If you’ve looked into electric fireplaces, you’ve likely come across “infrared heaters.” What exactly does that mean? How do they differ from standard models, and would an infrared fireplace be the right choice for your home?
Curious about overall heating strategies? Learn from our guide to zone heating.
What Is Infrared Heating, Anyway?
Infrared heating (a lot of folks call it radiant heat) works a bit differently. Rather than blowing warm air into the room, it sends warmth directly to objects you’re near — furniture, rugs, you — just like sunlight does. That tends to feel more gentle and even than a hot air fan.
Infrared vs. Fan-Forced: What Sets Them Apart?
- A fan-forced fireplace pushes heated air out with the help of a blower. It does the job well for compact areas, but the warmth can feel concentrated in certain spots rather than spread evenly.
- Infrared fireplaces work differently — instead of blowing hot air, they radiate heat into the room itself. The result is a softer, more even warmth that feels natural and steady. That’s also why infrared units are often recommended for larger spaces, sometimes warming up to about 1,000 square feet, while fan-driven heaters are better suited for smaller rooms.
Is Infrared Expensive to Run?
Actually, not as much as you might think. Depending on the model, it often costs less per hour to run than gas options. Infrared units tend to be quieter, too. No whooshing fan sounds, and many are cool to the touch, which is a plus for families with kids or pets.
Smart Heating:
Zone Heating & Flexibility
One of the biggest perks of infrared electric fireplaces is how well they do zone heating. Rather than cranking up central heat for the whole house, you can warm just the rooms you're using. Some units are movable or plugged in, others built-in or part of media cabinets. In many Soothing Company models, you can also switch off the heat and use just the flame effects when you want ambiance without warmth.
For realistic visuals, read what gives electric fireplaces that real fire feel.
Infrared Picks from Soothing Company
Here are a few electric fireplaces on Soothing Company that use infrared or infrared quartz heating and give you stylish, realistic flame effects, along with flexible performance options:
- Merced Grand Electric Fireplace — An impressive statement piece with infrared quartz heating, LED lighting, multiple flame colors, and a thermostat that turns off when the room reaches your set temp. Great for large spaces (up to ~1,000 sq ft).
- Sierra Flame 26" WiFi-Enabled Smart Freestanding Fireplace — If you want both style and flexibility, this one delivers. It has a visible flame window from multiple angles, WiFi control, flame & heat settings you can tweak, and ambient lighting in many colors.
- Château Electric Fireplace — Traditional yet refined. Comes in finishes like walnut or white, with infrared heating, multiple flame & brightness settings, and design details that let it blend into classic or modern interiors.
Things to Think Through Before Buying
Here are a few tips from real experience to help make sure your infrared fireplace hits the sweet spot:
- Think about how big the room is and how much warmth you need. If you go undersized, you’ll still feel that cold patch between usage.
- Control matters. Models that let you adjust flame brightness, heat, color, and even turn off the heat are more versatile.
- Consider safety features — auto shut-off, cool surfaces, and reliable wiring.
- Don’t forget style. Whether it’s a wall fireplace or freestanding unit, you’ll want one that fits your decor and feels like it belongs.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fireplace that’s both efficient and inviting, an infrared electric fireplace is hard to beat. These models deliver steady, comfortable warmth while still offering plenty of style options to match your home.
At The Soothing Company, you’ll find a curated selection of infrared fireplaces designed to balance performance with beautiful design. Take a moment to browse the collection, compare features, and explore different flame effects — you’re sure to find a model that fits your space and your style.
Thinking about styling too? Explore our guide to modern wall fireplaces.