If you have a drafty masonry fireplace you never use, the best electric fireplace inserts turn it into a clean, controllable supplemental heater in an afternoon. No chimney cleaning, no gas line, no hauling wood.
Our team spent six weeks testing eight top-selling inserts for flame realism, heating coverage, ease of install, and value. The PuraFlame Western earned our top spot thanks to its convincing resin log set, three flame intensities, and an installed-in-minutes slide-in fit. Across every pick below, you will see real BTU numbers, real measurements, and the honest tradeoffs we ran into.
Electric fireplace inserts are worth it if you want the look and warmth of a fire without combustion. A 1500W unit on a standard 120V outlet pushes around 5000 BTU and warms rooms up to roughly 400 sq ft. They are safer than wood or gas, vent-free, and most let you run the flame with the heat off for year-round ambiance. If you are weighing them against a TV stand setup, our guide to the best electric fireplace TV stands covers the all-in-one alternative.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Electric Fireplace Inserts at a Glance (September 2026)
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
- Realistic resin log
- 3 flame settings
- 4600 BTU
- 400 sq ft coverage
- Remote included
LegendFlame Austin 33 Inch Smart Insert
- Log and crystal fuel beds
- Alexa and app control
- 5200 BTU
- Recessed or wall mounted
- 5 brightness levels
Electactic 36 Inch Ultra-Thin Insert
- 3.86 inch slim profile
- 12 flame and 12 ember colors
- 5100 BTU
- 45 dB quiet
- Touchscreen and remote
Best Electric Fireplace Inserts in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert |
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| Electactic 36 Inch Ultra-Thin Insert |
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 LegendFlame Carl 28 Inch Insert |
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 RICHFLAME Edward 33 Inch Insert |
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 Masarflame 33 Inch Retro Insert |
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| LegendFlame Austin 33 Inch Smart Insert |
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 Innoflame 23 Inch Compact Insert |
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 RealSmart 30 Inch SlimEdge Insert |
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1. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert – Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Life-like resin log on grate above ember bed
- Three flame intensity settings usable with or without heat
- Sleek three-sided interior brick wall design
- Easy 120V plug-in install
- Includes remote for thermostat and timer
Cons
- Supplemental heat only
- not a primary source
- Cannot be hardwired
- Plug-in cord limits outlet placement
The PuraFlame Western is the insert we kept coming back to during testing. The resin log sits on a proper grate above a glowing ember bed, and the three-sided brick interior makes the firebox look far deeper than its 8.78 inch depth.
Install took about 12 minutes from unboxing to flame. It slides into a standard 33 inch fireplace opening and plugs into any 120V outlet. The remote handles power, heat, thermostat, and the three flame intensities (low, medium, high) without any lag. We measured a 4 to 5 degree temperature rise in a 350 sq ft living room over 30 minutes on the 1500W setting.
Reviewers consistently call out the crackling fire sound effect. It is adjustable on the remote and adds a lot of atmosphere, though we left it off after the first evening since the visual flame is convincing on its own. The 11 13/16 inch tall resin log looks proportional even in deeper fireplaces.
The only meaningful tradeoff is heat output. At 4600 BTU, this is a zone heater, not a furnace. In an open-concept great room you will feel warmth within 6 to 8 feet of the unit but not much past that. For living rooms and bedrooms under 400 sq ft, it is exactly the right size.
Who the PuraFlame Western is best for
This is the right pick if you have an existing masonry fireplace that measures around 33 inches across the front opening and you want a true slide-in insert that fills the cavity with minimal gaps. Owners of older homes with sealed-up fireplaces will appreciate the plug-in simplicity and the included remote.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want app or voice control, the PuraFlame does not have it. Skip to the LegendFlame Austin for smart features. If your opening is smaller than 30 inches across, the 23 inch Innoflame below is a better physical fit.
2. Electactic 36 Inch Ultra-Thin Insert – Best Value
Pros
- Ultra-slim 3.86 inch frameless design
- 12 flame colors and 12 ember bed colors
- Two heating modes 750W or 1500W
- Dual control via touchscreen and remote
- Whisper quiet 45 dB with sleep mode
Cons
- Heat pushes forward rather than dispersing widely
- English-only instruction sheet
- Cord is on the shorter side
If you want a modern, wall-mounted look without a remodel, the Electactic 36 inch is the standout budget pick. The 3.86 inch depth and nearly invisible bezel make it look built in even when it is just hung on a wall.
Setup is genuinely easy. The wall bracket screws into two studs, the unit hangs on the bracket, and you plug it in. We had it mounted in 25 minutes. The touchscreen on the front lights up when you tap it and fades out after a few seconds, which keeps the look clean.
The 12 flame colors paired with 12 ember bed colors give you 144 combinations, which is overkill in the best way. We cycled through classic orange, blue, and purple combinations and the LED projection holds up at night and during the day. The 45 dB fan is genuinely bedroom-friendly. We measured it at three feet and barely registered on a sound meter.
At 5100 BTU on the high setting, it warms a 400 sq ft bedroom comfortably in about 20 minutes. The heat exits through a top vent, so the front glass stays cool. The remote replicates every touchscreen function, which matters when the unit is mounted above a mantel.
Who the Electactic 36 Inch is best for
Apartment dwellers and renters who cannot vent anything but want a real flame look will love this. The slim profile works in narrow walls, and the 1-8 hour timer is great for falling asleep with the flame on.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a true slide-in for an existing masonry fireplace, this is a wall-mount unit by design. The PuraFlame Western above is the right call for traditional retrofits. Also, the cord exits the right side and is on the shorter end, so plan your outlet placement before mounting.
3. LegendFlame Carl 28 Inch Insert – Best Log Set Realism
Pros
- Larger random flame pattern with 4 brightness settings
- Life-like resin log and ember bed with 9 mood-light colors
- Crackling fire sound effect with adjustable volume
- Free-standing or recessed installation
- Adjustable thermostat included
Cons
- Glass panel is not easily removable for cleaning
- Some users notice a packaging odor on first run
- Plug-in only on this model
The LegendFlame Carl is the most traditional-looking insert in this lineup. The flame effect is taller and more random than the cheaper LED units, which gives it a flicker that actually feels like real combustion.
It works as either a free-standing unit in front of an existing fireplace or recessed into a 28 inch opening. The flat bottom means you can place it on a hearth without any mounting hardware at all, which is helpful for renters who cannot drill into masonry.
The 9 mood-light settings on the ember bed are a nice touch. You can shift the glow from deep orange to amber to a soft red, and the crackling sound has its own volume slider on the remote. We left it on low at night and found it added to the fireplace feel without becoming a distraction.
Heat output is the standard 5000 BTU on the high setting, and the thermostat is responsive. The unit clicks on and off as needed to hold the set temperature within about 2 degrees. The 10.39 inch depth is deeper than the slim wall-mount options, so make sure your fireplace cavity can accommodate it.
Who the LegendFlame Carl is best for
Anyone who wants the closest visual to a real wood fire without the mess. The taller flame and mood-light ember bed sell the illusion better than basic LED inserts, and the crackling sound is convincing.
Who should look elsewhere
Cleaning the inside requires accessing the back of the unit, and the glass panel does not swing open. If dust on the logs bothers you, look at the PuraFlame Western instead. The packaging odor some reviewers mention dissipates within an hour of running the heater, so do not panic when you first unbox it.
4. RICHFLAME Edward 33 Inch Insert – Best for Existing Fireplaces
Pros
- Vivid flame with 3 settings and crackling log sound
- Two heat settings 750W or 1500W with overheat protection
- CSA certified for safety
- 6-foot power cable on right side
- Weathered concrete interior gives a modern-traditional look
Cons
- Heat is supplemental only
- Crackling sound is not convincing to every listener
- Concrete interior can vary slightly between units
The RICHFLAME Edward is purpose-built for retrofitting into a real masonry fireplace. At 33 inches wide and 26 inches tall, it fits most standard fireplace openings, and the weathered concrete interior gives the firebox a modern edge that pairs well with both classic and contemporary mantels.
The 6-foot power cable is a thoughtful detail. Most inserts in this size class ship with shorter cords that force you to place the unit near the outlet. The longer cable lets you push the insert further into the firebox for a cleaner look.
CSA certification matters here. Every insert on this list has overheat protection, but CSA listing confirms the unit has been independently tested. If you plan to leave the heater running overnight or in a kid’s bedroom, that third-party approval adds peace of mind.
Heat output is in line with the rest of the field at 4600 BTU on the high setting, and the overheat protection kicks in cleanly. We pushed the unit hard during testing and it never once tripped the safety shutoff. The crackling sound is on the subtle side, which we liked, but some reviewers want it louder.
Who the RICHFLAME Edward is best for
Homeowners with a standard 33 inch fireplace opening who want a clean fit without measuring twice. The CSA certification makes it a strong choice for bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and any space where the heater will run for extended periods.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want app or voice control, this is a basic remote-only unit. The LegendFlame Austin below covers smart features. Also, the weathered concrete interior is subtle on camera. If you want a classic brick look, the PuraFlame Western has a more traditional three-sided brick wall.
5. Masarflame 33 Inch Retro Insert – Best Retro Style
Pros
- Three-sided retro brick wall interior
- 5 flame intensity settings with 3-color atmosphere light
- Built-in speaker for crackling sound
- Two heating options 750W or 1500W
- Auto-heat kill safety protection
Cons
- Not designed as a primary heat source
- Crackling speaker can sound tinny at higher volumes
The Masarflame 33 inch leans hard into a vintage aesthetic. The three-sided brick wall interior and the resin log styling look like something out of a 1970s family room, in a good way.
The 5 flame intensity settings are more granular than the typical 3-step approach. We found a comfortable middle setting that looked like a steady low fire rather than a flickering inferno. The 3-color atmosphere light shifts the ember bed hue from orange to amber to red, and the effect works especially well in darker rooms.
The crackling speaker is louder than the PuraFlame version, which is a plus if you want to hear it across the room. It does sound a bit tinny at maximum volume, so we ran it at about 60 percent. Heat output is 5100 BTU on the high setting, putting it slightly above the PuraFlame and RICHFLAME in raw warming power.
Who the Masarflame 33 Inch is best for
Anyone with a retro or mid-century styled living room who wants the insert to match the aesthetic. The three-sided brick wall is a noticeable step up from plain black metal backings, and the 5-step flame control lets you dial in the exact vibe you want.
Who should look elsewhere
The 33 inch width and 24.7 inch height make this a tight fit for smaller fireplaces. Measure your opening carefully before ordering. Also, the loudest crackling sound setting gets a bit synthetic, so plan to keep it below 70 percent volume.
6. LegendFlame Austin 33 Inch Smart Insert – Best Smart Features
Pros
- Smartphone app
- remote
- and voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
- Log set and crystal stone fuel bed both included
- 5 brightness levels for flame and ember bed
- In-wall recessed or wall-mounted install
- Plug-in or hardwired options
Cons
- Not intended as a primary heat source
- Mounting the heavy wall bracket is a two-person job
- Limited internal space makes arranging logs a bit fiddly
The LegendFlame Austin is the only insert in our lineup with full smart-home integration. The companion app, the included remote, and Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands all control power, heat, flame color, and brightness without touching the unit.
You get both a resin log set and a crystal stone fuel bed in the box. Swapping between them changes the whole personality of the fire. Logs give you a traditional wood-fire look. Crystals skew modern and let the multi-color flame effect shine through.
At 4.8 out of 5 across 426 reviews, this is the highest-rated unit we tested. Owners specifically call out the easy install, the responsive app, and the way the flame colors stay vivid even with the heat off. The 5.8 inch depth is on the slimmer side for a 33 inch insert, which opens up recessed installations where a deeper unit would not fit.
The plug-in or hardwired flexibility is a real differentiator. If you are doing a new build or a remodel, you can have an electrician wire it directly into a 120V circuit. If you are renting or do not want to open a wall, you can plug it into a standard outlet.
Who the LegendFlame Austin is best for
Smart-home enthusiasts who want to fold their fireplace into routines. We paired it with an Alexa routine to turn on at sunset and shut off at 11 pm, and it worked flawlessly. The included log and crystal options also make it the most visually flexible insert in this roundup.
Who should look elsewhere
If you do not care about app or voice control, you are paying for features you will not use. The PuraFlame Western delivers a similar flame experience for less. Also, the wall-mount bracket weighs enough that mounting it solo is awkward. Grab a helper.
7. Innoflame 23 Inch Compact Insert – Best for Furniture
Pros
- Exact 23 inch fit for standard TV stand fireplaces
- Slides in from rear for true built-in look
- Front glass stays cool to the touch
- Built-in thermostat 64F to 82F
- 1-8 hour timer and overheat protection
Cons
- 1400W is lower than 1500W competitors
- Installation requires access to the back of the furniture
The Innoflame 23 inch is built specifically to fit inside an electric fireplace TV stand or mantel with a 23 inch front opening. The 24 inch rear opening means it slides in from the back of the cabinet, giving you a flush, built-in look without a single screw on the front face.
This is a niche pick, but it solves a real problem. Most TV stand fireplaces ship with low-quality inserts that you cannot replace without modifying the cabinet. The Innoflame drops in as a direct upgrade, with a 4-step adjustable flame and a thermostat that holds temperature within a degree or two.
The cool-to-touch front glass is genuinely cool. We held a hand against it for 30 seconds while the heater ran on high and never felt more than warmth. That makes this the safest pick on our list for households with kids or pets who might touch the front of the unit.
Heat output is the slightly lower 5000 BTU figure because the unit runs at 1400W rather than the 1500W most inserts use. In practice, the difference in warming power is negligible. The thermostat range from 64F to 82F is broader than most competitors, which matters if you keep your home cool in winter.
Who the Innoflame 23 Inch is best for
Anyone with an electric fireplace TV stand that needs a 23 inch insert replacement. Our roundup of the best fireplace TV stands includes several cabinets with this exact opening size, and the Innoflame is the cleanest drop-in upgrade we have found.
Who should look elsewhere
This is not a unit for retrofits into real masonry fireplaces. The slide-in install is built for furniture cabinets. If you have a real fireplace opening, the PuraFlame Western or RICHFLAME Edward will give you a much better fit.
8. RealSmart 30 Inch SlimEdge Insert – Best Slim Wall Profile
Pros
- Ultra-slim 3.8 inch profile with 51 percent screen ratio
- Three install options: fully recessed
- partially recessed
- or wall-mounted
- 12 dynamic flame colors and 12 solid ember bed colors
- 5 flame speed levels and 5 brightness levels
- Intuitive LED touchscreen plus remote
Cons
- H1 and H2 heat settings feel similar rather than distinct
- No true thermostat or set-point temperature control
- Heat coverage marketing varies between 400 and 600 sq ft
The RealSmart SlimEdge is the thinnest 30 inch insert we tested at 3.8 inches deep. The high 51 percent screen ratio means more flame and less bezel, which is the difference between a modern fireplace and a black rectangle on the wall.
Three installation modes give this unit unusual flexibility. You can fully recess it into a 2×6 stud wall, partially recess it for a floating effect, or hang it on the wall like a TV. We tried the partial-recess setup and it looked like a custom install that would normally cost several hundred dollars more.
The 12 flame colors and 12 ember bed colors match the Electactic, so you get plenty of visual customization. We appreciated the 1-12 hour timer, which is longer than the typical 8 hour max and useful for overnight use.
Who the RealSmart SlimEdge is best for
Anyone building out a media wall or feature wall where a slim profile matters. The 3.8 inch depth fits inside standard 2×4 stud bays with a bit of furring out, which is rare for a 30 inch insert. If you are mounting above a mantel, the bracket and slim depth make this a clean install.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want precise thermostat control, look at the PuraFlame Western or LegendFlame Austin. The RealSmart uses a timer-based shutdown rather than a true set-point thermostat. Also, the marketing says up to 600 sq ft of coverage, but the published spec sheet lists 400 sq ft. Treat the 400 figure as the realistic max.
How to Choose the Right Electric Fireplace Insert
Choosing the best electric fireplace inserts comes down to matching the unit to your fireplace opening, your heating needs, and how much realism you want from the flame. Below is the framework our team uses when recommending picks.
Pick the right form factor first
Insert, wall-mounted, recessed, and free-standing units all solve different problems. A traditional insert slides into an existing masonry fireplace. A wall-mounted unit hangs on a flat wall. A recessed insert drops into a framed cavity for a built-in look. A free-standing unit sits on a hearth or floor with no install. Match the form factor to your space before comparing specs.
Decide between convection and infrared heating
Fan-forced convection heaters push warm air out through a vent and heat a room quickly. Infrared quartz heaters warm objects and people directly, which feels more like sunshine and works better in drafty rooms. For a standard living room under 400 sq ft, either works. For a bedroom or large open space, infrared tends to feel more even.
Measure your fireplace opening carefully
The most common mistake is buying an insert that is too wide or too tall for the cavity. Measure the front opening width, height, and depth at the deepest point. Then subtract at least 0.25 inches on each side for airflow. The PuraFlame Western at 33 inches fits most standard openings. The Innoflame 23 inch is purpose-built for TV stand cabinets.
Look at heat output in BTU and square footage
Most electric fireplace inserts produce between 4600 and 5200 BTU at the 1500W setting and cover rooms up to roughly 400 sq ft. Higher BTU numbers look impressive but rarely translate to meaningful real-world differences in a residential room. Focus on thermostat accuracy and noise level instead of raw BTU.
Plan for operating cost
A 1500W insert running at full heat draws about 1.5 kWh per hour. At the U.S. national average rate, that works out to roughly 18 cents per hour of heat. Running the flame only with the heat off uses about 10W, so ambiance costs less than a penny per hour.
Check the flame realism features
Basic LED inserts project a static orange pattern onto a flat log. Higher-end units add multiple flame colors, brightness levels, ember bed hues, and crackling sound effects. The PuraFlame Western and LegendFlame Austin lead the field here. If you want the flame effect to read as a real fire from across the room, prioritize flame customization.
Plan your installation
Plug-in installs work for any 120V outlet and take minutes. Hardwired installs require an electrician and a dedicated 15 amp circuit but look cleaner with no visible cord. Recessed installs need framing work and a 2×4 or 2×6 stud cavity. If you are mounting above a mantel, our fireplace TV mount guide covers the safe viewing-distance and heat-clearance rules.
Confirm the safety features
Every insert on this list has overheat protection that shuts the heater off if internal temperatures climb too high. Look for CSA or UL listing as a third-party safety certification. Cool-to-touch front glass is a plus in homes with kids or pets.
Decide if you need smart-home integration
The LegendFlame Austin is the only insert in our roundup with full app and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. If you already run a smart home, that integration is genuinely useful for routines like sunset-on, bedtime-off. If you do not, save the money and grab the PuraFlame Western.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric fireplace inserts worth it?
Yes, electric fireplace inserts are worth it for most homeowners with an existing masonry fireplace. They convert a drafty, unused firebox into a supplemental zone heater with no venting, no gas line, and no wood handling. They are safer than wood or gas, vent-free, and let you run the flame with the heat off for year-round ambiance. The trade-off is heat output: a typical 1500W insert warms rooms up to about 400 sq ft, so it works best as a zone heater rather than a whole-home solution.
Do electric fireplace inserts really heat a room?
They do, within their rated coverage. Most 1500W inserts produce between 4600 and 5200 BTU, which is enough to raise the temperature in a 400 sq ft room by 4 to 5 degrees over 30 minutes. They work best as supplemental zone heaters for living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices. They will not replace a furnace in an open-concept great room, but they cut heating costs by letting you lower the thermostat and warm only the room you are using.
Can you put an electric insert in a real fireplace?
Yes, that is exactly what most electric fireplace inserts are designed for. Slide-in models like the PuraFlame Western and RICHFLAME Edward drop into a standard 33 inch masonry opening and plug into any 120V outlet. You do not need a chimney liner, gas line, or permit. The cord exits the unit and runs to the nearest outlet, which is the only visible wiring. Some renters and apartment dwellers use this approach to get the fireplace look without venting.
What size electric fireplace insert do I need?
Measure the front opening width, height, and depth of your existing fireplace at the widest and tallest points. Subtract at least 0.25 inches on each side for airflow clearance. Most standard masonry fireplaces take a 33 inch wide insert. Smaller fireplaces, TV stand cabinets, and mantels often need a 23 or 28 inch unit like the Innoflame or LegendFlame Carl. Always check the published insert dimensions against your measured cavity before ordering.
How much does an electric fireplace insert cost to run?
A 1500W insert running at full heat uses about 1.5 kWh per hour. At the U.S. national average electricity rate of around 12 cents per kWh, that works out to roughly 18 cents per hour of active heating. Running the flame only with the heat off draws about 10W, so ambiance costs less than a penny per hour. Most owners report an extra 20 to 40 dollars per month on their winter electric bill when running the heater daily.
Are electric fireplace inserts safe?
Modern electric fireplace inserts are among the safest heating options on the market. They produce no real flame, no combustion, and no carbon monoxide. Every unit on our list has overheat protection that automatically shuts the heater off if internal temperatures climb too high. Look for CSA or UL certification as independent third-party safety verification. Models with cool-to-touch front glass, like the Innoflame 23 inch, add extra safety in homes with kids or pets.
Which is better, infrared or fan-forced electric fireplace inserts?
It depends on your room. Fan-forced convection heaters push warm air out through a top vent and heat a room quickly, which works well in closed bedrooms and living rooms. Infrared quartz heaters warm objects and people directly without raising the air temperature as much, which feels more like sunshine and works better in drafty or high-ceiling spaces. For a standard 400 sq ft room, either type will keep you comfortable. The Electactic and LegendFlame Austin use infrared, while the PuraFlame Western uses fan-forced convection.
How do I choose the best electric fireplace insert?
Start with three measurements: your fireplace opening width, height, and depth. Then match the form factor to your space. A traditional slide-in insert like the PuraFlame Western works for masonry retrofits. A slim wall-mounted unit like the Electactic 36 inch works for apartments. A recessed insert like the RealSmart SlimEdge works for media walls. Finally, prioritize flame realism, thermostat accuracy, and overheat protection over raw BTU numbers, since most inserts in this category produce similar heat.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of testing, the PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert remains our top pick for the best electric fireplace inserts in 2026. The realistic resin log, three flame intensities, and true slide-in fit make it the most well-rounded option for the typical retrofit job. If smart-home control matters more than raw flame realism, the LegendFlame Austin is the right step up. For tight budgets and apartment installs, the Electactic 36 inch delivers more value than anything else in this category.
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