If you are shopping for an electric fireplace, you have likely noticed a confusing mix of numbers. Some boxes say 1,500 Watts. Others promise 5,000 BTUs. Smaller units might list 750W or 1,000W.
Are these different power levels? Is one significantly hotter than the other? Or are they just different ways of saying the same thing?
This guide translates the technical jargon into plain English, comparing 1000W, 1500W, and 5000 BTU ratings so you know exactly how much heat you are actually buying.
Before comparing models, you need to know the golden rule of electric heating:
1 Watt ≈ 3.41 BTUs of Heat
This conversion is constant. It doesn't matter if the fireplace costs $200 or $2,000—if it uses 1,500 Watts of electricity, it produces roughly 5,115 BTUs of heat.
What it means: This is the maximum power draw allowed on a standard 120V household outlet (leaving a safety margin).
Heat Output: ~5,100 BTUs.
Almost every plug-in electric fireplace sold in North America is a 1,500W unit.
Whether it’s a wall-mount, an insert, or a stove, they are capped at this level to ensure you can plug them in without blowing a fuse.
Stylish Fireplaces explains that because a standard circuit is 15 Amps, manufacturers limit fireplaces to around 12.5 Amps (1500W) to be safe for continuous use.
Featured: Napoleon Entice Series. A classic 1,500W unit that delivers the industry-standard max heat for plug-in models.
What it means: It is simply the heat output of a 1,500 Watt heater.
When you see "5,000 BTU" on a box, do not assume it is a special category. It is identical to a 1,500W unit.
Marketing teams often use "BTUs" because it sounds like a gas fireplace rating, but for electrics, 1500W = 5000 BTU.
Smart Tech, Same Heat: Even advanced units like the Litedeer Latitude II, which features Wi-Fi and app control, still adhere to this 5,000 BTU limit because they run on standard 120V plugs.
What it means: Lower energy consumption for mild days.
Heat Output: ~2,500 – 3,400 BTUs.
You will rarely find a high-quality fireplace that is only 1000W.
Instead, most 1500W fireplaces have a "Low Heat" setting that runs at 750W or 1000W.
This is ideal for:
According to EcoFlow’s energy guide, running a heater at 1,500W costs roughly $0.20–$0.25 per hour, whereas running it at 750W cuts that cost in half.
If 1,500 Watts (5,000 BTUs) is the limit for standard plugs, how do you get more heat?
Answer: Hardwiring to 240 Volts.
Some premium built-in models, like the Dimplex IgniteXL Bold, can be connected to a 240V circuit (like an electric dryer). This unlocks:
Featured: Dimplex IgniteXL Bold. One of the few units that breaks the 5,000 BTU barrier by using higher voltage.
Sometimes a 1,500W fireplace feels hotter than another 1,500W unit. This is due to the delivery method.
Direct Fireplaces notes that while both use the same wattage, infrared heaters are often more efficient for drafty rooms or high ceilings because the heat isn't blown away by air currents.
Use this table to match the numbers to your room size. (Estimates based on Starfire Direct’s sizing guide).
| Setting | Watts | BTUs | Max Sq. Ft. | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low Heat | 750W - 1000W | 2,500 - 3,400 | 150 - 250 | Bedrooms, Offices |
| Standard (Plug-In) | 1,500W | 5,100 | 400 - 500 | Living Rooms, Apts |
| High Heat (240V) | 2,500W | 8,500 | 1,000+ | Great Rooms, Basements |
Tell us your room size, and we’ll tell you exactly how many BTUs you need.
📩 support@pureflameco.com
📞 +1-833-922-6460
{"one"=>"Select 2 or 3 items to compare", "other"=>"{{ count }} of 3 items selected"}
Leave a comment