They say that good things come in small packages. However, it sometimes feels like we have to give up features in return for a more compact size. If you need a small electric fireplace, you may have discovered that not all manufacturers embrace tiny fires, so it can be challenging to find what you want. That’s why we’ve curated our top picks for small electric fireplaces in all categories. These electric fires are small in stature and big on features. And, it should be noted that heat output is not dependent on the size of an electric fireplace – all 120-volt electric fireplaces will produce about 5000 BTUs of heat, enough to warm up an area of 400 square feet. Of course, with an electric fireplace, you always have the option to enjoy the flames without heat.
Small electric fireplaces with Optimyst water-vapour flames
If you’ve been hoping to have life-like water vapour flames in your small electric fireplace, you’re in luck. Optimyst cassettes (CDFI500-Pro-RGB) come in 20-inch increments, made to work in series to create larger fireplaces. A single cassette is the perfect starting point for a compact fireplace design with open flames. Optimyst flames are not steam and are perfectly safe. Cassettes do not have a heating option, so they are ideal for situations where you are looking for ambience only. If your preference is for a more enclosed fire plus heat, the Optimyst Revive insert features glass on the front, an integrated heater, and a handy access drawer for refilling the water reservoir – no plumbing connection required!
Small electric fireplace inserts
If you’re converting an old wood-burning fireplace to electric or you just want a traditional fireplace in a small space, our small electric fireplace inserts are the perfect fit. If it’s a fireplace conversion, look for inserts that offer optional trim kits, to cover gaps around the opening. Modern Flames Redstone RS-2621, Dimplex Revillusion RBF24DLX, and Napoleon Cineview NEFB26H all offer these trim kits. If you are building from scratch, no trim is required, and the Dimplex XHD23 with its sleek edge-to-edge glass front is the perfect solution in a tiny package. Best of all, it comes with logs or crystals.
Small electric fireplace logsets
Sometimes it’s challenging to convert an old wood-burning fireplace to electric because the original opening is too small to hold an insert. That’s when a small electric fireplace logset is called for. These are logs that sit inside the existing opening, so that the inside of your fireplace will be visible (soot and all!) The logs light up and there are flames and a heater, as with a fireplace insert. Napoleon’s Woodland NEFI18H logs reflect the flames off the back of your fireplace opening, and has a thermostat-controlled heater. The Dimplex Revilluion logset, RLG20, reflects the flames onto a center Plexiglas panel in the middle of the logs. Revillusion also has a heater with low-high controls.
Small 3-sided electric fireplaces
A small room is the perfect place to install a fireplace that has glass on 3 sides, to create a sense of openness. Fortunately, there are a few compact multi-sided electric fireplaces available. Amantii’s 30-TRV-SLM is part of their Tru-View Slim series and is 30-inches wide, with a framing depth of just 11.125 inches. If you prefer mist flames, the Dimplex Aura is 28-inches wide and has a framing depth of just under 16 inches.
Small linear electric fireplaces
Linear electric fireplaces are popular because of their sleek profiles, but not all of them are available in widths less than 50-inches. There are a few 6-inch deep linear electric fireplaces available at the moment. Amantii’s Symmetry series includes the SYM-34, with viewing area of 32.5 inches by 13.125 inches. There’s also an extra-tall version, SYM-34-XT, with a viewing area of 30.625 inches by 17.625 inches. Note that the SYM-34-XT is 12-inches deep. Amantii’s Evolution series also includes a small electric fireplace option, the EVO3620, with sleek edge-to-edge glass face. Napoleon’s Entice family includes a petite NEFL36CFH-1 36-inch wide model, with 10 flame colours, 10 ember-bed colours, brightness controls, thermostat controlled heating and flexible installation options.
Small wall-hanging electric fireplaces
Sometimes, you not only need a small electric fireplace, you need to get it off the floor so it doesn’t crowd the space. That’s when a wall-hanging fireplace is ideal. Napoleon makes their vertical Allure fireplaces is a 32-inch and 38-inch height. Both are narrow enough for the back end to fit between wall studs that are 16-inches apart. They feature glass on the sides, with coloured accent lighting, as well as 3-colour flames and crystals. The taller unit also comes with a few birch logs. When you want heat, the blower pushes it down over the glass and into the room. Amantii’s Cube is part of their Tru-View 3-sided series. It’s deeper than the Napoleon vertical fireplaces, with more glass viewing area on the sides. It features oak logs that are highlighted by overhead lighting. This model may not be installed into a wall; it is surface-mounted only. Pro Tip: If you’re hanging a fireplace on the wall, consider a direct-wire installation. If you remove the cord and wire the unit directly to the electrical line, you won’t have to see a cord hanging down the wall to the outlet.
Small electric fireplace stoves
Is your small space at the cottage? Amantii’s Lynwood stoves are tiny electric fires set inside real cast iron stove shells that look authentic. Lynwood stoves come in two widths: 23-inch and 28-inch. Oak logs are included, and they are accented by coloured downlights. If you need heat, it blows out above the glass front, into the room. These stoves are truly a ‘plug and play’ option requiring no construction and very little space.
Summary
If you know where to look, there are plenty of small but mighty electric fireplaces to fit your tiniest spaces.