10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2023

Photo: Dimplex

If you are looking to add some style and elegance to your home while also getting much-needed heat, you need to find the best fireplace insert. As the name suggests, these are meant to be used on the traditional fireplace and will replace the gas or wood fireplaces.

Besides obviously helping heat your home, some key benefits of these fireplace inserts are that they are more energy-efficient as they will use up to 80% less energy when compared to traditional wood fireplaces.

Also, these are more cost-effective, safer to use around children and pets, and they will take less effort to install.

But, with that said, you need to get the right models for your specific situations. Our review of 10 top-rated electric fireplace inserts and buying guide is a perfect place to start your shopping.

10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Pleasant Hearth LH-24 (Best Overall)	Perfect fit for most fireplaces More affordable price tag Realistic flame Multi-function remote
	2. Comfort Glow ELCG240 (Best Value)	More budget-friendly LED technology 3 different style options Efficient heater with blower
	3. PuraFlame EF45DFGF (Easy to Install)	Easy to install/uninstall 3 flame settings Sleek look with life-like logs Remote control provided
	4. Classic Flame 26II310GRA (Best Infrared)	5,200 BTUs infrared heater Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. Adjustable thermostat 125 flame effect options
	5. Classic Flame 36EB110- GRT (Best Built-in)	Junction box included for hard wiring Electronic timer function 60°F to 90°F adjustable remote Multifunctional remote control
	6. Dimplex DFI2310 (Best Small)	Small and compact Exceptional realism Patented flame technology Fan-forced heater
	7. Duraflame Electric DFI020ARU-A004 (Energy-efficient)	Energy-efficient LED Realistic fire effect Vent-free design Usable with or without heat
	8. Comfort Glow ELCG251 (High-heat Fireplace)	Up to 5,120 BTUs heat output 5 brightness levels Pleasant flame effect Energy-efficient LED
	9. Dimplex DFI2309 (Modern Design)	Charming modern look 3 style options Easy to install Powerful fan-forced heater
	10. Classic Flame 23EF031GRP (Hassle-free Heating)	Adjustable thermostat Tempered glass-front Simple installation 125 flame effect options

1. Best Overall: Pleasant Hearth LH-24

Photo: Pleasant Hearth

• Type: Electric log insert
• Power: 120V, 1,350W
• Heat Output: 4,600 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

The fact that the Pleasant Hearth LH-24 works for both masonry and pre-fabricated fireplaces means it will be ideal for use in almost any home, which is what makes it our best overall model.

Also, this electric fireplace insert with heater is one of the cheapest models on our list, and so besides getting a high-quality model that works for you, it means you will do it without spending much.

The fireplace insert provides a more realistic flame, which when combined with the life-like logs will ensure you get a more realistic fireplace. And the energy-efficient LED technology will ensure it will not have a big effect on your electricity bills.

Its fan forced-air heater provides up to 4,600 BTUs and will be ideal for heating up to 400 square inches. But, this fireplace insert can operate with or without the heater, which means you can still enjoy it in hot days.

Installation is straightforward as it is all about placing it on your fireplace and plugging it to a standard 120-volt outlet, and with the multifunction remote control, operation is also equally easy.

This fireplace insert is rather huge and heavy, which can make it hard to handle. But once you install it, you will hardly ever need to touch it again as it requires almost no maintenance.

Pros:

• Works for any fireplace
• Nice and realistic flame
• Easy to control with remote
• More energy efficient
• Simple installation

Cons:

• Huge and heavy

2. Best Value: Comfort Glow ELCG240

Photo: Comfort Glow

• Type: Electric log insert         
• Power: 120V, 1,350W           
• Heat Output: 4,600 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

For anyone shopping on a small budget, the Comfort Glow ELCG240 will be an unbeatable buy. With its smaller price tag and energy-efficient LED technology, it has been built to ensure you get the best value for money.

Also, the flames provide a more realistic effect thanks to a nice dancing yellow flame effect, and you can use them with or without the heat. In total, this fireplace insert will provide 3 style options to ensure you have something to go with the season or your moods.

The built-in heater is quite efficient and will deliver 4,600 BTUs, and this heat will be distributed across the room by the blower to cover up to 400 square feet.

You can be sure that you will have full control over both the flame and heat as you can adjust them easily using the included remote control.

Some users might find that the fan does not blow strong enough, but if you have used an electric fireplace insert before, you should know that they hardly ever have a super strong fan.

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable
• Uses up less energy
• Different style options
• Efficient heater
• Simple remote flame and heat control

Cons:

• Fan does not blow strong

3. Easy to Install/Remove: PuraFlame EF45DFGF

Photo: PuraFlame

• Type: Plug-in insert                            
• Power: 120V, 1500W
• Heat Output: 4,600 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

Anyone that prefers the convenience and style of a plug-in electric fireplace insert will love the PuraFlame EF45DFGF. Better yet, this fireplace insert will give you an easy time when it comes to installation and uninstalling it, and it will come with a remote control for effortless operation.

This fireplace provides 3 flame settings and with variable brightness and intensity to allow you to customize your fireplace experience. Also, it will use high LED technology to ensure it uses up less energy.

You appreciate the life-like logs and 3-sided interior brick wall that will help create a more realistic fireplace experience. This fireplace insert provides up to 4,600 BTUs and will cover up to 400 square inches.

For safety, the glass front will stay cool even at the higher temperature settings. Besides the overall sleek look, this fireplace insert has the control panel and outlet hidden under the griller for an even more pleasant look.

The flame pattern and color does not look very impressive, but this should not be a big issue because the flames still look realistic. Also, they make up for this by being usable with or without any heat.

Pros:

• Effortless installation and removal
• Easy control with a remote
• Lovely interior brick-wall and life-like logs
• Hidden outlet and control panel
• Stay cool front glass

Cons:

• Flames are not very impressive

4. Best Infrared: Classic Flame 26II310GRA

Photo: Classic Flame

• Type: Plug-in insert                            
• Heat Output: 5,200 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 1,000 sq. ft.

Classic Flame 26II310GRA uses infrared heating technology, which is what allows it to deliver more heat than any other model on our list. This fireplace insert provides 5,200 BTUs, which is enough to heat up to 1,000 square feet. And this is the largest coverage on our list.

Its good traits do not stop at high heat and coverage as this fireplace insert has an adjustable thermostat to allow you to choose your preferred temperature precisely. Also, its realist flame effect can be adjusted to different brightness levels, and you get an impressive 125 selectable flame effect options.

The flame can work with either the heat or without it. Thanks to the infrared heating technology, you will get more moist and comfortable heat output that will never dry out the air in the room.

This electric fireplace insert will not come with a flush mount kit for those that want to install it on the fireplace. But, the manufacturer sells the kit separately, and so it should not be hard to get.

Pros:

• Higher heat output
• Covers larger areas
• Provides more flame effect options
• Easily adjustable temperature
• Flame works with or without heat

Cons:

• Mount kit not included

5. Best Built-in: Classic Flame 36EB110-GRT

Photo: Classic Flame

• Type: Built-in insert
• Power: 120V, 1,440W
• Heat Output: 4,400 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

Classic Flame 36EB110-GRT is built for homeowners looking for a highly reliable built-in electric fireplace insert to provide much-needed supplemental zone heating. The insert has both a plug and junction box to allow for hard-wiring.

It delivers 4,400 BTUs and can cover up to 400 square feet both of which should be enough for heating a specific zone.

Also, this fireplace insert will allow you to adjust the temperature between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has a 30-minute to 9 hours timer to ensure you will be in full control. When it comes to the actual control, you get a simple multifunctional remote control.

The realistic fame is adjustable as you can choose from 5 brightness levels. Another thing that users will love is that there are a dozen mood light color options, and you can use the flame with or without heat.

Like with many other electric fireplace inserts, the smaller blower seems to be one of the main concerns for this one, but it still covers a wide enough area and distributes heat evenly. Also, this is a relatively pricier model when compared to others on our electric fireplace insert review. But, for a built-in model, it is still fairly priced.

Pros:

• Can be both plugged in and hard wired
• Handy timer for convenient operation
• Adjustable temperature and flame
• Several mood light color option
• Easy to use and multifunctional remote

Cons:

• Smaller blower
• A little pricier

6. Best Small: Dimplex DFI2310

Photo: Dimplex

• Type: Electric log insert
• Power: 120V, 1,375W           
• Heat Output: 4,695 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

If you have a smaller electric fireplace that you want to fill up with a log insert, the more compact Dimplex EF45DFGF is a fantastic choice. This 23.2-inch wide fireplace insert will fit your small fireplace perfectly and deliver a good enough heat output.

Another highly impressive element that makes this one of the best small electric fireplace insert is the patented flame technology that will ensure you get an incredibly realistic flame. Also, the flame is adjustable, and you can choose whether to use full or half heat and even flame with no heat.

The built-in fan-forced heater provides a more even heat distribution and will run quietly to ensure your fireplace does not make any annoying noises when in use. With the life-like logs, you get an even more pleasant fire, while the remote control makes operation more effortless.

This fireplace insert could use a fan that is a little stronger than what you get to ensure better heat distribution, but it should still work well for small to medium size rooms.

Pros:

• Perfect for smaller fireplaces
• More realistic and adjustable flame
• Efficient heater
• Life-like logs
• Convenient remote operation

Cons:

• Fan could be stronger

7. Energy-efficient: Duraflame Electric DFI020ARU-A004

Photo: Duraflame Electric

• Type: Electric log insert
• Power: 120V, 1,350W
• Heat Output: 4,600 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

No matter how handy a fireplace might be to have around, it should still not use up a lot of energy because this means higher electricity bills for you. Hence, the more energy-efficient LED technology that this log insert uses makes it a perfect buy.

Also, it delivers a more realistic effect with rolling and pulsating logs and an ember bed to ensure you get to enjoy the same sight you would with a traditional wood fireplace.

To make things even better, there is a nice flame effect. Also, this flame effect can be used with or without heat, which makes this fireplace insert ideal for use in any season.

This fireplace will plug into your standard electric outlet, which means you will not need to make any special connection to use it, and it has a more convenient remote control operation.

Although this is a pretty fireplace insert, it does not seem to produce a lot of heat. However, for its price range and size, 4,600 BTU is as good as it gets and should hence not be a dealbreaker.

Pros:

• LED technology uses up less energy
• Can be used with or without heat
• More realistic effect
• Easy to control with remote
• Plugs into standard power outlet

Cons:

• Not much heat

8. High Heat + Multiple Brightness Levels: Comfort Glow ELCG251

Photo: Comfort Glow

• Type: Electric log insert
• Power: 120V, 1,350W
• Heat Output: 5,120 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

With a heat output of 5,120 BTUs, the Comfort Glow ELCG251 will provide more heat than most models on our electric fireplace insert review. Hence, if you are looking to get a little more heat, it will be a good buy.

Also, this fireplace insert will allow you to choose from 5 brightness levels, which is more than what you get from other machines in its class. The built-in heater has a blower that will ensure the heat will be distributed more evenly.

The LED technology makes this fireplace insert more energy-efficient, and to help conserve more energy, it will allow you to use the flame with or without heat. Also, this fireplace insert will come fully assembled to ensure easier installation.

The entire remote control system could do with some improvement as the remote is not clear, and the fireplace also seems to respond to other kinds of remote in the house. However, this is still not enough to be a dealbreaker at its price point.

Pros:

• Higher heat output
• More brightness options
• Quite energy-efficient
• Efficient heater and circulating blower
• Comes fully assembled

Cons:

• Remote control needs improvement

9. Modern Design: Dimplex DFI2309

Photo: Dimplex

• Type: Electric log insert
• Power: 120V, 1,375W
• Heat Output: 4,695 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

With a more modern electric fireplace insert like Dimplex DFI2309, you will not only get an efficient way to heat your space, but also a simple way to give the room some touch of elegance.

This charming fireplace insert allows you to choose from 3 styles, which are full heat, half heat and flame only, and this makes it perfect for use all year round. It will also make use of a powerful fan-forced heater to deliver the heat across the room more evenly and quietly.

This electric fireplace insert is straightforward to install and will only take a few minutes and with no special tools required. Users will love that it is not only safe to use, but also completely energy-efficient.

Although the logs could have a more life-like appearance, they are still quite pleasant to look at, and they are a nice touch for the fireplace insert.

Pros:

• Pleasant modern design
• Installation takes just a few minutes
• Allows you to choose from different styles
• Even and quiet heat distribution
• Highly energy-efficient

Cons:

• Logs could be more life-like

10. Hassle-free Heating: Classic Flame 23EF031GRP

Photo: Classic Flame

• Type: Plug-in insert
• Heat Output: 4,600 BTUs
• Heat Coverage: Up to 400 sq. ft.

The best electric fireplace insert is always one that will give you an easy time when it comes to both the installation and operation. The Classic Flame 23EF031GRP will be hassle-free for both, which is what makes it such an amazing option.

It has an efficient heater that will deliver up to 4,600 BTUs and cover up to 400 square feet to ensure it will be perfect for zone heating. Better yet, it has an adjustable thermostat that will ensure you can adjust the temperature to your liking.

The flame not only looks more realistic but also allow you to choose from 5 color options and 125 flame effect options. And to make things even better, you can use it with or without heat.

The tempered glass front is not only handy in allowing you to enjoy the ambience of the fire but also stay cool for safety, and it is designed to offer extra durability.

The fan seems to be a bit louder, and this is more so when compared to other models on our list. However, the sound it makes is more soothing than annoying, and hence hardly a concern.

Pros:

• Quick and easy temperature control
• More effortless installation
• Many flame effect options
• Stay cool and durable glass front
• Usable with or without heat

Cons:

• Louder fan

How to Buy the Best Electric Fireplace Insert

Photo: Classic Flame

Here are the important factors that you need to watch out for as you shop for a modern electric fireplace insert.

1. Type of Electric Fireplace Insert

Electric Log Insert

Anyone looking to repurpose an existing wood fireplace but still maintain its usual appeal will love the electric log insert.

This fireplace insert will include a 3D log set, and they are the easiest to install as you just need to push them into the fireplace and plug them into the nearest outlet. Log inserts like Dimplex EF45DFGF will create a realistic flame appearance and can warm up to 400 square feet.

Plug-In Electric Insert

These are slightly more complicated than the log inserts, but most users should still install them with relative ease. They come in square or rectangular shapes, and they are fully encased fireboxes, which besides an existing fireplace can be installed in mantels and cabinets.

For their design, they have a glass front that will encase the ember beds or log sets. Also, they will have vents at the top, which is where the heat is released from to warm up the room. Those that heat using traditional heaters like PuraFlame EF45DFGF will heat rooms up to 400 square feet, while the infrared ones can heat up to 1,000 square feet.

Built-In Insert

Built-in fireplace inserts like Classic Flame 36EB110- GRT are the most complicated type of the three, and they will be more hectic to install. In some instances, you will even have to call in a professional to help out.

These are designed for more permanent installation, and they will have a larger circuit capacity that will allow it to produce relatively more heat than the two other types. Those that have 110-volt fireboxes will heat up to 400 square feet, while the 240-volt models can heat up to 800 square feet.

Like the plug-in types, the built-in fireplace inserts will have a fully encased design with a glass front and can have either an ember bed or traditional log set.

2. Power

Besides just going for the most realistic electric fireplace insert, you need to make sure that it will heat the room well. And for this to be so, the heating element need to be powerful enough.

Here, you will need to consider both the voltage and wattage. Something that will provide at least 120-volts and 1,300 watts like most models on our list will be powerful enough to ensure adequate and efficient heating.

Also, make sure that your electric outlets can handle your heater because if you have a 120-volt maximum system, you might not be able to use the more powerful 240-volt fireplace inserts.

3. Heating Capacity

Apart from being powerful enough, your fireplace insert needs to be able to provide enough heating capacity to cover the entire space that you want heated.

A typical electric fireplace inserts will provide a heating capacity of up to 400 square feet, which for most rooms should be enough.

However, some models like Classic Flame 26II310GRA with an infrared heating element will heat up to 1,000 square feet, which makes them perfect for those that want something efficient for heating larger spaces.

4. Materials

A good electric fireplace insert should also be well-built to ensure it will give you a longer service life, and hence great value for your cash. The materials used to make the insert are one of the main determinants of its durability.

Something made with a steel or cast-iron frame is often the most durable, but there are still some made from heavy-gauge plastic ones that provide long service life.

While still at the materials, when choosing the plug-in and built-in types, make sure that you go for a model with a tempered glass front.

5. Remote Control

Remote control makes the electric fireplace insert easier to control, and it will allow you to adjust things like then temperature from the comfort of your seat without having to stand and go to the fireplace.

Besides just having a remote control, the remote should have a long enough range to ensure you can control the fireplace insert from any point in the room. Also, make sure it has a long-lasting battery.

6. Style

An electric fireplace insert should not only just heat up the room, but also add some aesthetic appeal by being stylish.

Luckily, there are various styles of fireplace inserts, and hence you can easily get something that will match almost any theme or decor that you might have.

Besides the overall appearance of the insert, also look at other things like wood or log effects and see how pleasant it will be and if it complements the space.

7. Installation

If your electric fireplace insert is not easy to install, it means you will need to spend more cash to pay someone to install it for you, which is quite inconvenient.

Hence, when deciding which model to buy, you need to consider the ease of installation. Here, the log inserts will give you the easiest time as you will mostly only need to place them in the fireplace and plug them in.

That said, if you want something more grandiose or wish to give the fireplace a total makeover, installation will be more hectic. In such instances, you may need to pay someone to do it, but make sure that in the end it will be worth it.

Conclusion

Electric fireplace inserts help to address most of the shortcomings of traditional wood and gas fireplaces such as emissions and safety issues. If you are on the lookout for the best electric fireplace insert, we have done the hard work for you with our review.

From this list of some amazing models, the Pleasant Hearth LH-24 is our best overall option as it will work for any fireplace, provide a realistic flame and is easy to control.

The Comfort Glow ELCG240, on the other hand, will give you the best value for money, while the Classic Flame 36EB110- GRT is what we recommend if you prefer the built-in types.