10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts 2025 in the United States

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.

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace - Sideline 36" is an excellent choice for those looking to add a stylish and functional electric fireplace to their home. Its recessed design allows for a clean, modern look, making it a great fit for living rooms or bedrooms. One of the standout features is its realistic flame effect, which includes 30 ember color/flame options that can create a cozy atmosphere or a more dramatic effect depending on your preference.

In terms of heating, this unit offers a decent heating capacity of 1,500W, which is suitable for rooms up to 400 square feet. It can warm a cool space, but it should not be relied upon as a primary heat source. The remote control and smart features, including compatibility with Alexa and Google Home, enhance convenience by allowing you to adjust settings from your couch or even via your smartphone.

Installation is straightforward, as it can be mounted in a wall or used in an existing fireplace opening. The unit is also ventless, which means it won't require any chimney or external venting, making it a flexible option for various home designs. Additionally, it remains cool to the touch on the sides and back, enhancing safety, especially in homes with children or pets. Some users may find the heating output a bit limited compared to traditional fireplaces, especially in larger spaces. The requirement for 8 inches of clearance from a TV is also something to consider when planning your installation. Lastly, it operates on a maximum of 12 amps, so ensure your electrical circuits can handle that alongside other devices.

The Dimplex Revillusion 42 Inch Built-in Electric Firebox is a solid choice for those wanting a realistic-looking electric fireplace insert that fits into a built-in setup. Its 42-inch size is fairly standard, making it suitable for medium to larger living rooms. The standout feature is the Revillusion flame technology, which creates flames that look much more natural compared to typical electric fireplaces, especially combined with the handcrafted faux logs and the weathered concrete interior for added realism.

Heating-wise, this firebox can warm up to 1,000 square feet, which covers an average-sized room efficiently. It uses a ceramic heater that provides about 5,118 BTUs—enough to supplement your main heating system comfortably. The heater can also be turned off if you want just the flame ambiance without heat. Installation is straightforward since it doesn’t need venting, gas lines, or complex tools. The included 120V plug kit means you can plug it into a standard outlet right away or hardwire it for a cleaner look. This flexibility helps with various installation preferences. It’s designed for built-in placement, either centered or in a corner.

The firebox is relatively heavy at over 110 pounds, so installation may require some help. While the flame effect is impressive, it may be less bright in very sunny rooms. The price reflects its advanced flame technology and realistic design. This Dimplex Revillusion firebox suits anyone wanting a visually appealing, built-in electric fireplace with good heating power and flexible installation options. It combines style and function nicely but may require a bit of effort to install due to its weight.