Electric fireplace inserts are a big deal because they provide warmth and aesthetics without the need for firewood.
These hassle-free heating options can also add to the ambiance of any home year-round, thanks to heat-free options.
A fireplace insert is an appliance that can be placed inside an existing fireplace. Many homeowners choose to do this themselves, but a builder can also be employed for installation.
Although some fireplace inserts are fueled by gas or wood, an electric fireplace insert plugs into an outlet, and is the easiest fuel option.
So today, we are here to answer the question: “What is the best electric fireplace insert?”
Best Electric Fireplace Inserts
 | Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert |
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 | Masarflame Large Fireplace Insert |
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 | Modern Flames Smart Insert |
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Electric fireplace insert enthusiasts looking for the best appliance can choose from one of the following options.
Fireplace inserts are desirable for people who want year-round fire, without the heat and wood ash that a traditional fire brings.
The newest electric fireplace inserts are close in appearance to real fireplaces, thanks to innovations by engineers.
Some features to choose from include:
- Thermometers
- Brightness options
- Battery capabilities
- No-heat options
There is something for everyone on this comprehensive best electric fireplace insert list.
1. Dimplex Deluxe Electric Fireplace Insert
- Heat output: 4692 BTU
- Power: 1500 W
- Installation Dimension: 23.25” x 10.75” x 19.75”
Dimplex is a well-known name in the world of electric fireplace inserts.
The first entry by Dimplex is the easy-to-install, deluxe 23” electric fireplace insert.
LED glow logs provide the illusion of glowing embers without the required cleaning and pollution of traditional fire logs.
Dimplex Deluxe adds to the ambiance of any home, with or without heat, depending on homeowner preferences.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Flames display with or without heat for year-round enjoyment
- Built-in fan allows heat circulation
Cons:
- Some complain it runs loudly, especially compared to other fireplace inserts on the list
2. Dimplex Realistic Fireplace Insert
- Heat output: 5118 BTU
- Power: 1500 W
- Installation Dimension: 24” W x 14” D x 22” H
The second entry by Dimplex is this easy-installation electric fireplace insert from the “Revillusion” line.
Users can enjoy flames with or without heat for year-round fireplace enjoyment.
The Revillusion features 360-degree light creating the illusion of flickering to enhance the effect of the flames.
The frosted acrylic panel increases the illusion of the fire by making the flames seem brighter and larger.
It contains Realogs Plus, which are life-size, hardwood-cast logs that add to the ambiance and create a realistic look.
Pros:
- Realistic looking fire
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Insert can be unsturdy
- Simple design leaves something to be desired aesthetically
3. ClassicFlame 3D Infrared Fireplace Insert
- Heat output: 5200 BTU
- Heat area: up to 1000 sq ft
- Installation Dimension: 27” x 8.86” x 17.7”
Fans who prefer infrared heat to fan-forced heat will love the ClassicFlame 3D infrared fireplace insert.
It includes good overheating technology and is easy to install.
Homeowners can enjoy the 3D flame effects behind the security of tempered glass.
The 5200 BTU provides heat for spaces up to 1,000 square feet, making this a powerful option in an electric fire insert.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Safer Plug technology turns off the fireplace insert at the desired temperature
- Infrared heat does not dry out skin or cause static electricity
Cons:
- The glass shows reflection, taking away from the realistic feel
4. Masarflame Large Electric Fireplace Insert
- Heat output: 5000 BTU
- Power level : 750/1500W
- Installation Dimension: 8.84” x 40” x 23.32”
The Masarflame 40” is the choice for the best large fireplace insert.
Features three-color ambiance light and five different flame intensity settings, this retro fireplace insert goes with any style of home.
There are resin logs that increase the realistic look of this large fireplace insert.
Built-in speakers add to the atmosphere, allowing crackling sounds to permeate through the air.
Energy Saving Heating Options with a high and low levels are available for enjoyment.
Comfortably heats a room to 400 square feet.
This Masarflame appliance features overheat protection as a safety device.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Overheat protection is a safety feature
- Aesthetically pleasing with large flames
Cons:
- Crackling sounds require a good speaker
5. TURBRO Electric Fireplace Log Insert
- Heat output: 4777 BTU
- Power level: 1400 W
- Installation Dimension: 13H x 23W x 9D in.
TURBRO is a relatively new name in electric fireplace inserts; the popular company has been in production since 2013.
The ‘Eternal Flame’ offers convective heating and a timer so that users can enjoy the flames for a predetermined amount of time.
The electric fireplace insert features lemonwood resin to add to the ambiance and illusion of realness. The Eternal Flame comes with a remote control to allow cycling between low, medium, and high flame brightness.
It made our list of the best electric fireplaces because, for the price, you get a lot!
Pros:
- Three levels of brightness for customizable enjoyment
- Comes with overheating protection for safety
- Features a timer
Cons:
- Some find the bright orange and red colors look unrealistic
6. Modern Flames NO HEAT Insert
- Heat output: N/A
- Power level: Lithium battery / 120V
- Installation Dimension:
- 20″ Model: 10.5″ H x 19.5″ W x 9.75″ D
- 26″ Model: 12.25″ H x 25.5″ W x 13.5″ D
This unique “smart” fireplace insert is battery-operated, meaning there is no need for unsightly cords as long as the lithium battery has charged.
The Flames Sunset Charred Oak is available in sizes 20″ and 26″ and is a great modern insert – especially if you want a white electric fireplace.
Some features of this convenient battery-operating electric fireplace insert are available without heat.
The smartphone and Wi-Fi connectivity options increase the possibilities of functions that fireplace owners can enjoy.
Pros:
- Batteries last 10 to 12 hours
- Wi-Fi capability makes this a high-tech, high-capability option
- Six settings
- Smart fireplace insert, with Google Home and Alexa connectivity
Cons:
- Expensive
- No heat
7. Modern Flames Smart Redstone Fireplace Insert
- Heat output: 5000 BTU
- Power level: 750 W/1465 W
- Installation Dimension: 18 1/2″ H x 29 1/4″ W x 9 7/8″ D
The Modern Flames Redstone features a sleep-timer, easy installation, and flames that operate independently of the heater.
This powerful electric fireplace insert can comfortably heat a space of 400 square feet.
The Redstone model comes with two trims and Hybrid-FX™ Flame Technology to regulate the flame, ember bed, colors, and thermostat.
Pros:
- Flames work with or without heat for year-round enjoyment
- Easy installation
- Cannon balls are a unique aesthetic that some appreciate
Cons:
- Requires a breaker with 15 Amps or higher, may be difficult for some to power electrically
Types of Electric Fireplace Inserts
There are two main types of electric fireplace inserts:
- Fireplace Inserts
- Electric Logs Inserts
1. Fireplace Inserts
Fireplace inserts resemble a built-in fireplace; buyers match the size of the insert with the size of the existing fireplace and plug it in.
An electric fireplace insert uses technology similar to that of an electric log insert.
Fireplace inserts feature a steel box, a textured log set, and a flame projection.
Additional features are available including, brightness, color, and heat variations.
2. Electric Log Inserts
Electric logs for a fireplace are the most prevalent type of electric fireplace insert marketed today.
An electric log set displays artificial logs on top of a metal grate.
Log inserts feature a built-in heater and fan that forces warm air into a room.
An electric log set is the most affordable choice for an existing fireplace but looks less realistic than an electric fireplace insert.
Another alternative is a corner electric fireplace if you want to shut off an existing vent.
Infrared Vs Fan-Forced
Two types of heating that electric fireplace inserts use are infrared heating and fan-forced heating.
Both infrared heating and fan-forced heating have pros and cons, depending on the desires of the owner.
Infrared electric fireplaces heat larger rooms, generally in the 1000 square foot range.
Infrared technology provides quicker heating than fan-forced heating, although the heating is short-lasting. Conversely, fan-forced electric fireplaces heat a range of up to 400 square feet.
Fan-forced electric fireplaces feature a heating element and a fan to circulate the newly hot hair.
Fan-forced electric fireplaces take in cool air and blow out warm air. The technology involved in fan-forced electric fireplaces leads to warmer room temperatures.
Installation Requirements
Most electric fireplace inserts feature easy installation that plugs into a standard household outlet.
They’re not as easy to install as a wall-mounted electric fireplace (which usually just needs to be hung on the wall), and some may require a professional installer.
Owners must ensure that the outlet is on a dedicated circuit breaker or fuse and not shared with other electronics.
Electric fireplace inserts should not plug into extension cords, as the extension cord can become overloaded and cause an electric fire.
Top-Rated Electric Fireplace Inserts
Electric fireplace inserts are growing in popularity because they do not contribute to pollution.
These inserts provide clean air and high efficiency.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts can be enjoyed year-round, with heat and no heat options readily available.
As technology advances, fireplaces emerge that function with:
- Smart phones
- Google Home
- Alexa
This new era of fireplaces promises to be the most exciting yet.
Gone are the days when electric fireplace inserts were considered cheesy and tacky.
Manufacturers are currently perfecting electric fireplace inserts that are indistinguishable in appearance from real fireplaces.
Lastly, check out the range of Walker Edison Fireplace TV Stands as another completely different type of alternative.
