Best Electric Fireplace Insert With Heater for Home Comfort

Electric fireplace inserts combine visual ambiance with supplemental heat, making them a popular choice for living rooms, basements, and converted spaces. Below is a quick comparison table of the five featured inserts to help you scan key specs before the detailed reviews.

Model	Type/Size	Heat Output/Mode	Notable Features
duraflame Electric Log Set	Insert for Existing Fireplace	Heats Up To 1,000 Sq Ft / Infrared	LED flames, crackling sound, remote
Touchstone Sideline 50″	50″ Recessed/In-Wall	1,500W With Thermostat	30 ember/flame options, Alexa/Wi‑Fi
Westinghouse 60″ Electric Fireplace	Wall-Mount Or Recessed 60″	750W/1500W, Thermostat	144 color combos, timer, smart home
PuraFlame Western Insert	33″ Wide Insert	750W/1500W	Fire crackling sound, LED, realistic logs
Innoflame 23″ Insert	23″ Insert For Small Openings	Up To 1400W	4 flame brightness levels, timer, remote

duraflame Electric Log Set – Insert With Infrared Heater

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This duraflame insert is designed for use inside existing fireplaces and uses infrared heating to warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet. Listed features include a lifelike LED flame effect with a crackling sound module and a remote to control flame speed, brightness, timer, sound volume, and thermostat settings.

The unit emphasizes supplemental heating—intended to reduce central heating load rather than replace primary systems. The included remote and adjustable settings make it versatile for year-round visual use (flames without heat) or targeted warmth. For installations where fitting into an existing masonry or gas opening is desired, this model is positioned as a plug-in option with simple placement.

Touchstone Sideline 50″ – Recessed In-Wall Electric Fireplace

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The Touchstone Sideline is built for recessed, in-wall mounting with a 1,500W heater and thermostat. It lists 30 flame/ember color options and multiple visual settings, plus log or crystal display choices. The product notes compatibility with typical 110–120V circuits and hard-wire readiness for permanent installs.

Manufacturing details highlight installation requirements—maintain clearance under TVs or mantels and consult professionals for in-wall wiring or unused gas lines. The Sideline supports flame-only operation for ambiance without heat and uses remote control for adjustments. It’s described as ventless and engineered to keep sides and back cool when operating.

Westinghouse 60 Inch Electric Fireplace Heater – Wall-Mount/Recessed

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Westinghouse lists a wide-format 60″ unit that fits standard wall-mount or in-wall recessed openings. The insert offers 750W/1500W heater settings, a thermostat range, and up to 144 color combinations for flames and ember beds. It includes interchangeable faux log and crystal ember bed sets for customizable aesthetics.

Feature notes stress personalized comfort with multiple flame brightness levels and speeds, plus a 24-hour timer. The Westinghouse model calls out fitment dimensions for recessed installations and supports smart home compatibility on select variants. The unit is aimed at larger living areas or decorative focal walls where the visual effect is a primary driver with supplemental heat capability.

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert With Crackling Sound

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The PuraFlame Western insert is sized around 33 inches wide and includes fire crackling sound, resin logs, and a three-sided interior brick wall look. It offers 750W/1500W heating with LED flame effects that can operate with or without heat using energy-saving LEDs.

Dimensions and firebox size are specified for fitting into fireplace openings, and the product documentation advises confirming fit before purchase. The unit focuses on a realistic installed appearance—glass-front trim and a life-like resin log on the ember bed—to replicate a wood-burning look without ash, soot, or local wood-burning restrictions.

Innoflame 23″ Electric Fireplace Insert – Compact Heater Insert

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The Innoflame 23″ insert is designed to replace older fireplace openings sized about 22 15/16″ x 19 11/16″. It lists adjustable flame brightness across four levels, a log set, low noise operation, an 8-hour timer, overheat protection, and a remote control. Heat output is listed at up to 1400W.

Because of its compact footprint, this insert suits smaller mantels, TV stands, or cabinets where a full-size unit won’t fit. The unit is positioned as easy to install—simply place into the opening—and intended for supplemental heating and seasonal flame-only use.

Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Electric Fireplace Insert With Heater

Choosing an electric fireplace insert requires balancing space, heating needs, installation constraints, and visual preferences. The following factors will help narrow options for typical American homes.

1. Size And Fit

Measure the fireplace opening or wall recess carefully. Inserts are available in compact sizes for old fireplaces (22–24″) up to wide-format units (50–60″). Confirm overall and firebox dimensions versus your opening and account for clearances around combustible materials if recessed.

2. Heating Capacity And Modes

Electric inserts commonly offer 750W and 1500W modes or single wattage options like 1400W–1500W. Manufacturers sometimes list coverage area in square feet; treat these as estimates for supplemental heating rather than whole-home solutions. Infrared models may advertise larger coverage because of radiant heat characteristics.

3. Installation Type: Insert, Wall-Mount, Or Recessed

Insert models fit into existing fireplaces with minimal modification and are often plug-in. Recessed or in-wall units may require framing, drywall, or hard-wiring. Wall-mount units can be simpler to install but check for recommended clearances, especially under TVs and mantels.

4. Visual Features And Customization

Look for flame color options, ember bed choices (logs vs. crystals), brightness levels, and flame speeds to match decor. LED-based systems allow flame-only operation without heat for year-round ambiance.

5. Controls And Smart Features

Remote control and onboard panels are standard. Smart features like Wi‑Fi, app control, or Alexa/Google compatibility add convenience but consider the stability of app ecosystems. Timers and thermostats provide automated comfort and energy control.

6. Safety Features

Prioritize units with overheat protection, cool-to-touch exterior claims, and automatic shutoff timers. For recessed installs, follow manufacturer instructions on clearances and required ventilation to ensure safe operation.

7. Sound Effects And Realism

Some inserts list crackling sound modules for realism. If auditory authenticity matters, check whether the sound volume is adjustable or controllable via remote, and whether it can be disabled when unwanted.

8. Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost

Electric inserts convert most input power to heat and light. Using a 750W setting consumes roughly half the power of a 1500W setting. Use programmable thermostats, timers, or lower heat modes to reduce runtime and energy draw.

9. Aesthetics Versus Primary Heating Needs

Decide whether the insert’s primary role is visual ambiance or supplemental warmth. Large-format decorative units enhance space aesthetics, whereas models with higher heat output or infrared elements are better for targeted supplemental heating.

10. Warranty, Support, And Replacement Parts

Check manufacturer warranties, availability of replacement parts (logs, remote, LED strips), and customer support reputation. For recessed or hard-wired installations, consult a licensed electrician if you are unsure about wiring or clearance requirements.

Comparison Perspectives

• Small Openings: Compact inserts like the Innoflame 23″ are suited for limited openings and furniture installs.
• Existing Fireplaces: Plug-in log sets such as duraflame are tailored for placement inside masonry or gas openings with minimal modification.
• Large Focal Walls: Wide-format models (Westinghouse 60″, Touchstone 50″) provide a dramatic visual across larger wall spans and often include more color/customization options.
• Smart Home Integration: Models with Wi‑Fi or Alexa support enable remote scheduling and voice control—useful for pre-warming rooms.
• Heat-First vs Ambiance-First: Infrared or higher wattage models prioritize warmth, while LED-heavy designs emphasize visual realism with lower heat output.