The electric fireplace price you pay depends mostly on the type you choose, and the range is much wider than most people expect.
This guide breaks down what each type usually costs, what drives the price up and what you should really budget for.
Most Electric Fireplaces Cost Between $200 and $1,000
For most homes, an electric fireplace lands somewhere between about $200 and $1,000, though large, premium or built-in models can cost far more.
Freestanding stoves and mantels are the most affordable, and they commonly run from about $200 to $600, since they just plug in and stand on the floor.
Fireplace TV stands usually cost more, often in the range of about $400 to $1,000, because you are also buying a piece of furniture with storage.
Wall-mounted and recessed units have the widest spread, from a few hundred dollars for a basic 50-inch model to $2,000 or more for premium designs.
Fireplace inserts, which are the heating units that go inside an existing mantel or wall, commonly cost about $150 to $800 for the standard 23 to 28 inch sizes.
Prices vary between sources and retailers, so treat these ranges as a guide rather than a promise.
Duraflame 3D Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove
The Duraflame 3D Infrared Quartz Fireplace Stove is a good example of a freestanding stove with real heating power, rated at 5,200 BTU for rooms of up to 1,000 square feet.
Check its current price on Amazon
What Pushes the Price Up or Down
Size is the first big factor, because a wider fireplace costs more to build and ship, and a larger surround or cabinet adds to the bill.
Heating power also matters, with infrared stoves and larger heaters generally costing more than a basic 1,500-watt unit.
Other extras include realistic flame effects, smart controls, a thermostat, a timer, a remote and the quality of the finish, and each of these nudges the price a little higher.
Three Budget Examples to Help You Plan
If you rent a small apartment, a plug-in mantel or stove is usually the sensible choice, and a budget of roughly $200 to $500 will cover a decent one with a remote and a heater.
If your living room is built around a TV, a fireplace TV stand is a smarter spend, and you can expect to plan for something in the neighborhood of $400 to $1,000 depending on the size and the storage.
If you are remodeling and want a sleek wall of flames, a recessed or wall-mounted unit is the stylish option, and you should budget for the unit plus framing, wiring and finishing, which can easily double the cost of the fireplace itself.
Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace shows what the wall-mounted and recessed category looks like, with a 50.4-inch width and a 750 or 1,500 watt heater.
Check its current price on Amazon
Remember Installation and Running Costs
The price on the box is not always the total, because a wall-mounted or recessed unit may need a handyman, and a recessed unit can also need framing and an electrician.
Freestanding units avoid all of that, which is part of why they are the most popular choice for renters and first-time buyers.
Running costs are modest, since a 1,500-watt heater uses 1.5 kilowatt-hours for every hour it runs, so at an electricity rate of about 17 cents per kilowatt-hour it costs roughly 25 cents per hour.
The flames alone use only a small amount of power, so using the flame without the heater is very inexpensive.
How to Get the Best Value
The best value usually comes from choosing the type that matches your room, rather than paying for features you will not use.
If you only need ambiance, a simple flame-only unit is plenty, and if you need warmth in a large room, spend your budget on the heater rating first.
Compare warranties and read recent reviews, and check the listing for the size and the heating details before you buy.
It also pays to measure your space first, because a unit that does not fit is the most expensive mistake of all.
Read the reviews for comments about noise and flame realism.
Delivery and assembly can add to the total, especially for heavy TV stands and mantels that arrive in several boxes.
A higher price does not always mean better heat.
It is also worth remembering that prices change with sales and seasons, so a model that looks expensive in November may be much cheaper in spring.
If you are on a tight budget, a plug-in mantel or stove is the quickest way to get a fireplace.
Warranty length is a quiet clue about quality, so it is worth comparing how long each brand stands behind its heater.
FAQ
Are cheap electric fireplaces worth it?
They can be, because many budget units use the same 1,500-watt heater as the premium ones, though they may have simpler flames and shorter warranties.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?
At about 17 cents per kilowatt-hour, a 1,500-watt heater costs roughly 25 cents per hour, while the flames alone cost very little.
Is an electric fireplace cheaper than a gas fireplace?
Usually yes, because electric models are cheaper to buy and install, and they need no gas line or venting.
Do wall-mounted electric fireplaces cost more?
Often, since they range more widely in price and may need installation, while freestanding stoves and mantels are generally the cheapest.
Conclusion
An electric fireplace can cost a few hundred dollars or a few thousand, and the right price is the one that matches your room and your needs.
Start with the type and the heating power you need, then compare a few models, and you will find good value.
If you are also looking at heaters for other rooms, you may like our guide to the best WiFi controlled space heaters.