Best Electric Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces
Transform existing fireplaces into efficient, maintenance-free heat sources with modern electric inserts. This guide reviews five top options, focusing on realistic flame effects, multiple heat settings, and universal fit for a variety of openings. Each model blends ambiance with safer, cleaner operation, ideal for living rooms, dens, or home offices. Below you’ll find concise product notes, a quick comparison, and practical buying tips to help you select the best electric insert for your space.
| Product | Brand | Heat (W) | Opening Fit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert | PuraFlame | 750/1500 | Wide openings | Three-sided brick interior, life-like logs |
| LegendFlame 23″ W EF290 | Legend Flame | 750/1500 | Various openings, free-standing fit | Realistic resin logs, compact footprint |
| Masarflame 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert | Masarflame | 750/1500 | Medium to large openings | Retro brick styling, timer and remote |
| Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs Inserts | Up to 1500 | Openings with logs display | 5 flame options, remote, overheat protection | |
| Touchstone Forte 40″ Electric Fireplace | Touchstone | 1500 | In-wall recessed or framed openings | Alexa/WiFi enabled, mixed log/crystal options |
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
The PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert combines a life-like resin log set with a three-sided brick interior and a glass front. It supports 750W or 1500W heating and can operate with or without heat, making it suitable for year-round use. The LED flame technology provides vibrant visuals while delivering 100% energy savings. Overall dimensions are designed to fit larger openings, with explicit fit guidance to ensure a proper match.
LegendFlame 23″ W EF290 Fireplace Insert
The EF290 offers a compact footprint ideal for small to mid-sized openings. It features realistic resin logs with an ember bed and 100% energy-saving LED lighting. The unit provides heat up to 400 square feet and can be used with or without the heater, making it a versatile year-round accent for traditional or modern spaces. It’s designed as a simple installation into existing openings, upgrading atmosphere without complexity.
Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert
This Masarflame insert presents a recessed design with a retro brick interior and life-like resin logs. It features three color atmosphere lighting and five flame intensity levels. With 750W and 1500W two-stage heating and a 6-foot power cord, it supports spaces up to 400 square feet. The unit also offers a timer and remote control for convenient operation.
Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs Inserts
Riseon’s log insert emphasizes a realistic faux-fire appearance using resin logs and multiple flame options. It offers an adjustable heater and independent flame control, enabling a warmth-focused or ambiance-focused setup. The unit includes remote control, overheat protection, and a quiet operation profile, making it suitable for bedrooms, offices, and living spaces where safety and low noise are priorities.
Touchstone Forte 40″ Electric Fireplace
The Forte is designed for recessed installation, offering a realistic flame display with five flame settings and a 1500W heater. It supports thermostat control, remote operation, and flexible finish options like logs or crystals. The unit is ventless and can be hard-wired or plugged in, with a maximum circuit draw that informs electrical planning. It is suitable for larger openings and media-centric wall configurations, providing both ambiance and reliable supplemental heat.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Electric Fireplace Inserts
- Opening compatibility: Measure width, height, and depth to ensure the insert fits your existing surround. Some models require specific clearances or interior brick walls.
- Heat output and area coverage: Choose 750W/1500W dual heat options for versatile room heating; confirm the unit’s effective heating area (e.g., up to 400 sq ft in several models).
- Flame realism and customization: Look for resin logs, ember beds, color options, and brightness levels. Multi-color flames add ambiance but may affect perceived realism.
- Year-round use: If you want year-round ambiance, select models that offer flame effects without heating and have LED technology for efficiency.
- Installation and electrical requirements: Check whether the unit is ventless, requires hard-wiring, or uses a standard outlet. Confirm circuit compatibility (15A vs 20A) for larger heaters.
- Safety features: Overheat protection, automatic turn-off, and cool-to-the-touch exteriors reduce risk in homes with children or pets.
- Remote and smart controls: Remote operation simplifies use; some units offer thermostat control, sleep modes, or Wi-Fi/voice compatibility for automation.
- Maintenance considerations: Electric inserts minimize ash and dust cleanup compared with wood-burning units, but glass front cleaning and log bed dusting may still be needed.