Technology is constantly evolving, and each year brings improvements across all devices. Whether it's a new Android or Apple phone, updated models come with enhanced features and cutting-edge advancements. However, the phone in your pocket isn’t outdated overnight. Even if you’ve had it for a few years, it’s still relevant and capable—it just might not have the latest extras and enhancements.

The same can be said for electric fireplaces. As new products are released, you’ll notice updated features and advancements in technology. With the electric fireplaces available today, you really can’t go wrong. It’s simply a matter of choosing between good, better, and best.


Key Takeaways:

Good: Vibrance

Better: Aerus, Aerus Slim

Best: Highmark


 

About Modern Ember

Modern Ember brings nearly 20 years of expertise to the world of electric fireplace design and technology. With a focus on contemporary home décor and efficient heating solutions, their fireplaces offer an affordable blend of luxury and warmth that can enhance any space.

Why choose a Modern Ember electric fireplace?

Ambiance & Heat for Any Room

  • Enjoy an instant fire experience without the hassle of messy prep work or ongoing maintenance.
  • Create the cheery vibe that a fire offers at the touch of a button.
  • Heat specific rooms or areas as needed (called zone or supplemental heating) for a lower heating bill and warmth where and when you need it.
  • Get soothing flames and ambiance without heat – perfect for year-round use!

Learn More about Zone Heating

 

Energy Efficient & Zero Emissions

  • Provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating methods.
  • Power with electricity and doesn’t rely on carbon-based fuels.
  • Create zero emissions.
  • Use only about 110 watts when operating.

Learn More about Zero Emission Electric Fireplaces

 

Cool to the Touch Glass

  • Design with safety in mind with cool-to-the-touch glass fronts.
  • Make your home safe for children and pets.

Learn More about Electric Fireplace Safety

 

Cost Effective

  • Spend half as much as traditional gas or wood installations.
  • Install yourself with plug-and-play functionality, requiring little to no skill.

 

Cozy living room with linear electric fireplace and mantel with TV overhead.

Good, Better, Best of Modern Ember Electric Fireplaces

Feature 

Vibrance 

Aerus 

Highmark 

Installation Options 

Fully recessed or surface mounted 

Fully recessed or surface mounted 

Fully recessed or surface mounted 

Design 

Modern linear design 

Sleek, contemporary linear design 

Various styles: traditional built-in and sleek linear design 

Control Options 

Wi-Fi app, voice control (Alexa/Google), remote 

Wi-Fi app, voice control (Alexa/Google), remote 

Wi-Fi app, voice control (Alexa/Google), remote 

Thermostat Range 

68° – 88° (2° increments) 

68° – 88° (2° increments) 

68° – 88° (2° increments) 

Flame Colors 

10  flame colors 

5 flame colors 

10 flame colors 

Ember Bed Colors 

10 ember bed colors 

10 ember bed colors 

10 ember bed colors 

Flame Speed & Brightness 

3 speeds, adjustable brightness 

3 speeds, adjustable brightness 

5 flame speeds, adjustable brightness 

Media Included 

Driftwood log set & crystal embers 

Driftwood logs & crystal embers 

Driftwood logs, smoke, and clear crystals 

Heat Output 

Heats up to 400 sq. ft. 

Heats up to 400 sq. ft. 

Heats up to 400 sq. ft. 

Smart Features 

Voice & app control 

Voice & app control 

Voice & app control 

Wiring Options 

Plug-in or hardwired 

Plug-in or hardwired 

Plug-in or hardwired 

Unique Feature 

Crackling sound effects for enhanced ambiance 

Affordable yet feature-rich smart functionality 

Concealed heater vents for a streamlined design 

 

Linear electric fireplace in a large stone surround covering the whole wall.

GOOD: Vibrance Smart Linear  

Experience modern design and smart technology with the Vibrance Smart Linear electric fireplace, offering flexible installation and premium features for year-round enjoyment. 

Features & Benefits: 

  • Fully recessed or surface-mounted installation 
  • Modern linear design with customizable LED flames 
  • App and voice control via Alexa or Google 
  • Adjustable heat settings (68° – 88°) with thermostatic control 
  • Includes driftwood molded log set & crystal embers 
  • Realistic flame effects with 10 color options, 3 speeds, and crackling sound 
  • Can heat up to 400 sq. ft. or function without heat for ambiance 
  • Available in 42”, 50”, 60”, and 72” 

Explore Moder Ember Vibrance

 

Small linear electric fireplace in a kitchen setting.

BETTER: Aerus, Aerus Slim 

The Aerus and Aerus Slim Smart Linear electric fireplaces combine modern elegance and advanced functionality, making them a perfect addition to any home.  

The Aerus Slim features a narrower profile so you can recess it fully into a 2 x 4 stud wall. Or for wall mounted applications, the slimmer depth only comes off the wall just over 4 inches. 

Features & Benefits: 

  • Install on the wall or recessed into a framed wall 
  • Sleek, contemporary design with customizable LED-lit flames 
  • Year-round use with heat on or off 
  • Adjustable thermostatic heater (68° – 88°) 
  • Smart control via app, voice commands (Alexa/Google), or remote 
  • Five flame brightness levels and multiple flame and ember bed colors 
  • Heats up to 400 sq. ft. 
  • Plug into a 120V outlet or hardwire for a custom installation 
  • Aerus is available in 42”, 50”, 60”, 72”. 
  • Aerus Slim is available in 36”, 42”, 50”, 60”, and 72”

Explore Aerus & Aerus Slim

 

Large living room with cozy electric fireplace in a grand floor to ceiling design.

BEST: Highmark Linear, Highmark Traditional Built-In 

The Highmark offers a luxurious design with smart functionality, providing both visual appeal and efficient heating. It features concealed heater vents, customizable flame and ember bed settings, and can be controlled via an app, remote, or voice commands (Alexa/Google).  

Flexible installation options make this one of our customers’ favorites. The line offers different types of electric fireplaces so there’s one for every home and application. Go with a traditional built-in or one of the linear models that range in size from 50” to 100”--our largest linear. 

Features & Benefits: 

  •  Luxurious linear design with concealed heater vents 
  • Adjustable flame color, speed, brightness, and ember bed settings 
  • Thermostatic heater (68° – 88°) 
  • Smart control via app, voice commands (Alexa/Google), or remote 
  • Includes premium fire media kit 
  • Flexible installation options 
  • Highmark Linear available in 50", 60", 72", 84", 100"
  • Highmark Traditional Built-In available in 26", 30", 33", 38", 44"

Explore Highmark