Top 10 Best Electric Fireplace Insert Reviews & Guide 2019

Sitting in front of a fireplace during the cold winter months is amongst the most relaxing and comfortable feelings one can experience. However, have a proper wood fireplace is beyond the reach of most home and apartment owners as it is expensive to build and maintain.  

Electric Fireplaces offer the perfect alternative to a real chimney based fireplace by providing the same aesthetics, feel and heat without the hassle and exorbitant expense. An electric fireplace can be used for heat as it comes with heater or simply for decor.

The Top Electric Fireplace Inserts, 2019

So, what is the best electric fireplace insert? The best electric fireplace offers both heat and style. The fake flames and sounds of logs crackling make some electric fireplaces really seem like the real deal. The electric fireplaces features in this review can be used with or without the heater based on your needs

We take a look at the top 10 electric fireplaces focusing on each of their strengths and weaknesses to help customers choose the best one based on their individual needs. All the electric fireplace inserts features could be great additions to your house, office or apartment.

Touchstone – Onyx Electric Fireplace – (Black)

The Touchstone Onyx features a truly minimal design and can complement any room decor. What’s unique about this fireplace is that you can choose between faux logs or crystals to match your interior. It comes in a 50-inch wide black frame and is easy to mount single-handedly.

It features two heat settings – high and low and is capable of keeping a 400 square foot room warm. The lifelike flames can also be lit without having to turn on the heater so you can use these as wall decor in spring and summer.

Users can adjust the intensity of the flames to match their room’s aesthetic. It operates through a simple on/off button and features a programmable timer that can be set to automatically shut down the unit all of which is powered through remote control.

Its classy appearance and functionality is well worth the price tag.

Pros:

• Amazon’s choice for ‘wall mounted fireplace’
• Reasonably priced
• Flames can be customized
• Comes with built-in timer settings
• You can choose between faux logs and crystals
• Hassle-free installation
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons:

• The flames can look dim in a well-lit room
• The unit can become noisy

Real Flame Crawford Electric Fireplace White

The Crawford by Real Flame is a classic. This solid wood piece comes in two colors and is beautifully designed to mimic the woodwork of antique pieces. Best suited in traditional houses, this fireplace easily becomes the focal point of the room.

This unit is slim enough to not take up too much space and be distracting. It is just the perfect size, almost like it came with the house. It must be anchored to a wall for support. For safety reasons, an anti-tipping mechanism is included in it.

The fireplace can be operated through a remote control; just sit back and adjust the thermostat to your liking. You can also customize the brightness of the flames to match your mood. Its Ultra-vivid LED flames keep the room well lit even when the heater is turned off.

If you’re not on a budget this fireplace insert is one of the best to invest in. You’ll always find people complimenting it.

Pros:

• Available in two different colors
• Solid construction
• Features a programmable timer
• Multiple thermostat settings
• Brightness is customizable
• Ultra-vivid LED flames
• Classic looking wood unit

Cons:

• Very costly
• The unit can’t stand alone without wall support

AKDY 36″ Wooden Style Wall Mount Electric Fireplace Heater

If you’re looking for a more affordable, high-rated electric fireplace then this one if for you. It’s smaller in size and less expensive than most comparable options. It comes with either faux logs or pebbles so you can choose one according to your liking.

The wall-mount fireplace features a glass front and comes with changeable backlighting that shines on each end of the unit. You can even customize the color of the lifelike flames to really set the mood.

The AKDY fireplace can easily heat up a medium sized room. The intensity of the heat can be managed through the remote control included with the unit. It is easy to install and very pleasing to look at. Plus, it’s relatively quiet.

Pros:

• Comes with multiple light patterns
• 2 styles – faux logs and pebbles
• Great for people on a budget
• Lightweight and easy to mount
• Ideal for a medium sized room
• Features backlighting

Cons:

• Can take longer to heat
• The flames may not be too bright

Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert

Users love this fireplace heater for its ability to conveniently fit into existing fireplaces. It doesn’t come with extensive installation procedures and can be plugged into standard power outlets. These come with an inbuilt fan distributes heat evenly across the room.

This fireplace can be used all year round. You have a choice between the intensity of the heat to match different temperature levels. You can even turn off the heat and use these as displays in spring or summer.

Its patented 3D flames look very realistic and the fact that it fits in existing fireplaces make them look more credible. This model by Dimplex is mid-ranged and high-quality. Its very economical and highly recommended by its users.

Pros:

• Easily installs in an existing fireplace
• The inbuilt fan distributes heat evenly
• The unit is relatively quiet
• Compact in size
• Mid-ranged and economical
• Patented 3D flames
• Can be used with or without heat

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with a child lock
• No-timer settings available

Best Choice Adjustable Electric Wall Mount

What’s different about this electric heater is its ability to either be mounted on a wall or be free-standing. Included with this unit is wall mount bracket as well as a stand that makes the fireplace look like a TV.

It comes with a removable front glass panel and real-looking fire that is visually appealing and fits right in any ambiance. The heat setting is customizable and is capable of keeping a medium sized room warm.

The remote control that comes with it can be used to operate this fireplace although there are no timer settings included in this unit. Other than that this electric fireplace insert does pretty much everything.

Anyone on a budget should consider investing in this product.

Pros:

• Quite affordable
• Can be wall-mounted and free-standing
• Lightweight and portable
• Has two different heat settings
• The front glass panel is removable
• Small in size – 32 inch

Cons:

• Does not come with timer settings

Dimplex Compact Electric Stove

This compact electric stove is actually super strong and looks just like a real one. The flames reflecting on the pile of logs are very realistic for a faux product. The unit looks like a wooden style cabinet and even has a working front door.

The heat controls, however, are in the back of the stove and the remote can only be operated to switch the unit on and off. So, make sure you have your heat level adjusted before you sit back and enjoy the ambiance.

An inbuilt fan forces the heat to distribute evenly across the room and makes no noise while it’s running. You can leave the stove running without the heater on and enjoy looking at the flames. Overall, this unit takes up very little space and keeps the room cozy.

Pros:

• Amazon’s choice for ‘dimplex electric fireplaces’
• Realistic looking flames
• Can be operated with or without heat
• Very compact and portable
• Sturdy metal construction
• Comes with a built-in fan

Cons:

• Only works on a 13 Amps power circuit
• No timer or heat settings on the remote

Duraflame DFI020ARU-A004 Electric Fireplace Insert w/ Heater

The Duraflame electric fireplace is a perfect blend of traditional design and modern technology. The unit can fit in an existing fireplace taking no extra space and is a great substitute to a traditional fireplace that you don’t really use.

The LED technology makes this fireplace look more realistic and its settings can be programmed through a remote controller. It can be used as a heater in winters as well as a decorative item in summer with the heat turned off.

One downside is that it comes with a relatively short power chord so you may need an extension. Overall, users found this fireplace to be very energy efficient. It is wise to spend a little extra for the unit itself and save on the bill later.

Pros:

• The unit is very energy efficient
• Can easily fit in existing fireplaces
• Works well in a 400 square foot room
• LED light technology
• Lightweight and portable
• Easy installation procedure

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with timer settings
• The unit can be noisy
• Comes with a relatively short chord

AKDY 27″ Electric Fireplace Freestanding Brown Wooden Mantel Firebox

The AKDY electric fireplace is a high-quality wooden style cabinet with fine finishing. The unit can free stand next to a wall or can be inserted in an existing fireplace. It is small enough to not take too much space and fits well with a traditional style interior decor

The intensity of the flames and the temperature can be adjusted through the unit itself or the remote that comes with the product. With the flames turned on and the heat turned off, this fireplace doubles as a decorative item.

You don’t have to change anything in your room to install this product. It requires very little time for installation and can be plugged in any standard power source. This heater can be a great addition to any medium sized room and is highly recommended by its users.

Pros:

• The company offers a limited one year warranty
• Stand-alone unit
• Great for anyone on a budget
• Heat spreads evenly through the room
• Small and compact
• The flames function without the heat as well

Cons:

• Isn’t warm enough
• The unit can get loud

Dimplex BLF50 50-Inch Synergy Linear Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

The stunning fireplace is a beautiful way to keep your house warm. Since the unit is wall mounted it keeps it out of kids reach. It doesn’t come out too far from the wall and be distracting yet always grabs everyone’s attention.

It uses 100% of its energy to keep the room warm. You can choose the intensity of the heat to match the surrounding temperature. On warmer days you don’t have to switch off the unit, just turn the heat off and let the flames burn.

The electric heater is fairly easy to install without the need for professional help. Many users have inserted the unit in a textured wall frame to enhance the beauty of it. This modern looking electric heater is certainly a popular choice in modern day homes.

Pros:

• Elegant, sleek design
• Perfect for large living rooms
• Hassle-free installation
• The flames look very realistic
• Lightweight for its size
• Energy efficient

Cons:

• Very costly

ClassicFlame 47II100GRG Felicity 47″ Wall Mounted Infrared Quartz Fireplace, Black

The 47-inch wall-mount fireplace provides the warmth and the ambiance of a real fireplace but without the mess. The unit can be mounted on a wall, built into one, or you even have it standing alone as any other piece of furniture.

The heater comes in 3 different looks that you can choose from. Other than that, the unit comes with interchangeable sidelight and uplights that glow in five different color combinations each. All that plus the adjustable flames really enhances the visual appeal of the overall product.

This electric fireplace works really well in bigger spaces and is very energy efficient. Other features include multiple heating options and timer settings – from 30 minutes up to 9 hours. No matter what the season, you can enjoy watching the relaxing flames year-round even without turning on the heat.

The ClassicFlame is well worth your money.

Pros:

• Can easily keep large spaces warm
• Comes with customizable sidelight and uplights
• Features auto shutoff
• Heat can be adjusted according to your liking
• Customizable flames
• Comes in 3 different looks

Cons:

• Large in size
• A tad bit expensive

FAQ’s

What is an electric fireplace insert?

An electric fireplace insert is an energy efficient and cost effective solution of owning a non-traditional fireplace without having to deal with costly maintenance and upkeep. Simply plug it into an electric outlet and enjoy comfortable heating.

These low-cost alternatives to gas and traditional chimney based fireplaces offer proper heating and very realistic flame effects with premium models even incorporating the sound of crackling logs to make the experience as realistic as possible.

Electric fireplace inserts fit into existing traditional fireplaces without the need of having an operational chimney. The electric fireplace inserts allow for the same look and feel of a traditional fireplace without the many drawbacks of owning one.

What is the Best Electric Fireplace Insert?

The best electric fireplace insert is one that offers the best quality, size, benefits, and features within your required budget. The top 10 electric fireplace inserts featured in this review all have their own distinct pros and cons that set them apart and any of them could be ideal choices for your home.

Are Electric Fireplace Inserts Energy Efficient?

Compared to traditional fireplaces electric fireplaces are much more energy efficient. The electric heating system warms the surrounding air and with proper insulation, it can warm a large room fairly quickly. Traditional fireplaces actually let a lot of heat escape from the chimney to prevent smoke from building up and are more for aesthetics that heat.

How Much Does An Electric Fireplace Insert Cost?

Depending on the size, heating power and materials used the cost of an electric fireplace insert can vary greatly. Smaller sized and affordable models start at around $100 with the bigger more premium models selling for as much as $700.

Types of Electric Fireplaces?

There are three basic types of electric fireplaces available for sale. All three types are very easy to install and use.

The first type is a wall-mounted electric fireplace that can be fitted into a wall or hung on a wall. The second type is an electric fireplace mantel that has an outer wood frame and can be left freestanding. The final type is the electric fireplace inserts that fit right into your existing traditional fireplace.

Relaxing, Warm & Comfortable

An electric fireplace insert is a perfect addition to any home as it adds so much in terms of practicality, style, and comfort. Order yours today and bask in its warm embrace!