Linear Electric Fireplaces

A linear electric fireplace is a wide, low electric firebox that recesses into a wall or hangs on it, and because nothing burns, it needs power and nothing else: no vent, flue or gas line. This collection spans recessed and wall-mounted models, outdoor-rated designs, and see-through and three-sided formats.

Authorized Dealer • Full Warranties • Free US Shipping

A Linear Electric Fireplace Needs Power and Nothing Else

A linear electric fireplace is a wide, low firebox that recesses into a wall or hangs on it. Nothing burns inside it, so there is no flue to plan, no gas line to run and no vent to route, and most models plug into a standard outlet. That is why these units end up in media walls, finished basements, condos and rentals, where a linear gas fireplace would mean opening the wall for a vent run.

A 2x4 Wall Usually Means a Partial Recess

Depth decides the install, and it is the number most often skipped. A 2x4 stud bay gives about 3.5 inches of depth and a 2x6 gives about 5.5 inches. Most units here are deeper than a 2x4 bay, so a 2x4 claim usually means a partial recess, with a trim kit that lets the unit sit slightly proud of the drywall. Dimplex, for example, says the IgniteXL fully recesses in 2x6 construction and partially recesses in a 2x4 wall with optional trim. Touchstone does it with a separate part: the Sideline Elite Pro spacer kit mounts that fireplace into 2x4 framing without deepening the wall, and on a wall-mounted install the same kit covers the bare sides of the firebox.

A few are slim enough to sit flush. The SimpliFire Allusion Slim needs a framed opening 4 inches deep, which a 2x4 stud with half-inch drywall gives you. Read the framing dimensions on the product page before the wall goes up, not after.

LED Flame or Virtual Flame: How the Fire Is Made

Two technologies are in play, and they look different in the room. An LED flame effect builds a flame out of light, so the motion is cleaner and more regular than fire, and it cycles. A virtual flame plays a recorded video of a real fire on a display, so the motion is irregular and the shape never quite repeats. Most of this range is LED. Compare them on video with the flame set to plain orange. A still photo flatters both, and the multi-color settings tell you nothing, since both technologies offer them.

The Heat Is Supplemental and Fan-Forced

Most plug-in models draw about 1,500 watts on a 120V outlet, which is close to 5,000 BTU. Models that can be hardwired to 240V give more, up to about twice as much depending on the model. Either way it is supplemental heat for one room, and it works by fan-forced convection, warming the air rather than radiating at you. That matters outdoors, where warmed air blows away. An outdoor-rated model earns its place on the flame, and the warmth people feel on a patio comes from overhead patio heaters, which use infrared and keep working in a breeze.

Single-Sided, See-Through or Three-Sided

Most of these finish flush in a single wall. See-through models pass through the wall and show the same flame in two rooms, and three-sided models turn a corner or finish a peninsula. Each needs a different rough opening, so decide at framing, not at delivery. Going under a TV? Choose a fireplace at least as wide as the screen, and see our fireplaces to install under a TV for the clearance rules.

Explore Related Electric Fireplace Styles

Looking for something else? Browse related collections:

Electric Fireplaces to compare every electric style, linear or not
Large Electric Fireplaces for models 60 inches and wider
Built-in Electric Fireplaces, including traditional fireboxes
Electric Fireplace Inserts if you are filling an existing masonry opening
Outdoor Electric Fireplaces for covered patios and porches
Linear Fireplaces to compare the linear format across electric, gas, ethanol and water vapor

Frequently Asked Questions about Linear Electric Fireplaces

What is a linear electric fireplace?

It is a wide, low electric firebox built to sit in a wall or hang on it, rather than stand in a hearth. Nothing burns inside it. The flame is made from light, either an LED effect or a recorded video of real fire, and the heat comes from a separate fan-forced heater. On most models the heater runs independently, so you can run the flame in July with the heat off.

Can a linear electric fireplace be recessed into a 2x4 wall?

Often, but usually as a partial recess rather than a flush one. A 2x4 stud bay gives about 3.5 inches of depth and a 2x6 about 5.5 inches, and most models are deeper than a 2x4 bay. The usual answer is a trim kit that lets the unit sit slightly proud of the drywall. Dimplex, for example, says the IgniteXL fully recesses in 2x6 construction and partially recesses in a 2x4 wall with optional trim, and Touchstone sells a spacer kit that mounts the Sideline Elite Pro into 2x4 framing. A few slim models do sit flush in a 2x4 wall, so check the framing dimensions before the wall goes up.

Do linear electric fireplaces need venting or a gas line?

No. Nothing burns, so there is nothing to vent: no flue, no chimney, no vent run and no gas line. Most models plug into a standard outlet, and some must be hardwired, so check the product page for the one you want. That is why these units end up in interior walls, basements, condos and rentals where a gas fireplace was never an option.

How much heat does a linear electric fireplace put out?

Most draw about 1,500 watts on a 120V outlet, which is close to 5,000 BTU. Models that can be hardwired to 240V give more, up to about twice as much depending on the model. The Dimplex IgniteXL, for example, goes from 1,500 watts on 120V to 2,500 watts on 240V. Either way it is supplemental heat for one room. It warms the air with a fan rather than radiating heat the way an infrared patio heater does.

What is the difference between an LED flame effect and a virtual flame?

An LED flame effect builds a flame pattern out of light, so the motion is cleaner and more regular than real fire and it repeats on a cycle. A virtual flame plays a recorded video of an actual fire on a display, so the motion is irregular and the shape never quite repeats. Most of this collection uses an LED flame effect. Judge the difference on video with the flame set to ordinary orange, because a still photo flatters both and the color settings tell you nothing either way.

Can a linear electric fireplace be installed outdoors?

Many of these models are rated for it, but the requirements differ by model, so read the manual for yours. Amantii allows outdoor installation of the Panorama XT only in areas protected from water, while SimpliFire says the Forum does not need to be covered and calls for a GFCI-protected circuit. Be realistic about heat: an electric fireplace warms the air, and outdoors that air drifts off in any breeze. Buy it for the flame, and add overhead patio heaters if you want people to feel warm.