A plug-in electric fireplace uses about 1,500 watts with the heater on, and much less (Dimplex says under 300 W) with only the flame effect. Some large built-in models draw up to about 2,500 W.
- Running watts
- 1,500 WTypical; 300–2,500 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 3 kWh4 h of use, cycling
- Current
- 12.5 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most electric fireplace models draw between 300 and 2,500 W while running; a typical one draws about 1,500 W. Assumes 4 hours with the 1,500 W heater cycling about half the time, as Dimplex assumes; flame-only use is far lower.
- Heater on or off: the flame effect alone uses a small fraction of heater power
- Heater setting: most 120 V plug-in units max out at 1,500 W (about 5,100 BTU of heat)
- Thermostat cycling once the room warms
- Large hardwired or 240 V built-in units can draw more
- LED flame effects draw less than older bulb-based effects
Running an electric fireplace on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 1,500 running watts. A generator rated 2,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 1,500 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 0.6 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 1.1 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 2.3 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 3.4 h |
Based on 750 W average draw (running watts × duty cycle) and 85% usable capacity.
- With the heater on it is a 1,500 W load, the same as a space heater, so it quickly drains portable power stations
- Flame-only mode is light enough for a power station if you only want the ambiance
- On a generator there is no surge, but budget the full 1,500 W running watts
- Electric fireplaces produce no combustion gases, but a generator powering one must stay outdoors because of carbon monoxide
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
How much does an electric fireplace cost to run?
Dimplex estimates about 8 cents an hour with the heater cycling half the time, and about 3 cents an hour for the flame alone, at average rates.
Can I run an electric fireplace without the heat?
Yes. Most models let you run the flame effect alone, which uses only a small fraction of the 1,500 W heater.