require venting?
No, they don’t need venting or chimneys, making them easy to install anywhere. Just ensure there’s a nearby power outlet for operation.
Can I use an electric fireplace without heat?
Yes, most models allow you to enjoy the flame effects without turning on the heat. This is perfect for year-round ambiance.
What safety features should I check for?
Look for overheat protection, cool-touch glass, and tip-over switches. These features ensure safe operation, especially in homes with children or pets.