10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace - Sideline 36" is an excellent choice for those looking to add a stylish and functional electric fireplace to their home. Its recessed design allows for a clean, modern look, making it a great fit for living rooms or bedrooms. One of the standout features is its realistic flame effect, which includes 30 ember color/flame options that can create a cozy atmosphere or a more dramatic effect depending on your preference.

In terms of heating, this unit offers a decent heating capacity of 1,500W, which is suitable for rooms up to 400 square feet. It can warm a cool space, but it should not be relied upon as a primary heat source. The remote control and smart features, including compatibility with Alexa and Google Home, enhance convenience by allowing you to adjust settings from your couch or even via your smartphone.

Installation is straightforward, as it can be mounted in a wall or used in an existing fireplace opening. The unit is also ventless, which means it won't require any chimney or external venting, making it a flexible option for various home designs. Additionally, it remains cool to the touch on the sides and back, enhancing safety, especially in homes with children or pets. Some users may find the heating output a bit limited compared to traditional fireplaces, especially in larger spaces. The requirement for 8 inches of clearance from a TV is also something to consider when planning your installation. Lastly, it operates on a maximum of 12 amps, so ensure your electrical circuits can handle that alongside other devices.

The Dimplex Revillusion 36" Built-in Firebox offers a stylish and authentic addition to your living space with its brick-style design and realistic flame effect that uses an innovative Mirage Flame Panel. This panel creates a charming flame look without glare, enhancing the ambiance more naturally than standard electric fireplaces. It is designed to fit into a built-in setup, either surface mounted or recessed, allowing flexible installation to suit your room layout. It measures about 37 inches wide and weighs roughly 75 pounds, so planning your space accordingly is important.

For heating, it provides a respectable output of around 4,400 BTU with adjustable wattage settings up to 2,575 Watts, making it suitable for supplemental heating in medium-sized rooms like living rooms. The fireplace is vent-free, which simplifies installation and means it doesn’t require external ventilation. However, vent-free units may not be ideal for very small or poorly ventilated spaces.

In terms of energy use, it offers moderate power consumption aligned with its heat output, but as with any electric heater, running it continuously can impact your electricity bill. The unit includes safety-focused features typical for electric fireplaces, such as cool-to-touch surfaces and automatic shutoff, adding peace of mind for home use. It comes with a remote for convenience. A 2-year limited warranty supports reliability. For those seeking an attractive, reasonably powerful built-in electric fireplace insert that’s relatively easy to install and use, this Dimplex model represents a solid option, provided the installation space and ventilation considerations are addressed.

The Dimplex Revillusion 42 Inch Built-in Electric Firebox is a solid choice for those wanting a realistic-looking electric fireplace insert that fits into a built-in setup. Its 42-inch size is fairly standard, making it suitable for medium to larger living rooms. The standout feature is the Revillusion flame technology, which creates flames that look much more natural compared to typical electric fireplaces, especially combined with the handcrafted faux logs and the weathered concrete interior for added realism.

Heating-wise, this firebox can warm up to 1,000 square feet, which covers an average-sized room efficiently. It uses a ceramic heater that provides about 5,118 BTUs—enough to supplement your main heating system comfortably. The heater can also be turned off if you want just the flame ambiance without heat. Installation is straightforward since it doesn’t need venting, gas lines, or complex tools. The included 120V plug kit means you can plug it into a standard outlet right away or hardwire it for a cleaner look. This flexibility helps with various installation preferences. It’s designed for built-in placement, either centered or in a corner.

The firebox is relatively heavy at over 110 pounds, so installation may require some help. While the flame effect is impressive, it may be less bright in very sunny rooms. The price reflects its advanced flame technology and realistic design. This Dimplex Revillusion firebox suits anyone wanting a visually appealing, built-in electric fireplace with good heating power and flexible installation options. It combines style and function nicely but may require a bit of effort to install due to its weight.