Electric fires - our pick of the best
From stove styles to inset designs and full suites, we've picked our favourite electric fires
Electric fires are handy options if you don't have gas fitted or you lack the chimney breast or flue required of traditional fires. All you need to do is plug them in so make sure you have an electric socket nearby, or get an electrician to fit one for you. Refer to the retailer or manufacturer about the recommended position of the socket and the clearance required all round the fire. Choose from freestanding electric fires, inset electric fires or stove-style electric fires - or go for a full electric fire suite that includes hearth, back panel, surround and fire - all ready assembled. Be sure to check out running costs and the pebble, coal or log flame effects before you buy.
1. Warmlite Log-effect 'Stove' Electric Fire in Baby Blue
Specifications
Log-effect free-standing 'stove' electric fire with double doors. Adjustable thermostat with two heat settings and adjustable brightness. The retro Baby Blue puts a twist on this otherwise traditional design. Metal and plastic housing.
Warmlite Log-effect 'Stove' Electric Fire in Baby Blue, £145, Worldstores
2. Helios Inset Electric Fire in Brushed Steel
Specifications
Sleek brushed steel-finish inset electric fire with LED glow effect and separate heat and flame setting. The reflective surface magnifies the flame effect and the 'coals' look sufficiently realistic. MDF, steel and plastic.
Helios Inset Electric Fire in Brushed Steel, £99, Homebase
3. Smeg Retro LED Display Remote Control Wall-hung Electric Fire
Specifications
When gas is not an option the technology of an electric fire can provide realistic flickering flames and glowing fuel beds. This fire uses a thermostat and separate remote control for ease of use. It features an ember fuel-bed effect with five LED brightness settings. No chimney or flue required.
Smeg Retro LED Display Remote Control Wall-hung Electric Fire, £348, B&Q
4. Living Compact Pebble Electric Fire Suite
Specifications
Electric fire suite with two heat settings and LED flame effect. Includes ivory-finish hearth, back panel, surround and electric fire. Sleek white pebbles complete the look. Ready-assembled for fitting flat to your wall.
Living Compact Pebble Electric Fire Suite, £150, Argos
5. Dimplex Fuel-effect 'Stove' Electric Fire
Specifications
Authentic cast iron-style electric 'stove' finished in glossy black and a choice of fire effects: use the OptiflamePlus flame effect with real coals or the OptiflameElite log effect. There are two heat settings, which you can operate remotely and the flame effect can be used independently of the heat.
Dimplex Fuel-effect 'Stove' Electric Fire, £319, Dimplex at AO.com
6. Adam Eclipse Electric Fire in Brass
Specifications
The stylish combination of black hood and gleaming trim makes this brass electric fire a perfect fit for a contemporary interior. Features a faux coal bed and LED flame effect. Supplied fully assembled. Brass.
Adam Eclipse Electric Fire in Brass, £129, Fireplace World
7. Adam Galaxy Wall-mounted Electric Fire
Specifications
Minimalist natural oak fascia mounted on a log-bed effect electric fire. Sleek, stylish and easy to install, the wall-hung design makes it a great choice for a compact living space. Other wood-finish fascias are available.
Adam Galaxy Wall-mounted Electric Fire, £139, Fireplace World
8. Focal Point Soho Black Remote Control Inset Electric Fire
Specifications
Inset coal-effect electric fire with LED display and two heat levels. No chimney or flue required. An all-black option is a classic choice that will suit any number of fire surrounds and mantelpieces. Comes with a remote control.
Focal Point Soho Black Remote Control Inset Electric Fire, £600, B&Q
9. Be Modern Mayfair Inset Electric Fire
Specifications
Flame-effect, silver-finish electric fire featuring convected heat, LED bulbs, manual control and thermostat. Pebble fuel-bed option and brass finish versions also available. Can be fully free-standing when used with the 90mm spacer kit supplied.
Be Modern Mayfair Inset Electric Fire, £330, Direct Fireplaces
10. Burley Fuel-effect Cottesmore 224 Electric Fire
Specifications
The Burley Cottesmore 224 electric fire is hand-crafted in cast iron with real coals on an imitation heat bed. This 2kW freestanding electric fire has a glowing flicker-effect flame and can be used without heat to give a cheerful glow and provide a focal point in your living room. Two fan-heater settings and black legs.
Burley Fuel-effect Cottesmore 224 Electric Fire, £265, John Lewis
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
-
Aldi's £17 health grill is the ultimate affordable must-have for busy family kitchens - I'll definitely be buying one
An electric grill is a staple in my kitchen and a total game-changer for families
By Rebecca Knight
-
How to keep spiders off garden furniture - 5 ways to keep these creepy crawlies (and their cobwebs) at bay
Sorry, spiders, but you weren’t invited…
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Dry iron vs steam iron - which should you buy?
We weigh up the key differences between dry and steam irons, so you can decide which your laundry pile needs
By Katie Sims
-
Will a modular sofa future-proof your living room? Experts reveal if this emerging trend is worth investing in
Are modular sofas the future of living room seating or just a passing trend?
By Sara Hesikova
-
How to maximise family room seating - five ways to create more space for everyone to sit in a living room
Family room feeling short on space? These expert tips are essential for getting the most out of your seating ideas
By Katie Sims
-
Fans are in love with Stanley Tucci's chair - and we've found a similar version for £1000s less
The iconic design without the scary price tag
By Thea Babington-Stitt
-
Toy storage ideas for small living rooms – 8 ways to keep them organised and hidden without sacrificing space
This is how to best keep your children's toys organised in a small lounge
By Sara Hesikova
-
How to tidy a family living room fast - transform your space from chaos to calm in record time
With these speedy tips, your family living room will be neat as a pin in no time
By Katie Sims
-
This £50 Homebase side table looks just like another design that’s over five times its price – and we couldn’t keep it to ourselves
We've already added it to basket
By Sara Hesikova
-
I've been an interiors editor for over 20 years, and I predict this is the hottest new colour trend for sofas
You heard it here first
By Heather Young
-
5 sofa styles to avoid in a family living room – the styles experts warn will spell disaster for busy families
Avoid choosing these sofa styles in a family lounge, warn experts – these are the styles you should be investing in instead
By Sara Hesikova