Do electric fireplaces crackle? All your options for 2023

Electric fireplaces are a popular alternative to traditional fireplaces as they offer a convenient, cost-effective, and safe option for people who want to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace in their home.
However, one of the key features of a traditional fireplace that creates such ambiance is the sound of the crackling wood.
Nothing beats it right?
But, do electric fireplaces recreate this sound effect?
Do electric fireplaces crackle?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that electric fireplaces do not produce actual flames.
This means that electric fireplaces do not crackle in the traditional sense, as there is no real wood burning and creating the sound. However, some electric fireplaces do come equipped with sound effects that are designed to mimic the crackling sound of a real fire.
The sound effects on electric fireplaces can vary widely depending on the model.
Some electric fireplaces have a speaker system built into the unit that plays recorded sound effects of a crackling fire.Other electric fireplaces may have a sound option that you can turn on or off, while others may not have any sound effects at all.
In all honesty though, we are yet to find an electric fireplace that replicates a crackling sound well. The speaker quality is always extremely low and you would likely just have this feature turned off after hearing it.
Alternative recommendations:
There is however, the option to purchase a dedicated fire crackling speaker that you can place inside or near your electric fireplace (this is a slightly better option, but still not great), or to use a smart device such as Amazon Alexa to play fire crackling sounds.
We would advise using a smart device if you are after a fire crackling sound as these come with very decent speakers.
Do any electric fireplaces make crackling sound?
As we discussed in detail above, there are quite a few options available if you are looking for an electric fireplace with a crackling sound.
While most don’t recreate the sound exceptionally well, they can still add a nice ambiance, particularly as background noise.
If you’re still interested in purchasing an electric fireplace with crackling sound, here are some of the best options:

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
- available in sizes 22″ to 35″ wide
- can be plugged into standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up 400 sq. feet
- crackling volume control

LegendFlame Electric Fireplace Log Set
- 23″ wide
- can be plugged into standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet
- crackling volume control

- available in sizes 25″ to 50″
- can be plugged into standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet
- no crackling volume control
Benefits of a crackling electric fireplace
The crackling sound produced by an electric fireplace can provide several benefits, including:
- Ambiance: The crackling sound of a fireplace can create a warm and cozy atmosphere, which can be especially helpful for relaxation and stress relief.
- Aesthetic appeal: The sound can add to the visual appeal of the electric fireplace, making it feel more like a real fire.
- Background noise: The crackling sound can serve as a form of background noise, which can help mask other sounds in the environment and create a more peaceful atmosphere.
Overall, the crackling sound of an electric fireplace can enhance the overall experience and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Why some electric fireplaces don’t have the crackle sound

Not all electric fireplaces have the crackle sound feature for a variety of reasons.
Some electric fireplaces such as the Dimplex IgniteXL (pictured above) are designed to be sleek and modern, and the addition of speakers and sound systems would detract from the minimalist aesthetic.
To produce decent audio quality, manufacturers would have to dramatically increase the size of the fireplace to accommodate them.
On top of this, good quality speakers aren’t cheap, and with electric fireplaces already being fairly costly, the inclusion of good speakers would dramatically increase the price.
Do electric fireplaces crackle? – Conclusion
Some electric fireplaces are designed with built-in speakers and sound systems that produce a crackling fire sound, while others do not offer this option.
When deciding on an electric fireplace, it is important to consider your personal preferences and the type of environment in which it will be used.
Ultimately, the choice to have a crackling fire sound or not will depend on the specific electric fireplace you choose and your own preferences.
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