We provide three different approaches to upgrading your gas fireplace with smart controls!

Option 1: Voice Control Your Gas Fireplace With Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant

9.3

1. Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Top PickWire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price

9.2

2. Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

Runner UpNo installation—works by masquerading as your existing gas fireplace infrared remote control (If you have one!)

View Price

8.8

4. xStream Gas Fireplace Low Voltage Relay Switch

DIY PickWire up the relay switch with the fireplace control unit and control via a smart plug for voice and remote commands

View Price

Add-On

Kasa Smart Plug

View Price

Option 2: Remote Controls for a Gas Fireplace

9.3

1. Hearth Products Controls Acumen Timer/Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Top PickDesigned for millivolt gas valves only

View Price

9.0

2. Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control with Thermostat

Runner UpLCD Display

View Price

8.8

3. Napoleon F45 Hand Held Fireplace Remote with On/Off Control

Simple user interface

View Price

Option 3: Wall Switches & Thermostats for a Gas Fireplace

9.3

1. Oribt Millivolt Thermostat

Top Pick7-day programmability with memory retention

View Price

9.0

2. Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat

Runner UpWireless with a transmitter and receiver and can be wall-mounted

View Price

Types of Gas Fireplace Ignition Controllers

Overview

There are basically two major types of gas fireplace ignition controllers, namely millivolt ignition and electronic ignition (IPI).

Millivolt Ignition

The millivolt ignition system operates with the aid of a standing pilot light. This system is independent of an electric source. The pilot light remains on at all times except when the user decides to put it off due to a long period of non-use.

Electronic Ignition (IPI)

On the other hand, the electronic ignition system is dependent on an electric source of about 110 V or 120 V to function properly. The main idea behind the IPI is to produce electric pulses which ignite the pilot light.

Electronic ignition doesn't work during a power outage unless there’s a battery back-up.

Option 1: Voice Control Your Gas Fireplace With Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant

Conveniently control your fireplace from any part of your home using voice assistants. You will need a remote control device and a hub to voice control your gas fireplace via Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Most remote control devices come with an app that lets you control your fireplace outside your home. Below are the best controllers for your gas fireplace.

Update: There are a couple of smart thermostats that support millivolt gas fireplaces and connect to Alexa and Google Assistant. The Lux Geo is one however a lot of users are complaining about the quality of the app and issues with the devices losing Wi-Fi connection so not one we can firmly recommend. GoControl also has a Z-Wave smart thermostat which can be voice controlled when connected via a hub like SmartThings however their device seems to be out of stock for the last 6 months so might be discontinued. Will keep you posted!

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Wire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller is the perfect pick for homeowners that want to convert their conventional gas fireplace into an interactive and self-functioning device.

Top Features

• Control the daily activities of your gas fireplace using the timer feature.
• The aluminum housing controller box insulates and protects the core elements from heat damage.
• Prevent your neighbors or children from turning on your gas fireplace using the locked or child lockout mode.

It offers timer features, different operating modes, and the ability to set various scenes. It works perfectly fine with millivolt and electronic ignition systems.

9.2

Runner Up

2.

Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

No installation—works by masquerading as your existing gas fireplace infrared remote control (If you have one!)

View Price
On Amazon.com

If you are searching for a multipurpose remote control, the Bond RF/IR Remote Controller is your best bet.

Top Features

• Its one-way radio tech allows it to cover a large area.
• Compatible with smart speakers
• Can be accessed outside the home using the app

The installation-free remote control covers an area range of 2,500 square feet. It attains this feat by recording and transmitting radio frequency and infrared signals.

It can be used with fireplaces, fans, and shades. The Bond adopts all the functions of individual remotes like the on/off, dimmer settings, and fan speed.

8.8

DIY Pick

4.

xStream Gas Fireplace Low Voltage Relay Switch

Wire up the relay switch with the fireplace control unit and control via a smart plug for voice and remote commands

View Price
On Amazon.com

Add-On

Kasa Smart Plug

View Price

The XStream is a pretty simple design that works with a smart speaker to control your gas fireplace at your command.

Top Features

• Compatible with millivolt and electronic spark ignition systems
• Supports timer settings
• Can be used to schedule multiple functions

You wire up the relay to either the fireplace control unit or to the wall switch wire connector. You then need a smart switch for the gas fireplace to voice control it.

To turn on your gas fireplace or reduce the heat, all you need to do is say the keyword plus command, for instance, “Alexa turn up the heat.”

Option 2: Remote Controls for a Gas Fireplace

Do you know that it is possible to control your gas fireplace the same way you control your fan or air conditioner? All you need is a remote control coupled with a smart thermostat. The smart thermostat enables you to set temperature limits, preventing your gas fireplace from reaching extreme temperatures.

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Hearth Products Controls Acumen Timer/Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Designed for millivolt gas valves only

View Price
On Amazon.com

This Hearth product comes with a heat shield, transmitter remote control, wires plus connectors, box, receiver, and batteries. The receiver box serves as a volt-free contact switch, which does not give out voltage.

Top Features

• Helps conserve energy
• Schedule your gas fireplace to come on/off at the desired time
• The temperature value can be set to Celsius or Fahrenheit.

The LCD display is visible even in the dark. It displays the current room temperature, temperature limit, and time.

9.0

Runner Up

2.

Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control with Thermostat

LCD Display

View Price
On Amazon.com

Skytech Gas Fireplace Touchscreen Remote Control is a programmable controller that provides a timer feature, thermostatic protection, and a backlit LCD touchscreen.

Top Features

• It has a large display that is visible at night.
• It possesses a timer feature.
• It has a low battery indicator.

The receiver can be mounted on a wall not more than 20’ away from the hearth or under the gas fireplace. It is compatible with the millivolt ignition system.

8.8

3.

Napoleon F45 Hand Held Fireplace Remote with On/Off Control

Simple user interface

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Napoleon F45 hand-held fireplace remote is for homeowners who just want a simple controller with on/off functions. This might not be the best option for people looking for a remote with an advanced timer feature and a programmable interface. The Napoleon F45 hand-held fireplace comes with a transmitter and receiver.

Top Features

• Compatible with the millivolt ignition system
• Possesses on and off functions
• It has a room temperature indicator.

8.8

Most programmable millivolt ignition remote control

4.

WiFire Smartphone Remote Control

Single control for multiple gas fireplaces

View Price
On Amazon.com

Keep your home temperature within the desired range whether you are at home or not with the Wi-Fi-enabled WiFire Smartphone Remote Control.

Top Features

• Control multiple gas fireplaces from a single internet location.
• The remote can be locked to keep out of the reach of children and visitors.
• It has a temperature sensor that helps the controller keep your home at a desired temperature.

The WiFire Smartphone Remote Control is recommended for millivolt ignition gas fireplaces, although it is not compatible with electronic ignition systems. Asides from hearths, it can also be used for millivolt gas stoves.

You can control multiple fireplaces from a single smartphone, but each fireplace requires a WiFire Smartphone Remote Control.

5.

Ambient On/Off Thermostat Fireplace Remote Control

Different modes for various purposes

View Price
On Amazon.com

This 0.8-pound remote control changes its screen color depending on the temperature of the room.

Top Features

• Its backlit display makes it operable even in the dark.
• The device allows users to set up 16 security codes for maximum protection.
• It operates perfectly using radio frequency.

In “program mode,” when the thermostat senses hotness, the screen becomes red. It turns green when the room is cold. It is designed to automatically shut off the gas fireplace when a particular temperature is reached. The reverse is true for low temperatures.

Option 3: Wall Switches & Thermostats for a Gas Fireplace

If you’d rather have a wall switch or fixed thermostat to control your gas fireplace, then read on!

9.3

Top Pick

1.

Oribt Millivolt Thermostat

7-day programmability with memory retention

View Price
On Amazon.com

This battery-powered millivolt thermostat can be wired up to control your gas fireplace.

Top Features

• It has a large backlit display that makes it easy to operate in the dark.
• It has 7-day programmability.
• Data is retained even after changing batteries.

The values displayed on screen include the current temperature, the temperature limit, the time, and blower status. You can program the thermostat for 7 days, and each day can have different schedules.

9.0

Runner Up

2.

Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat

Wireless with a transmitter and receiver and can be wall-mounted

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Skytech Gas Fireplace Wireless Thermostat enables you to simply set your temperature limit in Fahrenheit. It, however, lacks several advanced features such as more flexible programmability, backlit display, and the ability to set one or multiple passwords.

Top Features

• The device is programmable.
• The interface is user-friendly.
• It conserves battery and energy.

It is a battery-powered thermostat that comes with or without wire, depending on your order. The package includes the receiver box, transmitter, batteries, wall plate, and manual. The batteries can last for over one year, but it is advisable to change them after a year.

Decision-Making Factors

Millivolt vs Electronic Ignition (IPI)

During a power outage, a millivolt ignition system is more preferable, as it requires zero electricity to heat your home. The ability to start without electricity, however, comes at an energy cost. In a gas fireplace, the pilot light is dependent on gas; hence gas is the price to pay for maintaining the ever-burning little flame.

Installation

Most devices listed above require some level of wiring; however, it is pretty straight forward for a competent person. The Bond is the exception as it is essentially a smart remote control which replaces your existing fireplace remote.

The installation process depends on the manufacturer, as controllers can be mounted, free, or directly connected to the gas fireplace.

Remote vs Voice Control

The major selling point of smart home appliances is convenience. Judging by convenience, the voice control option is the better of the two options.There are times when we are too tired to reach for the remote and at that point, we wish the gas fireplace could read our mind! A simple voice command solves the problem!

Thermostat Needed

A thermostat regulates the temperature and prevents your gas fireplace from giving off too much heat. It is the brain of the controller. The remote control relies on the thermostat to get an accurate reading of the current temperature and to correct its output when low or high temperature is detected.

The Verdict

When people think about upgrading their gas fireplaces, the first thing that comes to mind is the aesthetics; however, it is the integral functions of the hearth that can improve our living standard.

If convenience is your major concern, opt for any of the aforementioned devices that support voice control with Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.

9.3

Top Pick

1. Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller

Wire in a smart module for voice and smart phone control

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Durablow Gas Fireplace Smart Controller is the perfect pick for homeowners that want to convert their conventional gas fireplace into an interactive and self-functioning device.

Top Features

• Control the daily activities of your gas fireplace using the timer feature.
• The aluminum housing controller box insulates and protects the core elements from heat damage.
• Prevent your neighbors or children from turning on your gas fireplace using the locked or child lockout mode.

Sources

Bondhome.io

The post Ways To Upgrade Your Gas Fireplace with Voice, Remote & Smart Controls! appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.

New Smart Electric Fireplaces

9.5

Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace

Top PickA wall-mounted recessed fireplace

View Price

9.4

Seneca Faux Stone Electric Fireplace

Runner upCrisp white with faux stone

View Price

9.3

Southern Enterprises Tanaya Smart Fireplace

Rustic inspired smart fireplace

View Price

9.2

Delphine Smart Fireplace

Classic woodwork and stone smart fireplace

View Price

9.2

Lirrington Smart LED Fireplace

Minimalist finish

View Price

9.1

Dakesbury Grey Fireplace

Budget PickA decorative woodwork fireplace with stacked faux stone surround

View Price

Retrofit an Existing Electric Fireplace with Smart Controls

9.5

1. Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

Top PickSmart control your existing fireplace!

View Price

Best Smart Electric Fireplaces

9.5

Top Pick

1.

Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace

A wall-mounted recessed fireplace

View Price
On Touchstonehomeproducts.com

Designed with a minimal frame, the Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace leaves sufficient volume for flame burning.

Top Features

• Dual heat settings
• 6 flame color options with 10 media bed color options
• 5 flame and media bed light intensity settings

Built with a smaller frame size, the Sideline Elite 50 Smart Fireplace has a large flame area allowing you to enjoy better flame viewing and heating. To complement this design, the smart fireplace comes with two heat settings.

You can opt for the low setting (at about 68 degrees Fahrenheit at 750W) or the high setting (at about 88 degrees Fahrenheit at 1500W). Alternatively, you can opt to leave the fireplace on constant functioning without any heating settings.

Size

With a firebox dimension of about 48.75 inches wide by 18.25 inches high by 6 inches deep, the smart fireplace can heat a room that measures up to 400 square feet. You will be impressed with the fireplace’s realistic flames.

You will be even more impressed with its clean-running without worry about any fuel mess or smell. To give you even more cozying up options, the fireplace comes with a selection of flame colors.

Color Modes

As mentioned above, the flame itself mimics a traditional fireplace’s flame, offering an authentic look to emulate real fire from burning wood. However, it doesn’t end there. The fireplace features up to 60 different color combinations to choose from based on your mood.

Tech Specs

9.4

Runner up

2.

Seneca Faux Stone Electric Fireplace

Crisp white with faux stone

View Price
On Amazon.com

Integrating a voice control and smart fireplace control, the Seneca fireplace allows you to control it from the comfort of your couch. The smart fireplace is built to easily fit underneath your media shelf to add aesthetics to your living room.

Top Features

• Flame up/down feature
• Running timer
• Runs with or without heater

In fact, it features a clean transitional style with a farmhouse touch, crisp white finish, and rustic white faux stone. Whilst the design is elegant and striking, the fireplace is still easy to care for. It works with any standard wall outlet with no additional electrical equipment. Cleaning it, on the other hand, simply requires a soft, dry cloth.

9.3

3.

Southern Enterprises Tanaya Smart Fireplace

Rustic inspired smart fireplace

View Price
On Bedbathandbeyond.com

The Tanaya Fireplace features a rustic-inspired, yet, clean linear woodwork for an eye-catching look. Surrounding the fireplace is an elegant faux stone whilst underneath the top frame are long life, energy-efficient LED bulbs. To guarantee safety inside your home, the smart fireplace comes with a child safety lock and a cool-to-touch glass.

Top Features

• 62-82 degree Fahrenheit temperature rating
• Smart fireplace remote with thermostat, timer, log, and flame control
• Optional down light illumination

The Tanaya comes with a smart fireplace remote that allows you to separately adjust the thermostat, timer, log, and flames. If you don’t want to use the remote control, you can opt for the voice control-enabled technology. Additionally, the heater has an optional down light illumination and allows you to run it without heating.

9.2

4.

Delphine Smart Fireplace

Classic woodwork and stone smart fireplace

View Price
On Pier1.com

The Delphine Smart Fireplace features a classic woodwork design with a sleek marble surround for a clean and modern look in your living space. The fireplace is designed with a firebox that integrates realistic faux fire logs and flickering space to mimic a traditional wood fireplace.

Top Features

• Classic wood and marble finish
• Lithium button cell operation
• Realistic faux fire logs and flickering flames

To make it easy to control the fireplace, it is compatible with Alexa’s voice-enabled technology. To allow you to keep enjoying the view and heat even when there is no power, the fireplace can be battery-operated with a single lithium button cell.

9.2

5.

Lirrington Smart LED Fireplace

Minimalist finish

View Price
On Bedbathandbeyond.com

Integrating a voice-enabled Alexa technology, the Lirrington Smart LED Fireplace allows you to control it from anywhere in the room so you can focus on other tasks. The fireplace is capacitated with a heating power of up to 400 BTUs and covers an area of up to 400 square feet.

Top Features

• Automatic shut off feature
• LED flame design
• Dual heat settings

Once assembled, you can plug the fireplace in any standard AC outlet without requiring any other electrical equipment. Whilst the fireplace emits heat, its combination of MDF, poplar, resin, metal, and glass construction still gives it a cool-to-touch exterior.

9.1

Budget Pick

6.

Dakesbury Grey Fireplace

A decorative woodwork fireplace with stacked faux stone surround

View Price
On Amazon.com

The Dakesbury Smart Fireplace features decorative woodwork on the mantel and a stacked faux stone surround to give a traditional and classic fireplace design, integrating long-life and energy-efficient LED bulbs. The fireplace emits realistic flames.

Top Features

• Long-life and energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Functions with no heater all year round
• Fits standard wall outlets

It’s 50 inches wide, 14.5 inches deep, and 40.25 inches high. This allows the fireplace to heat a room that measures up to 400 square feet. The fireplace’s voice-enabled Alexa technology allows you to control several functions. These include power on and off, heat up and down, flame up and down, and timer.

9.1

7.

Thierry Bookcase Smart Fireplace

View Price
On Wayfair.com

Using the Thierry smart fireplace, you can finally enjoy the environment you want in your living space or home office. The smart fireplace features a temperature rating between 62 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit with 4-degree intervals.

Top Features

• 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit temperature capacity
• Comes with side bookcase storage shelves
• Low profile and wide scale design

On either side, the fireplace features a bookcase storage shelving to store your books and other media. Its flickering LED lights and glowing faux fire logs in the firebox offer a realistic finish. The fireplace’s low profile and wide scale also make it perfect for positioning it underneath your wall-mounted TV.

Retrofit an Existing Electric Fireplace with Smart Controls

9.5

Top Pick

1.

Bond RF/IR Remote Controller

Smart control your existing fireplace!

View Price
On Amazon.com

Using the Bond controller, you can easily adjust your ceiling fans, fireplace, and somfy shades from anywhere you are using your smart device in just seconds. The controller’s innovative design allows you to control more than one device simultaneously—you can control up to 30 ceiling fans!

Top Features

• 2,500 square feet RF and IR signals
• Controls up to 30 devices simultaneously
• No installation required

Furthermore, the controller records and transmits radio and IR frequencies, covering an area of up to 2,500 square feet. The best part about the controller is that it doesn’t require any installation. All you have to do is plug in the device, download the Bond app to your device, point your remote control towards the control, and start controlling your appliance.

Best Smart Fireplace Features

New vs Retrofit

Generally, all smart fireplaces come as new. However, this doesn't limit you if you want to add a smart element to your home’s fireplace. If you are on a budget, you don't have to invest in a completely new fireplace. Depending on the design you have, you can opt for retrofitting. For retrofitting, all you need to invest in is a smart switch (electric), Smart IR remote, or smart millivolt thermostat (gas).

Recessed or Standalone

Smart fireplaces come in two designs. You can opt for a standalone fireplace that you can simply plug into your standard outlet or use a battery instead. A recessed fireplace, on the other hand, is a built-in one. In this case, you have to first create a niche on the wall and then insert the fireplace into it.

Fireplace or Cabinet with Storage

Different fireplaces come with different designs along with their standalone or recessed build. For example, the Thierry Bookcase Smart Fireplace is designed with side media and bookshelves for extra storage. Other recessed fireplaces can be inserted within a cabinet.

Style & Options

The best smart fireplaces come in different styles and options to suit your needs. They differ in mounting styles, power options, and other style designs based on your needs. Some of the first style options you will notice include traditional, contemporary, and modern style fireplaces. Other design styles include marble, stainless steel, or wood fireplaces.

Heat Output

Typically, smart electric fireplaces have a moderate sizing and heat output capacity. In general, you can find a fireplace with a heat and wattage output of about 500-1,800 W as well as 400 to 5,000 BTUs. With this heat output, a smart fireplace can heat a room with measures up to 400 square feet.

Installation & Power

Most smart fireplaces have a simple installation that can be done by following an included manual. As mentioned above, some may be recessed whilst others are standalone.

Depending on the size, some need a two-person whilst others need a one-person installation. In terms of the power supply, most smart fireplaces don't need any special connections as they can be battery-powered or simply plugged into a standard outlet.

Voice Control Options

Smart fireplaces integrate voice-enabled technology to allow you to control them from anywhere in the room. Some of the voice technologies include Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. Depending on the design of the fireplace, you can control the heating, power, lighting intensity, and even the timer.

Best Smart Fireplaces: The Verdict

This smart fireplace review above offers a selection of some of the best options around. We hope it helps you find the fireplace design that works best for your home—whether you have a small living space or want to add storage and style!

9.5

Top Pick

1. Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace

A wall-mounted recessed fireplace

View Price
On Touchstonehomeproducts.com

Designed with a minimal frame, the Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace leaves sufficient volume for flame burning.

Top Features

• Dual heat settings
• 6 flame color options with 10 media bed color options
• 5 flame and media bed light intensity settings

Sources

bondhome.io

The post Top 7 Best Smart Fireplaces (Electric) with Alexa Voice & Remote Control appeared first on Smart Home Perfected.