9 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts, Tested and Reviewed

Available in a variety of sizes from 28 to 100 inches and designed to be mounted into a recessed wall, this electric fireplace insert is the perfect choice for most homes seeking a cozy atmosphere. Not only will the fire look realistic, but our pros love that it comes with a log set and crystals, which can be swapped out at any time to suit your style. Just keep in mind that it can be difficult to remove the glass pane and make the actual swap, according to Rachel Rothman, former executive technical director at the Good Housekeeping Institute.

In testing, we found this model easy to operate and appreciated the choice among three flame colors and five intensities. According to our pros, the heat ranges from 68°F to 88°F and the unit will shut off automatically if it ever heats past 88°F. We also like that you can make adjustments via an included remote or directly on the fireplace itself. And as a bonus, it's compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa so you don't even have to move from the couch to turn on the heat.

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.

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, which comes with its own mantle but nicely fits 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.

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 always double-checking how many BTUs per square foot are typical before purchasing anything.

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 relay how easy it was to install.

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 says.

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.

As a log-set style insert, this pick from Dimplex 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.

Visually, our pros think it 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. 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 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.

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. 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.

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. 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 walls, this fireplace insert comes with a log set, crystals and driftwood so you can change the medium that the fire comes from to a style that suits your living room decor. According to our pros, it's extremely easy to remove the front glass plate to make any swaps. 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.

"This is one of the more high-tech inserts we tested," Rothman says. "It's Alexa- and WiFi-enabled, so you can use your phone to control the insert as well." 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.