Home » Heating » Best Infrared Fireplaces in 2022: Buying Guide

Best Infrared Fireplaces in 2023: Buying Guide

You don’t need a central heating system to stay warm this winter. With an infrared fireplace, you can heat any room efficiently, quickly and safely. Infrared fireplaces are money-savers, and unlike box heaters, fireplace models are designed to be a beautiful focal point of the room. These are the most frequently asked questions we get about infrared fireplaces.

What is the best infrared heater on the market?


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Introduction

Are you yearning for a type of heater that’ll effectively heat up your living space and look good? If you want to save time on installation and maintenance and money on energy bills, opting for an electric fireplace could be the bright choice for you. Simple to set up and run, an electric fireplace is a mess-free, safe, and stylish way to add extra warmth to a room. In this article, we’ll see what options are available to brighten and heat up your home.

Our Top Infrared Fireplace Picks in 2023

There are plenty of infrared fireplace options out there. We narrowed our list to a couple of choices, considering factors such as the thermostat, timers, flame effects, and overall appearance/material quality, so you can choose the best-infrared fireplace for your taste and your space.

3) ClassicFlame Rolling Mantel

The ClassicFlame 5,200 BTU infrared fireplace produces enough heat to cover 1,000 square feet of space. It comes with a remote control for on-the-couch operation, and ClassicFlame included technology that prevents the plug from overheating. There is a digital thermostat on the fireplace, and you can choose from five LED flame colors (with or without heat), five brightness levels and five flame speeds.

ClassicFlame 23IRM1500-O107 Rolling Mantel
ClassicFlame 23IRM1500-O107 Rolling Mantel

At 39 pounds, the wheel-equipped fireplace is easy to move. The attached mantel and warm medium-oak finish give it a traditional look that works great in any space. Once it arrives, all you have to do is plug it into an electrical outlet – the infrared fireplace is pre-assembled.

ClassicFlame 23IRM1500-O107 Rolling Mantel...
  • The infrared heat helps to maintain the natural humidity within the air, resulting in...
  • 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet

2) XtremepowerUS Fireplace Heater

Generating 1,500 watts of heat, the XtremepowerUS infrared fireplace can heat large rooms with no problem. There are five temperature settings from which to choose, and you can run any of the three flame variations with or without the heat. Like the digital panel, the remote offers five brightness settings and an 8-hour timer. There is even a place on the fireplace to store the remote.

XtremepowerUS Fireplace Heater

This is a plug-and-play infrared fireplace, so no assembly is required. Its rich burgundy-oak finish creates an upscale feel. You’ll find it a breeze to roll the 41-pound fireplace from room to room, and the wheels are removable if you want to make the fireplace seem like a permanent fixture.

XtremepowerUS Electric Fireplace Heater...
  • Perfect Heater for Zone Room - It is perfect for zone heating and is low on energy use in...
  • Performance and Versatility - Multitude of beneficial settings and operational modes to...

1) Duraflame Fireplace Stove With 3D Flame Effect in Black

Duraflame really outdid itself when it comes to realism. This infrared fireplace stove features a three-dimensional flame effect that brings the logs, ember, and flames to life. The two side windows and one windowed door are made of beautiful beveled glass and the satin nickel knob along with the faux-brick back panel ups the fireplace’s decorative factor.

Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

Since it’s rated at 5,200 BTUs, you can heat 1,000 square feet; an auto-shutoff mechanism protects the unit from overheating. Additionally, there is an adjustable digital thermostat and five flame speeds, brightness levels and colors to create the type of ambiance you want.

Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace...
  • 5,200 BTU heater provides supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help...
  • Infrared quartz heat helps keep more natural humidity in the air, for comfortable heat...

Infrared Fireplace Buyer’s Guide

Deciding what electric fireplace to purchase doesn’t have to make you sweat. You just need to bear in mind what size of living area you want to heat, what style of fireplace you’re going for (modern or traditional), how much space it can take up, and what your budget is.

Most electric fireplaces on the market today are fantastic decorative centerpieces and not just effective sources of supplementary heat. For people who want to mimic the cozy atmosphere of a real fireplace, these electric versions are a hassle-free, clean, maintenance-free alternative. They allow you to jazz up your living space with the illusion of flickering flames, minus the fumes and expensive costs of traditional wood-burning or gas fires.

Perhaps you’re looking for a heater with basic settings to control its temperature or a more sophisticated one with a timer and thermostat. Maybe you want your heater to give the illusion of a traditional fireplace with flickering orange flames and crackling sounds. Or you might prefer for it to project colorful lights and play your favorite music. Whatever your budget, needs, and requirements, you’ll be sure to find a scorching hot deal for your home.

Ready to save money and stay warm with an attractive, affordable infrared fireplace heater? Here’s what you need to know before you start shopping for one. From safety features to dimensions, there is a lot to consider.

Safety Features

Safety comes first. All heaters sold in the United States must meet certain safety standards. However, some manufacturers go above and beyond the minimum requirements. If your home has older wiring or you are just concerned about safety, look for extra features.

Cord-heat monitoring keeps track of the cord and plug’s temperature. Overheat protection is another great safety mechanism. This feature automatically turns of the fireplace if it gets too hot.

Best Electric Fireplace

Materials

Some are made with a wood veneer while others are made of stamped metal, which is stronger than wood veneer. However, since most infrared fireplaces are designed to be portable, almost all of them are relatively durable.

Often, the glass door and windows are tempered, which doesn’t break into shards. Tempered glass is also several times stronger than regular glass, and it’s commonly used for cellphone screens due to its durability.

Heat Output

There are two ways that infrared fireplaces’ heat output is measured – British thermal units or watts. The BTUs or watts gives you an idea of the power of an infrared fireplace’s heat output and square footage coverage.

Almost every infrared fireplace allows you to adjust the thermostat. The temperature range differs from one fireplace to the next. Some fireplaces allow you to change the temperature by specific increments while others have a given number of pre-programmed settings.

Timer

When you pull a lot of overtime at the office, or you’re a busy stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to forget simple tasks on your way out the door. If you habitually forget to turn off the coffee pot before you leave, or you find yourself wondering if the oven is still on while commuting to work, look for an infrared fireplace with a timer function.

If equipped, you can set the timer for up to 8 or 9-hour stretches. Once the time is up, the timer instantly shuts off the fireplace. You’ll also find this feature handy when you want to fall asleep to the heat and light of your fireplace.

Best Infrared Fireplace

Controls

Every infrared fireplace has manual controls located on the fireplace itself. At a minimum, the controls consist of an on-off switch and temperature adjustment arrows. Most fireplaces also display the thermostat’s current temperature in a digital format. If your infrared fireplace heater comes with all the bells and whistles, there will also be buttons to change the flame output.

It’s not uncommon for these fireplaces to come with a remote. In most cases, every function on the control panel is also on the remote. However, some remotes only have the basic functions even if there are more settings available via the panel. If you don’t want to get up for any reason while enjoying your fireplace, look for a unit that comes with an all-inclusive remote control.

Portability

Two factors contribute to an infrared fireplace’s portability – the wheels and the weight. If you live alone or don’t have a lot of upper-body strength, the weight will be the most important feature; the lighter the fireplace, the better. The typical weight range is 30 to 40 pounds.

If you don’t suffer from any mobility problems, you can easily move an infrared fireplace by yourself. However, ones with wheels make the task much easier. If the sight of wheels doesn’t seem appealing, you can always take them off once you move the fireplace to the spot you desire and reattach them the next time you want to relocate the fireplace.

best infrared heater

Dimensions

You finally find the infrared fireplace you want. It’s styled perfectly for your space, and it offers all of the features you want, including an adjustable thermostat, a remote control, and dazzling fire effects. Before you order it, there is one last thing to check – its dimensions.

No matter how lovely it seems and how cool the flames look, the fireplace won’t do you any good if it doesn’t fit the space where you want to use it. The dimensions are particularly important if you want to buy a fireplace insert because inserts involve the use of a wall-mount kit or cutting into the wall. Check the dimensions and measure twice.

Infrared Fireplace vs. Electric Fireplace: What to Look For?

Heat Options

Electric fireplaces come in three basic types: fan, infrared, or convection. Most work great as supplementary heating for rooms or spaces 400 square feet in size. But don’t sweat—here we’ll explain how these options differ so you can get a better idea of what’ll work best for you.

Fan-Type Electric

This is one of the most common types of electric fireplaces available. Fan electric fireplaces work by drawing in cold air, heating it up through a series of heating coils, and then blowing it out through a vent (or vents) underneath it or along its sides. These fireplaces provide great extra heat for bigger rooms as their fans can blow air across large areas.

Infrared

These fireplaces work differently to fan models as they don’t warm up cold air using heating coils. Instead, they radiate infrared heat rays, which directly heat up whatever objects (or people) they come into contact with. Infrared heat works much like the sun’s rays and provides comforting warmth that doesn’t overpower you. These types of fireplaces can effectively heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet. However, their placement is crucial, as whatever (or whomever) you want to warm up must be positioned directly in front of them to feel the full benefits.

Convection

Convection models come in two types: with fans that facilitate the flow of warm air or without. These heaters ensure that the warmed air circulates around a room naturally. Cool air comes into the unit through a vent near the bottom and is heated by ceramic plates. This heated air is then ejected through an upper vent and into the room. Convection fireplaces work more efficiently in smaller spaces without places for air to escape, particularly if the models don’t have a fan.

The Illusion of Fire

Do you want a hassle-free fireplace in the corner of the room to add some sparkle and warmth to your home interior? You’re in luck; many electric fireplaces combine LED light technology and rolling mirrors to create realistic-looking hearths.

You’ll get the illusion of a real fire—with flickering flames and crackling sound effects—with just the push of a button. You can even personalize your fireplace, customizing it to fit in with your home’s décor or with the time of year. Want green and red flames for the holiday season? No problem! Think some pink, red, yellow, and purple flames will be a great way to step into spring? You got it! With so many display options, you can have fun setting the right tone and mood for your home.

Installation and Design

One of the things consumers love most about electric heaters is their ease of installation. There are none of the same hassles that come with installing a real fireplace or connecting radiators to a central heating system. All you have to do is plug them into an appropriate electrical outlet, switch them on, and bask in the warmth and light they immediately provide. Quick, simple, and convenient—what’s not to love?

(A word of warning: make sure that when installing an electric fireplace that it’s plugged into an outlet by itself with a dedicated breaker or fuse. Never plug it into the same circuit as other lights or major appliances, which could create a safety hazard. Also, ensure that materials such as curtains or rugs are kept clear of the unit.)

Now let’s take a brief look at the different types of installation methods for electric fireplaces. How and where you place your fireplace depends on the model and personal choice.

Wall-mounted fireplaces

These electric fireplaces look like flatscreen TVs and are hung on a wall. You can install them anywhere near a dedicated power outlet using brackets (usually provided by the manufacturer). This is a quick and easy way to add a stylish accent to your room without taking up too much space.

Recessed units

These heaters look like wall-mounted models but are meant for placing into a wall cavity for a more realistic fireplace look. Your wall doesn’t already have a nook for the unit to fit into? In that case, you’ll need to locate appropriate wall studs, cut into them, reframe and then continue with the installation. Although this takes a bit more work, the end result is chic and space-saving.

Freestanding mantle fireplaces

These types of electric heaters are designed to look like traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They’ll often incorporate a mantlepiece and a realistic-looking hearth. Unlike the flatscreen versions, they’re produced using various types of materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, hardwood, slate, or ceramic. For a truly authentic look, they can be placed flush against a wall or in the corner of your living area to create a cozy, traditional ambiance.

Freestanding stove-type fireplaces

These models are designed to look like traditional wood cookstoves, evoking a rustic, romantic atmosphere. Again, these can be placed anywhere you like (provided they’re plugged into an appropriate outlet).

Additional Options

The most basic electric fireplace will provide you with heat and some sort of flame-like visual effects. Suppose you’re looking for something a bit fancier. In that case, you can opt for a more sophisticated version that comes with some fun and convenient additional extras. Let’s check these out.

Remote controls

Wouldn’t it be great if you could get your fireplace to operate without you having to lift a finger? Many electric fireplaces come with remote controls or programmable timers to schedule your fireplace to run at your preferred times. You no longer have to worry about forgetting to turn it off when you go to bed. And you can wake up to a warm room by getting it to turn on in the morning.

Touch-screen controls

Much like your mobile phone or tablet, some electric heaters allow you to control the fireplace’s settings by simply touching its screen. No more searching around for misplaced remote controls!

Nightlight features

As the sun sets outside, you can program your fireplace to change its display. Like the nightlight schedule on your smartphone, you can get your fireplace to radiate a soft, comforting glow to ease you towards bedtime.

Sound effects

Many electric fireplaces come installed with Bluetooth speakers. Whether you want your unit to sound like a genuine, crackling wood-burning fire or play the latest hits, these fireplaces have got it covered.

The Price

Perhaps the biggest deciding factor when it comes to picking an electric fireplace is the price. Modern heaters come in a full range of prices, from around $40 to over $3000. With such a price differential, it can seem daunting to decide which model to opt for. Will paying less mean an inferior, less efficient fireplace that looks tacky and is more prone to malfunctioning? It’s true that, as with most products, you tend to get what you pay for. A higher cost does usually indicates quality, durability, longevity, and the types of special features it contains.

However, don’t feel disheartened if you don’t have hundreds of dollars to spare. Several brands offer good quality electric heaters at budget-friendly prices. Finding an aesthetically pleasing, reliable fireplace that won’t burn a hole in your bank account isn’t an impossible task. The key is to shop around, go online, read reviews, or ask around for opinions and advice. Most importantly, buy from a reputable and well-established dealer to ensure that you’re purchasing a quality product. If you bear these simple tips in mind, you’re unlikely to get burned.

FAQs

What Is an Infrared Fireplace?

Inside of this heating appliance, there is an infrared light, which has longer waves than visible light. Although this type of electromagnetic light wave can’t be seen by the eye, it can be felt. Infrared light generates heat to objects and people, not air.

These heaters come in full-fireplace form, or you can purchase an insert to fit into an existing fireplace you don’t use. In essence, an infrared fireplace gives you much of the heat you’d get from a fire without the actual fire.

How Are Fan-Forced Fireplaces Different From Infrared Versions?

Infrared fireplaces radiate heat that is absorbed by the objects and people in the room. However, fan-forced fireplaces blow air across internal heater coils. In turn, the air in the room gets warmer. While both types of electric fireplaces are safe and user-friendly, fan-forced models tend to make the air dry, which does no favors for your skin or sinuses.

What brand of electric fireplace is the best?

Will an Infrared Fireplace Run up My Electricity Bill?

There are many supplemental heaters out there. Out of all of them, infrared fireplaces are among the most energy efficient. Since they heat objects and people instead of the air, the thermal loss rate is minute. This means you won’t go broke staying warm in the winter. You’ll only spend a few extra pennies an hour to run your infrared fireplace.

How Long Does It Take an Infrared Fireplace to Produce Heat?

When you turn on your infrared fireplace, you’ll feel the heat almost instantly, especially in comparison to fan-forced heaters. A fan-forced heater takes more time to heat a space since it must push out and circulate the room’s air before you notice a temperature difference. With an infrared heater, there is no heat-up delay because your body absorbs the electromagnetic infrared light.

I Have a Curious Toddler – Is It Safe to Use One Around Him?

Yes! Even though an infrared fireplace can make a room feel toasty if it’s sized correctly for the square footage, it doesn’t produce as much heat as a fire. Therefore, the heat that’s exhausted from the vent won’t burn curious hands. Manufacturers also design the fireplace’s housing to be cool to the touch, making the unit safe for kids and pets.

Do infrared fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

Do They Emit Toxic Fumes?

Infrared fireplaces won’t degrade the air quality in your home. These heaters run on electricity, not propane or flames, which means they won’t release carbon monoxide or any other pollutants. You don’t have to worry about inhaling smoke, and there is no need to ventilate the room when using an infrared fireplace.

Will the Infrared Light Put out UV Rays?

Visible light rests in the middle of a spectrum. Ultraviolet light sits on the short wavelength side while infrared light sits on the long wavelength side. We all know the dangers of UV light. Thankfully, infrared fireplaces don’t emit any UV rays, just safe infrared light.

How Easy Are They to Install?

Setting up an infrared fireplace won’t be an all-day project filled with complicated instruction guides and tons of frustration. Most come ready to go while some need light installation, such as a wall-mounted unit or infrared fireplaces with shelves and cabinets. However, all infrared heaters plug into a 120-volt electrical outlet, and one person can handle the job.

Since infrared fireplaces don’t need to be hardwired, you’ll save money on the cost of hiring an electrician. It’s also unnecessary to hire an HVAC technician. Infrared fireplaces are self-contained, so no ductwork or chimney flue is required.

Are infrared heaters more energy efficient?

Do Infrared Fireplaces Require a Lot of Maintenance?

Not at all. Infrared fireplaces are relatively maintenance-free. Unlike fan-forced heaters, infrared fireplaces don’t have any moving parts that require periodic lubrication. This means infrared fireplaces last longer than their fan-forced counterparts. All you have to do is wipe down the surface of the fireplace as needed.

How Many Square Feet Do They Cover?

Whether the room is large or small, an infrared fireplace is the ideal supplemental heater. Most units can easily provide heat in spaces as large as 1,000 square feet. Therefore, you can put one in your bedroom, living room, or any room where you need an additional or zone heating source.

️Best Infrared Electric Fireplace Heater

Are Infrared Fireplaces Portable?

It depends on the type of infrared fireplace; however, most units are portable. If the fireplace is a stand-alone unit, you can easily move it another room because it’s not connected to your home’s wiring or ductwork. A lot of stand-alone infrared fireplaces have wheels, which makes transport a breeze, and virtually every fireplace weighs under 50 pounds.

You can also relocate a wall-mounted infrared fireplace. However, you will need to uninstall the mount and reinstall it in the fireplace’s new location. Flush-mounted infrared fireplaces can also be relocated. If you choose to move one of these, you’ll have to make a new cutout in the wall and redo the drywall in the fireplace’s old location.

Are infrared heaters any good?

Do I Have to Get Up to Turn on My Fireplace?

Convenience is one of the main selling points of infrared fireplaces. Most infrared fireplaces come with a remote control, which allows you to control the level of heat output without getting up from the couch or climbing out of bed.

Depending on the fireplace, the remote may only offer basic heat control. Other fireplaces and their accompanying remotes give you lighting and flame options. No matter the infrared fireplace you own, you always have the option of changing its settings manually in case you lose the remote or the remote’s batteries die, and you’ve run out of spares.

I’m a Light Sleeper – Do Infrared Fireplaces Make a Bunch of Noise?

For some, white noise is a soothing sleep-inducer. For others, running fans and other background sounds are irritating noisemakers. If you can’t sleep to the noise of a fan, you’re in luck. Infrared fireplaces are silent heaters thanks to their lack of moving parts. Whether you’re talking on the phone, watching TV or taking a nap, an infrared fireplace won’t disturb the peace in the room.

Are Infrared Electric Heaters Better Overall?

As we’ve mentioned, there are different types of electric fireplaces, and all come with their own pros and cons. Infrared electric heaters have the advantage over other models in that they provide heat quicker and tend to be more cost-efficient as they use less electricity to run. Another essential point to remember is that heaters using infrared technology don’t affect humidity levels, unlike other forms of electric heating. This means that skin, eye, or breathing problems caused by dry air aren’t associated with using infrared heaters.

What is Quartz Heating Technology?

A quartz heater also uses infrared technology to radiate heat. It differs from other infrared heaters in that it uses resistance wiring within quartz tubes to produce heat. Quartz heaters can be used both indoors and outdoors, so you may want to consider these if you’re looking for a patio heater.

Final Words

Electric fireplaces are convenient, low-maintenance, space-saving, cost-effective alternatives to traditional heating options. There’s a range of different types, designs, and sizes to suit your budget.

Whether you’re looking for a fun, modern twist on the traditional fireplace or wanting to impress guests with a rustic-looking imitation, there’s an electric heater out there for you. We hope this article helps you find the perfect electric fireplace to add warmth and style to your living space.

Infrared Fireplace | Recommended

Our Pick
Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace...
Duraflame Electric Infrared Quartz Fireplace...
Safe for use around children and pets; Adjustable thermostat allows you to decide the...


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Last Update: 2024-03-29 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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