An outdoor electric fireplace gives a covered patio, porch or outdoor kitchen a real focal point without a gas line, chimney or venting. The catch is that most electric fireplaces are indoor appliances. Only certain models are approved by their maker for outdoor installation, and even those come with conditions. This guide explains which electric fireplaces are rated for outdoor use, what “outdoor” actually means for them, how to wire and protect one, and how much heat to expect.
Which electric fireplaces are rated for outdoor use?
Start with the manufacturer’s own documents, not a product title. Amantii publishes an Outdoor Approved Electric Fireplaces brochure that lists the series it approves for outdoor installation. In the Panorama built-in family it includes the BI Xtraslim, BI Slim, BI Deep and BI Xtra Tall series, and it also lists Symmetry Lumina, Symmetry XT Lumina, Symmetry Bespoke and Symmetry XT Bespoke for outdoor use. Every page carries the same footnote: manufacturer guidelines regarding outdoor installation must be followed, so refer to the owner’s manual.
A freestanding, plug-in or wall-hanging indoor fireplace is not an outdoor fireplace just because it is moved outside. If the brochure or manual for a model does not say outdoor, treat it as indoor only.
Amantii Panorama: a built-in indoor outdoor electric fireplace
The Panorama is a fully recessed linear unit that you build into a wall or an outdoor kitchen island. Amantii’s brochure gives these key specs:
| Panorama series | Widths | Depth | Heat | Example from our store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BI Xtraslim | 30, 40, 50, 60 in | 4 in | 5,000 BTU, 1,465 W | 30 in Extra Slim, $1,399 |
| BI Slim | 40, 50, 60, 72, 88 in | 6 3/4 in | 5,000 BTU, 1,465 W | 60 in Slim, $2,599 |
| BI Deep | 40, 50, 60, 72, 88 in | 12 in | 5,000 BTU, 1,465 W | 50 in Deep, $2,699 |
| BI Xtra Tall (Deep XT) | 40, 50, 60, 72, 88 in | 12 in, 18 in tall viewing area | 5,000 BTU, 1,465 W | 50 in Deep XT, $3,599 |
The Slim is the easier fit in a standard framed wall. The Deep and Deep XT need a 12 inch deep cavity but hold a fuller log or stone bed; our Deep XT listing includes driftwood logs, stones, pebbles, black fire glass and embers. All run on 120V and can heat with the flame on or show the flame with the heater off. Amantii lists a 2 year warranty for the Panorama series.
One store detail to know: our Deep XT 50 listing quotes 4,800 BTU, while Amantii’s brochure lists 5,000 BTU for the Xtra Tall series. Use Amantii’s figure, and call us if the exact number matters for your plan.
Covered outdoor, not exposed: what “outdoor rated” means
Our Panorama Deep XT listing describes it as suitable for indoor and covered outdoor settings, and that is the right way to think about every outdoor electric fireplace. It belongs under a roof or a deep overhang, like a covered porch, lanai, pergola with a solid cover, or an outdoor kitchen built under a patio roof. It is not meant for an open wall facing driving rain, sprinklers or pool splash.
The Panorama manual adds one specific rule: install the Panorama cover when the fireplace is used outdoors. We carry Amantii’s stainless steel outdoor covers for each Panorama Slim and Deep width, from the 40 in cover ($339) to the 50 in cover ($449) and up to the 88 in ($789). The cover has handles and sets onto the front of the firebox when the fireplace is not in use.
Wiring an outdoor electric fireplace
- Use GFCI protection. The Electrical Safety Foundation notes that the National Electrical Code requires GFCIs outdoors. A licensed electrician can confirm what your local code requires for your exact location.
- Plan a 15 amp, 120V circuit. The Panorama Deep manual specifies 120V, 1,500 W maximum, on a 15 amp outlet. Amantii’s brochure lists 12.5 to 12.6 amps depending on the series, which leaves little room for anything else on that circuit.
- No extension cords. Run proper wiring to the unit rather than a cord across the patio.
- 240V for more heat, on some Symmetry XT models. Amantii says the 74, 88 and 100 inch Symmetry XT Lumina and the Symmetry XT Bespoke can be wired to 240 volts, raising output to 10,230 BTU and up to 900 sq ft. That is hardwired work for an electrician.
For framing and rough openings, our guide on how to recess an electric fireplace into a wall walks through the steps, and the linear electric fireplace sizes guide helps you pick a width for your wall or island.
How much heat does an outdoor electric fireplace give?
Be realistic here. A Panorama makes about 5,000 BTU, which Amantii and our listings size for roughly 400 to 500 sq ft indoors. Outdoors there are no walls or ceiling to hold that heat, and any breeze carries it away. On a covered porch you will feel warmth in front of the glass, but it will not heat an open patio the way a dedicated outdoor heater does.
If warmth is the main goal, pair the fireplace with an outdoor-rated heater; our patio heater buying guide covers the outdoor heater options. If you want a real flame on an open patio, a gas or wood fire pit is the better tool; see the fire pit buying guide.
Outdoor electric fireplace vs gas fireplace or fire pit
| Outdoor electric fireplace | Gas fireplace or fire pit | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel line or venting | None; needs a GFCI-protected 120V circuit | Gas line or propane tank; clearances per the manufacturer |
| Real flame | No, LED flame effect | Yes |
| Where it works | Covered spaces | Covered or open spaces, per the model’s ratings |
| Heat outdoors | Modest, about 5,000 BTU (more on 240V Symmetry XT) | Varies by model; compare BTU ratings |
| Use with heat off | Yes, flame only | No, the flame is the heat source |
For the cost side of that decision, see electric vs gas fireplace cost.
Other Amantii models to consider
If you prefer a framed look with a smart app and sound, the Symmetry Bespoke 50 in ($2,699) is in Amantii’s outdoor brochure, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth speakers and a 5 year warranty. The Symmetry Lumina 60 in ($2,599) is also listed, with a 2 year warranty. For both, read the outdoor section of the owner’s manual before you build. Our Amantii series review compares the lines in detail, and the electric fireplace buying guide covers everything else. Browse the full range on our Amantii page.
Orders of $999 or more ship free freight in the contiguous U.S. See our return and refund policy for return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put an electric fireplace outside?
Only if the manufacturer approves that model for outdoor installation, and only in a covered space. Amantii’s Panorama built-in series is one example.
What does indoor outdoor electric fireplace mean?
It means the maker approves the unit for indoor rooms and covered outdoor spaces, following the outdoor rules in its manual. It does not mean the unit can sit out in the rain.
Does an outdoor electric fireplace need a cover?
For the Amantii Panorama, yes. The manual says to install the Panorama cover when the fireplace is used outdoors.
Do I need an electrician for an outdoor electric fireplace?
Plan on it. Built-in outdoor units need a GFCI-protected circuit and proper outdoor wiring, and any 240V hookup is hardwired.
Will an outdoor electric fireplace keep a patio warm?
It adds gentle warmth to a covered area but will not heat an open patio. Add a patio heater if heat matters. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
