Are electric fireplaces safe for birds? A complete guide for 2023

Electric fireplaces have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use and energy efficiency. However, many people wonder whether these fireplaces are safe for birds.

The answer is actually very obscure but the short answer is some are.

This is because some electric fireplaces feature a PTFE or Teflon coating which is odorless but toxic for birds.

While it’s highly unlikely any electric fireplace will reach temperatures hot enough to produce these off gasses, it is better to be safe than sorry.

We have found a short list of electric fireplaces that have been manufacturer confirmed to not include Teflon or PTFE, so if you are on the hunt for an electric fireplace, please only purchase one that is confirmed on the list supplied further down.

However, there are also other things to consider even if you do have an electric fireplace that is Teflon free.

So, are electric fireplaces safe for birds?

Let’s find out…

Are electric fireplaces safe for birds?

One concern with electric fireplaces is that they can produce heat, which can be harmful to birds if they are too close to the source.

However, most electric fireplaces blow hot air out with a fan so the electric fireplace itself never gets hot to the touch, as such, as long as your bird is not placed directly in front of the electric fireplace it will not burn or harm them.

Additionally, many electric fireplaces come with safety features such as automatic shut-off and temperature controls, which can help to prevent overheating and keep birds safe.

It is also important to keep in mind that birds can be sensitive to changes in their environment, and may be affected by electric fireplaces if they are placed too close or if the heat is not well-controlled.

Therefore, it is important to keep electric fireplaces away from birds, and to make sure that they are used in a safe area.

Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on birds when using an electric fireplace, and to stop using it if they show signs of distress or discomfort.

Bird safe electric fireplaces

We really struggled to find any valuable information on this topic, which is saddening because it means many bird owners may not even consider that many electric fireplaces feature Teflon or PTFE coatings and may be putting their birds life at risk.

The only brand we can confirm that does not include Teflon or any other bird toxic chemical in their electric fireplaces is Duraflame. Duraflame have confirmed that none of their units include Teflon or any other toxic chemicals.

Our favourite bird safe electric fireplaces are listed below.

Are electric fireplaces safe for birds? – Conclusion

In conclusion, electric fireplaces that do not contain Teflon, PTFE or any other toxic chemicals are generally safe for birds if they are used in a safe area and proper precautions are taken.

However, it is important to keep an eye on birds when using an electric fireplace and to stop using it if they show signs of distress or discomfort.

Interested in reading more? Check out our articles on how much electricity does an electric fireplace use or do electric fireplaces need to be vented.