10 Best Electric Insert For Fireplace 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 72” electric fireplace is a great choice if you're looking for a stylish, in-wall recessed unit that adds both warmth and ambiance to a room. Its large 72-inch size offers a wide flame view, making it an impressive centerpiece for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. The flame effect stands out with 60 color combinations and multiple intensity settings, enhancing the cozy atmosphere with realistic-looking logs, crystals, and driftwood included.

Heating-wise, it delivers up to 1,500 watts with two heat settings and a thermostat range from 68 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, comfortably warming spaces up to about 400 square feet. Installation is designed to be straightforward for homeowners, though you should carefully measure your wall space since it requires a recessed setup and some clearance above. The fireplace is vent-free, so no chimney or ventilation is needed, which simplifies placement options. Controls can be managed via remote, smartphone app, or Alexa, allowing flexible and convenient operation.

The unit is fairly deep at over 5 inches, which might limit installation options in very narrow walls. It uses a moderate amount of power (1500W) compared to traditional heaters, so it’s best suited as a supplemental heat source rather than primary heating. Also, batteries for the remote are not included, and the frame’s minimal design, while modern, may not suit everyone’s décor preferences. Safety features are standard for electric fireplaces, but positioning it correctly with adequate clearance is important. For those seeking modern looks, smart controls, and decent heating for medium-sized rooms, this model fulfills those requirements effectively.

The Touchstone Sideline Infinity 3-Sided Electric Fireplace is a stylish and modern option for those looking to add warmth and ambiance to their living spaces. Its 72-inch size with three sides of glass enhances the visual experience, making it a focal point in any room. With a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, it effectively warms areas up to 400 square feet, offering two heat settings for customized comfort.

A standout feature is its extensive flame effect options, allowing users to choose from six flame colors and ten media bed colors, complete with five intensity settings. This level of customization contributes to a realistic and inviting atmosphere. The Wi-Fi-enabled design is particularly appealing, as it allows for control through smartphone apps or voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Home, making it convenient and tech-savvy.

Installation is flexible, with four options to suit various room layouts, and you can choose between plugging it in or hardwiring it. However, the unit's weight of 94 pounds may require professional installation for some users, especially if opting for the wall-mounted style. On the safety side, it includes features like a timer and a built-in thermometer for better energy efficiency, which helps maintain safety and comfort. The price point might be on the higher side for budget-conscious buyers.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50" is an electric fireplace designed to fit recessed into your wall, giving a clean and modern look with its slim black frame. It’s fairly large at nearly 50 inches wide, so it suits medium to larger rooms and can heat up to about 400 square feet with its 1,500-watt heater. You get two heat settings controlled by a thermostat ranging from 68 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing you to adjust warmth comfortably.

One of its standout features is the realistic flame effect. With 60 color combinations for flames and media, plus options like logs, driftwood, and crystals, it creates a cozy and customizable ambiance that feels quite authentic. The flames and heat can be controlled via remote or smart devices, adding convenience. The unit supports both plug-in or hardwired installation, making it flexible depending on your setup.

Installation is intended to be DIY-friendly with clear instructions, but you do need to carefully measure your wall opening since the fireplace is specifically built for recessed mounting and has precise dimensions. It vents heat from the top front and doesn’t require an external vent, which simplifies placement and reduces installation cost. Energy-wise, it’s fairly efficient as an electric heater, but running it on high heat continuously might affect your electricity bill. Safety features like proper heat venting and recommended clearances are important to follow for safe operation. The unit is relatively heavy at 55 pounds, so installation may need some help. This electric insert is great for those wanting an attractive, modern fireplace with good heating power, realistic flame visuals, and smart controls. It suits living rooms or bedrooms where recessed mounting is possible, but it requires careful measuring and some basic installation effort, so it may not be ideal if you want a simple plug-and-play fireplace.