Courtesy of The Home Depot

Who doesn't like curling up next to a roaring fire? It's one of our greatest pleasures during the fall and winter months—assuming you have a fireplace, that is. But if your home doesn't have an existing wood-burning fireplace and you've looked into the process of adding one, you likely already know that this can be an expensive and time-consuming process. Luckily, there are other options. If you're open to the idea of forgoing a traditional fireplace and chimney for a more portable option, then an electric fireplace is a good alternative.

If you're considering going the electric route, there are a few things to keep in mind according to Josh McCormick, vice president of operations for Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company. "Some electric fireplaces are more substantial than others and have unique features and differences in how they operate," he explains. Unlike traditional gas or wood-burning fireplaces, electric models don't require venting. They also give the user a convenient option to use the flame without the heat. "It also has added safety benefits compared to gas and wood-burning setups, which make it a better option for families with young children or pets."

Related: How to Decorate Your Living Room's Mantel Anytime of the Year

If you're looking for the look and feel of a real fire without the hassle and cleanup associated with a traditional fireplace, Kaley Galinsky, associate merchant of fireplaces at The Home Depot, says an electric option is a good choice. "Many electric fireplaces have a remote control, so you have the ability to control the fireplace from the comfort of your own couch."

Below, explore the best electric fireplace heaters that come recommended by experts and will add instant comfort to your home.

Best Electric Fireplace Heaters of 2021

• Best Modern Mantel Unit: Home Decorators Collection Northglenn Electric Fireplace

• Best Rustic Mantel Unit: Home Decorators Collection Wildercliff Electric Fireplace

• Best for Small Spaces: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

• Best Media Unit: Walker Edison Glenwood Electric Fireplace

• Best Open-Shelf Media Unit: StyleWell Wolcott Media Console Electric Fireplace

• Best Wall-Mounted Unit: Home Decorators Collection Infrared Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

• Best Forced Fan: Real Flame Centennial Grand Freestanding Wooden Electric Fireplace

• Best for High Ceilings: Allen + Roth W Coffee Oak Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace

• Best Portable: Comfort Zone Portable Electric Fireplace Heater

Courtesy of Home Depot

Best Modern Mantel Unit: Home Decorators Collection Northglenn Electric Fireplace

When selecting an electric fireplace for your home, it's important to decide whether you would like a mantel, media, or wall mount. "Mantels resemble traditional fireplaces and can provide an uptick in décor," Galinsky says. The Home Decorators Collection Northglenn Electric Fireplace comes in a white finish with a faux Carrara marble surround, offering a classic look most people would assume was original to the home. This best-selling pick measures 36 inches in width, 12 inches in depth, and 34 inches in height, heats up to 1,000 square feet, and has an automatic shut-off feature. Fans of ambient lighting will want to utilize this remote-controlled electric fireplace's adjustable flame colors and brightness levels.

Shop Now: ​​Home Decorators Collection Northglenn Electric Fireplace, $196, homedepot.com.

Courtesy of The Home Depot

Best Rustic Mantel Unit: Home Decorators Collection Wildercliff Electric Fireplace

Are you a fan of rustic, comfortable design? Then bring home a mantelpiece that will perfectly complement your home's farmhouse aesthetic. This option's driftwood finish fits the bill. The 45-inch wide, 40-inch high, and 15.8-inch deep electric fireplace has a heating range of 1,000 square feet and uses infrared lights to illuminate your space. Users have the option to customize the flame temperature, height, brightness, and color, as well as its flicker speed. Included is the firebox, which doubles as a media center, and the mantel.

Shop Now: Home Decorators Collection Wildercliff Electric Fireplace, $389, homedepot.com.

Courtesy of Amazon

Best for Small Spaces: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove

If you're looking for something to suit your smaller space, you'll want to check out a model like this one from Duraflame, says Brian Levy, store manager of Lowe's in Troutman, North Carolina. At only 13 inches long and 23 inches high, it has a small footprint but still puts out enough British Thermal Units (BTUs)—5,200 to be exact—to heat a 1,000 square foot room while maintaining a comfortable humidity level. Its 3D flame effect creates an instant cozy feel, and you have your choice of five color, brightness, and flicker speed settings.

Shop Now: Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, from $249, amazon.com.

Courtesy of Amazon

Best Media Unit: Walker Edison Glenwood Electric Fireplace

"If you are looking for a furniture piece, then media units (or TV stands) are a terrific option," says Galinsky. Media units can provide a space for décor, extra storage, as well as a spot for your TV, like this 32-inch tall model from Walker Edison, which has a heat range of 400 square feet. The 65-inch top surface supports up to 150 pounds, and the unit is equipped with ample shelving to store your DVD players, gaming systems, books, and more. It also has strategically placed ports to conceal the wires from your electronics.

Shop Now: Walker Edison Glenwood Electric Fireplace, $355, amazon.com.

Courtesy of The Home Depot

Best Open-Shelf Media Unit: StyleWell Wolcott Media Console Electric Fireplace

"When determining the size of the media unit, take both the size of your television and the size of the room into consideration," Galinsky says. This brown-toned option from StyleWell comes with open shelving to give you more space to display your decorations and electronics. It heats up to 400 square feet and can support televisions up to 58 inches wide on its mantel. Users can adjust flame brightness, height, and temperature from the comfort of their couch or bed with its handy remote control. You can also enjoy the flames without turning on the heat if you're looking for mood lighting.

Shop Now: StyleWell Wolcott Media Console Electric Fireplace, $249, homedepot.com.

Courtesy of The Home Depot

Best Wall-Mounted Unit: Home Decorators Collection Infrared Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

Opt for a wall-mounted unit, like this 42-inch infrared version that comes with seven different colored lighting options, if you're short on space. "You can mount these units to the wall for a permanent solution or use the leg stands for a portable option," adds Galinsky. The flames work with or without heat, depending on your preference, and can be adjusted between 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This sleek and contemporary electric fireplace will fit seamlessly into modern styled spaces and offers seven flame and ember brightness settings, as well as seven color options.

Shop Now: Home Decorators Collection Infrared Wall Mount Electric Fireplace, $199, homedepot.com.

Courtesy of Home Depot

Best Forced Fan: Real Flame Centennial Grand Freestanding Wooden Electric Fireplace

When shopping for an electric fireplace, consider how you'll use the unit and the size of the space you're heating, explains Levy. "Forced fan fireplaces are best for areas around 400 square feet, while infrared quartz units are best suited for rooms around 1,000 square feet," he explains. Fan-forced electric fireplaces, also known as fireplace blowers, use the air from inside your home and pass it through a heating element, then redistribute it back into the space for efficient heating and circulation. This 55-inch unit, for example, puts out 5,000 BTUs per hour, and can provide supplemental heat up to 1,000 square feet. Its LED flames have five adjustable brightness levels and run on a programmable timer and thermostat.

Shop Now: Real Flame Centennial Grand Freestanding Wooden Electric Fireplace, from $1,358, homedepot.com.

Courtesy of Lowe's

Best for High Ceilings: Allen + Roth W Coffee Oak Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace

"It's also important to keep in mind that heating is subject to the home's environment, so spaces with high ceilings, windows, and drafts retain heat differently and may impact the effectiveness of your electric fireplace," Levy says. This Allen + Roth model will heat rooms up to 1,000 square feet and look gorgeous doing it, with its mix of faux stone and wood finish.

Shop Now: Allen + Roth W Coffee Oak Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace, 42.5'', $399, lowes.com.

Courtesy of Amazon

Best Portable: Comfort Zone Portable Electric Fireplace Heater

Ready for on-the-go heating when you need it, this portable electric heater can heat up to 175 square feet and measures 10.8 inches by 14.1 inches for easy packing. The lightweight pick is 5.3 pounds and comes with a convenient carrying handle. Despite its powerful 1,200 wattage, it has a cool-touch exterior and a safety overheating sensor that activates the automatic shut-off feature, as well as a tip-over switch that turns off the power if the unit has been knocked over.

Shop Now: Comfort Zone Portable Electric Fireplace Heater, from $38, amazon.com.