There’s nothing worse than an electric fireplace with a fake-looking fire display—the more realistic, the better, right?
Generally speaking, you need to spend a bit more money to get the most realistic fireplace—whether that’s an insert, wall mount, recessed, or free-standing model. The higher your budget, the more realistic the fire, flames, and ember displays will be.
However, there are some decent options for those who do not want to spend so much. We’ll share some ‘fake fireplaces that look real’ for all budgets!
For an electric fireplace with the most realistic flames, visit Modern Blaze.
Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces
 | R.W. Flame Realistic Fireplace |
| View On AmazonView On Walmart |
 | PuraFlame Klaus Real Look Fire Insert |
| View On AmazonView On Modern Blaze |
 | Ameriwood Electric Fireplace TV Stand |
| View On AmazonView On Home Depot |
There are many different types of electric fireplaces:
- Wall-mounted: attached to the wall with a mount (not always supplied)
- Built-in or recessed: installed to be flush (or close to flush) with the wall
- Linear: the same as recessed fireplaces
- Freestanding: units that plug into the wall and can be shifted
- Inserts and fireboxes: installed into existing fireplaces
- Log sets: looks like a traditional fireplace
- 2 or 3-sided: built-in and visible from more than just front on
- TV stands: the fireplace is part of a larger unit of shelves with a tv stand
Wall-mounted or recessed units are the most common style of realistic electric fireplace purchased. Inserts tend not to be all that realistic, as with freestanding and TV stands.
Here’s a selection of the best-selling electric fireplaces that look real.
1. R.W. FLAME Electric Fireplace
- Recessed or wall-mounted
- 9+ sizes from 30″ to 68″
- Adjustable 750W & 1500W modes
- Heats up to 400 sq ft
The RW Flame range of electric fireplaces is a best-selling model in this category.
According to the reviews, the reason for this is that the flames appear natural, the heater performs well, comes in various sizes, and is affordable.
While no fake fireplace can ever mimic real flames 100%, the flame effects on these models are indeed very realistic.
You have many options regarding how the flames display, including 12 modes for the ember bed, five flame speed modes, and five flame brightness levels. The flames are attractive and mesmerizing, just like a real fire.
On the Amazon listing, you can choose a 25″ freestanding electric stove (less realistic than the wall mount/recess model and comparable to the Duraflame Infrared Heater) or one of the six differently sized wall-mounted models.
There is also a version with a log set that comes in 3 different sizes. The log set version perhaps gives it more of a real look, given that real fire needs to be burning something.
One common complaint is that some units make a clicking sound while they’re operating. However, there is a fix.
PsyniiGianni S. shared:
Take the glass off and then turn the fireplace upside down. Take the bottom panel off which will be 9 or so screws. Plug the fireplace in and then turn it on.
You will see a rod that has these little reflective plastic pieces.
What happens is that these pieces rub when the rod turns in a circle. All you have to do it take note of which ones are rubbing and just take a nail clipper and just trim them a bit. It’s probably no more that 2 or 3 of them.
Once you’ve done that and you no longer hear the noise, just put the panel back on and everything should be fine.
Positive feedback on this fireplace includes:
- that it’s easy to install
- puts out a good amount of heat
- goes well in a farmhouse-style home
- children like watching the flickering flames
- it’s a beautiful electric fireplace
Downsides or cons shared in reviews:
- the remote doesn’t work from far away
- it worked well initially but then had problems
- the clicking noise when operating
- customer service isn’t great (though others say it was/is)
- doesn’t put out enough heat
2. Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace
- In-built wall recessed
- 9 sizes from 28″ to 100″
- Can be installed below a TV – needs 8″ clearance
Touchstone electric fireplaces are similar to RW Flame but are designed only to be recessed (not wall-mounted).
Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are the easiest to install (after freestanding), but recessed fireplaces usually look better.
This model has five realistic LED flame settings and orange, blue, and orange-blue flame colors. It can be used all year round, as it also has separate controls for the flame and heat—one can be one without the other.
This is a good electric fireplace if you have children in the home. The front remains cool, and the heat comes from the blower higher up the unit.
The seller states that it’s good for heating small rooms but wouldn’t be good for larger areas (considering the heat function). It can even be installed in RVs or motor homes!
Pros:
- the fan is quiet (though others disagree on this)
- much easier to use than gas or wood-burning fireplaces
- choose between crystals or logs in the display
Cons:
- some models may make a clicking noise
- some people find it doesn’t last long – malfunctions
- as one user said, “a $20 space heater would put out more heat”
3. Napoleon Electric Fireplaces
- High-end electric fireplaces
- 2 and 3-sided realistic fireplaces
- Wall-mount and recessed models
- Fireplace inserts and logs
Napoleon Electric Fireplaces are a high-end product for those wanting a realistic flame effect and top user experience.
These fireplaces can heat much larger areas than those we’ve previously listed and have better features. They come with good remote controls that change flame, heat, color, brightness, and blower settings, and the overall experience is much more customizable.
You get what you pay for, and these models offer a higher-quality product than the low-end options.
See-through fireplaces—two-sided or three-sided—are always spectacular and add something extra to the home. Most electric fireplaces have black surroundings, but Napoleon has some white electric fireplaces for those who want to keep with a white theme.
In one review of the Napoleon Alluravision, Angie says:
Our home has several fireplaces both gas and electric. The Napoleon fireplace is by far our favorite.
The flame is realistic. The fireplace is thin and mounts flush in the wall. It is of high quality materials.
And of the Napoleon Woodland Log Set, TKO shared:
If you do not have the capability of using gas to install gas logs, or otherwise do not want gas logs, these electric logs are a really great option.
The LED-simulated ember glow and flames are really quite realistic looking, and can be turned on with or without turning on the electric heat. No, the electric heat will not even come close to the heat output of a good set of gas logs, (think, output similar to a portable electric space heater) but this electric log set is a great way to get close to the ambiance of a log fire, with some heat as well.
Also, this electric log set can be installed in a fireplace or virtually anywhere else. I was doubtful when ordering it, but am well pleased with the product. Everyone that has seen it is also impressed. I ordered it for my mother who has a log fireplace with no gas access in her house. She had been regretting that she had no gas to install gas logs, so we gave this a try and are not disappointed.
These are nice fireplaces for those who want the best.
4. Modern Flames Real-Look Fireplaces
- Wide range of styles
- Zone heating and smart home connect
- Offering full control over displays
- Both very large and small fireplaces are available
Lastly, Modern Flame is another high-end electric fireplace brand offering realistic flame and embers.
They sell really good inserts and wall-mounted, linear, recessed, and multi-sided electric fireplaces that look real.
About their 3-sided smart electric fireplace, Kiana shared:
We were so nervous buying an electric fireplace that it would look fake and “cheap”.
This fireplace is BEAUTIFUL!
The flame looks so real, the heat is amazing, and the color options are such a unique touch. We purchased the cabinet and it looks gorgeous. A perfect fit that gives the fireplace a custom look.
We would 100% recommend this fireplace to others. We’ve already received countless compliments on it.
Which is precisely what you want!
About the large Modern Flames Redstone insert (pictured above), Linda said:
We had several questions throughout the process of purchasing our electric insert and Customer Service responded quickly to each of our emails and told us exactly what we needed to know.
The insert arrived very quickly and the installation was simple without any problems. We would definitely purchase from Modern Blaze again!
It’s all good buying off of Amazon when you know exactly what you need, but when you need help or have questions, it’s best to go with smaller alternative retailers like Modern Blaze.
5. PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
- Fireplace insert for existing fireplace
- 750 or 1500 w settings, 5000 BTUs
- 5 different sizes based on universal standard fireplace spaces
- weighs just under 50 lbs
- Crackling sound effects
The PuraFlame Electric Fireplace is another popular realistic-looking model for empty fireplaces.
It has a high and low setting which translates to a 750-watt or 1500-watt heater, 6 crackling sounds, and 3 flame effects.
The log inserts are described as being “life-like resin logs.” They do appear to resemble the real deal!
The other stand-out feature that makes this a realistic electric fireplace insert is everything around the glowing logs. The fireplace door, brick interior (with faux soot stains), and fireplace surround all make this more genuine.
In addition, it has “real fireplace sounds”—it snaps, crackles, and pops like a real fire.
While some people say, “It looks just like a real fire,” others will say, “The flames are not realistic on any setting.” If you have high expectations, I recommend you check out the more premium models at Modern Blaze.
The seller states that it shouldn’t be used as the main heat source in your home unless you are heating a small space of 400 sq ft or less. However, if you were in a warmer climate—California or Florida, for example—it may be suitable.
Pros:
- real-looking flames and logs
- sturdy construction is durable
- crackling sounds add aesthetic and atmosphere
- fits well in the right holes and “looks expensive”
- remote controls everything well
Cons:
- some people have problems with the glass door
- doesn’t come with a battery for the remote
- heat output was minimal
6. Ameriwood Electric Fireplace TV Stand
- TV stand model
- 50 or 60-inch versions
- The display can be used without heat
- Top shelf and two side cabinets
Next is the Ameriwood Fireplace TV Stand, another model with thousands of ratings.
These products usually arrive as a flat pack and need to be assembled. At least, the furniture portion does. The 23″ fireplace is good to go—it just needs to be inserted.
The heater is only suitable for up to 400 square feet so that it won’t work as a primary heating appliance in the cold. It is rated to heat from 64 to 82 degrees, but its actual capabilities will depend on the size being heated.
The flame has three brightness settings (“Exclusive AltraFlame built-in reflectors use patented technology for a realistic flame effect”), and the heat can be set to a timer to turn on and off automatically.
Some people consider Walker Edison Fireplace TV Stands to have a more realistic fire display, so they’re also worth checking out. If you want something for a corner, check out these corner electric fireplaces instead.
Pros:
- a good height for having a TV on top
- the blower is surprisingly quiet
- nice design for the price
- a solid unit with useful storage
Cons:
- assembly can be a bit tricky
- warning decal on top of unit challenging to remove
- It is not so suitable for areas of high humidity as it can take on moisture
7. Dimplex Revillusion Electric Log Set
- Log fireplace insert
- 20 or 25″ models
- 5000 BTU heat output
- Programmable heat and flame settings
The Dimplex Revillusion Log Set is one of the best options in this style.
These faux logs are easy to install in an existing fireplace space and give the appearance of a real wood fire.
They have 3 different styles of logs: birch logs, fresh-cut logs, and the burning logs pictured above. As with most of these electric fireplaces, the heat output isn’t amazing. This option is good for up to 400 square feet.
Check out these other electric fireplace inserts for more powerful models.
Pros:
- very fast and easy assembly/installation
- enough to take the chill off a cool room
- realistic fire coloring and movement, especially from a slight distance
Cons:
- not as realistic up close
- difficult to get customer service when needed
- potential problems with the remote
Electric Fireplaces With Real Looking Flames
Those are our top picks for the most realistic electric fireplaces.
The more you spend, the more realistic the fire and ember effects will be. You can’t expect too much from a cheap model, though most aren’t bad.
Ultimately, the flame display sets an electric fireplace apart from a regular panel heater or other space heater. Shop around, read the reviews, and find the perfect appliance for your space.
Lastly, have you considered a tiny wood-burning stove if you’re heating a small area? Yes, you have to collect or buy wood, but you’ll get a real flame and, potentially, more heat!
Let us know if you have any questions in the comment section below.
