Comparison: Best Electric Fireplace Under $500 (Updated | Dec 19th)
Looking to cozy up your space without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! We’ve scoured the market to find the best electric fireplaces under $500 that deliver both warmth and style. These budget-friendly beauties offer the perfect blend of ambiance and functionality, without the hassle of wood-burning alternatives. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek wall-mounted unit or a classic mantelpiece design, we’ve got you covered.
Editor’s Choice
EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color
Premium Wall Fireplace
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for compact retro stove: ZAFRO Electric Fireplace Stove
- Best for infrared heating choice: duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater with 3D Flame Effect for 1
- Best for elegant stove design: ZAFRO 23 inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove | Thermostat Control
- Best for smart safety features: Sweetcrispy Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater
- Best for cabin style heater: duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater with 3D Flame Effect for 1
- Best for premium wall fireplace: EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color
- Best for quiet operation choice: Oylus Electric Fireplace Stove Heater – Fireplace Heaters for Indoor Use with Realistic Flame Effect
- Best for slim wall design: R.W.FLAME 60″ Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
- Best for color customization pro: DUMOS 36″ Freestanding Electric Fireplace
- Best for vintage style heater: ZAFRO Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove with Realistic Flame
Product Comparison: Best Electric Fireplace Under $500
Compact Retro Stove
ZAFRO Electric Fireplace Stove, 5100 BTU Quick Heating Electric Fireplace Heater with Adjustable Flame Brightness, 1000W/1500W Thermostat, for Living Room, Bedroom
ZAFRO
The ZAFRO Electric Fireplace Stove combines vintage charm with modern functionality, featuring a classic stove body design with realistic 3D dancing flames. With two heating modes (1000W and 1500W), it efficiently warms your space using its powerful 5100 BTU output. The adjustable flame brightness allows you to create the perfect ambiance, from a soft glow to a vibrant blaze. Safety features include overheat protection and stable outwardly expanding feet. Its compact dimensions (15.35″Wx9.45″Dx22″H) make it ideal for smaller spaces while still providing substantial warmth. The ebony finish adds an elegant touch to any room, blending seamlessly with various decor styles.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Vintage aesthetic appeal
- Quick heating capability
- Adjustable flame brightness
- Dual safety protection
- Compact and portable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating coverage
- Basic control options
Infrared Heating Choice
duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater with 3D Flame Effect for 1,000 Sq. Ft. Room, Black
Duraflame
The duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove offers both style and functionality, featuring side viewing windows, a functional glass door, and a brick-style back panel that creates an authentic fireplace appearance. Its infrared heating technology effectively warms rooms up to 1,000 square feet, making it suitable for larger spaces. The realistic 3D flame effect with glowing logs creates a cozy atmosphere, with adjustable brightness levels to suit any mood. The independent flame and heat controls allow for year-round enjoyment of the ambiance without heat. With its portable design and adjustable thermostat settings, this stove provides both comfort and convenience while potentially reducing your energy bills by allowing zone heating.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heats large areas
- Realistic flame effect
- Independent flame control
- Portable design
- Energy-efficient heating
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher price point
- Bulky for small spaces
Elegant Stove Design
ZAFRO 23 inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove | Thermostat Control, Low Noise, 5100 BTU, Overheat Protection, for Indoor Use
ZAFRO
This ZAFRO 23-inch Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove combines elegant retro design with powerful heating performance. Modeled after a classic stove silhouette, it features strikingly lifelike artificial flames behind a clear glass viewing panel. The fireplace offers two heating levels (1000W and 1500W) with its 5100 BTU output, delivering rapid warmth to create a cozy atmosphere. The advanced 3D flickering flame technology allows you to adjust brightness from a soft glow to a vibrant blaze. Safety features include outward-splayed sturdy feet for enhanced balance and automatic overheat protection. With compact dimensions (11.02″D x 20.83″W x 20.08″H), it requires minimal space and can be easily relocated to suit your needs.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Elegant retro design
- Powerful heating output
- Dynamic flame display
- Enhanced safety features
- Quiet operation
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Smaller viewing area
Smart Safety Features
Sweetcrispy Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater, 26”Two Door Fireplace with 3D Flame Effect, Overheating Safe Design, Energy Saving Space Heater with 12H Timer&Remote for Living Room, Bedroom,Black
Sweetcrispy
The Sweetcrispy Freestanding Electric Fireplace Heater combines functionality and style with its 26-inch design featuring two doors and a mesmerizing 3D flame effect. This versatile unit offers adjustable heat settings from 750W to 1500W, allowing you to customize the warmth for any room size or season. The realistic flame effects can be adjusted to match your mood or decor, creating a cozy atmosphere without the hassle of a traditional fireplace. With built-in safety features including overheating protection and child lock, this heater provides peace of mind for families. The included remote control and energy-saving timer add convenience while helping reduce electricity costs.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Adjustable heat settings
- Realistic 3D flame effect
- Built-in safety features
- Remote control included
- Energy-saving timer
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating area
- Basic design aesthetics
- Noisy at high settings
Cabin Style Heater
duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater with 3D Flame Effect for 1,000 Sq. Ft, Bronze
Duraflame
The duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove Heater brings rustic charm to any room with its bronze finish, side viewing windows, and functional glass door that actually opens. The brick-style back panel enhances the realistic appearance, while the 3D flame effect and glowing logs create an authentic fireplace experience. This powerful heater can warm spaces up to 1,000 square feet using infrared heat technology, making it an efficient supplemental heating solution for larger rooms. With independent controls for flame and heat, you can enjoy the cozy ambiance year-round, even without heat. The adjustable thermostat and flame dial allow for complete customization of both temperature and visual effects.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Heats large areas
- Realistic flame effect
- Independent heat/flame controls
- Portable design
- Money-saving operation
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Higher electricity consumption
- Limited color options
- Bulky for small spaces
Premium Wall Fireplace
EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color, Fireplace Heater with Remote Control, Linear Fireplace with Timer, Touch Screen, Log & Crystal, 750/1500W
EUHOMY
The EUHOMY 60-Inch Electric Fireplace offers a sophisticated heating solution with versatile installation options for both wall-mounted and recessed applications. Its sleek black tempered glass front panel enhances the brilliance of the customizable flames, which can be adjusted across 12 colors and 5 brightness levels. The LED fuel bed offers 12 additional color options, allowing for personalized ambiance that complements any decor style. This fireplace provides supplemental heating for areas up to 400 square feet with two heat settings (750W and 1500W) and an adjustable temperature range from 62°F to 82°F. The dual control system with both touchscreen and remote ensures convenient operation, while the quiet 45-decibel operation maintains a peaceful environment.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Customizable flame colors
- Multiple installation options
- Dual control system
- Quiet operation
- Energy-saving modes
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating coverage
- Requires installation
- Higher price point
Quiet Operation Choice
Oylus Electric Fireplace Stove Heater – Fireplace Heaters for Indoor Use with Realistic Flame Effect, Freestanding Electric Stove Heater with Overheating Protection, 1500W, Adjustable Heating
OYLUS
The Oylus Electric Fireplace Stove Heater combines functionality and ambiance in one compact unit. With 1500W of power, it efficiently heats rooms up to 400 square feet, making it perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. The 3D flame effect creates a cozy atmosphere with adjustable settings for year-round enjoyment. This electric stove offers two heating modes (1500W high and 750W low) to suit different needs and energy preferences. The independent switches for flame and heat functions allow for versatile use—enjoy the visual comfort of flames without heat during warmer months. Safety features include overheat protection, automatic shut-off, cool-touch housing, and a stable base, making it ideal for homes with children or pets.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Realistic 3D flames
- Two heat settings
- Flames-only option
- Advanced safety features
- Compact design
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited heating area
- Basic control options
- Not wall-mountable
Slim Wall Design
R.W.FLAME 60″ Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, Low Noise, Fit for 2 x 6 Stud, Remote Control with Timer, Touch Screen, Adjustable Flame Color and Speed, 750-1500W
R.W.FLAME
The R.W.FLAME 60″ Electric Fireplace offers a sleek, modern heating solution that can be either recessed or wall-mounted. With its ultra-thin 3.86-inch profile, it provides a seamless installation that complements any room decor. This fireplace features extensive customization options with 12 flame colors, 12 LED flame bed colors, 5 flame speeds, and 5 brightness levels. The touch screen and remote control make operation effortless from anywhere in the room. Energy-efficient with 750W and 1500W modes, it provides supplemental zone heating for up to 400 square feet. The ETL certification and auto-heat kill safety feature ensure peace of mind while maintaining natural air humidity for comfortable warmth.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Sleek modern design
- Multiple flame options
- Remote control operation
- Energy efficient heating
- ETL certified safety
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires professional installation
- Limited heating capacity
- Higher price point
Color Customization Pro
DUMOS 36″ Freestanding Electric Fireplace, 1500W/750W Wall Mounted or Recessed Insert Fireplaces Heater with Remote Control,13 Adjustable Flame Color, 12H Timer, Touch Screen，Inky
DUMOS
The DUMOS 36″ Electric Fireplace offers versatile installation options as a freestanding, wall-mounted, or recessed unit to suit any space. With powerful 5100 BTU heat output, it effectively warms rooms up to 400 square feet, with adjustable temperature settings from 59°F to 95°F. What sets this fireplace apart is its impressive 169 color combinations, featuring 13 flame colors, 13 carbon colors, 6 brightness levels, and 5 speed settings for fully customizable ambiance. The user-friendly remote control allows you to adjust all settings from the comfort of your couch, while the timer function (1-12 hours) and child lock feature add convenience and safety. Special Sleep and Recreation modes create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Multiple installation options
- Extensive color customization
- Powerful heating capacity
- Convenient remote control
- Specialized mood modes
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Complex setup process
- Remote requires batteries
- Limited to smaller rooms
Vintage Style Heater
ZAFRO Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove with Realistic Flame, 5100 BTU Electric Fireplace Heater with Retro Design, 1000W/1500W, Dual Safety Protection for Living Room, Bedroom
ZAFRO
The ZAFRO Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove combines vintage charm with modern heating technology. Its classic stove body design features realistic 3D dancing flames and transparent glass windows, creating a romantic retro atmosphere in any room. The powerful 5100 BTU heating function with 1000W and 1500W modes quickly transforms cold spaces into cozy environments. The flame effect is highly customizable with adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance. Safety is prioritized with dual protection features including overheat protection and an outwardly expanding foot design that enhances stability. At 22.83″Wx11.02″Dx20.08″H, this compact freestanding unit can be easily moved and placed in various spaces, making it both functional and decorative.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Vintage aesthetic design
- Powerful heating capacity
- Realistic flame effects
- Enhanced safety features
- Compact and portable
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Limited color options
- Smaller heating area
- Basic control interface
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 features should I prioritize in an electric fireplace under $500?
Look for adjustable heat settings, flame brightness controls, and a realistic LED flame effect. Safety features like overheat protection and a cool-touch exterior are also important.
How do freestanding and wall-mounted electric fireplaces compare?
Freestanding models are portable and easier to install, while wall-mounted units save space and offer a sleeker look. Both types provide similar heating performance, but wall-mounted options may require professional installation.
Are electric fireplaces energy-efficient?
Yes, most electric fireplaces are energy-efficient, using LED technology for flames and low-wattage heaters. They can heat small to medium-sized rooms effectively without the high costs of traditional fireplaces.
What size electric fireplace should I choose for my room?
Measure your room’s square footage to ensure the fireplace’s heating capacity matches your needs. A 1,500-watt unit typically heats up to 400 square feet, while smaller units are better for compact spaces.
Do electric fireplaces require maintenance?
Electric fireplaces are low-maintenance, only requiring occasional dusting and bulb replacement for the flame effect. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, they don’t produce soot or ash, making cleanup minimal.
Can I use an electric fireplace without the heat function?
Yes, most models allow you to enjoy the flame effect without turning on the heat, making them ideal for year-round use. This feature adds ambiance without raising energy costs.
What’s the difference between infrared and fan-forced heating?
Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly, offering more efficient and consistent heat. Fan-forced heaters blow warm air into the room but may be noisier and less efficient over time.
Are there safety concerns with electric fireplaces?
Electric fireplaces are generally safe, but look for models with overheat protection and CSA certification. Keep flammable items away from the unit and avoid using extension cords to reduce risks.