Why control an electric fireplace? 

You can switch an electric fireplace on and off with a button – but smart control adds a lot of comfort and energy efficiency. Pre-heat before you get home, or switch off automatically when nobody is there. 

Forgot to turn it off? No problem, do it from the app on the go. 

Plus, with power metering you see exactly how much electricity the fireplace uses – especially helpful if it runs often or serves as auxiliary heating. 

In short: making the electric fireplace smart saves time, boosts comfort and helps reduce electricity costs.

Woman with cozy blanket on sofa; smart control saves energy and lowers electricity costs over time.

Which Shelly devices suit electric fireplaces?

With the right Shelly plugs and relays you control your electric fireplace via app, run schedules, and track consumption at any time.

If your fireplace has a mains plug:

Shelly Europe

Shelly Plug M Gen3

Smart inline plug between fireplace and wall outlet – no rewiring.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4

Four individually switchable outlets – ideal for fireplace plus décor and lamps.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly Outdoor Plug S Gen3

Splash-resistant for outdoor or damp areas. Important: always observe the maximum load to avoid short circuits.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly Plug M Gen3

Smart inline plug between fireplace and wall outlet – no rewiring.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly Power Strip 4 Gen4

Four individually switchable outlets – ideal for fireplace plus décor and lamps.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly Outdoor Plug S Gen3

Splash-resistant for outdoor or damp areas. Important: always observe the maximum load to avoid short circuits.

Learn more →

If your fireplace is hard-wired
(via a wall switch):

Shelly Europe

Shelly 1PM Gen3

Installed in the wall box, switches safely and measures power. Important: installation by a qualified electrician only.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly 1PM Gen4

A smart switch designed for optimal appliance control and energy savings.
Important: installation by a qualified electrician only.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly 1PM Gen3

Installed in the wall box, switches safely and measures power. Important: installation by a qualified electrician only.

Learn more →

Shelly Europe

Shelly 1PM Gen4

A smart switch designed for optimal appliance control and energy savings.
Important: installation by a qualified electrician only.

Learn more →

Automations for an electric fireplace: schedules, scenes & temperature triggers

With Shelly you automate your electric fireplace like a heater and control it conveniently via app. 

Devices such as Shelly Plug M Gen3 (for plug-in fireplaces) or Shelly 1PM Gen3/Gen4 (for hard-wired fireplaces) support schedules: “Switch on every evening at 6 p.m.” In scenes you combine actions like “Movie night”: dim lights, start fireplace. 

If your fireplace offers a flame effect plus a switchable heating function, you can also use temperature triggers - similar to a thermostat: if it gets cooler than your setpoint, heating starts. This is convenient and saves costs when no heat is needed. 

Woman and son warm their hands at an electric fireplace; smart control combines flame effect with efficient heating.
Safety with electric fireplaces

Load limits, overheat protection and monitoring

Safety is crucial with electric heaters. Shelly devices help you monitor the fireplace reliably.

  • Shelly Plug M Gen3 protects against overload, overcurrent and overheating and switches off automatically if the fireplace draws too much power. 
  • Shelly 1PM Gen3/Gen4 (installed behind the switch) adds an internal temperature sensor for extra protection. 
All of them measure power consumption in real time so you always see the load and whether it stays within safe limits. This reduces overheating risk and increases safety.
Control electric fireplace – couple relaxing in front of fireplace; automated heat output delivers comfort with controlled energy costs.

Control an electric fireplace via app: how it works

With Shelly your electric fireplace becomes smart, without major retrofitting. 

If it has a plug, simply place Shelly Plug M Gen3 in between: between the fireplace plug and the wall socket. 

Or use Shelly 1PM Gen3/Gen4 for fixed installations. A professional mounts it behind the wall switch. 

Then connect the Shelly device - depending on model - to your Wi-Fi or Zigbee network and set it up in the Shelly Smart Control App. 

Now you can switch the fireplace on/off via app, create schedules and scenes, or control it by Alexa or Google Home. 

Woman with smartphone and Shelly app; control fireplace via app, use schedules and thermostat-style triggers.

Save electricity with an electric fireplace

Electric fireplaces create instant coziness, but heating power can add up. Many models use around 1,000-2,000 W in heating mode - i.e., 1-2 kWh per hour, costing up to €0.60 per hour. That sounds small, but it adds up on cold days. 

With Shelly you keep consumption transparent. Power metering shows exactly when the fireplace runs and how much it uses. With schedules, automations and timers, it heats only when needed. 

Result: fireplace ambiance with fewer worries about the electricity bill. 

Shelly Europe

FAQ:

How do you switch on an electric fireplace?

Use the on-device switch or remote. Models with app control – or with a Shelly retrofit – can also be switched on by smartphone or voice.

How high is an electric fireplace’s power consumption?

With heating: typically 1,000–2,000 W (≈ 1–2 kWh/h). Flame-only mode uses significantly less energy.

Can I control my electric fireplace with a phone?

Yes - if the unit is smart itself or retrofitted with Shelly Plug M Gen3 or Shelly 1PM.

Can I add a thermostat to an electric fireplace?

Yes - via smart solutions like Shelly you can set temperature triggers so heating starts automatically when room temperature falls below your setpoint.