10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace is a solid option if you’re looking for a stylish and functional heating solution that fits seamlessly into your home. Designed for in-wall installation, this 60-inch fireplace boasts a sleek black frame that adds a modern touch to any room, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. One of its biggest strengths is the variety of flame and media combinations, offering 60 flame colors and 10 media options, which provide a customizable and realistic fire experience. The ability to control it via a remote or smart device is a modern touch that users will appreciate.

With a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, this model can effectively heat spaces up to 400 square feet, making it ideal for supplemental heating. Its adjustable thermostat allows for temperature settings between 68-88 degrees Fahrenheit, plus two heat settings to suit your preference. The inclusion of faux logs and crystals adds to the authentic look of the flames, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the unit is easy to install, it does require a bit of DIY effort, which may not suit everyone. Additionally, the flame effects, while visually striking, might not be as convincing as a traditional fireplace. Some users might also find the need for AAA batteries for the remote control inconvenient.

The Westinghouse 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert is a versatile option for adding warmth and ambiance to medium to large rooms. Its size fits standard wall openings and allows both wall-mount or recessed installation, offering flexibility for different spaces. With a heating capacity of 5110 BTUs and adjustable output settings, it provides sufficient warmth for living rooms, bedrooms, or home offices.

The flame effect is highly customizable, featuring up to 144 color combinations, adjustable brightness, and flame speed, along with interchangeable ember beds for a realistic appearance. This creates a cozy atmosphere even when the heat is off. It is compatible with Alexa and Google Home and can be controlled via remote or app, adding convenience and smart home integration.

For safety, the fireplace includes overheat protection and automatic shutoff features. Energy consumption is moderate at 1500 watts, typical for units of this size, and it is advisable not to share a circuit with other appliances to prevent overload. The unit requires clearance space above it, which may influence placement options, and its weight of 66 pounds means installation might require some effort or professional assistance. The 2-year warranty provides added assurance of quality. This model is ideal for users seeking a stylish, customizable electric fireplace with smart features and reliable heating, while those with very small rooms or limited installation space might prefer smaller or simpler units.

The Touchstone Sideline 50" electric fireplace insert offers a spacious 50-inch wide design that fits well in standard wall openings or existing fireplace spaces, making it a solid choice if you want a recessed look. It provides a heating capacity of up to 1,500 watts, which is enough to warm rooms around 400 square feet—great for adding extra heat but not as a main heat source. The flame effect is one of its strengths, featuring 30 realistic ember and flame color options along with 5 flame intensity settings, creating a cozy and authentic fire look with either faux logs or crystals.

Installation is user-friendly; it can be recessed into the wall or mounted with a bracket and stays cool on the sides and back for safety. Being ventless allows flexible placement without worrying about chimney or vent connections. Energy-wise, it runs on standard household current and pulls up to 12 amps, which fits most home circuits but might require attention if combined with other high-power devices. Safety features include cool-touch surfaces and an automatic shut-off timer, adding peace of mind during use.

The fireplace is also Alexa and WiFi-enabled, letting you control flame and heat settings via remote, app, or voice commands, which adds modern convenience. Its heat output won’t replace a central heating system, and you need to allow 8 inches of clearance above it if installing under a TV. Also, batteries for the remote are not included. If you want a stylish, easy-to-install electric fireplace with strong visual effects and smart controls for supplemental heating, the Sideline is a well-rounded option that balances ambiance and warmth.