Electric Fireplaces
Information on Electric Fireplaces
Warm Up Your Home with an Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace brings real warmth and the glow of an open fire to any room. No chimney, no gas line, and no structural work required. It is one of those additions that changes the feel of a space from the moment you turn it on.
Early Settler has been helping Australians find the right pieces for their homes since 1985. That experience is how we know which electric fireplaces bring real warmth and which ones just look the part.
What is an electric fireplace?
An electric fireplace is an electrically powered appliance that uses LED technology to replicate a real fire, without a chimney, flue, or gas connection. The flame effect mimics the look of a traditional log fireplace, right down to the flicker and glow.
Electric fires come in different formats, including electric fireplace inserts that slot into an existing cavity. The heat and the flame effect run independently, so you can use either without the other. Our Melbourne design team sources every model with Australian homes and conditions in mind.
How do electric fireplaces create realistic flames?
Most electric fireplaces produce realistic flame effects through a combination of LED technology, a rotating refractor, and a mirrored chamber. Working together, these create a three-dimensional flame that moves and flickers with genuine depth.
Premium models take LED flame effects further with water vapour misting. This creates a softness that is hard to distinguish from a real fire. The flame runs independently of the heater in most models, so the ambience works any time of year.
Can an electric fireplace heat a room?
Yes, an electric fireplace heater warms a room effectively. The fan-forced heat spreads across the space without cold spots. For everyday electric heating in a living room or bedroom, it does the job well.
An electric fireplace works best for targeted warmth rather than whole-home heating. Most models come with a remote control, so you can adjust the heat from across the room. Every Early Settler electric fireplace comes with a 12-month warranty, so you know the performance is covered.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?
Most electric fireplaces run on a standard electric current, and that costs approximately 40 to 65 cents per hour at full power across Australia. As home electrification grows, electric fireplaces remain one of the more affordable options for targeted room warming.
Adjustable wattage settings can bring costs down too, and the size guide below covers how to choose the right model. To take the edge off the upfront purchase, joining Home Club is free, with a $20 welcome reward plus 10% off full-price items.
Choosing between wall-mounted and freestanding electric fireplaces
Wall-mounted models have a slim profile and take up no floor space. They suit a media wall, a feature wall, or anywhere a fixed fireplace makes sense. Most modern electric fireplaces run almost silently, with the flame effect making no sound at all.
A freestanding electric fireplace offers more flexibility. You can move it between rooms, use it as a room divider, or choose a with-mantel style for a more traditional look. Our Fire & Heating range covers wall-mounted, freestanding, and corner styles, so you will find the right fit for your space.
Do electric fireplaces need a chimney?
No, electric fireplaces require no chimney, flue, or venting of any kind. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces or gas fireplaces, they run on electricity and LED technology, with no combustion and no smoke. That makes them a practical choice for apartments, rental properties, and any room in the house.
Most models are easy to install and simply plug into a standard power outlet. Wall-mounted styles require basic bracket fixing only, with no structural work needed. With over 50 Early Settler stores across Australia, the in-store team can walk through placement options and answer installation questions before you buy.
What size electric fireplace do you need?
For rooms under 15 sqm, a 750W to 1000W model is enough. Mid-size living areas between 15 and 25 sqm suit a standard 1500W model. For larger open-plan spaces, pairing an electric fireplace with a ceiling fan on its lowest setting helps push warm air around the room.
For a balanced look, aim for a fireplace face that spans roughly two-thirds the width of the wall or media unit. As a direct importer, we carry more sizes online than in any single store. Browse online to shortlist, then visit in-store to see the scale in person.
A little more warmth goes a long way
Most people who get an electric fireplace wonder why they waited so long. On a cold evening, it becomes the part of the room everyone gathers around. Getting set up is simpler than most people expect.
Browse our fireplaces and inserts, fire pits, firewood storage, tool sets and screens, and other accessories. Afterpay is available on all orders, and ZipPay is there for online purchases over $1,000. Find the one that feels right and bring a little more warmth home.
FAQs
Are electric fireplaces worth buying?
Yes, for most Australian homes, an electric fireplace is well worth it. You get real warmth and a realistic flame effect year-round, without a chimney, gas line, or structural work.
Are electric fireplaces safe?
Electric fireplaces are safe for home use, including in homes with children and pets. There is no open flame, no combustion, and no risk of carbon monoxide or gas leaks.
Can you leave an electric fireplace on overnight?
Most electric fireplaces have built-in overheat protection and automatic shut-off timers, which makes them safer than gas or wood alternatives. That said, manufacturers generally recommend turning them off before going to sleep rather than running them overnight.
How do electric fireplaces compare to gas fireplaces?
Electric fireplaces are easier to install, require no gas line or chimney, and can be placed in any room, including apartments and rentals. Gas fireplaces typically produce more heat output and suit larger spaces where a gas connection already exists.
Do electric fireplaces require maintenance?
Electric fireplaces need minimal maintenance, with no ash, soot, or chimney to clean. A periodic wipe-down of the exterior and a quick check that everything is working as it should is all they require.