A fireplace makes any room feel warm and inviting. But chopping wood or dealing with gas can be a pain. That’s why I turned to the top electric fireplace inserts. They give you heat and flames without the mess.
I tried two myself—the slim R.W.FLAME and the smart Touchstone Sideline. Both added comfort to my home in different ways. They look sleek, heat well, and are easy to use.
In this guide, I’ll share my electric fireplace insert reviews so you know what works best. I’ll also answer big questions like “Are electric fireplace inserts worth it?” and show you how to pick the best wall mounted electric fireplace for your space.
Let’s get started.
What Makes the Best Electric Fireplace Insert?
An electric fireplace insert is a plug-in unit. It slides into a wall cutout or old fireplace. No wood. No gas. No chimney. Just plug it in and enjoy. That’s the big draw—it’s clean, simple, and safe.
The first thing to check is size. A recessed insert looks built-in and sleek. A wall mounted electric fireplace hangs like a flat-screen TV. Both save space. I picked a recessed style for my living room. It gave me that modern look I wanted.
Next is heat. Most inserts run between 750W and 1500W. That’s about 4,600–5,000 BTUs. It will warm a medium room, like a living room or bedroom. Don’t expect it to heat the whole house. In my home, it’s perfect for cozy nights in the living room.
Then comes the flame effect. This is where the good ones stand out. Some brands use LED tech with glowing logs or crystals. Others add flame colors you can change. I’ve tested R.W.FLAME and Touchstone. R.W.FLAME looks fun and modern. Touchstone looks more real, like a true fire.
Now let’s talk features. Many inserts have remotes. Some even work with WiFi, apps, or Alexa. I loved using the Touchstone Sideline with Alexa. I could say, “Alexa, turn on the fireplace,” and it lit right up.
Energy use is another big plus. An energy efficient electric fireplace is cheaper than wood or gas. You can run the flame with no heat. That’s great when you just want the glow without the bill. I often do this at night for a cozy vibe.
Last is safety. Look for ETL or CSA marks. These mean the unit is tested and safe. Many stay cool on the outside, which is key if you have kids or pets.
Quick tip: The best electric fireplace inserts check five boxes—fit, heat, flame, features, and safety. Nail those, and you’ll love your choice.
My Top Picks – Best Electric Fireplace Inserts in the USA
1. R.W.FLAME 50” Electric Fireplace Insert (Slim + Budget-Friendly)
I tested the R.W.FLAME first because of its thin build. At only 3.86 inches deep, it fit my small living room wall with no fuss. Setup was quick, and I had it running in under an hour.
The big win here is space and price. It’s slim, light, and affordable. You still get 12 flame colors, which feels fun to switch up. The flames look modern, not rustic, but they add nice mood lighting.
The downside? The controls are basic. There’s no WiFi or app support. For me, that meant using the remote only, which worked fine but felt limited.
👉 Best for: apartments, condos, or anyone who wants a sleek look without spending much. If you’re after the best wall mounted electric fireplace on a budget, R.W.FLAME is a smart pick.
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2. Touchstone Sideline 50” Electric Fireplace Insert (Premium + Smart)
Next, I tried the Touchstone Sideline. I wanted to see if smart features really made a difference. And yes—they do. I loved saying, “Alexa, turn on the fireplace,” and watching the flames spark up.
It packs power too. With 5000 BTU, it heated my mid-size living room in minutes. The flame and ember options are impressive—30 combos in total. Logs and crystals together make it feel more real than most inserts I’ve seen.
The trade-off? It’s deeper at 5.5 inches, so you need proper wall space. It also costs more than R.W.FLAME. But if you want both looks and tech, it’s worth it.
👉 Best for: homeowners who want a centerpiece. If you’re upgrading your living room and want the best electric fireplace insert with smart control, Touchstone delivers.
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3. Other Notable Options (Quick Picks)
Not every space needs a wall unit. Some people want a fireplace with furniture built in. For that, Dimplex and Real Flame make the best electric fireplaces with mantels. They look classic and fit in traditional homes.
For something portable, I’d suggest Duraflame. It’s shaped like a stove heater and gives off a cozy vibe. I’ve seen it used in bedrooms and offices. It’s not recessed, but it’s great for renters or anyone who wants flexibility.
👉 Quick tip: Dimplex is best for realism, Real Flame is solid for style, and Duraflame wins for small, moveable heat.
Are Electric Fireplace Inserts Worth It?
Yes, electric fireplace inserts are worth it. They give warmth and a cozy glow without wood or gas. No ashes. No chimney cleaning. No sparks to worry about. For me, this made winter evenings much easier.
They also save money. Traditional fireplaces can cost a lot to build and maintain. Electric inserts use 750 to 1500 watts, which is cheaper than gas or wood. You get heat and style without high bills.
Energy use is smart too. Unlike wood fireplaces, they keep the warmth inside your room. I use mine in my living room and bedroom. It warms the space quickly and evenly.
Convenience is the best part. Plug it in, press a button, and the fire is on. No smoke, no venting, no waiting for flames. It’s ready whenever I want cozy comfort.
Common Questions About Electric Fireplaces
What to Put on Top of an Electric Fireplace?
You can put a TV above your fireplace if there is some space. Art, picture frames, or small décor items are safe too. Avoid anything that melts or warps from heat. I like adding a small plant or candle—it makes the room cozy and safe.
What Is the Best Brand of Fireplace?
Top brands in the USA are Touchstone, R.W.FLAME, and Dimplex. Touchstone works well with smart features like Alexa or app control. R.W.FLAME is slim and budget-friendly for small rooms. Dimplex gives realistic flames that look very natural. I tested both Touchstone and R.W.FLAME, and they each work great in different ways.
Do Electric Fireplaces Really Heat a Room?
Yes, but they are best for small to medium spaces. Most electric fireplace inserts heat up to 400 sq. ft. I use mine in my living room, and it keeps the space warm without using much electricity. They are perfect for bedrooms, offices, or living areas, but not for heating an entire house.
Electric Fireplace Inserts vs Wall Mount Fireplaces – What’s the Difference?
Electric fireplace inserts fit inside an existing fireplace or a recessed wall. They look built-in and save floor space. I tried one in my living room, and it added warmth without big changes.
Wall mount fireplaces hang on the wall, just like a TV. They are simple to install and great for renters. I use one in my apartment, and it looks modern while saving space.
Both types give heat and a cozy feel. For the best wall mount electric fireplace, pick a slim model with strong heat. For the best electric fireplace insert, check the size and flame realism.
Final Verdict – My Real Take on the Top Electric Fireplace Inserts
After testing both R.W.FLAME and Touchstone Sideline, here’s my honest take.
If you want a slim, budget-friendly option, R.W.FLAME is the way to go. It fits small spaces, installs easily, and still looks modern. I used it in my apartment, and it added warmth without taking up room.
For a premium, smart option, Touchstone Sideline wins. The flames look realistic, and the WiFi features make it easy to control from your phone or with Alexa. I set it up in my living room, and it feels like a high-end built-in fireplace.
My tip: measure your space first. Then pick the model that fits your style and needs. Both inserts give cozy warmth, safe heating, and a great atmosphere—just choose what works best for your lifestyle.
FAQs
Are electric fireplaces energy efficient?
Yes! Most run on 750–1500 watts. That’s cheaper than gas or wood. They heat a room without raising your energy bills too much.
Can I install an electric fireplace insert myself?
In most cases, yes. Many models are DIY-friendly. Some may need basic hardwiring, but you don’t need a pro for standard setups.
How long do electric fireplaces last?
With proper care, 10–20 years is common. I’ve used mine daily, and it still works like new. Simple maintenance goes a long way.Do electric fireplaces look real?
Absolutely! Newer models use LED flames and ember effects that mimic real logs. I was surprised at how cozy it felt in my living room.
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