With energy prices rising, you're not the only one looking for alternative ways to heat your home.

Electric fireplaces look great and are ideal if you only need a room warming up and don’t want to switch on your entire central heating system. But the last thing you want is to end up spending more! So, you’re looking for the most economical electric fire that won't break the bank to buy or run. Excellent decision. 

Knowing where to start can be challenging, with so many to choose from. You're not alone if you're in the market for a new electric fireplace but feel overwhelmed about the cost. 

But don't let that put you off! We're here to help. An efficient electric fireplace can add warmth, ambience, and value to your home. So, we've got some tips to help you pick the most economical electric fire. 

This post will look at the different types of budget-friendly electric fires, the factors that impact the cost, and, most importantly, how to get the most value for your money. What's more, we've also listed some electric fires you can get for less than £400 with minimal installation costs to help you get started without breaking the bank. 

So, sit back, relax, grab a cuppa and let's explore all the details of choosing the most economical electric fire together. 

The most economical electric fire types

When it comes to electric fireplaces, there's a design and style available for everyone. Whether you see an electric fire as a useful source of heat or an artistic statement feature in your home, you'll find something that floats your boat.

Like any product, each type of electric fire has its pros and cons. So, before you choose, it's worth knowing what you need, want, and can't live with.

These electric fireplace styles work particularly well if you're on a tight budget:

Wall mounted

Celsi Flamonik Rapture Wall Mounted Electric Fire

Celsi Flamonik Rapture Wall Mounted Electric Fire

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These fireplaces are great budget options. Anyone with some DIY knowledge could put them up in less than ten minutes. That's because all you need to install is a drill, screws, and basic know-how.

They're usually sleek and modern, and you can hang them on pretty much any wall in the house. (We advise using the correct wall plugs if you're putting one on a plasterboard wall).

Freestanding

Suncrest Stockeld 42" Electric Fireplace Suite

Suncrest Stockeld 42" Electric Fireplace Suite

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We've got you covered if you want something cheap and easy. Freestanding fireplaces will be ideal for you. They're great for anybody who wants to plug their fire in, switch it on and forget about it. With no need to install any fixings, you can also move them around in your home if you want.

If you're renting, and your landlord has said that making holes in the wall is a big no-no, this type of fireplace is a great choice. Just set it up and take it with you if you decide to move without risking a single penny of your deposit.

Inset

Flare Bayden 16 Inch Inset Electric Fire

Flare Bayden 16 Inch Inset Electric Fire

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If you'd like to avoid the work involved with installing a wood burner, an inset fire can be the next best thing. These fires are designed to be inserted into an existing fireplace. They're ideal if you have a chimney breast with a fire surround or a hole in the wall where the old open fire used to be. What's more, they're typically the least expensive option.

You will need to buy a surround, backplate and hearth if you don’t have them, but there are plenty of decent affordable choices. So, if you're looking for an overall budget-friendly fire with the option to customise the final look, this could be the one for you.

What factors affect the cost of buying and running an electric fire?

Before you buy an electric fire, it's worth understanding the factors that affect the overall cost of purchasing and running them.

Knowing what contributes to your spending can help you make a more informed decision and ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Size

measuring tape on yellow background

The size of the fire has one of the most significant impacts on the cost. Like almost anything, the more you get, the more you'll pay. The more features, size, and heat output you get, the more you'll pay for the appliance and the electricity required to run it.

It's essential to consider the size of the space when choosing the most economical electric fire for your home. Avoid getting something massive for a small room – it'll cost you more than you need. On the other hand, if you want to use the fire to heat a large room, too small could be a waste of money.

Features

Alexa, Smart speaker and virtual assistant from Amazon company connected to smartphone app. Wooden background.

Gone are the days of electric fireplaces with one button or switch and maybe a dial to control the heat levels, if lucky. While there are many options to choose from if you like simple and easy, there are also multiple fires with flashy features.

As you can imagine, features like remote control, smart control, multiple flame settings, and multiple colour settings will typically cost more – and they’ll all add up.

That being said, it's often worth splurging on some features to save money in the future. Let's say you can use your phone to control your fire. In that case, you won't waste any money on electricity if you head out and forget to turn it off – open the app and flip the switch from wherever you are.

Installation

Finishing the fireplace. Putting plaster.

It's important to factor in the installation cost before choosing the most economical electric fire for your home. While some electric fires are available at a great price, they might require a tricky installation - and this doesn't usually come cheap.

If saving money is your main aim, it's worth going for a budget-friendly fire that doesn't cost a lot to install. Freestanding and wall-mounted are your best friends!

The most economical electric fires under £400 – our top picks

Ready to shop for the most economical electric fire for you? Here are some of our best budget-friendly fires that we think you’ll love. Not only are they all under £400*, but they’re also simple, easy, and cheap to install.

*Prices correct as of 01/02/2023.

The Axon Modern Helios Inset Electric Fire is best for a tight budget

Modern Helios Electric Fire

Modern Helios Electric Fire

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Simple, easy, and fuss-free. At under £150, you can’t go wrong with this fire if you’re on a tight budget. It is designed to fit snugly into an existing fireplace. It might not connect to your phone or change colours, but it looks seriously sleek with its elegant chrome frame.

What’s more, you get a lot of value for your money with up to 2kW heat output and a stunning glow that gives off a realistic flame look.

The Dimplex Bach Electric Wall Fire is best for style without breaking the bank

Dimplex Bach Electric Wall Fire

Dimplex Bach Electric Wall Fire

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For under £350, this simple, contemporary fire from Dimplex is a brilliant choice. It's manufactured by a brand you can really trust – especially when it comes to energy efficiency. It features the market-leading, stunning Optiflame effect. Plus, it boasts one of the quietest fan heaters around, so you won't have to worry about not being able to hear the TV over it.

And, with the option for a wall-hanging or a hole-in-the-wall installation, you have plenty of design choices. It gives off 1-2kW of heat, so while it might not be enough to heat the entire house, it’ll keep your feet warm while watching Netflix.

The Suncrest Bowburn 37” Electric Fireplace Suite is best for everything you need in one buy

Suncrest Bowburn 37" Electric Fireplace Suite

Suncrest Bowburn 37" Electric Fireplace Suite

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Fireplace suites are an excellent choice if you want everything in one buy, without the hassle of shopping for a separate fire surround, backplate or hearth. And this fantastic piece from Suncrest comes in at under £400, making it the perfect choice for those on a budget.

You can set this elegant, modern fire up in any room in no time. The surround is a sleek Sandstone effect, while the Natural Oak shelf adds a touch of homeliness and is the perfect place to display candles and home décor.

This will do the trick if you don't have an existing fireplace but want to create one. All you need to do is place it where you want it and plug it in – it's that easy!

It offers a warming 2kW of heat to keep the room toasty and the option to turn on the flame effect alone if you want the ambience without the heat. For that price, what more could you want?

The Flare Quattro Wall Mounted Electric Fire is best for energy efficiency and modern features

Flare Quattro Wall Mounted Electric Fire

Flare Quattro Wall Mounted Electric Fire

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With a compact design perfect for a smaller living space, this slick, contemporary wall-mounted electric fire isn't just an attractive feature – it's also available for less than £400.

All you need to do is hang it on the wall using the provided fixings, plug it in, and you're good to go.

You get a decent set of features for the price, too. Adjustable ambient backlighting gives you all the control over the mood in your home – and there’s a remote control so that you can do it all from the sofa. What’s more, it uses the latest LED technology to emulate the effect of a natural flame, so you’ll use less energy compared to other models. We call that a winner.

Let your hunt for the most economical electric fire end right here. At Direct Fireplaces, we've got a massive range of budget-friendly, energy-efficient electric fires. We're sure you'll find the one that'll add the perfect ambience and just the right amount of warmth to your home at the right price.

From wall-mounted to freestanding, inset to suites, find the right fire for you here.

What's more, to make your life even easier, we offer a range of finance options, free no-hassle 14-day returns, and free delivery anywhere on the UK mainland.

Ask us anything! Our friendly team is always happy to help if you have questions or need advice. Contact us at 0161 376 4181 or email [email protected].

Our friends at Direct Heating Services can help if you need installation services. Their friendly, experienced team of professionals make the job look easy. Contact them at 07469 792452 and book your professional installation today. 

Find the perfect electric fire for you at Direct Fireplaces now

For more fireplace buying guides, advice and information, read the Direct Fireplaces blog

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Fireplace | How Do You Install a Wall-Mounted Electric Fire? Which Electric Fireplace Gives the Most Heat? 

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Joanna Humphreys

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