Best Electric Fireplace Inserts for a Cozy Living Room
By January the novelty of the first cold snap has worn off and the living room just feels chilly. An electric fireplace insert is one of the easiest ways to add a real focal point and a few degrees of zone heat without running gas or building a chimney.
Inserts slide into an existing masonry or prefab fireplace opening, while recessed models install into a framed wall. Both plug into a standard outlet on most models and can run the flame effect with or without heat.
Here are well known options for converting a drafty, unused fireplace or adding a new one to a bare wall.
1.Best Recessed Wall Unit: Touchstone Sideline 50
The Touchstone Sideline is one of the most popular recessed electric fireplaces, designed to sit flush in a wall below a TV.
It offers multiple flame colors, an adjustable heater, and a remote, and it can also be mounted on the wall surface if you do not want to cut into drywall.
It is a strong choice for a modern living room or a basement family room that needs a focal point.
Touchstone Sideline 50 Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace
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1,000+ reviews
Linear recessed electric fireplace with multiple flame colors, a built in heater, and remote control.
Shop on Amazon →2.Most Realistic Flame: Dimplex Revillusion Firebox
Dimplex is known for realistic flame effects, and the Revillusion built in firebox is one of its most convincing, with a layered 3D flame and a realistic log set.
It is designed for built in installations and makes an unused masonry opening or a new framed surround look like a real wood fire.
If flame realism is the top priority, this is the one most people compare everything else against.
Dimplex Revillusion Built In Electric Firebox
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1,000+ reviews
Built in electric firebox with a highly realistic layered flame and log set, plus supplemental heat.
Shop on Amazon →3.Best for Existing Fireplaces: Duraflame 3D Infrared Insert
The Duraflame 3D infrared insert is built to slide into an existing fireplace opening, with a trim kit to cover gaps around the edges.
It uses infrared quartz heat for gentle zone warming and a 3D flame effect that you can run without heat on milder days.
It is an easy upgrade for a drafty wood fireplace you have stopped using.
Duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert
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1,000+ reviews
Fireplace insert with infrared quartz heat, a 3D flame effect, and a trim kit for existing openings.
Shop on Amazon →4.Best Compact Insert: ClassicFlame 23 Inch Infrared Insert
ClassicFlame's 23 inch infrared quartz insert is a smaller option that fits many mantel kits and narrow fireplace openings.
It runs on a standard household outlet and includes a remote with adjustable heat and flame settings.
It is a good fit for bedrooms, dens, and smaller living rooms where a big linear unit would overwhelm the wall.
ClassicFlame 23 Inch 3D Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Insert
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1,000+ reviews
Compact infrared quartz insert for mantels and smaller openings, with remote and adjustable heat.
Shop on Amazon →5.Best Value Insert: Dimplex Deluxe 24 Inch Insert
Dimplex's Deluxe 24 inch insert brings the brand's flame technology to a more affordable plug in unit.
It slides into a standard fireplace opening and includes a heater for supplemental warmth on cold evenings.
It is a sensible pick if you want a trusted name without paying for a premium built in firebox.
Dimplex Deluxe 24 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
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1,000+ reviews
Plug in 24 inch fireplace insert with a realistic flame effect and supplemental heater.
Shop on Amazon →Tips for Choosing an Electric Fireplace Insert
Measure the opening. Measure width, height, and depth of the fireplace opening at the front and back, since many openings taper.
Close the flue. If you put an insert in an old wood fireplace, close or seal the damper so warm room air does not escape up the chimney.
Check the circuit. Most units draw around 1,500 watts on high heat. Avoid sharing the outlet with other heavy loads.
Use it for zone heat. Electric inserts warm the room you are in, so you can turn down the central thermostat slightly and save on heating.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do electric fireplace inserts need venting?
No. Electric inserts produce no combustion, so they do not need a chimney or vent. You can leave an old chimney in place but should close the damper.
How much heat does an electric fireplace insert give off?
Most plug in models put out roughly 5,000 BTU on high, enough to take the chill off a room of about 400 square feet. They are supplemental heat, not a whole house heater.
Can I run the flame without the heat?
Yes. Nearly all electric fireplaces let you run the flame effect on its own, which uses very little electricity.
Can I mount a TV above an electric fireplace?
Many people do, especially with recessed linear models. Check the manufacturer's clearance guidance, since the heater vent usually blows warm air outward or downward.