Best electric fireplaces for living rooms

Top pick: Touchstone Sideline 50" Recessed Smart Electric Fireplace — the biggest, most convincing flame wall in a living room, with two heat settings, a thermostat and six flame colours, and the strongest owner ratings of the group. Recessed or flush-mounted, so it reads as part of the wall rather than an appliance.

Who the others suit:

• Touchstone Sideline 36" or 40" — same look and ratings in a smaller wall or a tighter budget.
• Napoleon Allure 42" — if you want a known fireplace brand's finish and a linear wall look.
• Modern Ember Uptown insert — if you already have a masonry opening to fill.
• Duraflame 3D infrared stove — the practical heater: it warms the largest area here and gives a freestanding, cottage feel.
• Real Flame Silverton 48" — a furniture-style mantel piece for a room without a built-in.
• TENSAKEE 30" or Allmar wall-mount — small rooms, bedrooms, quick installs.

Skip the LegendFlame 60" — no store currently sells it.