Best Electric Fireplace Logs [Review] – Super Heat Inserts!

You can operate the flame with or without heat for decoration purposes. These infrared quartz logs are neatly arranged and sit on a black fire grate and resemble a real Oak. The pulsating dancing flame will impress you with the look of real Oak wood fire.

As it uses infrared technology, it efficiently distributes the heat in the room. It also helps in maintaining comfortable air humidity in your house. You can control the logs from your seat anywhere via the remote control included in the package. The handheld remote has functions for turning on and off, adjusting the heat output, and controlling the flame's effect.

How do you install the fireplace?

Installation of the unit is easy since no venting or fuel lines are required. Just place the grate in the fireplace, pass the cord to the back of the fireplace, connect to a power supply, and you are good to go. With these logs, you can enjoy a favorable temperature in your house despite outdoor changes.

2. Dimplex Revillusion RLG25 Electric Fireplace Log Set

LED lights in logs come to life and illuminate with a light in the form of a dancing flame when you switch on the insert. The flame is designed to glare, flicker, and dance occasionally, just like a real wood fire. Moreover, the flame is large, bright, and realistic such that at times, you can only find yourself staring at it with wonder. The front face features a partially frosted acrylic panel to give you a clear view of the flame without any reflections. There are two heat settings - high and low, and you can adjust both via remote control. If you do not want the flame, you can turn on the heat-only feature, which allows you to enjoy the warmth without flame.

How do you install the fireplace?

This insert is simple to install and does not require venting, fuel lines, or any special fitting. As long as your existing fireplace can accommodate 25.6 inches of this insert, no hardware work is required. Plug the adaptor to a 120v power supply, and you are set.

3. Dimplex DFI2310 Electric Fireplace Log Insert

Dimplex electric fireplace logs are made with a patented flame technology which gives you a realistic flame with cool 3D flame effects. The unit uses high-quality glowing logs and embers to mimic a wood-burning fireplace. The logs and embers occasionally glow, providing the real look of a wood fire.

The unit features an inbuilt fan-forced heater, which has an output of up to 4695 BTUs. The output can be transmitted up to 400 square feet. The fireplace has three heating options which are: full heat, half heat, and flame with no heat. All these options can be navigated using a multi-function remote control included in the package. This electric insert measures 23 inches in length and should easily fit in your existing fireplace. Installing this unit is simple. All you have to do is to connect it to a standard power supply.

4. Comfort Glow ELCG251 Electric Log Insert

As the name suggests, this electrical insert is meant to bring ambiance and glow to your home. It uses LED technology to produce a yellow flame and project it all around the firebox. The logs are crafted to the finest detail to resemble real wooden logs. They have an inner ember red glow, giving the fire an even more realistic feel. A fan-forced blower come heater is there to give up to 5120 BTU output, enough to heat 400 square feet.

The fireplace features a no-heat flame option where you can enjoy the flame without the heat. This will allow you to operate the heater all year round regardless of the weather. You can adjust the flame among five different brightness levels depending on preference. The remote control or side-mounted controls achieve all these controls.

5. Pleasant Hearth L-20W Electric Log

Pleasant Hearth Logs are compatible with any existing fireplace and are an easy way of upgrading your wood or gas fireplace. They are finely crafted from authentic birch wood and will look exactly like a wood-burning fireplace. Embers glow and occasionally flicker to give the feel of a real fire. The LED mechanism shoots up a luminous wave flame, which keeps you entertained. A constant cracking sound gives you the feel of a chilly wind blowing past the fire.

Installation of the logs is simple and only requires you to plug into a 120V power supply. Maintenance is also easy. The only practice needed is polishing the logs and dusting the fireplace. Finally, these logs come at a very affordable price, guaranteeing you value for your money.

6. Dimplex Revillusion RLG20 Electric Fireplace Log Set

This set of electric logs measures 20 inches long and conveniently fit in your fireplace. The unit comes in the form of an insert complete with the logs. It is designed with a mirage panel in which the flame is projected. The LED flame technology produces a realistic dancing flame that seems to come from beneath the logs. The unit can comfortably supply warmth to a 400 square feet room. 

Control over the flame and heat output is achieved through a multi-functional remote control that comes with the unit. The controls can also be done by manual control buttons located at the base of the unit. A flame only features the system to allow you to enjoy the flame only when the heat is not required. Installation of the logs is simple and only requires a 120V power supply.

7. RW-FLAME Electric Fireplace Log Insert

This electric insert is 36 inches and features modern technology and features. The front face is a touch screen enabled to customize controls and promote the ambiance and modern look. It also comes with a multi-functional remote control that gives you options on how to operate.

The unit has five different flame colors, which you can set to fit the mood and preference. These are red, blue, yellow, orange, and an automatic mode feature. In the automatic mode, the flame’s color and the burning logs change automatically, giving the room a touch of class and elegance. The flame's brightness and speed also have five options for each. 

RW-FLAME log insert has two settings for heat output; 750 watts and 1500watts. These options are aimed at allowing you to operate the fireplace all year round. The unit also has the option of operating the flame without the heat. For safety purposes, it is advisable never to touch it bare hands. The unit tends to get hot after operating for some time.

How Do Electric Fireplace Logs Work?

Electric fireplaces work to provide warmth to your house, just like ordinary wood fireplaces. The unit usually requires a heating mechanism and an LED set up to produce a flame just like in a real fire. The heating element can either apply a heating coil or the infrared technology. The heating coil draws in air from the surroundings, heats it, and gently dissipates it back to the surroundings using a blower or a fan. The air is heated by passing a current through the metal coil, which gets hot and heats the air. Infrared technology, on the other hand, directly heats objects by hitting them with light rays directly. Both methods can produce heat without the actual burning of fuel.

Types of Electric Fireplace Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts can be classified into log set, plugin, or built-in units.

Log set – This features a set of fabricated logs arranged on a grate. The logs are crafted to look like real wood, and they use LED lighting to mimic a real flame.

Plugin – Plugin fireplaces feature a firebox beautifully crafted into a decorative piece. They are fitted into a masonry fireplace. They come as a complete unit. All you have to do is plug into the power source. 

Built-in – These units feature a more complex design with a polished finish. They can be installed anywhere in your house.

Guide - How to Buy an Electric Fireplace Insert?

There are several key factors to consider before buying an electric fireplace. These factors are:

Heat output - whether you decide on infrared or coil heating, the heat should be enough to provide warmth to your house.

Size - the size of your existing fireplace guides the size of the insert you choose. The insert should fit perfectly in the fireplace.

Design - the fireplace is a focal point of your house. It should, therefore, be elegant and compliment your style and house decoration.

Authenticity - the flame produced should be realistic and provide you with the feel of a real fire.

Do Electric Fireplace Logs Give off Heat?

Yes, they are particularly very efficient in zone heating. Almost all fireplaces run on 120V power supply. With this, the fireplaces are limited to 1,500 watts draw and heat output to a maximum of 5,000 BTU. This output is enough to heat 400 square feet conveniently, which may extend up to 1000 square feet. Some fireplaces are plugged into a 240V power supply, maximizing the heat output further. However, some super-powerful electric fireplace logs can produce a heat output up to 30,000 BTUs, a good one to cover your entire house having more than 2500 square feet area.

What is the most realistic electric fireplace?

I would settle for either Duraflame DFI021ARU or Dimplex Revillusion. Both brands have invested heavily in ambiance and give the fireplace a touch of authenticity.

Do Electric Fireplaces Need to be Vented?

Electric fireplaces do not require venting. These units work electronically, and no actual burning of fuel is involved. Electric fireplaces do not affect the composition of air in the house. Therefore, there is no need for ventilation.

How Much will an Electric Fireplace Raise My Electric Bill?

Consumption of electricity is highly dependent on how you use the fireplace. An electric fireplace, on average, consumes 1,500 watts. If you use the flame, the only feature the unit consumes is between $0.03 and $0.3 worth of power per hour. If you use a heat feature and set it to medium heat, the cost rises to $0.09 and $0.18 per hour when the heat is set to a maximum. In a year, this translates to between $50 and $80. In general, electric fireplaces cut down heating costs by up to 20%.

Do electric fireplaces look fake?

Many brands have put in a lot of innovation to make sure the electric fireplace looks as authentic as possible. A high-quality electric fireplace has a genuine appeal, in terms of the flame and the logs' look. With modern technology, it is difficult to tell if some models are real or not. However, not all brands meet the standard. You should never settle for a poor quality electric fireplace.

Are electric fireplaces tacky?

Nowadays, electric fireplaces are elegantly designed to fit as a heater and a piece for decoration. Although the flame is not real, electric fireplaces give you a real looking view of the fire. A quality fireplace should not be tacky.

Do electric fireplaces need their own circuit?

Most electric fireplaces are designed with the thought of ease of use in mind. They, therefore, only involve plugging the adaptor to an ordinary 120V power source. They do not require a dedicated circuit. It is, however, advisable not to connect the adaptor to an extension rather than the socket.

Can you plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?

Yes. As long as it is rated at 120V and 5amperes output, you can do the plugging.

Do electric fireplaces heat a room?

With electric fireplaces, efficiency is not an issue. They produce up to 5,000 BTU on average. Considering that no heat is lost, they can comfortably heat up to 400 square feet to 100 square feet. Electric fireplaces use a fan-forced. You can feel the warmth in the air as the heat is dissipated.

Can you leave an electric fireplace on all night?

Well, you can. There is no definite danger in leaving it on since it is just like an ordinary electrical appliance. You have to set the control to a moderate temperature like 60°C. The fireplace should go off once this temperature is reached. However, it is not advisable to leave the fireplace when you do not need it to conserve energy.

Is an electric fireplace worth it?

Electric fireplaces allow you to experience a real fire's privileges without the struggle and work involved with a wood-burning fireplace. They are highly efficient, eco-friendly, and easier to maintain and run. No heat is lost, unlike in wood or gas fireplaces that lose up to 30% heat due to venting. Electric fireplaces are also safer since no actual burning is involved. Therefore, there is no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or accidental burns resulting from the unit's overheating.

Which is cheaper to run - gas or electric fireplace?

These two fireplaces tend to go neck-to-neck when it comes to running costs. Whichever way you choose to look at it, electric fireplaces are cheaper to run. Gas fireplaces use natural gas or liquid propane. These gas units produce a lot of heat but are low on efficiency. Electric fireplaces have special features like the flame-only design, assisting in power conservation.

Can you roast marshmallows on an electric fireplace?

It is not possible. Electric fireplaces produce a fake flame through LED illumination. The flame is, therefore, not hot and cannot be used to cook anything.

How can I make my electric fireplace look real?

The secret is mainly in buying a quality electric fireplace. This will ensure that the flame and its looks are of a high standard. The next thing to consider is the wall design and installation. The fireplace should be neatly installed with well-hidden cords. If the insert flashes perfectly with the fireplace, no one should doubt its authenticity.

Can a TV go above an electronic fireplace?

Electric fireplaces directly blow air from the front or bottom. They also do not get too hot during operation as with wood fireplaces. With this, you can place the TV set on top of the fireplace without any worry.

Is Dimplex the best electric fireplace?

Dimplex, as a brand, has been in the market since 1995. They have a wide range of products with cutting edge technology and amazing features. They have made a lot of investments in technology. Their products are also among the best in the market.

Do electric fireplace flames look real?

Sometimes, realness like beauty depends on the eye of the person. A real flame varies in color from yellow to orange. Many electric fireplaces have applied flame technology to emulate a real fire. With a real look, dancing flame, one is unable to tell the difference.

Maintenance – how to clean electric fireplace logs?

Electric fireplaces require little maintenance. You are only required to dust the interior where dust particles may have accumulated regularly. To do this, turn off the fireplace and unplug from the power source. Take out the logs and carefully wipe off the dust with a clean, dry cloth. Dust the interior chamber and put the logs back in.

Do electric fireplaces need cleaning?

Electric fireplaces do not require too much maintenance. The only thing you can do is regular dusting on an annual basis.

How long do electric fireplaces last?

The lifespan of the logs depends highly on how frequently they are used. With regular heavy-duty use, the fireplace can go up to between 10 and 15 years. If you are not a frequent user, be prepared to have the log set for up to 20 years.

How do I make my electric fireplaces brighter?

Some electric fireplaces feature brightness control, allowing you to change the brightness level to fit the conditions. If your fireplace does not have this feature, you can change the LED bulb and replace it with a brighter one. 

Concluding Remarks

Electric fireplace logs are an efficient way of upgrading your current fireplace. If you are heating small to medium rooms, use electric logs. You cannot regret it. These electric logs should allow you to enjoy a real fire’s warmth and ambiance without much work, struggle, and maintenance.