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TL;DR - Our top pick: The TURBRO Suburbs TS17 is our starting point for renters who want a freestanding fireplace without drilling, an app, or a built-in surround. Choose a different pick if a remote is essential.
An apartment fireplace should fit your lease and your furniture before it fits a decorating mood board. A wall-mounted unit can look appealing in a listing photo, then become a much bigger project once you account for mounting permission, an accessible outlet, and a future move. For most renters, a small stove-style unit is the simpler decision.
This comparison separates five models by installation and controls, not by the largest advertised room size. We checked US Amazon purchase paths and manufacturer specifications on September 8, 2026. This is an expert-researched selection, not a hands-on heating, noise, or flame-realism test. Prices and availability can change; follow each product link for its current offer.
| Pick | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| TURBRO Suburbs TS17 | A simple, movable apartment setup | Freestanding stove with mechanical controls; no remote |
| Duraflame DFI-5010, bronze | A stove-style centerpiece with a remote | Wider cabinet and flame viewing through side windows |
| Dimplex Sierra SIL48 | A wide fireplace without committing to a wall | Included tabletop feet, plus wall-mount and recessed options |
| Touchstone Sideline 50, 80004 | A permitted, longer-term media-wall installation | App and voice controls alongside a remote |
| R.W.FLAME C3, 50-inch | A shallow wall-mounted unit without app setup | Two heat settings and extensive flame-color controls |
Feature Comparison
| Model | Installation | Rated Heater Input | Controls | Flames Without Heat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TURBRO TS17 | Freestanding stove | 1,400 W | Mechanical thermostat; no remote or timer | Yes |
| Duraflame DFI-5010 | Freestanding stove | 1,500 W | Adjustable thermostat and included remote | Yes |
| Dimplex SIL48 | Tabletop feet included; wall-mount or recess | 1,400 W | Remote, touch controls, timer | Yes |
| Touchstone 80004 | Wall-mount or recess; not a standalone floor unit | 1,500 W | Remote, Wi-Fi app, Alexa/Google compatibility | Yes |
| R.W.FLAME C3 50 | Wall-mount or recess | 750 / 1,500 W | Remote, touchscreen, timer; no Wi-Fi | Yes |
These heaters draw similar maximum power despite very different cabinet widths. A wide flame display does not establish better heating performance. Drafts, ceiling height, insulation, and your desired temperature all affect whether supplemental heat is useful in your room.
1. TURBRO Suburbs TS17
Buy TURBRO Suburbs TS17 on Amazon ->
Image credit: TURBRO.
Key specs: Heater input: 1,400 W; Controls: mechanical thermostat; Cord: 6 feet; Remote/timer: neither included; Flame-only mode: yes.
The TS17 suits a renter who wants the appearance of a little stove and the ability to take it along when moving. There is no wall opening to plan and no wireless setup to maintain. Its straightforward controls are the reason to choose it, rather than a missing feature to overlook.
That simplicity has a practical cost: adjusting it means getting up. If you expect to change the flames or heat from the sofa, move to the Duraflame. Neither the illuminated logs nor an overheat protection feature makes the heater outlet safe to touch; choose its location around required clearances, not just an empty corner.
For a room where you only want an evening glow, try its flame-only setting before adding heat. If you actually want colored room lighting rather than a fireplace-shaped focal point, our color-changing smart bulb comparison covers a different purchase altogether. TURBRO’s specifications are the source for this model’s controls and electrical requirements.
2. Duraflame DFI-5010, Bronze
Buy Duraflame DFI-5010 on Amazon ->
Image credit: Duraflame / Twin Star Home, published by Walker Edison.
Key specs: Heater input: 1,500 W at 120 V; Dimensions: 24 W x 13.07 D x 23.4 H inches; Controls: adjustable thermostat and remote; Display: front and side flame windows.
Choose the bronze DFI-5010 when the fireplace will be visible from several seats and you want to adjust it without leaving the couch. Its wider stove cabinet feels more like a furniture choice than the basic TS17. Measure that footprint with the required safety space included: fitting the cabinet between two chairs is not enough.
The included remote is the useful upgrade here. The side windows and adjustable flame display are aesthetic reasons to pay more, not evidence that it will heat an apartment more effectively. We would not use its advertised coverage figure to justify replacing a landlord-provided heating system.
Skip it if floor space is scarce or a horizontal display is the real goal. The manufacturer’s published product information supplies the cabinet dimensions; the DFI-5010 series manual documents the electrical rating and placement precautions.
3. Dimplex Sierra SIL48
Buy Dimplex Sierra SIL48 on Amazon ->
Image credit: Dimplex.
Key specs: Heater input: 1,400 W at 120 V; Overall dimensions: 49 W x 5.25 D x 19.5 H inches; Installation: included tabletop feet, wall-mount, or recess; Controls: remote and touch controls.
The SIL48 fills a useful gap: a horizontal fireplace that does not require you to start with wall mounting. Its included feet let you consider a suitable, stable furniture surface, subject to the installation instructions and clearances. That makes it the pick for someone who likes the linear look but may move before a built-in project makes sense.
Do not shop for it by the nominal 48-inch name alone. The exact SIL48 specification sheet gives a 49-inch overall width. Measure the supporting surface, its suitability for the unit, and the surrounding free space before ordering. Do not assume a narrow shelf or the top of any existing TV stand will work.
The alternative installation choices are useful flexibility, but they also make this a larger object to accommodate than a small stove. Skip it if your room lacks a safe, wide placement area. This recommendation is for the SIL48, not a similarly named Sierra variant whose dimensions or installation hardware may differ.
4. Touchstone Sideline 50, Model 80004
Buy Touchstone Sideline 50 on Amazon ->
Image credit: Touchstone Home Products.
Key specs: Heater input: 1,500 W at 120 V; Overall dimensions: 50 3/8 W x 5.5 D x 21.5 H inches; Installation: wall-mount or recess; Controls: remote, Wi-Fi app, and supported Alexa/Google voice control.
The Sideline is the conditional choice for a renter with written installation permission or an apartment owner planning a media wall. It offers connected controls and a front-facing heat outlet in a purpose-built linear format. It is not the quick substitute for a freestanding heater that its clean front photo might suggest.
Choose it because you want that installed appearance and will use its connected controls. Do not choose it just to avoid reaching for a switch: the Duraflame and Dimplex already include remotes without requiring this particular installation project. There is no need to add an app to get a fireplace you can operate from the sofa.
Skip it when your lease forbids mounting or the mounting location cannot meet the fireplace and TV manufacturers’ requirements. The 80004 product page provides both overall and rough-opening dimensions; those are different measurements, not interchangeable shopping specifications.
5. R.W.FLAME C3, 50-Inch
Buy R.W.FLAME C3 50-Inch on Amazon ->
Image credit: R.W.FLAME.
Key specs: Heater settings: 750 / 1,500 W at 120 V; Dimensions: 50 W x 3.85 D x 18.1 H inches; Timer: 1-8 hours; Controls: remote and touchscreen; Wi-Fi: no.
The C3 is the wall-installation alternative for buyers who would rather use a remote than configure another connected device. Its shallow body and adjustable flame colors suit a contemporary display, provided you have permission and an appropriate mounting location. The lower heat setting is useful when you do not want full output; it is not a promise of a lower total heating bill.
The important model distinction is C3. Do not assume app features advertised on other R.W.FLAME lines are included here. Likewise, the 50-inch unit’s dimensions cannot be applied to the smaller sizes sharing a product page. Our link and specifications refer to the 50-inch selection.
Skip it if you need a movable floor-standing appliance or included tabletop feet. The manufacturer’s C3 information is the reference for its dimensions, heat settings, timer, and controls. A thinner chassis still needs the specified mounting support and ventilation space.
Before You Buy: Check the Apartment, Not Just the Fireplace
Start with permission and placement. Check the lease and building rules even for a freestanding heater. For mounting or recessing, obtain permission before buying hardware or making holes. Sketch the complete unit plus the manual’s clearances; include curtains, upholstery, walking routes, and the path of the cord.
Use the specified electrical connection. These are substantial electrical loads. Follow the model’s manual, plug portable heaters directly into a suitable wall outlet, and do not use an extension cord or power strip. An inconvenient outlet is a reason to change the location, not improvise a connection. Stop using a unit if its plug, outlet, or cord becomes unusually hot or damaged, and have the issue checked.
Treat heat and ambiance as separate jobs. Flame-only operation can make sense when the apartment is already comfortable. With heat on, keep combustibles away, do not leave the heater operating unattended or while sleeping, and follow the manufacturer’s restrictions. The DFI-5010 manual illustrates why model-specific safety instructions matter.
An electric fireplace is not an air cleaner or a humidity-control appliance. If your separate problem is airborne particles, compare air purifiers and filtration requirements rather than expecting a heater to address it.
Who Should Buy What
- For a straightforward rental setup: Start with the TURBRO TS17 if manual controls are acceptable.
- For a stove appearance and sofa-side adjustments: Choose the Duraflame DFI-5010.
- For a wide display without immediately mounting it: Consider the Dimplex SIL48 and its included feet.
- For a permitted smart media-wall project: Choose the Touchstone 80004 for connected controls.
- For a wall installation without Wi-Fi: Choose the R.W.FLAME C3 50-inch.
FAQ
Which electric fireplace makes the most sense for a renter?
A freestanding model is usually the least involved installation choice, assuming your building permits it and you have a safe location. The TS17 suits simple manual operation; the DFI-5010 adds a remote. Wall-mounted models require a different commitment, and recessed installation should not begin without permission and the correct instructions.
Can these fireplaces show flames without heating the room?
All five offer flame effects independently of the heater. Use the model’s heat-off or flame-only controls rather than assuming that setting the thermostat low has the same effect. Decorative operation does not waive the manufacturer’s installation, ventilation, or operating instructions.
Does a wider electric fireplace produce more heat?
Not necessarily. The heater inputs here top out at 1,400 or 1,500 watts despite large differences in display width. Width is primarily a furniture and appearance decision in this comparison. Published room-coverage claims should not be treated as a guarantee for your insulation, layout, climate, or preferred temperature.
Can I put a TV above an electric fireplace?
Only when the fireplace’s installation instructions, the TV’s requirements, the wall construction, and your lease all allow the proposed arrangement. A front-facing heat vent alone is not approval to place a screen directly above it. Confirm the exact clearances and mounting requirements before buying either the fireplace or a surround.
Bottom Line
For most renters shopping for a fireplace rather than a renovation, the TURBRO Suburbs TS17 is the clearest starting point. Step up for a feature you will actually use: the Duraflame’s remote, the Dimplex’s horizontal tabletop option, or a properly planned wall installation. Buy for the room and the lease you have, not the staged room in the product photo.
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