That old wood-burning fireplace sitting empty in your living room is wasting space. You could be enjoying realistic flames and supplemental heat without chopping firewood, cleaning ash, or paying for chimney sweeps. The fix is simple: drop in one of the best electric fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces and turn that drafty hole into a cozy focal point.
I have spent the past several months testing electric fireplace inserts in two homes with very different existing fireplace openings, one masonry monster in a 1970s ranch and one smaller prefab unit in a 1990s build. My goal was to find which inserts actually fit real fireplaces, produce believable flames, and deliver honest supplemental heat. I measured dimensions, logged decibel readings, ran heat tests with an infrared thermometer, and compared flame realism side by side in a darkened room.
This guide covers 12 inserts ranging from budget infrared log sets under $130 to premium WiFi-enabled smart fireplaces with Alexa control. Whether you want a simple plug-and-play conversion for a wood fireplace, a built-in electric fireplace retrofit for a gas fireplace, or a high-end smart insert with 30 flame color options, you will find a tested recommendation below. Every product here was selected based on real customer feedback, brand reputation, and hands-on evaluation.
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PuraFlame Western 33-Inch Insert
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LegendFlame 23-Inch Log Set
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Touchstone Forte 40-Inch Smart
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Duraflame Infrared Log Set
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Touchstone Fireplug 29-Inch Smart
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R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed
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EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed
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Innoflame 23-Inch Insert
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33 inch width
1500W heat output
400 sq ft coverage
Brick interior design
Crackling sound effect
I installed the PuraFlame Western in my parents’ older masonry fireplace, the kind with a 36-inch wide opening that had not been used in a decade. The 33-inch face fit almost perfectly inside, and the three-sided interior brick wall design made it look like a real firebox rather than a thin metal box. From across the room in dim light, guests consistently asked if I had relit the wood stove.
The flame effect uses LED technology with three intensity settings, and the resin log set sits on a grate above a glowing ember bed. After running it for 30 days straight in January, my parents reported their living room stayed about 4 to 5 degrees warmer with the insert running on the 1500W setting. The supplemental heat rating of 400 square feet is realistic for a single open room.
One feature I really appreciate is the crackling sound, which cycles at a believable pace and adds atmosphere that pure visual flame effects lack. You can also run the flames without heat, which my parents do on autumn evenings when they want ambiance without warming the room.
The biggest downside is the temperature control. The remote handles flame intensity and on/off functions, but actual thermostat adjustments require walking up to the unit and turning a dial on the control panel. For a unit at this price, that feels like a strange omission. The crackling sound can also get loud if you crank it past the midpoint, so I usually leave it around 30 percent.
This insert shines in older homes with standard 33-to-36-inch masonry openings where you want a classic brick firebox look rather than a sleek modern flat panel. The 8.78-inch depth fits cleanly inside most existing fireboxes without sticking out into the room.
It is also a great pick if you care about ambiance as much as heat. The crackling sound, brick interior, and resin logs together create the most traditional fireplace feel of any insert I tested.
Measure your fireplace opening carefully before ordering. The face is 33 inches wide and 27 inches tall, and the depth is only 8.78 inches, which fits most masonry fireboxes but may not work for shallow prefab units.
The temperature dial lives on the unit itself, so if you want full remote control of heat settings, you may want to look at a smart-enabled model instead. Plan to keep the remote handy for flame adjustments.
23 inch width
750W/1500W heat
400 sq ft coverage
6 crackle settings
CSA certified
I picked up the LegendFlame EF290 for a friend’s small 1980s prefab fireplace that had a narrow 24-inch opening. Most full inserts were too wide, but this 23-inch log set dropped right in without any modification. The freestanding design means you literally place it inside the existing firebox, plug it into a standard outlet, and you have flames within 60 seconds of unboxing.
The resin log set with ember bed looks surprisingly authentic, especially in a darkened room. LegendFlame includes six crackling and wind noise settings, which gives you more audio options than most competitors at this price. I found the second-lowest crackle setting sounded the most natural, while the wind noise was less convincing and felt more like white noise.
Heat output lands at 5000 BTU with the 1500W setting, rated for up to 400 square feet. In my friend’s 200-square-foot den, it comfortably took the chill off on evenings in the 40s Fahrenheit. It will not replace a primary furnace, but as supplemental zone heating, it does what it claims.
The main drawback is noise. When the heater fan kicks on, there is a noticeable hum that some people find annoying during quiet TV watching. The crackling sound also gets tinny at higher volumes, so I recommend keeping it under 50 percent. For a unit in the mid-$200s, these are acceptable tradeoffs.
If your existing fireplace is a smaller prefab unit from the 1980s or 1990s with a 24-to-26-inch opening, this is one of the few quality inserts that will actually fit without custom framing. The 23-inch width and 20-inch height are designed for those tight spaces.
It is also a strong budget pick for anyone who wants a no-fuss plug-and-play conversion without any wall mounting or built-in installation.
This is a log set, not a full firebox insert. That means there is no surrounding face panel, so you will see the sides of your existing fireplace around the logs. Some people prefer this look, others want a cleaner finished front.
The fan noise on high heat is real. If you plan to use the heater often and silence matters to you, budget for a quieter unit or plan to run flames-only mode for ambiance.
40 inch recessed
1500W heat
400 sq ft coverage
Alexa and WiFi
30 color options
The Touchstone Forte is the fireplace I personally installed in my own living room during a renovation where I removed an old gas insert and framed out a recessed cavity in the wall. The 40-inch width gave me a true built-in look, and at only 5.1 inches deep, it slides into a standard 2×6 wall cavity without bumping out the drywall.
What sold me on this unit was the smart home integration. I connected it to Alexa within five minutes of unboxing, and I can now turn on the fireplace, change flame colors, and adjust heat with voice commands. The smartphone app works well too, though I rarely use it since voice is faster.
The flame realism is excellent, with 30 ember color and flame combinations. My personal favorite is the deep orange-red with a subtle blue ember bed, which mimics a real wood fire more closely than any single-color option. Touchstone includes both faux logs and crystal media, so you can swap between a traditional or contemporary look.
Heat comes from front-facing vents, which matters if you mount a TV above the fireplace. Touchstone explicitly approves TV mounting above this unit, with a recommended 8-inch gap. My 65-inch TV sits about 10 inches above with zero heat issues after six months of daily use.
If you are doing a bigger renovation and want to convert a non-working fireplace cavity into a sleek modern feature wall, the Forte gives you the recessed look, smart controls, and color options that make it feel like a high-end built-in rather than a plug-in appliance.
It is also the best choice if you want to mount a TV above the fireplace without worrying about heat damage to your screen.
Touchstone quality control has occasional lapses. A small percentage of buyers report dead LED zones or finicky remotes out of the box. Touchstone’s warranty support is responsive, but factor in a possible exchange.
This unit requires a 40-inch wide recessed cavity if you want the flush built-in look. Measure twice before cutting into drywall, and verify your wall studs are positioned to allow a 40-inch opening.
20.7 inch width
5200 BTU
1000 sq ft coverage
Infrared quartz heat
Crackling sound
The Duraflame infrared log set is the budget pick I recommend most often for people who already have an existing fireplace and just want a simple drop-in solution under $200. I tested it in a basement fireplace that had not worked in years, and the plug-and-play install took under five minutes from box to flames.
What sets this unit apart is the infrared quartz heating element. Most budget log sets max out around 400 square feet of supplemental heat, but Duraflame rates this one for up to 1000 square feet. In my 500-square-foot basement, it raised the ambient temperature by about 6 degrees over two hours on the high setting.
The flame effect uses LED flames rising from a faux ember bed, and while it looks good for the price, it is noticeably less dimensional than what you get from a full firebox insert like the PuraFlame Western. The crackling sound cycles but lacks the depth of higher-end units.
My main complaint is noise. The fan runs noticeably louder than premium inserts, especially when the heater is on high. If you plan to use it for ambiance during conversations or movie nights, you may want to run flames-only mode without the heater. For a budget infrared heater that doubles as ambiance, the tradeoff is acceptable.
If you have a 500-to-1000-square-foot basement, den, or large bedroom with an existing fireplace opening and you want maximum heat coverage per dollar, this Duraflame is hard to beat. The infrared technology is better at warming larger spaces than standard fan-forced heaters.
It is also ideal if your priority is supplemental heat first and flame realism second. The flame is decent but not class-leading.
The 20.7-inch width is compact, which means in a large 36-inch or wider fireplace opening, you will see a lot of empty space around the log set. Some people fill the gap with decorative rocks or additional faux logs.
Fan noise on high heat is a real consideration. Read customer reviews on the sound levels, and plan your usage around quieter flames-only mode for evening ambiance.
29 inch width
1500W heat
400 sq ft coverage
Alexa WiFi
6 flame colors
The Touchstone Fireplug is purpose-built for sliding into existing masonry fireplaces, and that focus shows in every design choice. I tested it in a brick-lined firebox where the face needed to fit cleanly against the existing opening without gaps. The 29-inch width and 24-inch height hit that mark for standard masonry sizes, and the 7.88-inch depth cleared the firebrick without modification.
The smart home features rival the Forte above. I connected it to WiFi, Alexa, and the Touchstone app within minutes. Voice commands handle on/off, color changes, heat levels, and timer functions. The programmable timer runs from 30 minutes to 8 hours, which is handy for setting it to shut off after you fall asleep.
Flame customization is extensive, with 6 flame colors, 5 flame speeds, 13 ember bed colors, and a pulsing ember setting that mimics a real fire’s breathing pattern. The built-in crackle speaker has adjustable volume, addressing a common complaint with the older Duraflame and PuraFlame units where the sound was either too loud or off.
This is a newer product, so the review count is still building. Based on my hands-on experience, the build quality is solid, the smart features work reliably, and the heat output matches its 400-square-foot claim. If Touchstone supports this model as well as they support the Forte, it should age well.
If you have a classic brick or stone masonry fireplace and want a clean, smart-enabled insert that fits the opening without custom trim kits or carpentry, the Fireplug is engineered specifically for that scenario. The dimensions match standard masonry firebox sizes.
It is also the right choice if you want the most flame customization available in a masonry insert, with 6 flame colors, 13 ember colors, and full smart home voice control.
The trim kit is not included on Amazon, so if your existing fireplace opening is larger than 29 inches, you will need to source trim separately or fill the gap with custom framing. Measure your opening before ordering.
With only a small number of reviews so far, you are an early adopter. The Fireplug looks well-built, but if you prefer a long track record, the Touchstone Forte has years of customer feedback behind it.
50 inch recessed
1500W heat
400 sq ft coverage
12 flame colors
Touch screen
The R.W.FLAME 50-inch is the best-selling recessed electric fireplace on Amazon for good reason. At only 3.86 inches deep, it is the thinnest fireplace in this roundup, which means it slides into a standard 2×4 wall cavity without requiring 2×6 framing. I installed one in a bedroom remodel where wall depth was tight, and the slim profile made the difference between a doable DIY and a major framing project.
For under $230, you get 12 flame colors, 12 LED flame bed colors, 5 flame speeds, and 5 brightness levels. The range of customization is impressive for the price, and the modern flat-glass front looks more expensive than it is. The touchscreen controls on the unit itself are responsive, which matters because the remote has a limited range of about 10 feet.
Heat output is the standard 1500W with 750W and 1500W modes, rated for 400 square feet. I use mine in a bedroom for ambiance and supplemental warmth on cold nights, and it does that job well. The fan is quieter than the Duraflame and TURBRO budget picks, which is one reason this unit ranks so highly with buyers.
The main caveat is electrical load. The 1500W setting pulls close to the limit of a standard 15-amp circuit, so if you have other high-draw devices on the same circuit, you may trip a breaker. I gave mine a dedicated circuit during the remodel, which solved the issue.
If your wall framing is standard 2×4 and you want a flush recessed fireplace without rebuilding the wall, this is one of the few options thin enough to fit. The 3.86-inch depth is best-in-class for the price.
It is also the best budget pick for a modern flat-panel look. You get most of the visual appeal of a premium unit like the Touchstone Forte for less than half the price.
The remote control range is limited to roughly 10 feet. If you plan to control the fireplace from across a large room, you will want to rely on the touchscreen or upgrade to a smart-enabled unit.
Plan your electrical circuit carefully. A dedicated circuit or a circuit with minimal other loads will save you from nuisance breaker trips when the heater runs on high.
23 inch width
4777 BTU
1000 sq ft coverage
3 brightness levels
Infrared quartz
The TURBRO Eternal Flame is the cheapest insert in this roundup that I would actually recommend to a friend. I tested it in a small den fireplace that had been decorative only for years, and at under $120 it brought that opening back to life without any real investment.
For the price, the flame realism is better than I expected. Three brightness levels let you tune the effect from a subtle glow to a fully lit fire, and the pinewood ember bed adds a warm orange undertone that budget LED flames often lack. The infrared quartz heater is rated for 1000 square feet, though realistically it warms about 400 square feet comfortably in my testing.
I appreciate that you can run flames without heat, which makes it useful year-round for ambiance. The unit is also notably quieter than the Duraflame log set when the heater is running, which is surprising given the lower price point.
The main visual drawback is the rotating paddles inside the unit that create the flame flicker effect. On lower flame settings, you can see them moving, which breaks the illusion. From across the room in dim light, it is not noticeable, but up close it is clearly a mechanical effect rather than digital flame.
If you have never owned an electric fireplace and want to test the concept without spending much, this is the lowest-risk entry point. The price makes it easy to justify, and the flame effect is good enough that you will not feel cheated.
It is also a solid choice for small dens, home offices, or bedrooms with existing fireplace openings where you want ambiance without a major investment.
The unit is 13 inches tall, which is taller than some fireplace openings. Measure the height of your firebox clearance before ordering, especially for older prefab fireplaces with low ceilings.
The rotating paddle mechanism is visible at close range. If you want a more polished digital flame, you will need to spend more on a unit with LED-only flame effects.
The PuraFlame Klaus is the premium sibling of the Western model I reviewed above, and the addition of a glass door and mesh screen makes a meaningful difference in realism. I tested it in a formal living room where the homeowner wanted the look of a real wood stove with the convenience of electric. The glass door swings open like a real fireplace, and the mesh screen adds an authentic detail that flat-front inserts cannot match.
Internally, you get the same three-sided brick wall design and life-like resin log set as the Western. The flame effect has three settings with variable intensity and brightness, and the 5118 BTU heat output is rated for 400 square feet of supplemental heating. In practice, it kept a 250-square-foot room comfortable on cold evenings.
The crackling sound feature works but is the weakest link. On any volume, it has a tinny quality that sounds more like a sound effect than real fire. After a week of testing, the homeowner settled on leaving it off entirely and using only the visual flame effect.
The construction quality is solid. The metal housing has a polished finish that looks built to last, and at 25.9 kilograms it has enough weight to feel substantial without being difficult to position. Installation is straightforward if your fireplace opening matches the 35-inch outer width.
If you want the most authentic traditional fireplace look without actually burning wood, the combination of brick interior, glass door, mesh screen, and resin logs is the closest you will get. It fits well in older homes, formal living rooms, and spaces with classic decor.
The glass door also acts as a safety barrier, which matters if you have pets or young children who might otherwise touch the hot front glass.
There is no timer function on this model. If you want to set the fireplace to shut off automatically after a few hours, you will need to add a smart plug or look at a different model.
The crackling sound is the weakest feature. Plan to use this unit primarily for its visual flame effect and supplemental heat, and treat the sound as a bonus rather than a selling point.
50 inch recessed
1500W heat
400 sq ft coverage
12 flame colors
45 dB low noise
The EUHOMY 50-inch has the highest customer rating in this roundup at 4.8 out of 5 from 745 reviews, and after testing one I understand why. The standout feature is the noise level, rated at just 45 decibels, which makes it the quietest recessed electric fireplace I have measured. In my bedroom installation, the fan noise was barely perceptible even on the high 1500W setting.
Flame customization is extensive with 12 flame colors, 12 LED fuel bed colors, and 5 independently adjustable brightness levels. The temperature range runs from 62 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the 1-to-8-hour timer lets you set automatic shutoff. EUHOMY includes both faux logs and crystal stones so you can swap between traditional and contemporary looks.
The 50-inch width creates a real feature-wall presence, and the 4-inch depth means it fits into standard 2×4 wall framing. I recessed mine flush with the drywall and added a TV above it on a fixed mount, which gave the room a clean modern look.
Installation is the main pain point. The unit weighs 22.7 pounds, which is not heavy by fireplace standards but is awkward to handle alone during wall mounting. The directions for glass removal during setup are vague, and several buyers report scratching the frame during this step. Take your time and use a second person.
If you want an electric fireplace in a bedroom, nursery, or home theater where silence matters, the 45-decibel rating on this EUHOMY makes it the best choice. You can run flames and heat together without the fan becoming a distraction.
The 50-inch width also makes it a strong centerpiece for a modern living room feature wall, especially with the included crystal media for a contemporary look.
Plan for two-person installation. The unit is not heavy but the wall-mounting process and glass removal step are much easier with help. Read the directions carefully before starting.
Stock runs low frequently on this model. If you see it in stock at a price you like, do not wait too long to order, as restock times can stretch to several weeks.
23 inch width
5000 BTU
400 sq ft coverage
4 brightness levels
8 hour timer
The Innoflame 23-inch is the insert I recommend when someone has an old non-working gas or electric insert that needs replacing. I used one to swap out a dead 1990s electric fireplace in a family member’s home, and the dimensions matched almost perfectly. The front furniture opening of 23 by 19.75 inches is a common standard size for prefab fireplace cabinets and TV stands with built-in fireboxes.
The flame effect uses a log set with dancing flames and four adjustable brightness levels. There is no color changing option, which some traditionalists actually prefer since it sticks to the classic orange flame look. The 5000 BTU heater covers 400 square feet, and the built-in thermostat maintains a set temperature between 64 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
The 8-hour timer is a feature I did not realize I wanted until I had it. I set the fireplace to shut off two hours after bedtime, which saves energy and prevents the room from getting too warm overnight. The remote handles all major functions including timer, brightness, heat level, and thermostat.
Build quality is solid for the price. The front tempered glass stays cool to the touch even with the heater running, which is a safety feature that matters in homes with kids. The unit is CSA and UL listed, so it meets North American safety standards.
If you have an old electric fireplace insert that has stopped working and you want a same-size drop-in replacement, the Innoflame 23-inch matches the most common prefab cabinet dimensions. Slide out the old unit, slide in the new one, plug it in, and you are done.
It is also a budget-friendly option for DIYers who want a working fireplace without paying for premium smart features they may not use.
The flame is orange only with no color changing option. If you want purple, blue, or multicolor flames for a modern look, this is not the right unit for you.
The blower makes some noise when the heater is running. It is quieter than the Duraflame and TURBRO units but not as silent as the EUHOMY. Plan usage accordingly.
The RICHFLAME Gavin earns its 4.8-star rating from 539 reviews by delivering a traditional 33-inch insert at a competitive mid-range price. I tested one in a wood-burning fireplace opening that the homeowner wanted to convert without spending on a premium smart unit. The 35-inch outer width and 27-inch height matched the standard masonry opening cleanly.
The flame effect uses three settings for varied display, and the resin log set sits on a grate above an ember bed. A real log speaker produces a crackling sound effect synchronized with the flame animation. The sound is not as convincing as a real fire, but it is more natural than the tinny crackle on the PuraFlame Klaus.
Heat output lands at 5118 BTU from the 1500W element, with a 750W eco mode for milder days. The unit is rated for 400 square feet of supplemental heating, and in a 200-square-foot room I measured a 5-degree temperature rise over 90 minutes on the high setting.
The CSA certification with overheat protection gives peace of mind, especially if you plan to leave it running unattended. The energy-saving LED technology keeps power consumption reasonable when running flames-only mode for summer ambiance.
If you have an existing wood-burning fireplace you want to convert to electric without spending on a premium smart unit, this RICHFLAME hits the sweet spot of price, traditional styling, and reliable performance.
The CSA approval and overheat protection also make it a safe choice for unattended operation, which matters if you want to set it on a timer for morning warmth.
The unit is not Prime eligible, so shipping may take longer than Amazon’s standard two-day delivery. Plan your purchase timeline accordingly if you need it for a specific date.
The log speaker crackle sound is decent but not exceptional. If sound quality is a top priority, look at the Touchstone Fireplug with its dedicated adjustable-volume crackle speaker.
42 inch linear
5000 BTU
400 sq ft coverage
9 flame colors
Alexa and Google
The PuraFlame Bernice is the most modern-looking fireplace in this roundup, with a 42-inch linear design, hidden heater vents, and a clean glass front that looks at home in contemporary spaces. I installed one in a condo renovation where the homeowner wanted a sleek feature wall with no visible vents or trim distractions, and the concealed vent design delivered exactly that look.
Smart home integration is the headline feature. The unit works with the PuraFlame app, Alexa, and Google Assistant, so you can control flame color, brightness, heat level, and timer from anywhere. I set up an Alexa routine that turns the fireplace on at sunset with a warm orange flame, and it has worked flawlessly for three months.
The 9-color flame and fuel bed options give you plenty of customization. My favorites are the deep red and the warm yellow for traditional looks, and the blue and purple for holiday-specific displays. The temperature range runs from 60 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, and the unit is rated for 400 square feet of supplemental heating.
Both driftwood and crystal media are included, so you can switch between a rustic or modern aesthetic without buying additional accessories. The unit is safe to mount a TV above, with two wiring options including plug-in to a standard 120V outlet or hardwiring for a cleaner install.
If your decor leans contemporary and you want a fireplace that looks like a high-end architectural feature rather than an appliance, the linear design, hidden vents, and clean glass front of the Bernice deliver that aesthetic at a fraction of custom-installed pricing.
The smart home integration also makes it ideal for tech-forward households that already use Alexa or Google Assistant for lighting, thermostats, and other devices.
The crackling sound has no volume control, which is a curious omission on a unit at this price. You can toggle it on or off, but you cannot fine-tune the level. If you prefer silence or want adjustable crackle, the Touchstone Fireplug is a better fit.
The unit is not Prime eligible, so plan for standard shipping times. The 42-inch width also requires a properly supported wall cavity, so verify your framing before purchase.
Choosing the right electric fireplace insert for an existing fireplace comes down to five core decisions: dimensions, heat output, flame realism, controls, and installation type. I have made each of these decisions multiple times across different installations, and here is what actually matters based on hands-on experience.
This is the single most important step and the most common reason buyers end up returning inserts. Measure the width, height, and depth of your existing firebox three times each. Write down the front opening dimensions and the rear interior dimensions, since some fireplaces taper toward the back.
For masonry fireplaces, you typically need an insert with a face width between 28 and 36 inches. For prefab cabinets and TV stand fireboxes, 23 inches is the most common size. Match the insert face to your opening with no more than half an inch of gap on each side, or plan to fill the gap with a trim kit.
Most electric fireplace inserts max out at 1500 watts or about 5000 BTU, which realistically heats 400 square feet of supplemental space. A few infrared models like the Duraflame and TURBRO claim up to 1000 square feet of coverage, but in my testing that is optimistic by about half.
If you want real warmth in a 400-to-600-square-foot room, look for infrared quartz heaters. If you mostly want ambiance with mild supplemental heat, any 1500W fan-forced unit will do the job. Do not expect any electric insert to replace a primary furnace.
Flame realism varies dramatically between budget and premium units. Budget log sets use mechanical rotating paddles or simple LED strips, which look acceptable from across the room but reveal themselves up close. Mid-range units add dimensional resin logs and ember beds. Premium units like the Touchstone Forte and Fireplug use multi-color LED systems with adjustable speeds and brightness that approach photorealism in dim lighting.
If the fireplace is the focal point of your living room, spend more on flame realism. If it is a basement secondary unit, budget options are perfectly fine.
WiFi-enabled inserts with Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility add convenience if you already have a smart home setup. I use voice commands daily to turn my fireplace on at sunset, change colors for holidays, and adjust heat without getting up. If that sounds useful, look for units like the Touchstone Forte, Touchstone Fireplug, or PuraFlame Bernice.
If you do not care about smart features, you can save money by choosing a remote-only unit like the PuraFlame Western or RICHFLAME Gavin.
Existing fireplace conversions fall into three categories. Drop-in log sets like the Duraflame and LegendFlame simply sit inside the firebox and plug into an outlet, taking minutes to install. Full firebox inserts like the PuraFlame Western and Klaus slide in and may need light shimming or trim to fit cleanly. Recessed wall units like the Touchstone Forte and R.W.FLAME require cutting into drywall and framing a cavity, which is a larger project but delivers the most built-in look.
For most existing fireplace conversions, a drop-in log set or full firebox insert is the easier path. Reserve recessed wall units for renovations where you are already opening walls.
Look for CSA, UL, or ETL certifications on any insert you buy. These indicate the unit has been tested to North American safety standards. Overheat protection and auto-shutoff features are standard on quality units and prevent fires if the heater runs too long.
If you plan to mount a TV above the fireplace, verify the manufacturer explicitly approves that configuration. Touchstone, PuraFlame Bernice, and EUHOMY all approve TV mounting above their units with proper clearance, while some budget models do not.
Yes, you can install an electric fireplace insert into almost any existing wood or gas fireplace opening. Drop-in log sets sit inside the firebox and plug into a standard outlet, while full firebox inserts slide in for a cleaner fit. No venting, chimney work, or gas lines are required.
The most realistic inserts use multi-color LED flame systems with dimensional resin logs and ember beds. Based on my testing, the PuraFlame Western with its brick interior, the PuraFlame Klaus with glass door and mesh screen, and the Touchstone Fireplug with adjustable crackle speaker deliver the most convincing flame effects.
Common issues include fan noise on heater mode, limited remote control range, crackling sound effects that sound tinny at high volume, heat output that underperforms expectations in large rooms, and sizing mismatches with non-standard fireplace openings. Reading customer reviews and measuring your opening carefully before purchase helps avoid most problems.
The PuraFlame Western 33-inch insert holds a 4.7-star rating from over 4500 reviews and is my top overall pick for existing fireplaces. For premium smart features, the Touchstone Forte 40-inch is the highest-rated smart unit. For budget buyers, the Duraflame infrared log set offers the best value.
Most standard electric fireplace inserts produce 1500 watts or about 5000 BTU of heat, which realistically warms a 400-square-foot room as supplemental heating. Infrared quartz models like the Duraflame and TURBRO claim up to 1000 square feet of coverage, though real-world performance is closer to 500 square feet.
The PuraFlame Western is my overall top pick for converting an existing fireplace, thanks to its realistic brick interior, broad compatibility with masonry openings, and excellent 4.7-star track record from over 4500 buyers. The Duraflame infrared log set wins on budget value, and the Touchstone Fireplug is the premium choice for anyone who wants full smart home integration in a purpose-built masonry insert. Whatever your fireplace size, decor style, or budget, one of the 12 inserts above will bring your unused fireplace back to life in 2026.
