KAMINIO Marlon PRO 24
A practical electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire) for a cosy focal point.
The Best Budget Electric Fireplaces (UK 2026)
You don't need to spend a lot for a fire that looks good and warms the room - plenty of capable electric fireplaces sit at the value end. Here's what to look for and our top budget picks.
Quick answer
Value brands like NETTA, VonHaus, Warmlite and Warmiehomy offer electric stoves and compact fires that deliver the standard 1kW/2kW output and a decent flame effect for modest money. On a budget, prioritise the flame effect (it's what you'll look at every day) and a thermostat, over extras like app control. Freestanding stoves are usually the best value entry point since there's no fitting cost either.
What to look for
Flame quality varies most at the budget end, so look at video of the model running rather than trusting photographs. Check there are two heat settings and, ideally, a thermostat. A flame-only mode is worth having, letting you run the effect cheaply year-round. Freestanding models avoid installation costs entirely. Read owner feedback on build and noise, as some cheaper fires have an audible fan.
How we pick
We rate budget fires on flame effect for the money, heat performance, build and value. Every pick is a genuine, good-value electric fireplace.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
KAMINIO LUCA
A practical electric fireplace (electric fireplace, 23in wide) for a cosy focal point.
#3 
KAMINIO LENI
A practical electric fireplace (electric stove (log-burner style)) for a cosy focal point.
#4 
VonHaus Electric Stove Heater
A practical electric fireplace (electric stove (log-burner style), 1800W, 38cm wide) for a cosy focal point.
#5 
KAMINIO LIZ
A practical electric fireplace (wall-mounted fire) for a cosy focal point.
#6 
TRUFLAME Curved Black Glass
A practical electric fireplace (wall-mounted fire) for a cosy focal point.
#7 
INMOZATA Electric Fire 102cm
A practical electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire, 900W, 102cm wide) for a cosy focal point.
#8 
FLAMEKO Dilton
A practical electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire, 900W, 36in wide) for a cosy focal point.
Frequently asked questions
Are cheap electric fireplaces any good?
A well-chosen budget fire heats just as effectively as an expensive one - the 2kW element is much the same. Where you notice the price is flame realism, build quality and finish. Budget models can look artificial up close and may have a more audible fan. For a stove in a bedroom or a secondary room, they're excellent value; for a large focal point you'll stare at nightly, spending more pays off.
What is the cheapest type of electric fireplace?
Freestanding electric stoves are typically the best-value way in, partly because the units themselves are affordable and partly because there's no installation cost - no recess to build, no wall fixing, no electrician. Compact wall-mounted fires are the next step up. Inset media wall fires and complete suites sit at the higher end, both for the unit and the fitting.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the KAMINIO Marlon PRO 24 (our score 9.6/10) - A practical electric fireplace (inset / media wall fire) for a cosy focal point..