A freestanding electric fireplace is best when you want flexibility, faster setup, and no wall work. Both run on standard Australian 240V power, need no flue, and produce no combustion fumes.
If you've been going back and forth between a built-in electric fireplace and a freestanding one, you're not alone. It's probably the most common question we get from customers renovating open-plan living rooms, apartments, or renting out a property where a permanent fixture isn't practical. The short version: it comes down to how permanent you want the result to look, how much wall prep you're willing to do, and whether you want to take it with you if you move.
This guide breaks down the differences in size, installation requirements, heat output, and cost, so you can make a confident decision for your home.
Inbuilt Vs Freestanding Fireplaces Differences
| What matters most | Built-in electric fireplace | Freestanding electric fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Installation type | Recessed into a wall cavity, cabinetry, or media unit. Requires wall preparation and usually a licensed electrician for hardwiring. | Sits on the floor or a shelf. Most plug directly into a standard 240V GPO. No wall work required. |
| Finished look | Seamless, custom, flush with the wall. Suited to feature walls and media setups. | Visible unit. Works well as a furniture-style centrepiece or statement piece in a room. |
| Flexibility | Permanent once installed. Not easily relocated. | Can be moved between rooms or taken to a new home. |
| Typical unit width | Commonly 86 cm to 128 cm wide for wall-mounted inserts. Recess depth typically 16 cm to 31 cm. | Varies widely. Compact units from around 60 cm wide; larger models up to 120 cm wide. |
| Heat output | Typically 1.2 kW to 2 kW depending on model. | Typically 1.5 kW to 2 kW. Some compact models lower. |
| Flue or venting needed? | No. Electric only. | No. Electric only. |
What Is a Built-In Electric Fireplace?
A built-in electric fireplace (sometimes called an electric firebox or wall-recessed fireplace) is designed to be set into a wall cavity, a custom-built surround, cabinetry, or a dedicated joinery unit.
The firebox itself sits flush or partially recessed, so from the front you see the flame effect framed cleanly without any visible box or casing protruding into the room.
In Australian homes, the inbuilt style has become popular in open-plan living areas, particularly as a focal point on a feature wall paired with a television or floating shelving above. It works especially well in newer homes and renovations where the builder or joiner can create a dedicated void in the framing.
The key thing to understand dimensionally: the recess needs to accommodate the depth of the firebox. Typical built-in electric firebox depths run from around 16 cm to 31 cm.
The width of the viewing window (the flame display area) is separate from the overall unit width, so always check both the external unit dimensions and the minimum recess size specified by the manufacturer before building your cavity.
Sizing tip: Most built-in fireboxes need a recess depth of at least 16 cm to 31 cm depending on model. Always confirm the manufacturer's minimum recess specification before your builder or joiner frames the cavity. Getting this wrong means costly rework.
Built-In Electric Fireplace Sizes: What to Expect
Built-in electric fireplaces in Australia generally come in widths ranging from around 86 cm (roughly equivalent to a 34-inch viewing window) up to 128 cm (50-inch viewing window) for standard residential models. Larger commercial-style units exist but are less common in homes.
| Unit width (approx.) | Viewing window size | Suitable room size | Typical heat output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 86 cm | 34-inch window (approx.) | Small to medium rooms (up to around 25 m2) | 1.2 kW to 1.5 kW |
| 128 cm | 50-inch window (approx.) | Medium to larger rooms (25 m2 to 40 m2) | 1.2 kW to 2 kW |
Pros
- Clean, flush finish with no visible casing once installed
- Ideal for feature walls, media units, and new-build renovations
- Cool-touch glass on many models is safe for family living areas
- Can run flame effect year-round without heat
- No flue, no gas, no combustion
- Wide viewing window creates a strong visual impact for the room size
Cons
- Requires wall preparation; usually involves a builder or joiner
- Hardwired models need a licensed electrician to install dedicated circuit
- Not portable; permanent fixture once installed
- Recess dimensions must be confirmed before construction begins
- Higher total cost once installation labour is included
Built-In Electric Fireplace Installation in Australia
Installation varies depending on whether you choose a plug-in or hardwired model.
Plug-in built-in fireplaces can be installed by a competent homeowner who can manage the wall preparation, provided a suitable GPO is within reach.
Hardwired models need a licensed electrician to run a dedicated circuit. In both cases, the wall cavity framing should be done by a qualified tradesperson to ensure the correct dimensions, structural integrity, and adequate clearance around the firebox for ventilation.
There are no flue requirements, no gas connections, and no compliance with AS/NZS 2918 (which applies to solid-fuel heaters). That said, the electrical work must still comply with AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules) and your state's electrical safety requirements.
In Victoria, Queensland, NSW, and across Australia, all electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician unless it is a direct plug-in connection to an existing GPO.
Tip for apartment owners: Built-in fireplaces are popular in Melbourne and Sydney apartments because they need no flue or gas. Always check with your building manager or strata body before cutting into any wall, even for a plug-in model.
What Is a Freestanding Electric Fireplace?
A freestanding electric fireplace is a self-contained unit that sits on the floor or is wall-hung as a surface-mounted fixture without being recessed. It has its own casing, often designed to look like a traditional wood-burning stove or a contemporary cabinet-style heater. You plug it in, position it where you want it, and it's ready to use.
In Australian homes, freestanding electric fireplaces are common in rentals and apartments where permanent installation isn't possible, in older homes where wall framing doesn't suit a recess, and as a flexible option in beach houses or holiday homes in coastal areas.
Freestanding electric fireplaces also includes portrait-format firebox designs, which are taller than they are wide. These suit narrow wall spaces and can create a distinctive vertical flame display rather than the horizontal format most people picture.
Freestanding Electric Fireplace Sizes: What to Expect
Freestanding electric fireplaces cover a broad size range. Compact desktop or shelf-top models can be as small as around 45 cm wide. Floor-standing units with a firebox insert (like the Dimplex Evo range) measure around 75 cm to 94 cm wide. Portrait-format units can be taller than they are wide, suited to narrower wall spaces.
| Format | Typical width | Typical height | Typical depth | Heat output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landscape firebox (e.g. Evo 750) | Approx. 75 cm | Approx. 67 cm | Approx. 31 cm | Up to 2 kW |
| Landscape firebox (e.g. Evo 900) | 94.4 cm | 67.4 cm | 30.6 cm | Up to 2 kW |
| Portrait firebox (e.g. Evo 900 Portrait) | Approx. 40 cm wide | Approx. 94 cm tall | Approx. 31 cm | Up to 2 kW |
Pros
- No wall preparation needed for most models
- Plug-in setup is straightforward for most homeowners
- Portable; can move between rooms or homes
- Portrait formats suit narrow walls that built-in landscape units can't fill
- Good option for rentals, apartments, and holiday homes
- Flame effect works without heat for year-round use in warmer climates
Cons
- Visible casing; doesn't achieve the same flush, architectural look as built-in
- Takes up floor or shelf space in the room
- Depth of firebox means a significant footprint in a cabinet or unit
- Less suited to integration with a large media wall or custom joinery
- Heat output still limited to supplementary heating range (up to 2 kW)
Freestanding Electric Fireplace Installation in Australia
Most freestanding electric fireplaces are plug-in, meaning you connect them to a standard 240V GPO. No electrician is required for this type of setup.
When a model is designed for hardwiring into a cabinet (to remove the power cord for a cleaner look), a licensed electrician needs to be involved.
Ventilation clearances still apply. Even though there's no combustion, the heat vents on an electric fireplace should not be blocked.
Refer to the manufacturer's installation manual for minimum clearance distances around the unit. For fireboxes installed inside cabinetry, the manufacturer will typically specify minimum air-gap dimensions on all sides.
Dimensions Side by Side: Built-In vs Freestanding
Here's how the two installation types compare when you put the actual numbers alongside each other. This is designed to help you figure out which will suit your wall space and cabinetry.
| Dimension | Built-in electric fireplace | Freestanding electric firebox |
|---|---|---|
| Typical unit width range | 86 cm to 128 cm | 45 cm to 120 cm (varies by format) |
| Typical unit height range | 43 cm to 55 cm (landscape) | 40 cm to 94 cm (portrait models taller) |
| Typical depth (recess required) | 16 cm to 19 cm (some models up to 31 cm) | 28 cm to 35 cm (unit depth) |
| Wall cavity needed? | Yes, for fully recessed. Optional for surface mount. | No, unless cabinet installation chosen. |
| Heat output | 1.2 kW to 2 kW | 1.5 kW to 2 kW |
| Typical unit weight | 34 kg to 40 kg (for larger wall-mounted models) | 20 kg to 30 kg |
Important: These are typical ranges based on products available in the Australian market. Always confirm exact dimensions from the product specification sheet before ordering, as a few centimetres can make the difference between a clean installation and a rework. The wall stud positions in your home and the framing cavity dimensions will also affect what fits.
Heat Output: What Can an Electric Fireplace Actually Heat?
Both built-in and freestanding electric fireplaces operate in roughly the same heat output range for residential models. Most produce 1.2 kW to 2 kW of heat. This is important to understand because it shapes what you can realistically expect from the appliance.
Electric fireplaces in this range are best suited to supplementary heating in a small to medium room. They are not a replacement for a ducted system, reverse-cycle air conditioning, or a properly sized gas or wood heater in a large open-plan living space.
In a well-insulated room of around 20 m2 to 30 m2, a 2 kW electric fireplace can take the chill off on a cool Melbourne or Canberra evening. In a large 50 m2 open-plan room, it will provide ambience more than meaningful warmth.
| Room size | What to realistically expect from 2 kW electric |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom or study (up to 15 m2) | Good supplementary heat; can comfortably warm a well-insulated room |
| Medium living room (15 m2 to 30 m2) | Useful top-up heating; works well alongside reverse-cycle air conditioning |
| Large open-plan area (30 m2 to 50 m2+) | Primarily visual ambience; not sufficient as sole heat source |
Both built-in and freestanding models let you run the flame effect without heat. This is a genuine practical advantage in Australian homes, especially in Queensland and coastal NSW where the ambient temperature doesn't call for heating, but you still want the visual warmth of a fire feature on a winter evening.
Cost Comparison: Built-In vs Freestanding Electric Fireplace
| Cost factor | Built-in electric fireplace | Freestanding electric fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Unit purchase price (guide) | $1,300 to $3,000+ | $500 to $2,400+ |
| Installation labour | Moderate to high. Builder/joiner for wall prep; electrician for hardwired models. | Low. Most are plug-in. Electrician only needed if hardwiring into cabinetry. |
| Running cost (indicative) | Running cost per hour = kW x electricity tariff ($/kWh). At 2 kW on a $0.35/kWh tariff: approx. $0.70 per hour. | Same calculation applies. At 2 kW on $0.35/kWh: approx. $0.70 per hour. |
| Flame only (no heat) | Very low running cost. LED flame uses minimal electricity. | Very low running cost. LED flame uses minimal electricity. |
Running cost note: Electricity tariffs vary across Australia by state and provider. The figures above use an indicative general usage rate for illustration only. Check your energy bill for your actual tariff before estimating ongoing costs.
Which One Suits Your Home?
Choose a Built-In Electric Fireplace if You:
- Are renovating or building new, and can plan the wall cavity at the framing stage.
- Are prioritising a flush, architectural look as a feature wall centrepiece.
- Want to integrate the fireplace into a media unit or bespoke joinery.
- Have access to a licensed electrician and are comfortable with a permanent installation.
- Are fitting out a property in a unit complex or apartment where a plug-in solution still needs a clean finish.
Choose a Freestanding Electric Fireplace if You:
- Want a straightforward plug-in setup with no wall preparation.
- Are in a rental, an apartment with strata restrictions, or a holiday home.
- Want the flexibility to relocate the fireplace between rooms or properties.
- Have a narrow wall that suits a portrait-format firebox better than a wide horizontal insert.
- Are working with an existing entertainment unit or cabinet where a firebox can slot in without major construction.
Quick Decision Guide
| If you want... | Best option |
|---|---|
| Flush, seamless feature wall look | Built-in electric fireplace |
| Plug-in, no wall prep | Freestanding electric firebox |
| Portrait flame display on narrow wall | Freestanding portrait firebox |
| Integration into media cabinetry | Built-in electric fireplace |
| Flexibility to move or relocate | Freestanding electric firebox |
| Rental or strata apartment | Freestanding electric firebox |
| Renovation with custom joinery | Built-in electric fireplace |
Shop Electric Fireplaces at Schots
Here are four electric fireplaces from the Schots range, covering both built-in and freestanding formats.
Dimplex 50 Prism Wall Mounted Electric Fire
Built-in / Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
$1,499.95
- 127.7 cm wide x 49.3 cm high x 18.5 cm deep; a wide landscape format suited to larger walls and media units
- Flexible installation: partially recessed, fully recessed, or surface mounted (plug-in option available)
- 1.2 kW fan heater with all-season flame effect via original Dimplex Flame Effect technology
- Cool-touch glass, multi-function remote, and choice of acrylic ice media bed or white pebbles for a customised flame bed look
Dimplex 34 Prism Wall Mounted Electric Fire
Built-in / Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
$1,299.95
- Compact 34-inch format; suited to smaller wall spaces or rooms where a 50-inch unit would dominate
- Flexible installation options including partial recess, full recess, or surface mount, with a clean wired seamless design for built-in setups
- Original Dimplex Flame Effect with choice of acrylic ice media or white pebbles, plus media accent colours for a personalised look
- All-season operation: run the LED flame effect with or without heat, ideal for year-round use in warmer Australian climates
Evo 900 Electric Firebox
Built-in Landscape Electric Firebox
$2,299.00
- 94.4 cm wide x 67.4 cm high x 30.6 cm deep and weighing 27.2 kg; a substantial landscape firebox suited to larger living rooms or entertainment units
- Up to 2 kW heat with Patented Revillusion flame technology, doubling the visual depth of the firebox for a more realistic flame display
- Ceramic Nordic logs and coals paired with a glowing ember bed; flame effect runs with or without heat for year-round use
- Easy installation with no flue required; available with optional accessories for a more defined surround finish
Evo 750 Electric Firebox
Built-in Landscape Electric Firebox
$1,899.00
- Compact 750 mm landscape format; a good fit for medium living rooms or entertainment units where the 900 mm model would be too wide
- Up to 2 kW heat with the same Patented Revillusion flame technology and ceramic Nordic log set as the larger Evo 900 model
- Flame with or without warmth for year-round comfort, including use in warmer months without adding heat to the room
- No flue required; easy installation with optional accessories to refine the surround finish to suit your interior style
Safety Considerations
Both built-in and freestanding electric fireplaces are generally considered safer than gas or wood-burning alternatives in terms of combustion risk. There are no open flames, no carbon monoxide risks (under normal operation), and no flue gases. That said, a few points are worth keeping in mind for Australian homes.
- Electric fireplaces can become warm on accessible surfaces, particularly around the heat vents.
- In households with young children or pets, keep at least 1 metre of clear space around the unit and consider a fireplace guard or screen if a child-proof zone is needed.
- Never block the heat vents with furniture, curtains, or bedding.
- All electrical work, particularly hardwired built-in models, must comply with AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and be carried out by a licensed electrician.
FAQ
What is the difference between a built-in and a freestanding electric fireplace?
A built-in electric fireplace is designed to be recessed into a wall, cabinetry, or joinery for a flush, integrated appearance. A freestanding electric fireplace is a self-contained unit that sits on the floor or a surface and connects to a standard power point, with no wall preparation needed.
Do built-in electric fireplaces need a licensed electrician in Australia?
Hardwired built-in models require a licensed electrician to install a dedicated circuit in all Australian states and territories. Plug-in models that connect to an existing GPO do not, but the wall preparation and framing should still be done by a qualified tradesperson to ensure correct cavity dimensions and clearances.
How deep does a built-in electric fireplace recess need to be?
It depends on the model. As a general guide, built-in electric fireplaces require a wall cavity depth of approximately 16 cm to 31 cm. Always check the manufacturer's specification sheet for the exact minimum recess depth before your builder frames the cavity.
Can I put a freestanding electric firebox inside a cabinet or entertainment unit?
Yes, many freestanding electric fireboxes are designed to be installed inside a cabinet or joinery unit. You need to ensure the internal cabinet dimensions are larger than the firebox dimensions on all sides to allow for heat venting. Check the manufacturer's clearance specifications before building or buying the cabinet.
Are electric fireplaces suitable for Australian apartments?
Yes. Electric fireplaces require no flue, no gas connection, and no combustion, which makes them a practical option for apartments and units. Always check with your strata body or building manager before cutting into any wall for a built-in model, even for a surface-mounted or plug-in unit.
How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace in Australia?
Running cost depends on the model's wattage and your electricity tariff. A 2 kW model on a $0.35/kWh tariff costs approximately $0.70 per hour on full heat. Running the flame effect without heat uses only the LED system, which costs a fraction of that. Electricity rates vary by state and provider, so check your bill for your actual rate.
What size electric fireplace do I need for my room?
As a starting point, match the width of the fireplace to roughly one third to one half the width of the wall it will sit on, so it reads as proportional rather than overpowered or lost. For heat coverage, keep in mind that most residential electric fireplaces produce 1.2 kW to 2 kW, which is suited to supplementary heating in rooms up to around 25 m2 to 30 m2.
Takeaways
The choice between a built-in and freestanding electric fireplace comes down to how permanent you want the installation to be, how much wall or cabinetry preparation you can manage, and what look you're after.
Built-in models deliver a clean, architectural result that integrates with your home's design.
Freestanding models offer flexibility, easier setup, and the option to relocate. Both produce roughly the same heat output and run with no flue, no gas, and no combustion.
If you have questions about which model suits your space or want to know exact dimensions for a specific product before ordering, contact the Schots team directly or visit the showroom in Clifton Hill.
