Whether you need a small electric fireplace for a micro-condo or for a small space in a larger home, the selection of petite electric fires has never been better. There are small fireplace inserts that allow you to create a traditional fireplace mantel with a built-in electric fireplace. There are free-standing electric fireplaces that look like wood stoves, no installation required. There are wall-mounted electric fireplaces that hang on the smallest of walls. All of these options plug-in to 120-volt electrical outlets, with a maximum heat output of 5000 BTUs, to warm up an area of 400 square feet. There’s even one that can generate up to 20,000 BTUs of heat, similar to a small gas fireplace! Here, we are sharing the latest small electric fireplaces in each category, so you can find the one that’s best for your home.
Small Electric Fireplaces that look like wood stoves
Dimplex Mapleton with Optimyst
Model: MPT-LS-AM
Measurements: 38” H x 17.5” D x 18.25” W
Dimplex Mapleton is a tall, slim free-standing electric fireplace that incorporates Optimyst water vapour flame technology. The overall design is modern and European, in heavy black steel that feels very solid. The Optimyst water reservoir is accessed through the hinged front glass, which swings open to allow users to lift the logs and remove the water bottle for refilling. There is no plumbing connection, so this Optimyst electric fireplace can go anywhere. Mapleton has a built-in heater with two heat settings, capable of warming up an area of 500 square feet. You can also enjoy flames without heat, for year-round comfort. If you like the look of an authentic wood stove, you can add the optional flue collar to support a stove pipe to the ceiling.
Amantii High-Output stoves
Models: E50-HO, E70-HO
Measurements: 28.25” H x 17.5” D x 23” W or 28” W
If you like the idea of a more traditional wood stove, Amantii makes a cast iron unit that’s modelled on their wood-burning stove. It comes in two widths, both of which come with split logs that pulse with light. Flame colours are yellow, orange and red, which may be combined or used individually. Canopy lighting highlights the logs from above, in one of 13 colours. This is a hardwire-ready, dual-voltage electric fireplace, so it may be connected to either 120 or 240 volts. It also features dual heaters, one at the top and one at the bottom. These heaters may be configured to produce up to 20,000 BTUs of heat output, thermostatically controlled. This the most heat you can get from a small electric fireplace.
Small Electric Fireplace Inserts
Dimplex Revillusion 24-inch
Models: REV24-NB, REV24-HB, REV24-BL, REV24-WC
Measurements: 22.875” H x 12.125” D x 25.25”W
Dimplex Revillusion electric fireplace inserts are known for having one of the most natural flame effects in the industry. Regardless of which size you install, there is a patented Mirage panel that places the flames in the center of the logs, where they belong. The view-through design allows you to see right to the back of the insert, as you would in a masonry fireplace. This is the most realistic small electric fireplace insert you can install. It plugs in to 120 volts, and is hard-wire ready. It will heat up a 400 square foot area with 5000 BTUs of heat output. Natural-looking logs pulse and glow as if they are burning. The interior panels come in one of four patterns: black, weathered concrete, neutral brick, or herringbone brick.
Napoleon Cineview
Models: NEFB26H, NEFB30H
Measurements: 20.25” H x 7.75” D x 26” W or 30” W
Napoleon Cineview electric fireplace inserts are designed to adapt to a host of different installations. It comes with loose logs on a grate, resting above an ember bed of black glass pieces that replicate coals. You can remove the grate and logs if you prefer a more contemporary look. Flames are yellow, orange or blue, and may be combined or used individually. There are also ember lights that change colour, so you can further personalize the interior effects. This small electric fireplace plugs into 120-volts and will warm up a 400 square foot area, or you can run the flames without heat.
Amantii TRD Extra-Slim
Models: TRD-26-XS, TRD-30-XS
Measurements: 17.125” H x 4.625” D x 27.125” W | 19.625” H x 4.625” D x 31.25” W
Amantii’s extra-slim TRD electric fireplace inserts are designed to fit into 2×4 wall cavities. They are the slimmest of the small electric fireplaces and are perfect for tight spaces. They offer yellow, orange and red flames plus ember colours that light up the included clear crystals. There are no logs included with this extra-slim fireplace, although you could add extra-slim logs.
Small Electric Fireplaces that hang on the wall
Napoleon Allure Vertical
Models: NEFVC32H, NEFVC38H
Measurements: 16” W x 5.6” D x 32” H or 38” H
Napoleon’s vertical electric fireplaces are designed so that the back end will fit between your home’s wall studs that are spaced 16 inches apart. These are the narrowest of the small electric fireplaces, ideal for awkward spaces. If it’s not possible or desirable to cut into your walls, then these fireplaces may also be mounted on the wall surface. Although they are compact, the vertical models are not short on features. Flame colours are yellow, orange and blue. There are accent colours below the crystal embers, as well as on the glass sides of the fireplace. The taller of the two models includes birch logs as well as the standard clear crystals. Both models have heaters, with heat blowing down from the top of the glass and into the room. As with all electric fireplaces, you don’t have to have the heater on to enjoy the flames.
Summary of Small Electric Fireplaces
- There are small electric fireplaces available from several major manufacturers: Amantii, Dimplex and Napoleon.
- There are small electric fireplaces which are designed to be free-standing, or fireplace inserts, or wall-mounted.
- Small electric fireplaces have robust heating capabilities, warming up at least 400 square feet, and sometimes more.
- Small electric fireplaces may include leading flame technology, like Optimyst with water vapour flames.