Is an electric fireplace cheaper to run than a space heater?

They cost exactly the same to run at the same setting. Both are 1,500 W resistance heaters; only the cabinet differs.

Each figure above is that appliance at its own typical use, which is why they differ. The reasons below are what actually settle this comparison — the running cost of the electricity each draws is not the whole story.

Why the running cost does not settle electric fireplace versus space heater

• Every plug-in resistance heater in the US is built to the same 1,500 W ceiling, because a 15-amp 120-volt circuit carries 1,440 W continuously. There is no room for one to be cheaper.
• All resistance heating is essentially 100% efficient at turning electricity into heat, so no design can beat another on running cost at the same wattage.
• The one real difference is the flame effect, which draws under 50 W. Running the visuals without the element costs a few dollars a year.

Both figures use each appliance’s typical wattage and default usage at the U.S. average of 18.34¢ per kilowatt-hour, and exclude fixed charges, taxes and time-of-use rates. Change the wattage, usage or state on either appliance’s own page to compare them on your terms, or read how to check a running-cost figure before trusting any of them.