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 Dimplex Revillusion 42 Inch Built-in Electric Firebox offers a generous size that fits well for medium to large rooms, with dimensions of about 43 inches wide and a heating capacity suitable for spaces up to 1,000 square feet. This makes it a solid choice if you want supplemental heating for living rooms or similar areas. Its standout feature is the Revillusion flame technology, which creates very realistic dancing flames around handcrafted faux logs set against a charming herringbone brick background, adding to the cozy, natural fire look without the hassle of real flames.

Installation is straightforward since it requires no venting or gas lines. You can either plug it into a standard outlet with the included kit or hardwire it for a cleaner finish. This flexibility is good for those who want a built-in feel without complicated setup. The unit uses a ceramic heater that can be turned off if you just want the flame effect without heat, which adds to energy savings and year-round enjoyment. The firebox weighs about 113 pounds, so some help during installation might be needed. It includes a multi-function remote, making it convenient to control heat and flame settings from across the room. While it does not feature advanced smart controls like app or voice command, the remote meets most basic convenience needs.

Being electric and vent-free means there are no emissions or open flames, reducing risks common to traditional fireplaces. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use. The price point and built-in installation requirement may not suit all spaces or budgets, and while the heat output is sufficient for supplemental heating, it is not intended to replace a central heating system. This electric insert is a great option for those seeking a realistic, attractive fireplace look with easy installation and effective heating performance for medium-sized rooms.

The Dimplex Revillusion 36" Built-in Firebox offers a stylish and authentic addition to your living space with its brick-style design and realistic flame effect that uses an innovative Mirage Flame Panel. This panel creates a charming flame look without glare, enhancing the ambiance more naturally than standard electric fireplaces. It is designed to fit into a built-in setup, either surface mounted or recessed, allowing flexible installation to suit your room layout. It measures about 37 inches wide and weighs roughly 75 pounds, so planning your space accordingly is important.

For heating, it provides a respectable output of around 4,400 BTU with adjustable wattage settings up to 2,575 Watts, making it suitable for supplemental heating in medium-sized rooms like living rooms. The fireplace is vent-free, which simplifies installation and means it doesn’t require external ventilation. However, vent-free units may not be ideal for very small or poorly ventilated spaces.

In terms of energy use, it offers moderate power consumption aligned with its heat output, but as with any electric heater, running it continuously can impact your electricity bill. The unit includes safety-focused features typical for electric fireplaces, such as cool-to-touch surfaces and automatic shutoff, adding peace of mind for home use. It comes with a remote for convenience. A 2-year limited warranty supports reliability. For those seeking an attractive, reasonably powerful built-in electric fireplace insert that’s relatively easy to install and use, this Dimplex model represents a solid option, provided the installation space and ventilation considerations are addressed.