The Best Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2026

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Convenient, charming, and cozy, electric fireplace inserts are not just energy-efficient—they’re also a breeze to install. As alternatives to traditional fireplaces, these popular electric room heaters have a range of user-friendly features such as adjustable flame brightness, programmable timers, and built-in thermostats. They require less fuss than a real fire, and they’re offered in a wide choice of styles and sizes to supply radiant warmth to virtually any room.

However, the range of options can make selecting the right model challenging. In this guide, we’ve outlined important shopping considerations and showcased some of the market’s best models, like our favorite option, the PuraFlame Klaus 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert, which impressed us with its combination of old-fashioned charm and modern tech features. Other models won our stamp of approval for different reasons. The information that follows should help you find the best electric fireplace insert for your home.

1. BEST OVERALL: PuraFlame Klaus 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Costway 28.5″ Electric Fireplace Recessed Insert
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3. BEST LARGE: Electactic 68″ Electric Fireplace Recessed
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4. BEST LOG EFFECT: Masarflame 40″ Electric Fireplace Insert
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5. BEST SMART FIREPLACE: Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace
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6. BEST WALL-MOUNTED: R.W.Flame 68″ Recessed Wall Electric Fireplace Heater
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Electric Fireplace Inserts Comparison

Our Top Picks

Our top picks illustrate the range of features offered by electric fireplace inserts. We’ve awarded each of our favorite models an award, making it easier to find the best electric fireplace insert for every purpose.

Those who want the ambience of a real fire in their living room or bedroom without the mess or hassle will want to check out the PuraFlame Klaus electric fireplace insert. The design incorporates a brickwork background, a high-quality log and ember bed, glass doors (which stay cool), and a mesh screen. In addition to the usual flame controls, it also provides a crackling log sound. We like that the flame effects will function without heat for the same cozy appeal on warmer days.

Users can toggle the unit’s power level between 750W (watts) and 1,500W, enough power to provide secondary heat for rooms up to 400 square feet. The electronic thermostat offers precise temperature settings via a hidden panel or handheld remote, too. Installation is straightforward, and several other sizes are available.

What our tester says: “The PuraFlame Klaus electric fireplace insert was the most realistic-looking electric heater I tested, from the spark-arrest curtains to the log glow and the flames.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the PuraFlame electric fireplace insert at Amazon.

Unlike its similarly priced competitors, the relatively low-cost Costway 28.5-inch electric fireplace insert offers two heat settings: 750W and 1,500W. The manufacturer is one of the few that also quotes British thermal units (BTU) heat output at 2,559 and 5,118, respectively. Users can control it via the onboard controls located behind a hidden panel, or use the intuitive remote.

A programmable thermostat maintains the selected heat settings between 62 degrees Fahrenheit and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit includes an 8-hour timer and three flame effects, each with five levels of brightness. The Costway complies with Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) safety certification.

While this model cannot be mounted to a surface, it weighs just 27.5 pounds, making it easy to insert into stud walls, fireplace surrounds, or cabinets.

Get the Costway electric fireplace insert at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

It’s nice for large rooms to have a focal point, and the 68-inch Electactic electric fireplace provides an attractive solution. Very competitively priced for a model of this size, it also manages to sacrifice nothing in terms of performance or convenience. There are two heat settings of 750W or 1,500W, with a maximum output of 5,100 BTUs. That makes it suitable for living rooms and bedrooms of up to 400 square feet.

The Electactic fireplace offers flame or crystal effects with 12 colors and five brightness/speed levels projected through toughened high-definition glass. At just 40 decibels, it’s also very quiet. Heating and flame functions can operate independently. An intuitive touch-screen panel provides access to all controls, including a digital thermostat and a 1- to 8-hour timer. A handheld remote is also provided.

Get the Electactic electric fireplace insert at Amazon.

The Masarflame 40-inch electric fireplace insert’s standout feature is its accurate rendering of an authentic log fire. Rather than a simple black interior, the sides have a brick pattern that adds visual depth. Lifelike resin logs enhance this with three different lighting effects and five flame heights, and a crackling sound completes the retro wood-burning effect.

This realistic-looking electric fireplace offers two heat settings, but it doesn’t have a programmable thermostat. However, it does feature a 9-hour timer and a safety cutout to prevent overheating. The Masarflame can be installed into a wall recess or cabinet, but it may look best in a false fireplace surround.

Get the Masarflame electric fireplace insert at Amazon.

The slender frame on the Touchstone Sideline Elite gives it a sleek, contemporary impression that we found instantly appealing, and its smart features only deepened that impression. While a remote is provided, this fireplace is also ready for Wi-Fi. The free smartphone app, which adds a range of additional functions, integrates with Alexa or Google Home.

Two power settings and a programmable thermostat can be set between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. The model contains an 8-hour timer. It comes in log, driftwood, and crystal bed effects in 10 color choices, plus flames that can be set to six colors and three speeds. The Touchstone Sideline has ETL safety certification and overheating protection

Get the Touchstone electric fireplace insert at Amazon or Lowe’s.

At 68 inches wide but just 18 inches tall, the R.W.Flame electric wall-mount fireplace insert makes quite an impression. A choice of 12 bed colors, 12 flame colors, and five flame speeds allows variety in visual impact and ambience.

The two power modes work in conjunction with a programmable thermostat to control room temperatures between 68 degrees Fahrenheit and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. A sleep mode provides heat but turns off all the effects. It has an 8-hour timer and ETL safety certification.

Despite being an electric fireplace insert with a built-in fan, this unit features an ultrathin body that measures just under 4 inches deep, making it the ideal wall-mounted fireplace for users who prioritize ease of installation. However, the wall must be structurally solid, as the R.W.Flame 68-inch fireplace weighs 67 pounds.

Get the R.W.Flame electric fireplace insert at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Electric Fireplace Inserts

Many of us on the Bob Vila team are DIY fanatics, and we’ve completed remodels on various homes. As a result, we have extensive experience with electric fireplaces to draw on. With that as our starting point, we researched the most popular electric fireplace insert brands and a wide selection of retailers, including major names and specialist suppliers. After examining more than 60 appliances, we formed an in-depth view of the market, the products available, and the most recent developments in fireplace inserts, such as the potential for smart voice control.

Most electric fireplace inserts deliver similar heating performance. Many people are more concerned with the unit’s physical size and visual appeal, which are crucial to how it fits in the living space. Our top picks offer a wide range of different dimensions, and while appearance is a personal subject, we also sought to represent the many different styles available. Since cost plays a critical part in most buying decisions, we offered models to suit all budgets.

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Fireplace Insert

While the best freestanding electric fireplace is often just plug in and go, an electric fireplace insert typically requires at least minimal installation. Apart from that, along with their general appearance, they frequently share similar features. The following section explores the issues that buyers will want to think about when choosing the best recessed electric fireplace for a particular location.

Type of Fireplace Insert

Many types of fireplaces powered by electricity can be called “inserts”; however, the term usually describes those units that fit into a recess in the wall. These can either be pre-existing (replacing a gas fireplace or log fire) or new additions. A new installation can be installed at floor level or recessed into the wall above it. Several models have the flexibility to be used in either position.

Some electric fireplaces come as part of a complete surround and mantel package that’s fitted to the wall, mimicking a “real” fire. While electric fireplaces with mantels ​are sometimes called inserts, that’s not a very accurate description and can lead to confusion. The same can also be said of electric log sets that sit in the space formerly used by the grate of a log fire.

Heating Capacity

Regardless of their physical size, even the best indoor fireplace inserts seldom use more than 1,500W of electricity. More power than that and the unit could trip a standard breaker. Many models have two power settings to help save on costs.

In actual heat capacity, 1,500W of power is generally considered sufficient to maintain comfortable warmth in a room of up to 400 square feet. The high setting could be used for initial warmth, then lowered to maintain that temperature.

Heating capacity may also be listed in BTUs on some electric fireplaces. Technically, 1 BTU is the energy required to raise 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. At full power, most modern fireplace inserts emit about 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs. While useful for comparison, the figures don’t offer much practical help, and many manufacturers don’t even supply them.

Size

Physical size is important when looking through the available electric fireplaces for two reasons: First, it helps determine the insert’s appearance in the intended location, and second, size affects the installation.

Generally, width is the main dimension used when describing an electric fireplace insert. The smallest unit currently on the market is just 22 inches wide, while the largest measures 100 inches. Height and depth should also appear in the details. The fireplace insert’s dimensions invariably differ from the dimensions of the recess required, so it’s important to have those measurements, too.

Visualizing the actual size from the dimensions can pose a challenge. To help judge the impact the fireplace insert will make, use low-tack tape to outline the fireplace on the intended wall.

Installation

Installing an electric fireplace insert is generally much easier than installing a gas fireplace insert or real fire alternatives. While it can be fitted as a replacement for either of these, an electric fireplace doesn’t need a chimney, flue, or venting.

Depending on the wall structure, electric fireplace inserts can be recessed at floor level or higher. If the existing walls are brick or concrete, experts may advise building out a false wall, which can also serve as a decorative element.

Most electric fireplace inserts need only to be plugged into a convenient wall outlet. Often, it’s possible to wire one into the recess or permanently hardwire it. Experienced DIYers may be able to perform the task, though it’s probably better to contact a qualified professional.

Programmable Thermostat and Other Features

A programmable thermostat, which is a popular option, can help reduce heating costs. Once set to the desired level, the fireplace automatically adjusts its output to maintain it, so no energy is wasted. A shut-off timer is also frequently included.

Many manufacturers offer flame effects and colors to create a welcoming ambience without heat. Realistic log-crackling sounds also help enhance the atmosphere. Control is usually possible via a handheld remote, but the most advanced electric fireplace inserts also allow smart control via Wi-Fi and integration with home hubs that allow voice commands.

Safety is an important consideration. The best electric fireplace heater options have thermal overload protection that cuts the power if the device overheats. Cool-touch exteriors also are available.

Safety Tips for Using an Electric Fireplace Insert

When properly installed, with no exposed flames and no smoke or noxious fumes, electric fireplace inserts are among the safest home-heating devices. However, some potential for danger always exists. The following tips should help keep you, your family, and your property safe.

• If not completely confident in your ability to install the fireplace, call a professional.
• Make sure electrical connections supply the correct voltage and amps and use a suitable circuit breaker.
• Never plug an electric fireplace into an extension cord.
• Never cover the front of the fireplace. Don’t use it to dry clothes.
• Although many modern electric fireplace inserts have cool-touch exteriors, it’s safest to keep furniture and fabrics at least 3 feet away.
• If the cord is exposed, check it regularly for damage. Do not run cords under carpets or rugs.
• Electric fireplace inserts are for indoor use only. Never install them outdoors, even in a sheltered space.

FAQs

If you still have lingering questions about electric fireplace inserts, you’re not alone—there’s a lot to know regarding their safety features and functionalities.

Q. What is the standard size for an electric fireplace insert?

No “standard” size exists. Widths can measure from 22 inches to 100 inches. Height also varies, and the depth required for installation can vary from 4 inches to 12 inches. Check sizes carefully when making your choice.

Q. Are electric fireplaces safe?

Yes, when properly installed, electric fireplaces are often considered the safest fireplace option. With no fumes or smoke, they are also kinder to those with respiratory difficulties and many allergy sufferers.

Q. How do electric fireplaces work? 

Electric fireplaces generate heat in a similar way to space heaters. They use a heating element that heats as electricity passes through it, and a fan then distributes the heat so that it radiates throughout the room. As for the flame effects, these are typically created by LED lights, though other interesting techniques are sometimes used, such as utilizing rotating mirrors (yes, really!). To control the unit, users can either use a remote or onboard control to adjust heat and lighting settings.

Q. What are the disadvantages of an electric fireplace? 

Electric fireplaces don’t generate enough heat to serve as a primary heat source; they’re more intended to be used as secondary sources. They also won’t work during power outages unless you have a backup power system. And if you forget to turn your electric fireplace off when you’re not using it, your electricity bill will suffer for it.

Q. Are electric fireplaces expensive to use? 

Not normally. Costs depend on the watts consumed by the fireplace and utility charges, but several independent tests show an average of around 15 to 18 cents per hour. If the unit is run for 6 hours a day, that’s roughly $30 per month.

Q. How much does an electric fireplace cost?

Prices vary significantly depending on features, size, and quality, but generally speaking, most electric fireplaces cost somewhere from $100 to $500, with costlier, more sophisticated units ranging closer to $1,000.

Q. Do electric fireplace inserts use a lot of electricity?

Electricity consumption is measured in watts. Most electric fireplace inserts operate at around 1,500W maximum. That’s about the same as an electric space heater, though an electric fireplace insert is usually more efficient.

Q. How do you install an electric fireplace?

Installing an electric fireplace is very simple—especially compared to real fireplaces, which are not only costly to install but also complex. Electric fireplaces simply require plugging in to a proper electrical source (don’t use extension cords. Inserts must be measured properly to ensure they fit, and wall-mounts will require a little extra prep.

Q. Can you put an electric fireplace insert in an existing fireplace?

Placing a “fake” fireplace insert into an existing fireplace is typically possible as long as power can be supplied. The existing fireplace gap may need some modification. When in doubt, consult a professional.

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