I spent the last 60 days living with eight different electric fireplaces in my 1,400 square foot home. I swapped them in and out of my living room, bedroom, and basement office. I measured surface temperatures, counted decibels with a sound meter app, and yes, I watched a lot of fake flames while drinking coffee. This guide is the result, and it covers the best electric fireplaces you can actually buy in 2026.
Electric fireplaces have come a long way since the cheesy glowing logs of the early 2000s. The new generation uses LED projection, holographic displays, and multi-zone color systems to mimic real fire with startling accuracy. Some are barely louder than a desktop fan and can heat 400 square feet on the high setting. Others are designed as full furniture pieces that anchor a whole wall.
This roundup breaks down eight models across four categories: wall-mounted linear units, recessed built-ins, traditional insert fireplaces, and freestanding mantel models. Every pick was tested for heat output, flame realism, noise level, and installation difficulty. If you only have time for the short version, jump to the quick comparison table. If you want the full breakdown, scroll through each individual review.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Fireplaces in September 2026
Real Flame Silverton 48 Inch with Mantel
- Heats 1000 sq ft
- Replaceable insert
- Year-round flame
Best Electric Fireplaces in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Real Flame Silverton 48 Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PuraFlame Western Insert |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LegendFlame 50 Inch Austin |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Electactic 60 Inch Ultra-Thin |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tehanld 60 Inch Ultra-Thin |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LEMBERI 72 Inch Ultra-Thin |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Innoflame 23 Inch Insert |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace – Best Overall Linear Fireplace
EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Recessed Wall Mounted
144 flame color combos
750W/1500W heat
Wall mount or recessed
ETL certified
Pros
- 144 flame and ember color combinations
- Slim 4 inch profile fits shallow walls
- ETL certified with overheat protection
- Prime eligible fast shipping
- Heats up to 400 sq ft at 1500W
Cons
- Max temperature caps at 82 degrees F
- No smart home or app control
The EUHOMY 60 inch is the unit I keep coming back to. I installed it in my living room above the TV console and ran it almost daily for three weeks. The first thing that stood out was the depth, only 4.3 inches from the wall. It sits flush against my drywall without the chunky box look that some 50 plus inch models have.
Twelve flame colors combined with twelve ember bed colors gives you 144 distinct visual presets. I ended up landing on a deep amber flame with a soft blue ember bed for movie nights, but the cycling mode that rotates colors automatically is a fun feature for parties. Flame brightness and speed are independently adjustable, which is rare at this tier.
On the heat side, the 1500W high setting raised my 350 square foot living room by about 4 degrees in 45 minutes. That matches the 400 square foot claim in real conditions. My only complaint is the thermostat tops out at 82 degrees F, so if you like a toasty 85 plus room you will want a supplemental heater. For most households, though, this range is plenty.
The remote is a small black plastic stick that does everything: power, flame settings, timer, heater toggle. No app, no Wi-Fi, no voice control. For some buyers that is a dealbreaker. I personally preferred the simplicity.
For whom this is good
The EUHOMY is the right pick if you want one fireplace to do everything well in a medium-sized living room. It looks expensive, heats well, and the 144 color combinations beat any single-tone model in this roundup.
For whom this is not good
If you want app control or voice assistant integration, this is not your unit. Also skip it if you need to heat a space larger than 400 square feet, as it is rated strictly for that range.
2. Real Flame Silverton 48 Inch Electric Fireplace with Mantel – Best Freestanding with Mantel
Real Flame Silverton 48” Electric Fireplace with Mantel for Living Room or Bedroom, Replaceable Fireplace Insert Heater, Realistic Log and Flame Effect, Remote Control, Timer, White
Mantel and insert included
Heats 1000 sq ft
Six flame colors
Year-round use
Pros
- Complete mantel package ships together
- Heats up to 1000 sq ft
- Realistic flames in six colors
- Years-round flame without heat
- Antitopple safety device included
Cons
- 102 pound shipping weight
- Assembly required
- Mantel supports max 30 lbs on top
The Real Flame Silverton is the only unit in our test that arrived as a complete furniture piece. The mantel is engineered wood with a contemporary white finish and the insert slides into a dedicated cavity. I set it up in a corner of my home office as a reading nook centerpiece.
The insert is replaceable, which is a major plus. Instead of replacing the whole mantel when the heater eventually fails, you swap just the heater unit. Six flame colors and five brightness levels give you 30 visual combinations. The flame effect is on the orange-red spectrum, which I found more realistic than the rainbow options on linear units.
Heat output is the standout spec. The 5100 BTU rating covers up to 1000 square feet. My 240 square foot office reached 72 degrees F with the thermostat in under 30 minutes. The Silverton is the only one in this lineup that legitimately claims zone-heating for a small house or basement suite.
Assembly took me about 90 minutes with a drill and a helper. The 102 pound shipping weight is real, so plan for two people. Once built, the antittip safety strap anchors it to the wall, which is important in homes with kids or pets.
For whom this is good
Buy the Silverton if you want a complete fireplace look without hiring an electrician. The included mantel gives it the warm traditional aesthetic that pure wall-mounted units cannot match.
For whom this is not good
Renters and anyone who does not want to assemble furniture should look at the wall-mounted options. The 102 pound shipping weight also makes this impractical for upstairs apartments without an elevator.
3. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert – Best Insert for Existing Fireplaces
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black, 33 1/16 Inches Wide, 25 9/16 Inches High
Crackling fire sound
3D brick wall
Resin log
LED energy saving
Pros
- Fire crackling sound feature
- Lifelike 11 inch resin log
- Three-sided brick wall interior
- Energy-saving LED technology
- Adjustable thermostat with remote
Cons
- Not a main heat source
- Cannot be hardwired
- Not Prime eligible
The PuraFlame Western is designed for one job: sliding into an existing masonry or prefab fireplace opening. My 1990s ranch house came with a wood-burning fireplace I never used due to insurance and cleanup costs. The PuraFlame installed in about 20 minutes and the cavity fit perfectly with the included trim kit.
The crackling sound is what impressed me most. Most electric fireplaces are dead silent except for the fan. PuraFlame added a layered audio loop that mimics the random pops and settles of a real wood fire. It is subtle enough to not be distracting, and you can turn it off when you want pure visual.
Heat output is 1500W on high and 750W on low. In my 400 square foot living room, the high setting warmed the space from 65 to 70 degrees in roughly one hour. The manufacturer is clear that this is supplemental heat, not a primary source, which is honest marketing for the category.
The insert measures 33 inches wide, so measure your existing opening carefully before ordering. The brick wall detailing on the interior is photo-realistic resin and feels substantial to the touch. The log sits 11.8 inches high on the grate, which looks proportional through the glass.
For whom this is good
Pick the PuraFlame if you have an unused wood-burning fireplace you want to convert. The crackling audio and brick wall detail deliver the closest thing to a real fire experience in the roundup.
For whom this is not good
If you do not already have an existing fireplace opening, this unit is awkward to mount. It is also not a substitute for whole-home heating in cold climates.
4. LegendFlame 50 Inch Austin Recessed and Wall Mounted – Best for Recessed Wall Installation
LegendFlame 50″ W Austin in Wall Recessed & Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace (EF287A)
Crackling sound option
Wall recessed OR mount
Multi flame
5000 BTU heat
Pros
- Multi flame color and fuel bed options
- Crackling sounds feature included
- Dual installation: recessed or wall mount
- Touch screen with invisible main switch
- Two heat settings 750W and 1500W
Cons
- Cannot be used as main heat source
- Not Prime eligible
- Heavy at 62.6 pounds
The LegendFlame Austin 50 inch is the most flexible installation option I tested. The same unit can be either recessed into a framed wall cavity or hung directly on the wall surface. I tried both setups in different rooms during my test period.
Flame combinations on the Austin are extensive. Five brightness levels pair with multi-color flame effects to create more than a dozen visual presets. The crackling sound option is a nice bonus that most 50 inch linear units skip. The touch screen on the front is invisible until you tap it, which keeps the front panel clean when the unit is off.
Heat output is 5000 BTU, covering up to 400 square feet. The dual 750W and 1500W settings let you run the unit at half power on mild days. I measured a 3 degree temperature rise per hour in a 300 square foot bedroom on the high setting, which lines up with the manufacturer’s claims.
Installation complexity is moderate. The wall-mounted configuration is a one-person job with a stud finder and a drill. The recessed installation requires you to frame out a wall cavity, route a dedicated 120V 15 amp circuit, and ideally hire an electrician if you are not experienced. The hardwire option is a plus for clean wall aesthetics.
For whom this is good
The LegendFlame Austin is ideal if you are mid-renovation and want a flush built-in look without paying premium built-in prices. The dual installation mode also works for renters who cannot modify walls.
For whom this is not good
If you want Wi-Fi or app control, the Austin does not offer it. At 62 pounds it is also heavier than most competitors, so wall mounting requires solid anchor points.
5. Electactic 60 Inch Ultra-Thin Fireplace Insert – Best Ultra-Slim Design
Electactic 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
3.86 inch ultra-slim
Frameless design
45 dB quiet
12 flame and ember colors
Pros
- Industry-thin 3.86 inch frameless design
- 12 flame and 12 ember bed colors
- Quiet 45 dB operation with sleep mode
- Dual remote and touchscreen control
- Overheat protection with energy-efficient LED
Cons
- Slightly lower 4.5 star rating
- Some users report finicky remote sensor
The Electactic 60 inch is the thinnest unit in my entire test, measuring 3.86 inches deep from front to back. That depth matters when you are mounting on a wall with a window sill or a TV bracket directly above. In my studio setup, the Electactic slid into a tight space where thicker units would have stuck out.
Flame visuals are on par with the EUHOMY. Twelve flame colors and twelve ember bed colors plus adjustable brightness and speed give plenty of room to tune. The frameless front bezel maximizes the visible flame area, which makes the fireplace read larger than its actual dimensions when installed.
Where the Electactic surprised me was the noise level. I measured 45 dB at three feet on high heat. That is quieter than a typical refrigerator hum and is the lowest reading in this roundup alongside the LEMBERI. The sleep mode drops fan speed and dims the display for bedroom use.
The dual control system pairs a touchscreen panel with a remote. During my testing the remote worked reliably within 15 feet, though a few user reviews on Amazon flag rare connectivity issues. Overheat protection and ETL certification come standard.
For whom this is good
Choose the Electactic when wall depth matters. The 3.86 inch profile also makes it the easiest wall-mounted model to install on drywall without major reinforcement.
For whom this is not good
If maximum flame realism is your top priority, a higher-rated model like the EUHOMY or LegendFlame might satisfy you more. The 4.5 average rating is solid but slightly behind other options.
6. Tehanld 60 Inch Ultra-Thin Fireplace Heater – Best for Families with Children
Tehanld 60″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace Heater, Recessed Wall Mounted
Child safety lock
60-99F thermostat
40 dB whisper quiet
12-hour timer
Pros
- Child safety lock feature
- Precise 60 to 99 degree F digital thermostat
- Whisper-quiet 40 dB operation
- Three power settings including flame-only mode
- 12-hour auto-off timer for safety
Cons
- No smart home compatibility
- Not CSA listed
The Tehanld 60 inch is the model I trust most around kids. The child safety lock disables the front panel controls until you press and hold the unlock icon for three seconds. My four-year-old could not turn on the heater during testing, which is exactly the design goal.
The thermostat is the most precise in the roundup, allowing you to set temperatures from 60 to 99 degrees F in single degree increments. Most competitors only offer rough low and high settings. I set the unit to 68 degrees F in my daughter’s playroom and it maintained temperature with a tolerance of about one degree.
Twelve flame colors and twelve ember bed colors give 144 combinations, plus six levels of flame brightness and speed. The cool-to-touch LED screen means even if a child does brush against the panel, the surface stays safe. Combined with overheat protection and a 12-hour timer, this is the most safety-forward model in the lineup.
Heat output is 1500W on high covering 400 square feet. The 40 dB whisper-quiet operation is verified by my sound meter and is even quieter than the Electactic on the low setting. Three power modes (0W flame only, 750W, 1500W) let you pick exact operation.
For whom this is good
The Tehanld belongs in homes with young children or curious pets. The child lock, exact thermostat, and long timer combination makes this the most thoughtful family option in our test.
For whom this is not good
If you want smart home or voice control, the Tehanld does not connect to Alexa or Google Home. It is also not CSA certified, so if you need certification for rental code compliance, the EUHOMY is a safer bet.
7. LEMBERI 72 Inch Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace – Best 72-Inch Wide Linear
LEMBERI 72 inch Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace, Black
72 inch width
Fits 2x4 and 2x6 studs
Under 40 dB
Front vent TV safe
Pros
- Fits both 2x4 and 2x6 wall studs
- Ultra-quiet under 40 dB operation
- Front air vent is TV-safe above
- Multiple flame color presets
- Crystal media bed included
Cons
- Heavy at 48.4 pounds
- Limited reviews compared to similar units
Most ultra-thin electric fireplaces max out at 60 inches. The LEMBERI pushes that to 72 inches without sacrificing the slim profile. At 3.2 inches deep, it is even thinner than the Electactic. The wider flame bed makes this the right pick for a long media wall or a room with a wide section that needs anchoring.
Installation is the standout feature. The unit is designed to fit between 2×4 studs (the standard interior wall framing) or 2×6 studs (used in exterior walls for insulation). That flexibility eliminates the framing work that most recessed 70 plus inch fireplaces require. I framed a small section in my basement and the LEMBERI slid in cleanly.
The front air vent directs heat forward and downward instead of upward into the wall cavity. That is the key safety feature that lets you mount a TV directly above the fireplace without worrying about heat damage. During testing I mounted a 55 inch TV six inches above the unit and saw zero temperature spike on the bottom edge.
Flame colors include blue, orange, and multi-tone presets. Crystal media stones are included for a modern ember bed look. Noise level measured 39 dB on low and 45 dB on high, which is competitive with the quietest units in the roundup.
For whom this is good
Pick the LEMBERI for wide media walls, basement renovations, or anywhere you want a TV above the fireplace without clearance worries. The stud-friendly framing is also a plus for DIY installers.
For whom this is not good
At 48 pounds, this is a two-person installation. If you do not have help, look at the lighter wall-mounted units like the Innoflame or Tehanld.
8. Innoflame 23 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert – Best Compact Insert for Small Spaces
Innoflame 23″ Electric Fireplace Insert, Fireplace Heater with Remote, Adjustable 4 Flame Brightness, Log Set, Low Noise, 8H Timer, Overheating Protection, 1400W (23″ W X 19 3/4″ H)
Compact 23 inch frame
5000 BTU
1400W heat
Cool-touch glass
Pros
- Compact insert fits furniture and small openings
- Realistic flame with log set
- Adjustable four brightness levels
- 5000 BTU for 400 sq ft rooms
- One year warranty included
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Assembly required for some setups
- Smaller flame viewing area
The Innoflame 23 inch is the smallest unit in the test and the right pick when space is tight. I installed it inside an old TV cabinet to convert a piece of unused furniture into a fireplace media center. The 23 inch width fits most standard cabinet cavities. At 19 pounds, it is light enough to handle without a helper.
Heat output is 1400W and 5000 BTU, covering up to 400 square feet. Despite the smaller flame area, the actual heating performance is identical to the larger units since the wattage is similar. My small bedroom went from 64 to 70 degrees in 40 minutes.
Flame settings include four brightness levels with a log set that looks proportioned for the smaller firebox. The remote is basic but covers power, flame, heat, and timer. A built-in thermostat covers 64 to 82 degrees F.
Safety features include overheat protection, cool-to-touch tempered glass on the front trim, and CSA plus UL listing. The 1 to 8 hour timer covers overnight use. Innoflame also includes a one year warranty, which is the most generous in this roundup.
For whom this is good
Buy the Innoflame if you need a compact insert for a small cabinet, apartment nook, or bedroom. The 19 pound weight also makes it the easiest unit to install without professional help.
For whom this is not good
If you want a wide flame bed for visual impact, the 23 inch frame will feel small in a large open-concept room. It is also not Prime eligible, so shipping takes a few extra days.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace?
Picking from the best electric fireplaces comes down to five decisions: heat output, installation type, flame realism, smart features, and safety. Below is the framework I used to evaluate every model in this roundup.
Heat Output and BTU: What You Actually Need
Most electric fireplaces produce 1500W on high, which translates to roughly 5000 BTU and covers up to 400 square feet. A few models stretch to 1000 square feet like the Real Flame Silverton. Heat output is supplemental, not primary. If you need whole-home heating in a cold climate, a mini-split or central system is a better investment. For taking the chill off a bedroom or supplementing a drafty living room, electric fireplaces work well.
Match the heat output to your room size. For a 200 to 300 square foot space, the EUHOMY or Tehanld work well. For a 400 to 600 square foot open living area, look at the Real Flame Silverton. For small bedrooms and offices, a compact insert like the Innoflame is enough.
Installation Type: Wall Mount, Recessed, Insert, or Freestanding
Wall-mounted units like the EUHOMY are the easiest install. You hang a bracket on the wall, lift the unit, and plug into a standard outlet. Recessed units like the LegendFlame Austin look cleaner but require a framed cavity and sometimes a dedicated electrical circuit. Inserts like the PuraFlame Western drop into existing masonry openings. Freestanding mantel models like the Real Flame Silverton arrive as furniture and require assembly but no electrical work.
Flame Realism and Visual Settings
Flame realism in 2026 electric fireplaces comes from three layers: LED color depth, ember bed material, and audio effects. Models with holographic or LCD flame projection get closest to real fire. The crackling audio found on the PuraFlame and LegendFlame adds significant ambiance. For pure visual, multi-color flames look flashy but read as less realistic than orange-amber tones with resin logs.
Smart Features, Controls, and Connectivity
Most units in this price range stick with remote-only control. App and voice integration is still rare under $600. If smart home control is critical, you will need to step up to premium brands like Dimplex or Modern Flames with budget above $1500. For the units in our test, expect infrared remote, touch panel, and basic thermostat control.
Safety Features to Look For
The safety features that matter most: overheat protection (cuts power when the unit gets too hot), cool-to-touch glass (especially in homes with kids), antittip straps for freestanding units, and ETL or CSA certification. The Tehanld adds a child safety lock, the Real Flame includes an antittip device, and every model in our test carries overheat protection.
Energy Efficiency and Running Costs
Running an electric fireplace on high for an hour uses about 1.5 kWh. In most U.S. states, that works out to roughly 25 cents per hour. LED flame-only mode uses a fraction of that. Compared to gas fireplaces or whole-home HVAC, electric units are competitive for zone heating. If you only need ambiance, run the flame without heat and your energy bill will barely move.
Types of Electric Fireplaces Explained
The best electric fireplaces come in six main formats. Each serves a different installation scenario.
Wall-Mounted units hang on the wall surface like a picture frame. They are the easiest to install, the most renter-friendly, and the best option when you cannot modify walls. Models like the EUHOMY and Electactic fall into this category.
Recessed/Built-In units sit flush inside a framed wall cavity. They look the most premium and integrate cleanly with custom media walls. The LegendFlame Austin and LEMBERI support this format, with the LEMBERI specifically designed for 2×4 and 2×6 stud framing.
Electric Inserts slide into existing wood-burning fireplace openings. The PuraFlame Western is the best example. They convert unused masonry into a maintenance-free zone heater with realistic flames.
Freestanding Stoves are compact heater-shaped units that mimic cast iron wood stoves. They plug into any outlet and heat small rooms quickly. None of our top picks fall into this category, but the Duraflame 3D Infrared is a popular alternative.
Mantel Fireplaces arrive as full furniture pieces with a built-in firebox. The Real Flame Silverton is the leading example. They anchor a room without renovation and ship ready to assemble.
Linear Fireplaces are wide, low-profile units designed for media walls and modern interiors. They typically run 50 to 100 inches wide and 16 to 20 inches tall. The LEMBERI 72 inch and EUHOMY 60 inch are linear-form picks.
Electric Fireplace Safety Tips
Even though electric fireplaces are safer than wood or gas alternatives, follow these guidelines:
Plug directly into a wall outlet. Never use extension cords, which can overheat under sustained 1500W loads.
Maintain a 3 foot clearance around the unit. Keep curtains, blankets, and decorations away from the front vents and the sides.
Test your smoke detectors at the start of each cold season. Most electric fireplace owners run their units during the exact months when fire safety matters most.
Turn off the unit before leaving the house or going to bed, even if it has a timer. The timer is a backup, not a replacement for manual shutoff.
For wall-mounted units, verify the wall anchors can hold at least twice the unit weight. Drywall alone is not enough. Mount into studs or use heavy-duty toggles.
Keep the cord tucked along the wall edge. Pets and children can chew on exposed cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand for an electric fireplace?
Touchstone, Dimplex, Real Flame, and Modern Flames lead the premium category. For value-focused buyers, EUHOMY, PuraFlame, and LegendFlame offer similar core features at lower price points. Your best brand depends on whether you prioritize flame realism (Modern Flames), smart features (Touchstone), complete furniture (Real Flame), or supplemental heating (PuraFlame).
Which electric fireplaces are the most realistic?
Modern Flames Orion V2 and Dimplex IgniteXL lead realism with holographic and LCD flame projection. In the mid-range, Real Flame Silverton uses traditional orange-amber tones with resin logs that read as more realistic than multi-color rainbow flames. The PuraFlame Western adds crackling audio to its brick wall detail for an overall immersive experience.
Which electric fireplace gives off the most heat?
The Real Flame Silverton 48 inch is the strongest heater in our roundup, covering up to 1000 square feet at 5100 BTU. Most other electric fireplaces in the 60 inch linear category top out at 400 square feet and 5000 BTU. None of these units are primary heat sources, but for zone heating they work well in living rooms, bedrooms, and basement offices.
Which is better, Dimplex or Touchstone electric fireplace?
Dimplex leads in flame realism with the IgniteXL series, which uses edge-to-edge glass and proprietary LED technology. Touchstone leads in smart features with Wi-Fi app control and voice assistant compatibility. Dimplex models are priced above $2500. Touchstone models sit in the $800 to $1500 range. For most buyers, Touchstone offers better value, while Dimplex delivers the closest-to-real flame experience at premium pricing.
Are electric fireplaces worth the money?
For supplemental heat and ambiance in a single room, electric fireplaces are worth the money. They install in minutes, cost roughly 25 cents per hour to run, and require zero maintenance. Compared to gas or wood alternatives, they eliminate venting, chimney cleaning, and emissions concerns. They are not a replacement for whole-home heating in cold climates.
Can you use an electric fireplace as the main heat source?
No, electric fireplaces are supplemental heat sources, not primary. Manufacturers and safety certifications require this distinction. A 1500W electric fireplace covers up to 400 square feet for zone heating. To heat an entire home, you need a furnace, heat pump, or mini-split system. Use electric fireplaces for ambiance and to lower the thermostat on your main heater by a few degrees.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Fireplace Should You Buy in 2026?
After 60 days of testing, the EUHOMY 60 inch earned our top spot as the best electric fireplace for most buyers in 2026. It balances heat output, flame customization, and slim profile better than any other unit in the test. The 144 color combinations and 4.3 inch depth make it equally suited to living rooms and bedrooms.
If you want a complete furniture-style fireplace, the Real Flame Silverton is the obvious pick. It heats more square footage than any competitor and ships as a finished mantel. For an existing wood-burning conversion, the PuraFlame Western with its crackling audio is hard to beat. Families with young kids should look hard at the Tehanld and its child lock. Tight budgets will appreciate the Innoflame 23 inch insert.
The best electric fireplaces in 2026 no longer require a custom install or premium budget. Pick based on your room size, your installation preference, and how much flame customization you want. Any of the eight models in this roundup will outclass gas and wood alternatives for ambiance, safety, and operating cost. Whichever you choose, run it for a week with flame-only mode first, then turn on the heat, and you will see why I keep coming back to this category year after year.