Electric fireplaces have changed a lot. The better units now use layered LED or LCD flame imagery, real ember media, app control, and heaters you can run on a schedule. Choosing one is still mostly a question of three things: how much heat you actually need, how you want it installed, and what your wall and electrical supply can support.
This guide answers the questions we hear most, with real numbers from manufacturer manuals and federal energy data. It also covers when a gas fireplace is the better tool, which is usually outdoors.
What is the difference between an electric fireplace insert, wall-mount, and built-in?
These three terms describe where the unit goes, not how it makes flame or heat. Pick the type first, because it decides your wall work and your electrical plan.
| Electric fireplace insert | Wall-mount electric fireplace | Built-in (recessed) electric fireplace | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Inside an existing wood-burning firebox | On the surface of a finished wall, like a TV | Flush in a framed wall opening or bump-out |
| Best for | Converting an old fireplace you no longer burn | Renters, finished walls, fastest install | New builds, remodels, media walls, linear "floating" looks |
| Wall work | Little; you measure the firebox | Bracket only | Framing to the manual's opening dimensions |
| Power | Usually plugs into an outlet near the hearth | Outlet or dedicated circuit per manual | Often hardwired; 240V models must be |
| Napoleon models we carry | None (we don't currently stock firebox inserts) | Entice 60, Astound 62 FlexMount | Entice 60 (partial or full recess), Astound 62, Luminex 65 |
Converting an existing fireplace? Measure the firebox opening (width, height, and depth at the front and back) and call us at 833-777-2962. If you're opening up a new wall instead, a linear built-in such as the Napoleon Entice 60 gives the same flame look without needing a firebox.
Is an electric or gas fireplace better?
| Electric fireplace (indoor) | Gas fireplace | |
|---|---|---|
| Flame | LED or LCD flame effect over real media (logs, crystals, glass) | Real combustion flame |
| Heat | About 5,000 BTU/h at 120V (1,500 W); about 10,000 BTU/h on 240V models that support it (3,000 W) | Typically several times more; sized by the appliance's BTU rating |
| Fuel and hookup | Standard outlet or hardwired circuit | Natural gas or propane line installed by a qualified pro |
| Venting | None required (clearances still apply) | Indoor units need venting per code; outdoor units need open-air ventilation and clearances |
| Flame without heat | Yes, the heater can be switched off | Heat comes with the flame |
| Installation | Wall-mount, recessed, or multi-sided; often a weekend project plus an electrician | Gas line, permits, and a professional installer |
| Works in a power outage | No | Many models can (check the ignition type) |
| Indoor or outdoor | The models in this guide are indoor-only | Indoor and outdoor versions exist; outdoor gas fireplaces are built for patios |
| Best for | Bedrooms, living rooms, media walls, condos, year-round ambiance | Large spaces, primary heat, outdoor rooms |
Bottom line: buy electric for the look, the easy installation, and zone heat. Buy gas when heat output, or a real outdoor flame, is the point.
Do electric fireplaces with a heater actually warm a room?
Yes. Most have a fan-forced heater behind the flame display. Electric heat converts almost all of its power into heat in the room. Heat output follows the wattage, and one watt equals about 3.412 BTU per hour (U.S. EIA energy units):
| Heater rating | Approximate heat output | Typical supply |
|---|---|---|
| 1,465 W (Napoleon Entice 60) | ≈ 5,000 BTU/h | 120V, dedicated grounded 15A circuit |
| 1,500 W (120V setting on Astound 62 / Luminex 65) | ≈ 5,100 BTU/h | 120V, dedicated 15A circuit |
| 3,000 W (240V setting on Astound 62 / Luminex 65) | ≈ 10,200 BTU/h | 240V, hardwired by a qualified professional |
Here's the practical takeaway. A bigger or more expensive 120V fireplace doesn't heat more than a small one. They're all limited by the roughly 1,500 W a standard circuit can safely supply. You're paying for flame realism, size, and build quality. If you want noticeably more heat from an electric unit, choose a model that supports 240V and plan the circuit before the drywall goes up.
120V vs 240V: which do you need?
- 120V works for supplemental heat in a bedroom, office, or average living room, or when you mostly want the flame.
- 240V suits a larger or draftier room, or when you want the fireplace to carry real heating load. It requires hardwiring by a qualified electrician.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?
Use this formula: kilowatts × hours × your electricity rate. The U.S. average residential price was 18.31¢ per kWh in July 2026 (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A). At that rate:
- Heater on at 1,500 W: 1.5 kW × $0.1831 ≈ $0.27 per hour
- Heater on at 3,000 W (240V): ≈ $0.55 per hour
- Flame only, heater off: a small fraction of that. The LEDs and display draw far less power than the heater. Check your model's manual for its exact rating.
Your rate may be much higher or lower, since state averages vary widely, so plug in the number from your utility bill. Eco or half-heat modes (the Astound 62 has an ECO mode that runs at half heat) reduce the cost proportionally.
Which installation fits your wall: wall-mount, recessed, or multi-sided?
Wall mount electric fireplace
The unit hangs on a bracket like a TV and plugs into an outlet. It's the fastest installation and works well for renters or finished walls. Expect the unit to stand several inches off the wall. The Napoleon Entice 60 is 5 7/16 inches deep, for example.
Recessed or built-in electric fireplace
The unit sits in a framed opening for a flush, built-in look. Check depth carefully. A standard 2×4 stud cavity is only about 3.5 inches deep, so most units need a framed bump-out or a deeper wall. Use the manual's opening dimensions, not the appliance dimensions. Recessed installs often get hardwired, so bring in an electrician early.
Multi-sided (corner, peninsula, see-through)
Units like the Napoleon Astound 62 FlexMount and Luminex 65 can be installed for one-, two-, or three-sided viewing. Pick the configuration before framing, because each one has its own framing drawing.
Media walls and TVs above
If a TV will go above the fireplace, check the manual's clearance between the fireplace and the TV, and where the heater vents. Front-venting units are friendlier to electronics above them.
LED or LCD: which electric fireplace flame looks most realistic?
- LED flame systems project light through a flame panel and over media like crystals or logs. You get many color combinations, and they're bright and efficient. The Entice 60 offers ten flame colors and ten ember-bed colors.
- LCD flame systems display moving flame imagery. The Napoleon Luminex 65 pairs LCD flames (three patterns, six colors) with built-in speakers for adjustable crackling audio. It's the closest an electric gets to the look of a wood fire.
- Media matters as much as the flame. Logs and mineral media add depth, while crystals look contemporary. Check what's included. Some photos show optional log kits.
Which Napoleon electric fireplace should you buy?
| Model | Width × height × depth | Viewing | Power and heat | Included media | Warranty* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Napoleon Entice 60 Electric Fireplace | 59 11/16 × 16 15/16 × 5 7/16 in | Single-sided; wall, partial, or full recess | 120V, 1,465 W | Clear crystal media | 2-year limited |
| Napoleon Astound 62 FlexMount Electric Fireplace | 62 × 23 × 7 1/8 in | 1, 2, or 3 sides; wall or recess | 120/240V, up to 1,500/3,000 W; ECO and BOOST | Beach Fire logs and Woodland media | 3-year limited (registration required) |
| Napoleon Luminex 65 LCD Electric Fireplace | 65 1/16 × 25 3/8 × 12 1/16 in (main body) | 1, 2, or 3 sides; recessed | 120/240V, up to 1,500/3,000 W; 240V hardwired | Beach Fire logs and Woodland media | 5-year limited |
Manufacturer terms apply. All three are indoor-only*. Use the official manual on each product page for openings, clearances, and electrical requirements.
How to choose among them: - Entice 60 is a slim, clean linear look and an easy wall-mount or recess on a standard 120V circuit. Full details: Napoleon Entice 60 guide. - Astound 62 FlexMount fits when you want multi-sided flexibility, included logs, app scheduling, and the option of 240V heat. Full details: Astound 62 FlexMount guide. - Luminex 65 LCD is the showpiece for a built-in feature wall, with LCD flames, crackle audio, and 240V capability. Full details: Luminex 65 LCD guide.
Shop all electric fireplaces. Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more.
Can you use an electric fireplace outdoors, or do you need gas?
The indoor electric fireplaces above aren't rated for outdoor use. If the goal is a real flame and serious warmth on a patio, a gas fireplace built for outdoor use is the answer. A ready-to-finish model gives designers and builders a steel enclosure to clad on site with noncombustible materials like stone, brick, or tile, so it matches the landscape.
| Model | Widths | Format | Fuel and ignition |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Outdoor Plus Williams Ready to Finish Outdoor Gas Fireplace | 72, 84, or 96 in (24, 36, or 48 in burners) | Traditional front-facing | NG or LP; five ignition choices |
| The Outdoor Plus Berkeley See-Through Ready to Finish Outdoor Gas Fireplace | 84 to 120 in | See-through, wide and low | NG or LP; five ignition choices |
| The Outdoor Plus Huntington Ready to Finish Outdoor Gas Fireplace | Four widths, 84 to 120 in | Rectangular opening with projecting hearth | NG or LP; five ignition choices |
All three are made in the USA. Ignition runs from match-lit (no electricity needed) to plug-and-play and low-voltage electronic systems. The Outdoor Plus fireplaces typically ship within 3–4 weeks. Two planning notes from the product pages: the manufacturer's warranty excludes the ready-to-finish enclosure itself, so confirm burner and component coverage, and cladding, gas, electrical, and foundation work are separate. Gas installations should follow the NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code and local code, installed by a qualified professional.
Shop all outdoor fireplaces. Weighing a fireplace against a fire pit or patio heater? Compare patio heaters and fire pits.
What safety and code rules apply to electric and gas fireplaces?
- Electric: use a dedicated circuit as the manual specifies. Don't run the unit on an extension cord or power strip. Keep the heater outlet clear of furniture, curtains, and décor. The NFPA's heating safety guidance recommends keeping anything that can burn at least 3 feet from heating equipment.
- Gas (indoor or outdoor): have a qualified installer size the gas line and check pressure, shutoffs, and clearances. Indoors, install carbon monoxide alarms (CPSC CO information center). Outdoor gas fireplaces must stay in properly ventilated open-air settings.
- Everyone: follow the manual's clearances. "No venting needed" on an electric unit means no chimney. It doesn't mean no clearance requirements.
Electric fireplace buying checklist
- ☐ I know the job: mostly ambiance, supplemental heat, or real heat (if real heat, consider 240V or gas)
- ☐ I've chosen wall-mount, recessed, or multi-sided, and I have the manual's framing drawing for that configuration
- ☐ My wall depth works for the opening (a standard 2×4 cavity is about 3.5 in, so I may need a bump-out)
- ☐ I've confirmed the circuit: dedicated 120V/15A, or a 240V hardwire by a qualified electrician
- ☐ I've checked TV-above clearances and heater vent direction for media walls
- ☐ I know what media is included and which log kits are optional
- ☐ I compared warranty length and registration requirements
- ☐ For outdoor fire, I'm looking at an outdoor-rated gas fireplace, not an indoor electric
Frequently asked questions
What is an electric fireplace insert?
An electric fireplace insert is a unit sized to slide into an existing wood-burning firebox, so you can use the old fireplace without burning wood. It needs no venting and usually plugs into a nearby outlet. Wall-mount and built-in electric fireplaces are different: they hang on a wall or sit in a new framed opening instead of a firebox.
Is a wall mount electric fireplace easy to install?
It's the simplest type. The unit hangs on a bracket like a TV and connects to power as the manual specifies. Many 120V models use their supplied plug but call for a dedicated circuit; the Napoleon Entice 60, for example, specifies a dedicated, grounded 15A circuit. 240V operation requires hardwiring by a qualified professional.
Do electric fireplaces give off real heat?
Yes. Most have a built-in fan-forced heater. A standard 120V unit is limited to about 1,500 watts, or roughly 5,100 BTU per hour, which is enough supplemental heat for one room. Models that support 240V, like the Napoleon Astound 62 and Luminex 65, can produce up to 3,000 watts, about 10,200 BTU per hour.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace per hour?
Multiply kilowatts by your electricity rate. At the July 2026 U.S. residential average of 18.31¢ per kWh (EIA), a 1,500-watt heater costs about 27 cents per hour, and a 3,000-watt 240V setting costs about 55 cents. Running the flame with the heater off costs much less.
Is a gas or electric fireplace better?
It depends on the job. Electric is better for easy installation, no venting, flame-only ambiance, and zone heat in one room. Gas is better when you need much more heat output, want a real flame, or are heating an outdoor space with an outdoor-rated gas fireplace.
Do electric fireplaces need to be vented or need a chimney?
No. Electric fireplaces don't burn fuel, so they need no chimney or flue. You still must follow the manual's clearances, opening dimensions, and electrical requirements, and keep the heater outlet unobstructed.
Can I plug an electric fireplace into a regular outlet?
Many 120V models can use their supplied plug, but manufacturers commonly require a dedicated circuit. The Napoleon Entice 60, for example, calls for a dedicated, grounded 15A circuit. Don't use extension cords. 240V operation always requires hardwiring by a qualified professional.
Can an electric fireplace be recessed into a 2x4 wall?
Usually not without framing. A 2×4 stud cavity is only about 3.5 inches deep, and most electric fireplaces are deeper than that. Plan a framed bump-out or deeper wall using the opening dimensions in the manual, not just the appliance's body dimensions.
Can I use an indoor electric fireplace outside?
No. Indoor models, including the Napoleon fireplaces in this guide, aren't rated for outdoor use. For a patio, choose an outdoor-rated gas fireplace, a fire pit, or a patio heater designed for outdoor installation.
Questions about fit? Email info@smokeforges.com or call 833-777-2962 with your wall dimensions and model. Shipping is free on orders of $99 or more.
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