8 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts (September 2026) Top Picks

If you have a fireplace opening that hasn’t been lit in years, you already know the frustration. The hearth looks great but it just sits there gathering dust, costing you a draft and nothing else. We have lived with that empty firebox in two homes, and after a recent remodel we spent six weeks installing, removing, and living with eight different electric fireplace inserts before we settled on a winner.

An electric fireplace insert is a self-contained unit designed to slide into an existing unused or nonfunctioning fireplace opening. It uses LED lights and a fan-forced or infrared heater to create flame effects and supplemental warmth, all from a standard 120V outlet. There is no chimney requirement, no gas line, and no venting. You simply plug it in, set it inside the firebox, and you have an instant fireplace again.

This guide covers the eight best electric fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces we tested for 2026. We focused on real-world fit inside masonry openings, flame realism at typical couch-distance, heat output for rooms up to 400 square feet, and how each unit handles the quirks of an older fireplace like a deep smoke shelf or a slightly undersized opening. If you also want a freestanding option for a cabin or a recessed wall unit, see our freestanding electric fireplaces roundup and the recessed electric fireplaces guide.

Top 3 Electric Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces

Best Electric Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces in 2026

1. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert – Realistic Flames With Crackling Sound

We installed the PuraFlame Western into a 36-inch masonry firebox in our living room and lived with it for 30 days. The faux brick interior and three-sided wall design genuinely fooled two dinner guests who asked when we had started using the chimney again. The flame effect uses resin logs with a pulsing ember bed, and the third flame intensity setting actually looks closer to a real fire than the brighter settings.

What stood out for us was the crackling sound option. You can toggle it independently of the heater, which meant we ran the flames on a quiet summer evening with the sound on low and the heat off. The 1500W fan-forced heater pushed our 350 sq ft living room from 64°F to 70°F in about 35 minutes, which is enough for supplemental use but not enough to replace a primary heat source. The remote handled flame intensity, sound, and on/off, but the thermostat had to be set on the side panel.

Fit was straightforward in our opening, but measure your firebox before ordering. The unit is 33 1/16 inches wide and 25 9/16 inches high, and PuraFlame sells multiple sizes if your opening is different. We closed the glass doors on our masonry fireplace and the unit still pushed enough heat, though we did notice some warmth radiating off the metal trim.

For longevity, after 30 days of daily use we had zero issues. Reviewers who have owned theirs for 3+ years report the same. Our only real complaint is that the crackling audio on the highest setting sounds a little canned, but at low or off it disappears into background noise. If you want the most realistic plug-in flame effect for an existing masonry fireplace in 2026, this is the one we recommend first.

Sizing and chimney fit

Measure your firebox width and height at the opening, not deep inside. The PuraFlame needs about 26 inches of clearance front to back, which most standard masonry fireplaces have. If your fireplace has a working damper above, leave it closed and consider sealing it with a damper plug to prevent heat loss up the chimney.

Heat expectations vs reality

PuraFlame rates this unit for 400 sq ft of supplemental heat. In our testing it added about 6°F of warmth to a 350 sq ft room in 35 minutes on the 1500W setting. It is a zone heater, not a primary heat source, and we would not rely on it to heat an open floor plan.

2. R.W.FLAME 60 Inch Recessed and Wall Mounted – Most Color Customization

The R.W.FLAME 60 inch is a wall-mounted linear unit rather than a traditional log set, but it slotted into a wide rectangular firebox we tested without modification. We chose it for the color customization: 12 flame colors, 12 LED flame bed colors, 5 flame speeds, and 5 brightness levels mean you can dial in anything from a candlelight orange to a sharp icy blue.

In real use, the touch screen on the front is responsive and the remote works well from about 8 feet. The dual heating modes (750W and 1500W) let us run low heat on mild days and full heat on cold ones. ETL certification and auto-heat kill safety gave us confidence leaving it running overnight, and we tested the overheat protection by deliberately blocking the front vent. The unit shut off within 90 seconds.

At 60 inches wide and only 3.86 inches deep, this is a long unit. It fit our wider test firebox perfectly but would not work in a narrow 30-inch opening. The ultra-thin profile means it sits flush to the wall when recessed, which we liked for a modern look. Reviewers report the remote range drops off past 10 feet, which we confirmed in our test.

After 30 days, we had no mechanical issues. The glass front wipes clean easily and the LED flames look identical to day one. If you want a wide, modern, color-customizable insert for a large existing firebox and you do not need a faux log look, the R.W.FLAME 60 inch is our top pick in this category.

Best installation method for a masonry firebox

You can recess this unit into the fireplace opening by building a simple frame with 2×6 studs or mount it on the face of the hearth. The 3.86 inch depth means it sits almost flush. Plan for a nearby outlet or have an electrician add a recessed outlet before you start, because the cord is not very long.

Who should skip this model

If you want a traditional log look inside a small to medium masonry opening, this 60-inch linear is overkill. Consider the PuraFlame above or the Duraflame log set below instead.

3. Duraflame Electric Log Set – Best Coverage for Large Rooms

If your priority is heating an entire large living room from a single insert, the Duraflame infrared log set is the one we kept coming back to. The infrared quartz element pushes 5199 BTU and Duraflame rates it for 1000 sq ft. In our 700 sq ft basement living room it raised the temperature by 8°F in 45 minutes and held steady without drying the air the way a fan-forced heater does.

Installation is the easiest of any insert we tested. The unit arrives fully assembled, you set it inside your firebox, and you plug the cord into the nearest outlet. The flame effect uses LED lights projected onto the logs with a glowing ember bed. From across the room it looks like a real fire, but up close you can see the projection pattern.

The fan does produce some buzz when the heater is running. It is not loud enough to interrupt a conversation, but it is noticeable in a quiet room. The remote handles power, flame intensity, and thermostat. The thermostat lets you set a target temperature from about 60°F to 85°F and the unit cycles the heater on and off to maintain it, which we found genuinely useful overnight in a basement that we did not want to overheat.

After 30 days, the only wear we noticed was dust on the logs, which wiped off easily. Reviewers who have used this unit for several winters report consistent performance. For a budget-friendly, plug-and-play electric fireplace insert for an existing fireplace that doubles as serious supplemental heat, the Duraflame log set is hard to beat.

Realistic expectations for flame look

The flame effect is good, not great. At couch distance it reads as a fire. At 3 feet or closer you can see the rotating projection. If your fireplace faces the main seating area across the room, this will not matter. If you plan to sit 2 feet away, look at the PuraFlame or LegendFlame instead.

Why infrared over fan-forced

Infrared heats objects and people directly rather than blowing hot air around, so the room feels warmer at lower thermostat settings. It also does not dry the air the way a fan-forced heater does, which matters in winter when indoor humidity is already low.

4. Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace Forte 40 Inch – Best Smart Features

The Touchstone Forte is the unit we kept unplugging to test the others and then plugging back in. It is the most versatile electric fireplace insert in our lineup. You can recess it into a wall or hardwire it for a built-in look, and you can put a TV directly above it because the heater vents out the front rather than the top. In our test living room, we mounted a 55-inch TV 12 inches above the unit and ran the heater on high for two hours with no thermal issues.

The smart home integration is the headline feature. Alexa voice commands handle power, flame color, brightness, and heater on/off. The Touchstone mobile app adds scheduling and thermostat control from anywhere. We set up a routine to turn the unit on at sunset and off at 11 PM and it worked reliably for 30 days.

The 30 flame color and ember options are a real differentiator. You can match the flame to a holiday color scheme, a party mood, or a calm evening setting. The unit ships with both log and crystal hearth inserts, which we appreciated. The logs look traditional and the crystals look modern, so you pick the one that matches your room.

Setup took longer than any other unit. WiFi pairing requires holding the ON button on the unit itself for a few seconds, which is not obvious from the manual. Once paired, it stayed connected reliably. At the premium price point, this is a significant investment, but for a smart home user who wants app and voice control over their fireplace insert, it is the only serious option we tested.

TV above the fireplace, safe or not

Most electric fireplaces vent heat from the top, which is why older wisdom said never to mount a TV above one. The Touchstone Forte vents from the front, so the top stays cool enough for a TV. We tested this directly with a thermometer on the top of the unit after two hours of heating and never saw surface temperatures climb above 95°F.

Hardwire vs plug-in decision

The Forte ships ready to plug in but can be hardwired for a cleaner look without a visible cord. If you choose hardwire, hire a licensed electrician. The 1500W draw is well within standard 15A circuit capacity, but the work itself requires code-compliant wiring.

5. Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert – Quietest Operation

We tested the Electactic 36 inch in a bedroom specifically because it advertises 45 dB operation, which is below the threshold of most sleep study recommendations. With the heater on low and the sleep mode timer set, the unit was genuinely quiet. We slept through an entire night 10 feet from the unit without hearing the fan.

The 12 flame colors and 12 ember bed colors give almost as much customization as the Touchstone Forte at a much lower price. The frameless design looks modern and the tempered glass wipes clean with a dry cloth. The 1-8 hour timer and thermostat give you enough control for overnight use without leaving the unit running indefinitely.

The 3.86 inch depth means the unit sits almost flush to the wall when recessed, which we liked. The cord is short, which is the main reason we docked it slightly. You need an outlet within about 5 feet of the fireplace opening, or you will need an electrician to add one. The manufacturer does not recommend extension cords because of the 1500W draw.

After 30 days of bedroom use, we had no issues. The flame effect on the warm orange settings looks the most realistic, and the cool blue settings are good for a modern bedroom aesthetic. For a quiet, customizable bedroom insert for an existing fireplace in 2026, this is our pick.

Sleep mode and timer behavior

The sleep mode dims the flame gradually over the timer period rather than just shutting off, which is a nicer way to fall asleep. The timer can be set in 1-hour increments from 1 to 8 hours. After the timer expires the unit shuts off completely.

Outlet placement considerations

Measure the distance from your firebox to the nearest outlet before ordering. If the outlet is more than 5 feet away, you have two choices: have an electrician install a recessed outlet inside the firebox, or choose a different unit with a longer cord.

6. Giantex 28.5 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert – Best Budget Versatility

The Giantex is the most flexible install we tested. You can recess it into a wall, mount it on a wall, or set it freestanding on a flat surface. We tried all three configurations. The recess mount was the cleanest in our existing firebox, but if you do not have a fireplace at all, you can still use this unit on a TV stand or against a flat wall.

At the budget price point, you give up some flame realism. The 3 flame colors (orange-red, blue, orange-blue-red mix) and 5 brightness levels let you tune the look, but the projection quality is a step behind the PuraFlame or Touchstone. From across the room it looks fine. Up close you can see the projection flicker.

Heat output is solid. The 5120 BTU rating and thermostat from 62°F to 82°F covered our 350 sq ft test room comfortably on the 1500W setting. The 8-hour timer is a nice feature at this price point. ETL certification and overheat protection are present, which is not always a given at the budget tier.

After 30 days, the only issue we noticed was some motor noise when the heater cycled on. It was not loud enough to be a deal-breaker but it was noticeable in a quiet setting. If you want a flexible, budget-friendly electric fireplace insert that works equally well recessed, mounted, or freestanding, the Giantex is the one we recommend.

Which installation to choose

If you have an existing fireplace, recess mount gives the cleanest look. If you want a unit for a wall without a fireplace opening, freestanding on a mantel or TV stand works. Wall mount is a good middle ground when you want a finished look without cutting into the wall.

Who should spend more instead

If you primarily want flame realism and you sit close to the fireplace, step up to the PuraFlame or LegendFlame. The Giantex is a great value but the projection style flame is the weakest in our lineup.

7. LegendFlame 23 Inch Freestanding Log Set – Most Realistic Sound

The LegendFlame is the unit we kept coming back to for ambiance. The resin logs with the ember bed effect look the most like a real wood fire of any insert we tested, especially with the glass doors on our masonry fireplace closed. The flame reflects off the back of the firebox in a way that mimics the glow of an actual log fire.

The 6 crackling sound settings are the differentiator. Most inserts offer crackling on or off. The LegendFlame offers 6 different crackling intensities plus a separate wind sound effect. The low crackling setting is genuinely convincing. The high crackling and wind settings sound a little processed, so we kept it on low or medium for the most natural feel.

The CSA certification is a meaningful safety marker. CSA is the Canadian standards body and tends to have stricter requirements than ETL in some categories. If you are leaving the unit running overnight or have children or pets in the room, CSA certification gives extra peace of mind.

After 30 days, the unit performed flawlessly. The only operational note is that the heater fan is louder on the high setting than on the low setting, which is also true of the PuraFlame and Duraflame. If you want a log set insert that prioritizes the most realistic look and sound for an existing masonry fireplace, the LegendFlame is our pick.

Glass doors open vs closed

The LegendFlame looks good with the glass doors open or closed, but it looks best with them closed. The flame reflects off the glass and the back of the firebox, which gives a more authentic glow. If your fireplace has working glass doors, close them before you run the insert.

Which sound setting to use

Start with the second-lowest crackling setting. The lowest setting can disappear into background noise too easily, and the higher settings start to sound processed. The wind sound effect is genuinely weird and we recommend leaving it off.

8. Dimplex Revillusion 20 Inch Log Insert – Best Flame Technology

Dimplex has been making electric fireplaces longer than almost any other brand, and the Revillusion technology in this 20 inch log insert is the most advanced flame effect we tested. The Mirage panel sits behind the logs and reflects the flame projection, which makes the flames appear to bounce off a solid surface rather than float in the back of the firebox. It is a subtle difference but it reads as a real fire much more convincingly than a flat projection.

The REALOGS PLUS technology adds molded-in glow points on the logs themselves, so the logs appear to emit light from within rather than just reflecting external light. Combined with the ember bed, the overall effect is the most realistic of any unit in our test, including the more expensive ones.

The trade-off is heat output. The 5118 BTU rating is technically similar to other units, but the ceramic heater does not push air as aggressively as a fan-forced unit. In our 350 sq ft test room, it added about 4°F over 40 minutes, which is enough for personal zone heating but not enough to warm a large living room. Dimplex rates it as supplemental zone heat for up to 1000 sq ft, which is generous.

After 30 days, the unit performed reliably. The metal base frame feels more substantial than the plastic bases on competing units. The 2-year parts warranty is the longest in our test, which matters for a premium-priced insert. If you prioritize flame realism above heat output and you have a smaller firebox, the Dimplex Revillusion is our top pick in this category.

Mirage panel and bright light

The Mirage panel looks invisible in normal room lighting. In direct sunlight or very bright overhead lighting, you can see the seam between the panel and the back of the firebox. This is a minor cosmetic issue and does not affect the flame effect. If your fireplace is in a dim room, you will never see it.

Who should consider a cheaper unit instead

If you need strong heat output for a large room, look at the Duraflame infrared log set or the PuraFlame Western. If you sit close to the fireplace and want maximum flame realism at a moderate price, the LegendFlame is a good compromise.

How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace Insert for Your Existing Fireplace

Choosing the right electric fireplace insert comes down to four decisions: firebox size, heat output needed, flame style preference, and control features. Get these right and you will be happy with your insert for years. Here is how we think through each one.

Measure your existing firebox accurately

Measure the width and height of your fireplace opening at the front, not deep inside. Measure the depth from the front of the opening to the back wall. Most electric inserts need 8 to 12 inches of depth and 23 to 60 inches of width depending on the model. The PuraFlame, Duraflame, and LegendFlame are designed for traditional masonry openings. The R.W.FLAME, Touchstone, Electactic, and Giantex work better in wider, more rectangular openings or as wall-mounted units. For comparison shopping across other styles, see our living room electric fireplace guide.

Match heat output to your room size

Most inserts in this guide are rated for 400 sq ft of supplemental heat. The Duraflame infrared log set is the outlier at 1000 sq ft, which makes it the best choice for large open rooms or basement living areas. For a 200 to 300 sq ft room, any of the 400 sq ft units will work well. For a primary heat source in a large open floor plan, no electric insert is the right choice.

Pick a flame style that matches your aesthetic

Traditional log sets (PuraFlame, Duraflame, LegendFlame, Dimplex) look like a real wood fire. Linear wall units (R.W.FLAME, Touchstone Forte, Electactic, Giantex) look like a modern gas fireplace. If you have a traditional masonry fireplace with a mantel, a log set will look more natural. If you have a contemporary stone or tile surround, a linear unit will look more cohesive. For corner and mantel-specific recommendations, see our mantel insert guide and the corner electric fireplace roundup.

Decide which control features matter to you

Every unit we tested comes with a remote control. Beyond that, the Touchstone Forte stands alone with Alexa, WiFi, and app control. The Electactic adds a sleep mode for bedroom use. The PuraFlame, LegendFlame, and Dimplex add realistic sound effects. Decide which of these matter to your daily use, because they each add meaningful differences in how you interact with the unit.

Chimney Sealing and Installation Tips for Existing Fireplaces

Before you install an electric insert, you should address two chimney issues that affect efficiency and safety. The first is your damper. If your fireplace has a working damper, close it before running the insert. A damper left open acts like a 12-inch hole in your roof for heated air to escape. For long-term use, install a damper plug or chimney balloon to seal the flue completely.

The second is the chimney itself. An unused masonry chimney acts as a cold air return, drawing warm room air up and out. If you do not plan to ever burn a real fire again, consider sealing the chimney at the top with a cap and at the bottom with a damper plug. This single change can improve the heating performance of your electric insert by 15 to 20 percent based on our testing.

For electrical, every unit in this guide runs on a standard 120V outlet. You do not need a dedicated circuit, but you do need an outlet close to the fireplace opening. If your nearest outlet is more than 6 feet away, hire an electrician to add a recessed outlet inside the firebox. Extension cords are not recommended for any 1500W heater because of the sustained current draw.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on the Best Electric Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces

After six weeks of testing in real masonry fireplaces, the PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert is our top pick for most people shopping for electric fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces. It combines the most realistic flame and ember effects, the most useful crackling sound, and a 1500W heater that genuinely warms a 350 to 400 sq ft living room. The 4.7-star rating across more than 4500 reviews reflects how well it has held up over time.

If you need to heat a larger space, choose the Duraflame infrared log set for its 1000 sq ft coverage. If you want smart home integration with Alexa and an app, the Touchstone Forte is the only real option. For quiet bedroom use, the Electactic 36 inch is unmatched at 45 dB. For maximum flame realism, the Dimplex Revillusion wins. And for a tight budget, the Giantex gives you flexibility across three installation types.

Whichever unit you choose, measure your firebox first, close your damper, and add a recessed outlet if needed. Done right, an electric fireplace insert will turn that empty opening back into the heart of your living room for many winters to come. See our full roundup of electric fireplace inserts for mantels for more options if your setup is different.