Outdoor Electric Fireplaces

Outdoor electric fireplaces bring a realistic flame, and on most models a heater, to a covered patio, porch or outdoor kitchen, with no gas line or chimney. Each one is rated by its maker for protected outdoor use, and the conditions differ by model. This collection spans single-sided and three-sided models, with and without heat.

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What Is an Outdoor Electric Fireplace?

An outdoor electric fireplace brings the look of real flame, and often supplemental heat, to a patio, porch or other outdoor living space, without a chimney, gas line or open flame. Every model here is rated by its manufacturer for outdoor use in a protected space, such as under a roof or a deep overhang. None is rated for full exposure to rain, so check the product page and manual for the exact conditions before you plan the wall.

Weatherproof Means Protected, Not Exposed

Outdoor-rated electric fireplaces are built to handle damp air and the odd splash, not a downpour. SimpliFire says its Forum "will shed moderate amounts of water, but is not waterproof," and must be enclosed with every joint sealed. The Scion and Triton are UL approved outdoors when protected from direct water, and the Triton calls for a roof overhang of at least 12 inches. Touchstone places its Sideline Outdoor 50 under a covered porch, patio roof or pergola. Both brands call for a GFCI-protected circuit. And keep the fireplace out of direct sun: an electric flame is made of light, and it looks washed out in bright daylight.

With Heat or Ambiance-Only

Most models in this collection include a heater, but a few are ambiance-only with no heat output at all, such as the Touchstone Sideline Outdoor 50 and the SimpliFire Forum. Those suit a spot where you want the flame without the warmth, or a TV mounted close above. Every heated model also runs the flame with the heater off, so the fireplace stays useful in summer.

Single-Sided or Multi-Sided Viewing

Most fireplaces here are single-sided, designed to be viewed from one side against a wall. Several offer three-sided viewing instead, for an outdoor kitchen island, a half wall or a fireplace that divides two seating areas. See all 3-sided electric fireplaces.

Heat Output and Room Coverage

Most heated models draw about 1,500 watts on a 120V circuit, which is close to 5,000 BTU, and some roughly double that when hardwired to 240V. Be realistic about what that does outside. The heater is fan-forced: it warms the air in front of the unit, and outdoors that air drifts off in any breeze. An outdoor electric fireplace takes the chill off on a calm evening under a roof, but it is bought for the flame. For warmth people actually feel across a seating area, add overhead patio heaters, which use infrared and keep working in the wind. Indoors, the electric fireplaces with powerful heaters are the ones to compare on output.

Installation

Most units here are built-ins that recess into a framed wall or chase, and many can also hang on the wall surface. A built-in does not automatically mean hardwiring: many ship with a cord or plug kit, and others are hardwire-only or need hardwiring for 240V heat, so check the product page for yours. Outdoors, plan a GFCI-protected outlet or circuit, follow the manual for sealing the opening and draining any water that gets in, and confirm the clearances before you frame. Tight on wall depth? See our recessed electric fireplaces for 2x4 walls.

Explore Related Fireplace Styles

Not sure an outdoor electric fireplace is the right fit? Our Best Outdoor Electric Fireplaces guide compares our top picks. Otherwise, browse our full range of fireplace styles:

Outdoor Fireplaces to compare electric with gas and wood
Built-in Electric Fireplaces for indoor and permanent installations
Plug-in Electric Fireplaces for retrofit-friendly options
Electric Fireplace Inserts if you are converting an existing fireplace opening
Or return to our full Electric Fireplaces collection to compare every style

Frequently Asked Questions about Outdoor Electric Fireplaces

Can an electric fireplace be used outside?

Yes, if it is rated for outdoor use, and only in the conditions its manual sets out. A standard indoor electric fireplace is not built for outdoor moisture. Every model here is rated by its manufacturer for protected outdoor use, which means under a roof or deep overhang and out of direct rain. None is rated for full exposure, so read the requirements for the model you choose.

What are the different types of outdoor electric fireplaces?

This collection spans single-sided models (viewed from one side, mounted against a wall) and 3-sided models (viewable from multiple angles, good for an open or divided space), plus both heated units and ambiance-only models with no heater at all.

Do outdoor electric fireplaces use a lot of electricity?

Not much. The flame effect is LED lighting and draws little power on its own. The heater is the big draw, typically about 1,500 watts on a 120V circuit, and you can switch it off and run the flame by itself.

Is an electric fireplace the same as an electric fire pit?

No, they're different product categories. An electric fireplace is typically wall-mounted or built into a structure with a defined viewing frame, while an electric fire pit is usually a freestanding or tabletop unit designed to sit in open patio space. This collection is fireplaces specifically.

Can an outdoor electric fireplace put out real heat?

It puts out the same heat it would indoors, usually about 5,000 BTU on 120V and up to roughly double on 240V for models that support it. Outdoors, though, that heat is fan-forced warm air, and a breeze carries it away. Expect it to take the chill off for the people sitting right in front of it on a calm evening under a roof. For real warmth across a patio, pair it with overhead infrared patio heaters.

Does an outdoor electric fireplace need to be covered?

Yes, for every model here. Each is rated for protected outdoor use, such as a roofed patio, porch or covered pergola, rather than open exposure. Requirements vary: the SimpliFire Triton, for example, calls for a roof overhang of at least 12 inches. Check the product page and manual for your model.