An electric fireplace is an electric heater that mimics a fireplace burning coal, wood, or natural gas. Electric fireplaces are often placed in conventional fireplaces, which can then no longer be used for conventional fires.^[1] They plug into the wall, and can run on a "flame only" setting, or can be used as a heater, typically consuming 1.4 to 1.6 kW to heat a 40 m² room.

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The electric fire was invented in 1912^[2] and became popular in the 1950s.^[3] Electric fireplaces found in 1950s homes were typically small and could be easily moved.^[4]

Techniques for electrical "flame effects" have been around since at least 1981.^[5]

Commercial electric fireplace techniques include the Optiflame, introduced in 1988 by Dimplex.

Dimplex claims to have produced the first electric fireplace with a "realistic" wood-burning flame effect in 1995.^[6] It is unclear what specific technique is being referred to, although it may be U.S. patent 5,642,580.

In 2008 Dimplex launched the Opti-myst effect which simulates both flames and smoke.

In 2013 Dimplex launched the Opti-V effect which combines realistic flickering flames with three dimensional LED logs that sporadically sparks and an audio element of crackling logs.

Advantages of electric fireplaces are that they:

• do not require chimneys.
• are often portable.
• do not require remodeling to install.
• are more economical.
• are more convenient.
• are safer to use (no risk of catching fire, inhaling smoke or gas, or overheating).
• can be installed without professional assistance.
• are better for the environment than wood burning and gas fireplaces.^[8]
• do not require the maintenance needed for wood burning or gas fireplaces.^[9]

Disadvantages of electric fireplaces are that they:

• can be more expensive to operate in rural areas compared to gas or wood burning heaters due to price of electricity.
• are sometimes not as realistic as real flames, even those in gas fireplaces. Additionally, they can lack other sensual cues of a real fire like the smell of burning wood, or crackle of a burning log.

• Firebox
• Fireplace insert
• Fireplace mantel
• Wood-fired oven