Best Electric Fireplace Inserts

Buying the best electric fireplace insert is an excellent way to add an inviting aura to your living space, whether you have a traditional wood-burning/ gas fireplace or not. Thanks to its stylish design and ability to create an elegant feeling, while providing an extra heat source to keep you warm and cozy. Best of all, you can install these units in a wall or simply put ‘insert’ them in an existing, traditional fireplace. 

In addition, electric fireplace inserts are energy-efficient, easy to install, and available in a wide range of styles & sizes. 

On the downside, with so many electric fireplace insert brands and models to choose from, finding the best option for your home can sometimes be challenging. That’s why, in this article, I’ll take you through some of the best electric fireplace inserts on the market right now! 

5 Best Electric Fireplace Insert Reviews 

1. Modern Flame Redstone 26” Electric Fireplace Insert 

If you want to cover an old fireplace in your home that you no longer use, this electric fireplace insert from Modern Flames is one of the best options for you. After all, you only need to buy this unit and insert it in the existing fireplace and you’re good to go. This makes it the best fireplace insert for modernizing old, attractive hearths and closing the chimney to keep heat inside your living space. 

Interestingly, despite providing a modern appearance, this unit allows the fireplace to maintain a traditional look. Not to forget that it comes in 2 trims and features other customization abilities. For instance, it’s equipped with Hybrid-FX Flame Technology that allows you to control the flame as well as ember bed colors. At the same time, you can choose your preferred flame color from the 10 different color variations available to achieve any look and ambiance you want. 

Other incredible features displayed by this electric fireplace insert are that it comes with a sleep timer, touchscreen control, remote control, and flame operation with/ without heat. In addition, it has 2 heat settings that can supplement your heater in a large room or keep a small space warm. Specifically, Modern Flames claims that this unit can heat a space of up to 400 sq ft and produce a temperature of up to 88 deg F. 

As for the dimension, this electric fireplace insert has a 10” D X 23” W X 18” H. Therefore, you can either place it in a pre-built fireplace or a recessed 10” space. Alternatively, you can buy this unit with a trim kit if the pre-built fireplace is slightly bigger than this insert to help solidify the look. 

Highlighted Features 

• Heat output: 5000 BTUs
• 10 different color variations
• Alloy steel construction 
• Adjustable flame 
• Comes with a remote control 
• Includes a trim kit to make the finish look nice after installation 

Drawbacks 

• Expensive 

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2. RW Flame Wall-Mounting 50” Electric Fireplace Insert 

This RW Flame electric fireplace offers a convenient way to upgrade your living space by inserting it into an existing fireplace. Moreover, it allows you to add ambiance and visual impact to any room with its 5-speed flames, 12 flame colors, and 12-bed colors. 

In addition, this unit is ideal for providing supplementary heat to the room. Thanks to its 1500W heating element that ensures it tosses a good amount of heat. To be precise, this unit can generate enough heat to warm a standard room of up to 400 sq. ft. Besides, this electric fireplace features 2 heating modes that work in conjunction with a programmable thermostat to control the room temperature between 68 and 88 deg F. On top of that, it has a sleep mode that delivers heat but turns off all the effects, ETL safety certification, and an 8-hour timer. 

Another notable feature offered by this unit is that it provides an adjustable flame display. As a result, you can easily change the intensity, brightness as well as color of its flame and bed colors. 

When it comes to installation, this electric fireplace insert can either be wall-mounted or recessed into a wall. Even better, it’s relatively easy to control since you can either use the included remote control or touchscreen buttons on the fireplace to switch between speed, heat, light, color & timer settings. 

Regarding the size, this unit is 50” long, 18.11” high, and 3.89” wide. However, this electric fireplace model is also available in other lengths ranging from 30 to 70” to cutouts in walls of various sizes. 

 All in all, the location of the power cable and main power has been redesigned to give this unit an attractive and practical design. Plus, the ultra-thin body makes it one of the best wall-mounted fireplaces due to its ease of installation. 

Highlighted Features 

• Variety of flame settings 
• 1500W output 
• Remote & Touch Screen control options 
• Heats a room of up to 400 sq ft
• Provides several settings including 12 flame colors and 5 flame speeds 
• Can be recessed or wall-mounted 
• Available in different size options (30”, 36”, 42”, 50”, 60”, 68”)

Drawbacks 

• Does not provide a realistic cracking sound effect

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3. Touchstone Sideline Elite Wi-Fi Enabled Electric Fireplace Insert

Considered the best smart electric fireplace insert, the Touchstone Sideline Elite is an excellent option for a smart home. This is because it comes with a free smartphone that adds a range of additional functions. More importantly, it’s relatively easy to operate using Amazon Alexa and Google Home. For instance, you can turn the electric fireplace on or off using voice commands, provided it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network. Alternatively, you can control the unit’s operations and settings using an adjustable timer or the included remote control. 

That aside, this premium electric fireplace insert comes with a full log set, driftwood & crystal bed effects in 10 media-based color options, 6 flame colors, 3 flame-speed settings, and 5 intensity settings. In addition, it has 2 power settings (750W & 1500W) and a programmable setting that allows you to set the room temperature between 68 and 88 deg F. However, this heat output is only adequate to heat a room of up to 400 sq ft, which is about the size of a 2-car garage.  

As for installation, this electric fireplace insert is specifically designed for mounting in recessed walls. Its slender black frame gives a sleek, contemporary look that will add a cozy touch to any living room, office, or bedroom. Moreover, it’s available in different widths ranging from 42 to 84” to fit your installation space and even includes easy-to-follow instructions to help you install it on your own. 

Highlighted Features 

• 2 Heat settings (750 & 1500W)
• Long, slim modern design 
• Wi-Fi Enable
• Compatible with Google Home & Amazon Alexa
• Available in various widths
• Comes with a variety of flame & bed settings 
• Realistic flame with 60 color combinations 

Drawbacks 

• Only heats a room of up to 400 sq ft

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4. ClassicFlame 3D Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Insert 

Most electric fireplace inserts we’ve reviewed so far use a barely audible fan to push warm air into the living space. However, that is not the case with this electric fireplace insert from ClassicFlame. Instead, the unit uses infrared technology to heat people and objects within the room, as opposed to heating the air. This allows it to heat the room more quickly while ensuring the fireplace doesn’t consume a lot of energy. Moreover, the manufacturer claims that this electric fireplace can heat a room of up to 1000 sq ft. 

In addition, the infrared technology used in the electric fireplace helps to maintain the natural humidity in the air. As a result, you’ll get comfortable heat that does not dry out the room’s air. 

Moving on, this unit can either be installed in a pre-existing fireplace or a recessed wall. Not to forget that it has 5 different color variations, allowing you to change the appearance of its flames. In addition, you can set its 3D flame and log effect for speed, brightness, and color with 125 variations. Best of all, the unit is equipped with Safer Plug technology that switches it off automatically if it detects overheating. 

On top of that, the unit comes with a remote control and a timer that allows you to set how long the fireplace will be on. Moreover, it has a digital thermostat that provides control over output. 

Highlighted Features 

• 1500W power output 
• Safer Plug safety system 
• Easy-to-read digital thermostat
• Can show flame effects without producing heat 
• Available in multiple size options ranging from 23” to 42”

Drawbacks 

• Restricted to a single power setting 

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5. Dimplex Deluxe Electric Fireplace Insert 

Designed for use inside an existing fireplace, this elegant and functional Dimplex Deluxe electric fireplace insert is a great way to reclaim the charm of your old unused traditional fireplace. Alternatively, you can install it within a false fireplace surround. 

At first glance, this unit does not have an enclosing glass or screen, making it look a bit unusual. Instead, it resembles traditional open-log fires, which makes it visually appealing and easy to install due to the lack of housing around it. 

Secondly, this unit has a relatively simple design since it’s a log insert. For that, you only need to insert it into a recessed area, plug into a standard outlet and then turn it on. Interestingly, it generates enough heat to warm up a standard-sized room of up to 40 sq ft with its fan-forced heater at 1375W and 120V. 

In addition, this unit features hand-finished LED logs and embers that glow gently to provide a realistic ambiance, while remaining cool to the touch. At the same time, the background flames enhance the realistic effect and can either run with or without the heat. For that, you can use this fireplace insert even in the hot summer months without worrying about getting too hot. 

Lastly, this unit is simple to operate with the switches located at the top of the surround. However, it doesn’t have a time and only has low & high settings, although the manufacturer claims it has thermostat control. 

Highlighted Features 

• Remote & Switch control options 
• Safe, cool-to-touch logs
• Easy to install 
• Flame effects can work without the heat 
• Measures 23.75” deep, 23.23” wide & 19.75” high
• 1375 W Heat rating 
• 1-year limited warranty 

Drawbacks 

• Does not have a timer
• Only available in one size option 

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Things to consider when buying the best Electric fireplace Insert 

When choosing the best electric fireplace insert, you should at least look for a unit that offers minimal installation. In addition, it’s important to consider the following factors to ensure you get the best option for a particular location; 

• Ease of installation 

In general, installing an electric fireplace is much easier than setting up a wood-burning or gas fireplace. Plus, you can fit electric fireplaces as a replacement for traditional fireplaces since they don’t need a flue, chimney, or venting. For these reasons, most electric fireplace inserts do not need professional help as they’re relatively easy to install in existing fireplace areas. However, carving out space for a recessed wall-mounted fireplace may require some extra planning. 

• Size 

The physical size of an electric fireplace is another important factor to consider for 2 reasons. One, it affects the installation process of the fireplace. Secondly, it will determine the appearance of the electric fireplace insert in the intended location. 

With that in mind, the best electric fireplace inserts are usually available in various width sizes ranging from 30” to 60”. Whichever the case, make sure you measure the existing fireplace opening before you choose any model to see home much space you have. Also, remember to check the dimensions of the electric fireplace insert including the height and depth to ensure it will fit. 

• Heating Capacity 

Like most space heaters, electric fireplace inserts rarely use more than 1500W of electricity. Units that consume more power than that might cause a standard circuit breaker to trip. 

In terms of heat capacity, 1500 W of power is considered sufficient to maintain comfortable warmth in a living space of up to 400 sq. ft. Also, most units have 2 power settings to save on electricity costs. That way, you can use the high heat setting for initial warmth and use the lower setting to maintain or reduce the room temperature. 

Alternatively, the heating capacity of the electric fireplace insert may be listed in BTUs (British Thermal Units). In that regard, most electric fireplace inserts produce about 4000 – 5000 BTUs. 

• Type of electric fireplace insert 

Although most types of electric fireplaces are classified as ‘inserts’, the term usually refers to units that fit into a recess in the wall, which can either be new additions or pre-existing. A new electric fireplace insert can be recessed into the wall above it or installed at floor level. On the other hand, some models come as part of a complete surround & mantle that is fitted to the wall to mimic a ‘real’ fire. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you have found the best electric fireplace insert for your home. Now, the next step is to install the unit in the desired location, which as I’ve mentioned, is relatively straightforward. Nonetheless, it’s important to learn how to install an electric fireplace insert beforehand to ensure you’re well-prepared when your unit arrives!