We asked home health and efficiency experts all about how to find a safe, eco-friendly electric fireplace that will warm you up—without warming up the planet. Here are their criteria and six top picks to cozy up to. “In general, electric fireplaces are a clean heating alternative,” she explains. “Typically, they produce almost no pollutants. In comparison, gas and wood-burning fireplaces produce combustion and gases and fumes, which are pollutants to indoor and outdoor air1. While electricity does contribute to carbon emissions, most of the electricity used is converted to usable heat in your room or home, making it an energy-efficient option.” If you don’t have a fireplace at home, buying an electric model is also far easier and more affordable than installing a traditional one. Electric fireplaces also tend to be lower-maintenance since you don’t need to do any cleanup after using them. Additionally, these appliances offer an assortment of design and function possibilities. You can also find portable ones that are suitable for homeowners and renters looking for a temporary heating solution. The most energy-efficient fireplaces will have low wattages but a high BTU rating, which reflects how much heat they can emit. Internal fans can help keep wattage down but output up. “The goal is to lose the least amount of heat possible,” explains Klecker. “So a fireplace with a fan to assist in distributing heat can be more effective.” The burning logs with embers and the extra-wide dimensions of this electric fireplace also make it one of the most realistic options on the list. Furniture Hotspot Canyon Heights Faux Stacked Stone Electric Fireplace ($819.99) Customers rave about the realistic flames and strong heating capacity. This model also includes a remote control for easy adjustments and logs and crystals to change the visuals of the flames. Modern Blaze Touchstone Onyx 5-inch Wall Mounted ($329) Selectric Electric Portable Mini Fireplace Heater($69.99) The fireplace can also stay roaring without the heating option, making it a sustainable as well as a technically advanced option. Customers love the quality and the beauty of its flames. Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 60" Electric Fireplace ($1,299) This fireplace can also be operated with or without heat, and customers love the five-color flame modes and automatic shut-off safety feature. R.W. Flame 36" Electric Fireplace ($419.99) Though it’s pricey, customers rave about the height and realism of its flames and its easy-to-use controls. Modern Flames Landscape Pro Slim ($2,445.98)
