Between $1,000 and $1,500, electric fireplaces get serious, with extra-wide fireboxes, deep flame effects and smart controls that rival real fire for atmosphere.
The best electric fireplace under $1500 mixes freestanding luxury and recessed tech, and these five picks from three brands show what the range has to offer.
| Product Name | Real Flame Alcott 75-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel | Touchstone Sideline Elite 60-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | Touchstone Sideline 72-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | PuraFlame Bernice 72-Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace |
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| Mounting | Freestanding landscape mantel | In-wall recessed | Wall mount or recessed | In-wall recessed | Recessed, wall mount or floor |
| Heat | 1,500W, about 5,100 BTU, up to 1,000 sq ft | 1,500W, 5,118 BTU, 400 sq ft | 1,500W | 1,500W with thermostat | Adjustable thermostat |
| Flame Detail | 6 flame colors, 5 brightness levels | 6 flame and 10 media colors | 6 flame colors, 13-color down lighting | 30 flame and ember color options | 9 flame colors |
| Controls | Remote | App, Alexa and remote | App, Alexa and remote | App, Alexa and remote | App, Alexa, Google and remote |
| Best For | Wide living rooms | Smart media walls | Premium realism | Very wide walls | Wide linear walls |
| Depth or Width | 15.75″ | 5.5″ | 6.31″ | 72″ wide | 6.3″ |
| Dimensions | 74.75″ x 15.75″ x 45.75″ | 59.75″ x 5.5″ x 19.25″ | 50″ x 6.31″ x 19.25″ | 72″ wide, 1,500W unit | 72″ x 6.3″ x 17.7″ |
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| Product Name | Image | Mounting | Heat | Flame Detail | Controls | Best For | Depth or Width | Dimensions | Buy Now |
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| Real Flame Alcott 75-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel | |
Freestanding landscape mantel | 1,500W, about 5,100 BTU, up to 1,000 sq ft | 6 flame colors, 5 brightness levels | Remote | Wide living rooms | 15.75″ | 74.75″ x 15.75″ x 45.75″ | |
| Touchstone Sideline Elite 60-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | |
In-wall recessed | 1,500W, 5,118 BTU, 400 sq ft | 6 flame and 10 media colors | App, Alexa and remote | Smart media walls | 5.5″ | 59.75″ x 5.5″ x 19.25″ | |
| Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | |
Wall mount or recessed | 1,500W | 6 flame colors, 13-color down lighting | App, Alexa and remote | Premium realism | 6.31″ | 50″ x 6.31″ x 19.25″ | |
| Touchstone Sideline 72-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace | |
In-wall recessed | 1,500W with thermostat | 30 flame and ember color options | App, Alexa and remote | Very wide walls | 72″ wide | 72″ wide, 1,500W unit | |
| PuraFlame Bernice 72-Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace | |
Recessed, wall mount or floor | Adjustable thermostat | 9 flame colors | App, Alexa, Google and remote | Wide linear walls | 6.3″ | 72″ x 6.3″ x 17.7″ | |
1. Real Flame Alcott 75-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel
The Real Flame Alcott 75-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel is the showpiece of this budget, with an extra-wide infrared firebox, a hardwood-veneered mantel and six flame colors.
It measures 74.75 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep and 45.75 inches tall, and the heater runs at 1,500 watts, about 5,100 BTU.
It supplements the heat in rooms of up to 1,000 square feet.
Features
- Size: 74.75″ W x 15.75″ D x 45.75″ H
- Extra-wide 39-inch infrared firebox
- Hardwood-veneered MDF mantel
- 1,500 watt heater, about 5,100 BTU
- Anti-topple device and remote included
Pros
- The extra-wide firebox looks dramatic
- It heats supplementally up to 1,000 square feet
- The real wood veneer feels premium
- The anti-topple device adds safety
Cons
- The mantel supports only about 30 pounds, so no TV on top
- It weighs about 161 pounds
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
This is the freestanding choice for people who want the fireplace to look like fine furniture and to anchor a wide wall.
The long mantel top suits decor and framed photos.
It ships in two boxes, so plan for a helper.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Touchstone Sideline Elite 60-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline Elite 60-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace is the sweet spot of the smart recessed line, with a wide 56-inch flame window, 60 flame and media color combinations and a 1,500 watt heater.
It measures 59.75 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep and 19.25 inches tall, and it can be plugged in or hardwired.
A thermostat from 68 to 88 degrees and a timer of up to eight hours are included.
Features
- Size: 59.75″ W x 5.5″ D x 19.25″ H
- 1,500 watt heater, 5,118 BTU, 400 sq ft
- Six flame colors and 10 media bed colors
- Alexa, WiFi and remote control
- Log set, driftwood and crystals included
Pros
- The smart controls are very convenient
- The wide flame window looks premium
- The thermostat keeps the room steady
- It can be plugged in or hardwired
Cons
- Recessing needs framing
- It costs more than basic wall units
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
When you want a proven smart fireplace with a wide viewing area, this one balances size, features and price.
It is a great fit for a media wall.
Plan the framing and the outlet before you start.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace is the realism upgrade, with a deeper firebox, 13-color down lighting and a built-in crackle sound.
It measures 50 inches wide, 6.31 inches deep and 19.25 inches tall, and it has six realistic flame colors and a 1,500 watt heater.
App, Alexa and remote control are all included.
Features
- Size: 50″ W x 6.31″ D x 19.25″ H
- Deeper firebox for more realistic flames
- Six flame colors and 13-color down lighting
- Built-in crackle sound
- 1,500 watt heater with smart control
Pros
- The deeper firebox makes flames look three-dimensional
- The crackle sound adds a lot of realism
- The down lighting adds a premium glow
- The smart controls are convenient
Cons
- It costs more than the standard Elite
- Recessing needs framing
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
If you want the most lifelike flame and a built-in crackle sound in a compact width, this is the one.
It looks stunning in a dim room.
Plan the depth of your wall before you order.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. Touchstone Sideline 72-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline 72-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace is the widest unit here, with a 72-inch recessed frame, 30 flame and ember color options and a 1,500 watt heater with a thermostat.
It is Alexa and WiFi enabled, so you can control it from your phone or with your voice.
It suits very wide walls.
Features
- 72-inch recessed width
- 30 flame and ember color options
- 1,500 watt heater with thermostat
- Alexa and WiFi control
- Log and crystal hearth options
Pros
- The 72-inch width makes a dramatic feature wall
- Thirty color options give lots of variety
- The thermostat keeps the room steady
- The smart controls are convenient
Cons
- It needs a very wide wall
- Recessing needs framing
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
This is the one for people who want a dramatic, extra-wide fireplace without paying for the top Elite models.
It makes a real statement in a big living room.
Measure your wall carefully, because it is 72 inches wide.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. PuraFlame Bernice 72-Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace
The PuraFlame Bernice 72-Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace is a wide linear unit that can be recessed, wall mounted or placed on the floor.
It measures 72 inches wide, 6.3 inches deep and 17.7 inches tall, with nine flame colors and a hidden vent design.
It works with an app, Alexa, Google Assistant and a remote.
Features
- Size: 72″ W x 6.3″ D x 17.7″ H
- Recessed, wall-mounted or floor installation
- Nine flame colors
- App, Alexa and Google control
- Adjustable thermostat and timer
Pros
- The 72-inch width makes a bold statement
- The hidden vent keeps the look clean
- It can be installed three ways
- The smart controls are convenient
Cons
- The very wide frame needs a wide wall
- The brand is newer than Touchstone
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
Choose this one when you want a long linear fireplace with smart control and flexible installation.
It looks great across a wide media wall.
Measure your wall before you decide.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Decide between a freestanding mantel and a recessed linear unit, since the install and the look are very different.
Compare the width, the depth and the smart features.
Check that your wall and floor can safely take the weight of the unit.
Read each listing fully before you finally decide.
Tips for Buying an Electric Fireplace Under $1500
Check the current price on each listing, because premium fireplaces move around a lot, and a sale can bring a bigger model within your budget.
Decide how you want to install it, since a freestanding mantel needs no framing but a recessed unit looks truly built in.
Think about the flame detail, because a deeper firebox and down lighting make a real difference to how lifelike the fire looks.
A plug-in model saves on installation costs, while a hardwired or recessed unit may need a handyman or an electrician.
A higher price does not always mean more heat, because most fireplaces use the same 1,500-watt heater and differ mainly in looks and features.
Read recent reviews for notes on noise and flame realism, because those details separate good fireplaces from disappointing ones.
Warranty length is a quiet clue about quality, so it helps to compare how long each brand stands behind its heater.
Prices change with sales and seasons, so a model that looks pricey in winter can be much cheaper in spring.
If you want extra warmth for other rooms too, you may like our guide to the best WiFi controlled space heaters.
If you are planning the whole room, our guide to the best family sofas is a good place to look for seating that suits a cozy fireplace corner.
FAQ
What do I get for $1,500 that I do not get for $500?
You usually get deeper, more realistic flames, smart controls, better build quality and longer warranties.
Do these need an electrician?
Many plug in, but some owners choose to hardwire them, so check the manual for your model.
Is a freestanding mantel better than a recessed unit?
A mantel needs no construction, while a recessed unit looks built in, so choose by your wall and your budget.
Can I run the flames without heat?
Yes, all of these let you enjoy the flames alone.
Conclusion
A fireplace under $1,500 can be the most beautiful feature of your living room.
The Real Flame Alcott 75-Inch Electric Fireplace With Mantel is the best all-round pick for a freestanding showpiece.
Choose the Touchstone Sideline Elite 60-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace for smart recessed style, the Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace for the most realistic flame, and the Touchstone Sideline 72-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace for a very wide wall.
Pick the PuraFlame Bernice 72-Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace when you want flexible installation.
Check the current price, review each listing, and choose with confidence.