REVIEWS | TIPS | BUYING GUIDES

Search

Linear Electric Fireplace Ultimate Guide 2024

Updated on January 3, 2023 by Joseph D. Nielson

Table of Contents

Living room with linear fireplace

If you live in a city with harsh, cold winters, you’ve probably tried everything to keep your home warm throughout the winter months. But filling your house with small gas heaters can become a hazard, and the upkeep of wood fireplaces can be a nuisance. So, then what’s the solution? Linear electric fireplaces! 

The best linear electric fireplaces are highly efficient at keeping your space warm. They’re a great alternative to a traditional wood fireplace because they don’t require any wood chopping, chimney cleaning, or effort to get started. Simply turn the device on with the provided remote control and enjoy the warmth. They’re also a great alternative to gas fireplaces as they are more energy-efficient and are much more aesthetically pleasing.

On top of keeping your home toasty warm all winter long, linear electric fireplaces are also extremely stylish. They come in a wide range of sleek designs, flame colour options, and sizes so you can find the perfect one that meets your design needs. 

Don’t get us wrong, we love all types of heaters; just check out our reviews of the top Vornado heaters to see! But, if you’re looking for the best way to keep your house warm this winter while also making a bold design statement, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of the best electric linear fireplaces to help you find the one that’s best for your home. Make sure to also check out the rest of our Fresh Home Guide articles on heaters for more tips on how to keep your home toasty warm. 

What to Look for in a Linear Electric Fireplace

Installation Method

The three main installation methods for linear electric fireplaces are recessed, semi-recessed, or wall mounted. The type that works best for you will depend on the space you’re planning to put the fireplace in. Suppose you have an old wood-burning fireplace that you want to replace with an electric fireplace. In that case, you’ll want to opt for a recessed or semi-recessed electric fireplace, depending on the depth of the existing fireplace and of the new electric fireplace.

A wall mounted electric fireplace is great for rooms that don’t have an old fireplace or place to insert an electric fireplace. These devices will come with brackets for easy installation and can be hung on your wall as you would a TV or piece of art. 

Display Options

Since electric fireplaces don’t use actual flames, they will often come with various display options. LED lights allow you to change the flame colour from a variety of options, such as blue, green, pink, or purple to bring versatility into your home. Otherwise, you can opt for more realistic flames to create a cozy and classic atmosphere. 

Size

Linear electric fireplaces can vary greatly in size. We’ve reviewed devices as small as 28” to as big as 100”; however, the most popular size tends to be 50”. The right size for you will depend on the size of the wall you’re putting it on and how much room you want it to take up. 

Design

Linear electric fireplaces offer a sleek, modern design to your home. While each model will look more or less the same, they will vary slightly. Some devices will include faux logs to give the illusion of a more realistic fireplace, whereas others may have faux crystals lining the base of the device.  

Heat Output

Most linear electric fireplaces can heat rooms of up to 400 square feet and have various heat modes so you can adjust the heat to the perfect temperature. If you are looking to heat a larger room, check out our large room space heater reviews. For smaller rooms, we’ve also assembled a list of our favorite small room space heaters.

Product ImageProduct NameTypeSizeHeat OutputView Latest Price
Touchstone 80004 Sideline Electric Fireplace
Touchstone 80004 Sideline Electric FireplaceRecessed 28”, 36”, 40”, 45”, 50”, 60”, 72”, 84”, 100”5000View Price
Antarctic Star Electric Fireplace with Multicolor Flame
Antarctic Star Electric Fireplace with Multicolor FlameWall mounted, recessed, or semi-recessed30”, 36”, 42”, 50”, 60”, 68”View Price
BOSSIN Ultra-Thin Linear Fireplace
BOSSIN Ultra-Thin Linear FireplaceRecessed36”, 42”, 50”, 60”View Price
Regal Flame Electric Wall Mounted Fireplace
Regal Flame Electric Wall Mounted FireplaceWall mounted60”5200View Price
Napoleon Alluravision Slim Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace
Napoleon Alluravision Slim Wall Hanging Electric FireplaceWall mounted42”, 50”, 60”, 74”, 100”5000View Price
COSTWAY Electric Fireplace Insert
COSTWAY Electric Fireplace InsertRecessed or wall mounted36”, 40”, 50”View Price
SimpliFire Allusion Linear Electric Fireplace
SimpliFire Allusion Linear Electric FireplaceFully recessed, partially recessed, or wall mounted40”, 48”, 60”, 84” 5000View Price
DIMPLEX Prism Wall Mount Linear Electric Fireplace
DIMPLEX Prism Wall Mount Linear Electric FireplaceWall mount or recessed50” View Price

Top 8 Linear Fireplaces

Features

  • 5 realistic flame settings
  • 2 heat settings
  • Dimmer
  • Vent-free
  • Remote controlled
  • Faux fire logs and crystal decoration included 
  • Multiple color modes
  • Shut-off timer
  • Heats rooms up to 400 square feet
  • Includes a wall mounted bracket if you choose not to recess

The Touchstone 80004 Sideline Electric Fireplace is our overall top pick and best-rated electric linear fireplace— here’s why. The device features two heat settings so you can get your room to the perfect temperature. Switch the fireplace to the high setting to keep you toasty warm on colder days. Choose the low heat setting to keep you cozy without overheating on milder days. You can also choose to run the flames without any heat omitting if you choose to create a relaxing atmosphere without adding heat. 

This fireplace emits realistic flames with five different flame settings. For a more subtle look, you can set the fire to a soft ember glow. If you want the fire to make more of a statement, amp it up to a strong blaze. No matter what setting you choose, your friends are sure to question whether the fireplace is using real flames. 

Say goodbye to the days of adding logs to the fire or stoking the flames to keep it running. With the Touchstone 80004 Sideline Electric Fireplace, everything is operated with the simple touch of a button on the included remote control. You can even set a timer for your fireplace to ensure your space doesn’t get too hot. The device comes with faux logs and crystals so you can choose which aesthetic you prefer for your space. 

Use the Touchstone 80004 Sideline Electric Fireplace as the focal point of your room or place it below your TV. Although the device isn’t hot to touch on the sides and back, if you choose to mount the fireplace, keeping at least 8” between the fireplace and your TV is recommended to avoid damage to either electronic device.

Features

  • Vent-free
  • Ultra-high intensity LED lights
  • 12 color flame and crystal combinations
  • Realistic and colorful effects
  • Heats rooms up to 400 square feet
  • No-heat decorative mode
  • 1-to-8-hour timer
  • CETL certified 
  • 2 heating modes

With six size options and three different installation methods, the Antarctic Star Electric Fireplace may be the most versatile device we’ve reviewed. We also give it the award of best looking linear electric fireplace for its large display, realistic flames, and subtle touch screen option. With various heating levels, you can set the fireplace high in the winter or turn off the heat completely in the summer to keep you the perfect temperature all year round. 

No matter what room you’re looking to heat, this fireplace is sure to make the perfect addition. It can be fully recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounted, giving you plenty of flexibility in where you put your fireplace. With 12 color options for the flames and 12 color options for the faux crystals that line the base of the fireplace, you have tons of options to create the perfect atmosphere in your home. Keep it realistic with red flames or have fun with blue and pink flames.

The Antarctic Star Fireplace can be operated using a remote control or the touch screen on the device. The remote allows you to adjust the colour, flame speed, heat and even set a one-to-eight-hour timer so you never have to worry about turning off the device. This fireplace is also CETL certified and equipped with safety technology that will automatically shut off the device to prevent overheating.

Features

  • Vent-free
  • Tempered glass
  • Front air outlet
  • Full-spectrum LED colours
  • 12 flame and & LED modes
  • 5 flame speeds
  • 5 flame brightness levels
  • Crystal glass stone decorations
  • ETL certified
  • Realistic flames
  • Remote and touch-screen options
  • 1-to-8-hour timer
  • Heats rooms up to 400 square feet

If you’re looking for a sleek, modern fireplace to add to your home, the BOSSIN Ultra-Thin Linear Fireplace may be the right one for you. At just 3.86 inches thick, this sleek fireplace is the most stylish way to add heat to any home. Since it’s recessed in your wall, you won’t have any bulky materials sticking out, saving you space and creating a more elegant look. This fireplace allows you to adjust the settings using either the included remote or the touch screen on the device. Its whisper-quiet function will make you forget that it’s even running, and its realistic flames will stump your friends and family on whether it’s real. 

Don’t let the BOSSIN Fireplace’s slim design fool you. This small but mighty device is packed full of features. With 12 flame and flame bed color options, you can make the fireplace look however you like. You can even adjust the speed and brightness of the flames to create extremely realistic flame effects. Faux crystal glass stones line the base of the fireplace to complete the modern aesthetic. 

For worry-free heat, set a one-to-eight-hour timer to ensure you don’t forget to shut it off. You can also set the fireplace to no-heat mode if you live in a warmer environment but still want the ambiance of a rolling fire. This fireplace is UL and ETL certified so you can have the peace of mind that it is a safe device to have in your home.

Features

  • 3 color flame options
  • 3 heat settings
  • Faux log and crystal rock décor
  • Realistic flames 
  • Covers rooms up to 400 square feet
  • Vent-free

If the crystal ember bed of the other fireplaces we’ve reviewed isn’t for you, then take a look at the Regal Flame Electric Wall Mounter Fireplace. This device includes a pile of faux logs to further enhance the illusion of a true, wood-burning fireplace. With this fireplace, you no longer have to worry about chopping wood, keeping a wood pile, or lugging logs in from outside to keep your fire blazing. 

The thick frame around the fire feature of this device creates a bold and modern look, and because this is a wall-mounted fireplace, you can easily add it to any room you desire. It can even be used outdoors if it’s in a covered area to avoid damage from rain or snow.  

You can set the fireplace to your desired look and temperature with three color flame settings and three heat settings. Set it to the no-heat mode for nights when you just want to enjoy the look of the fire but don’t want any added heat. On other nights, you may want to crank it up to high and get your room nice and toasty. 

This fireplace falls in the middle in terms of price compared to the other fireplaces we’ve reviewed, so if you’ve tried out a linear electric fireplace before and know you love it, this may be the perfect fireplace for your home.

Features

  • Deep and slim model options for most sizes
  • Heats rooms up to 400 square feet
  • 6 ember bed color settings
  • Adjustable flame color, brightness, and speed
  • Crystal clear cubes decoration
  • Remote operated
  • Whisper-quiet operation

The Napoleon Alluravision Slim Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace is probably the sleekest device we’ve reviewed. The frame of this device is extremely thin, maximizing the amount of room that is taken up by the flames and creating a chic, minimalist look. Although this fireplace can only be wall mounted, you can choose between a slim or deep model, so you can still achieve the look you desire. 

Gone are the days of having to wait hours for your home to heat up after coming in from the cold. This powerful device can heat rooms up to 400 square feet in no time, thanks to the 1,500 Watts that are powering it. Simply turn the fire on using the included remote or by using the light-up control buttons on the device and enjoy the warmth and ambiance. 

With the Napoleon Alluravision, there’s no need to worry that your fireplace won’t look realistic. The flames on this device mimic an actual fire by modulating in brightness while the fireplace is on. Flame brightness, color, and speed can all be adjusted to create the perfect atmosphere every time. You can also choose between 6 colors for the ember bed to add to the aesthetic. 

This is the most expensive linear electric fireplace we’ve reviewed, so if you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, check out our review of the COSTWAY Electric Fireplace Insert.

Features

  • Tempered glass
  • Remote control and touch-screen panel operated
  • 1-to-8-hour timer
  • 9 flame color options
  • 5 flame brightness levels
  • Crystal glass stone decoration
  • 2 heat setting options

Although the COSTWAY Electric Fireplace Insert is the least expensive linear electric fireplace we’ve reviewed, it certainly doesn’t lack in features or functionality. This fireplace gives you the option to either wall mount it or recess it in your wall, giving you flexibility in where you put the device. Once you’ve placed the fireplace where you want it, simply plug it in and you’re ready to go. 

Use the included remote or touch screen control panel to activate the device. Then, you can choose between nine flame color options, five flame brightness levels and two heat setting options. You can either leave the device running until it’s time to shut it off or set a 1-to-8-hour timer so you don’t forget to power it down. There’s even a safety protection that will turn off the device if needed to prevent overheating. 

The sleek design of the COSTWAY Fireplace and its multiple flame settings allows you to adjust the device to whatever look you desire. The flames emerge from a bed of crystal glass stones, reflecting the light from the flames and creating a chic, modern look.

Features

  • Adjustable heat levels
  • Vent-free
  • Four flame color themes
  • 14 ember bed color themes
  • Multi-function remote operated
  • LED flame technology 
  • No-heat option

The SimpliFire Allusion Linear Electric Fireplace is a great addition to any home because it can be either fully recessed, partially recessed or wall mounted. Fully recessing the fireplace will create a flush, modern look to your home but will require you to have an existing fireplace or to do some demolition to your wall. On the other hand, wall mounting your fireplace allows you to put the device on any wall you please without the need to create any structural changes to the wall, but you won’t get that same sleek look. 

With four flame color options and 14 ember bed colors, you can set the fireplace to match any room or any mood you’re in. You can also choose between two heat settings to ensure your home is always at the perfect temperature. Adjust the colors and temperature of the fire using the included multi-function remote or on the touch controls located on the fireplace itself. 

This is one of the more expensive linear electric fireplaces we’ve reviewed so if you are looking for something budget-friendly, this may not be the fireplace for you. However, if you are able to spend the extra cash, the SimpliFire Allusion will surely not disappoint.

Features

  • 3D LED flame display
  • Acrylic ice ember chunks
  • 5 ember bed color modes
  • Remote controlled
  • Fan-forced heater
  • Heats rooms up to 400 square feet
  • 2-year warranty

The DIMPLEX Prism Wall Mount Linear Electric Fireplace includes all the standard features you’ve come to expect from our linear electric fireplace reviews. The LED DIMPLEX flame technology creates realistic-looking flames that will ensure you don’t miss anything about your old wood-burning fireplace. 

Use the included remote to control all the features of the fireplace, including shuffling between the five color settings of the ember bed: blue, green, yellow, red, and teal. The sparking ember bed that lines the base of the device reflects the light from the flames to create the dazzling and modern prism effect. 

This mid-price fireplace is the perfect addition to any room as it can be easily mounted on any wall in your home or recessed in the wall. You can also choose between plugging the device into a standard outlet or hardwiring it. With the included 2-year warranty, you can purchase this device with confidence, knowing that any initial defects or malfunctions will be covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric fireplaces energy efficient?

Electric fireplaces don’t operate by burning gas, propane, or other harmful emissions, so they are a great energy-efficient and eco-friendly heating option. These devices convert electricity into heat, and since they don’t have vents or chimneys, all the heat produced goes directly into your home. They heat quickly and cool down quickly as well. [1]

Are electric fireplaces safe?

Electric fireplaces are considered one of the safest heating options compared to wood burning fireplaces or gas heaters. Since there is no real flame, there is no risk of the fire growing or spreading. Additionally, since there is no gas or harmful fuels, you don’t have to worry about inhaling any toxic fumes. 

Since linear electric fireplaces are either mounted to or recessed in the wall, there’s no risk of the heater being knocked over. Additionally, unlike gas heaters and real wood burning fires, these devices are not hot to touch on the back or sides making them safer to have around pets and children. However, the front does still get hot, so it’s still important to be cautious when the fireplace is turned on. [2]

Can an electric fireplace heat my entire home?

While linear electric fireplaces do have a high heat output, they’re best for adding supplemental heat to rooms of up to usually 400 square feet. They should not be used as a replacement for your central heating system and instead be used to add some extra warmth to your living room, bedroom, or kitchen.

Joseph and Family
About Joseph D. Nielson

Former journalist and editor for various press groups, I now dedicate my time to reviewing products for the home and family life. When I get time to myself, I enjoy rock climbing, taking my dirt bike for a rip, and most importantly providing my family with the best home possible!