9 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts, Tested and Reviewed

Simple and elegant, this premium electric fireplace will be the centerpiece of your home. It's available in three sizes and suited for a recessed 10-inch space or a pre-built fireplace, though you can purchase it with a DIY trim kit to help solidify the look if your existing fireplace is slightly larger than the insert.

WHAT TO KNOW: According to Modern Flames, it can heat a room up to 400 square feet and reach temperatures up to 88°F. While it's expensive, what our pros love most is that you can choose among 10 unique color variations and adjust the room's ambiance in a snap. We also appreciate that the insert features built-in touch controls in addition to a remote.

It would be difficult to find a more realistic-looking electrical fireplace than this one. It's designed to fit nicely into your pre-existing fireplace or recessed wall. Once installed, you can choose among five flame effects and adjustable brightness settings, alternating between a crackling fire or a gentle flame depending on your mood.

WHAT TO KNOW: Also unique is that this fireplace uses infrared technology for heating instead of fan convention, meaning that it should heat the room faster than a traditional heater. Our pros like that you can adjust settings on the control panel or with the provided remote, and a timer makes it possible to leave the insert on while drifting off to sleep (knowing that it will turn off after a set amount of time).

Plus, according to ClassicFlame, this insert features Safer Sensor Technology that automatically shuts off the heater if it overheats to prevent electrical or product issues.

However, our engineers do point out that this fireplace likely heats a much smaller area than the claimed 1,000 square feet and advise to always double-check how many BTUs per square foot are typical before purchasing a product.

You don't need an existing fireplace to install this pick, which comes equipped with a wall bracket so you can mount it to the wall. Several online reviewers relayed just how easy it was to install.

WHAT TO KNOW: Once assembled, it should heat a 400 square-foot space, according to the brand, and it'll keep guests entertained with 12 color modes that let you choose the flame and flame bed shade you like best. On top of that, you can adjust the fire's brightness and speed among five settings. "It looks great and the different color options are really cool," one online reviewer said.

While a remote is included, we like the touchscreen controls on the unit, which are easy to use and responsive. And according to R.W.Flame, it's built with a safety feature that turns the device off if it ever overheats.

Visually, our pros think the Dimplex looks similar to a traditional fireplace. There's no housing around it, which is part of what makes it easy to install and aesthetically appealing.

WHAT TO KNOW: As a log-set style insert, this pick is made to be installed in a recessed area. It plugs into a standard outlet, so you can either install it in an outlet in the back of the fireplace to hide the cord or just snake it along the wall. We like its simple design, but keep in mind that you cannot swap out any mediums and there's only one size available online so make sure to measure your space first.

According to the brand, this insert should be able to effectively heat up a standard-sized room up to 400 square feet. A remote is included for convenience, and lights and effects work independently of the heat so you can use your fireplace in the summertime without worrying about your home getting too hot.

One of the most versatile electric fireplace inserts on this list, this model can be installed anywhere you want, from a pre-built fireplace to a TV console, or you can leave it freestanding as is. Our experts love that you can adjust the shade of your fire to one of three flame colors, and there are five flame brightnesses to match the mood you want to create.

WHAT TO KNOW: You can control the insert by using the control panel's buttons or the included wireless remote. If you don't want the fireplace running for more than eight hours, make sure to set up the timer. According to the brand, the heat goes up to 82°F and it features an overheat function if it gets too hot.

One pro tip: Pay attention to the measurements of this unit. While the size is listed as 28.5 inches, that refers to the width, not the height. From top to bottom of the floor, it is actually 21 inches.

All you need is an outlet to get your fire started with this simple plug-and-play insert. This model can be both recessed into the wall or directly wall-mounted, allowing you to place it wherever you want in the house, although sizing is limited.

WHAT TO KNOW: With multiple flame and color settings and even a color-changing mode, you can easily switch up the ambiance to suit the vibe of the night. It's also worth noting that this set comes with logs and two fillers (crystal and stone), which you place at the bottom of the fireplace to customize to the look you love.

Best of all, if you want your fireplace on in the middle of the summer, just turn off the heat and enjoy its LED flames. But if it is a chilly night, Real Flame claims that the fireplace goes up to a whopping 99°F. It also has an auto-shutoff safety feature, according to the brand, to prevent overheating.

Constructed to be recessed in the wall, this fireplace insert comes with a log set, crystals, and driftwood so you can change the medium to a style that suits your living room decor. It comes with a high price tag, but this insert has 60 different color combinations to choose from, as well as the ability to adjust the flame's speed for even more customization.

WHAT TO KNOW: One of the more high-tech inserts on our list, the Touchstone is Alexa- and Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can use your phone to control the insert. If you don't want to use the app, it comes with a remote control. On cold evenings, you can set the thermostat up to 88°F, but what our pros appreciate most is that even at high temperatures the insert remains safe to touch. According to our pros, it's extremely easy to remove the front glass plate to make any swaps to the medium.