Imagine cozying up by a warm, crackling fire without the hassle of chopping wood or dealing with smoke. Sounds like a dream, right? For many homeowners, that dream is closer than they think, thanks to electric fireplace inserts with heaters.
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect one can feel overwhelming. You want that inviting ambiance, but you also need effective heating. It’s easy to get lost in all the different features, sizes, and styles. You might wonder, “Will it actually warm my room?” or “Is it worth the cost?” These are common worries, and we’re here to help you find the answers.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes an electric fireplace insert a great choice for your home. We’ll break down the key features to look for, explain how they work, and guide you toward making a smart decision. Get ready to transform your living space into a warm and welcoming retreat!
Our Top 5 Electric Fireplace Insert With Heater Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Electric Fireplace Insert With Heater Detailed Reviews
1. R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace 50 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted
Rating: 8.9/10
Transform your living space with the R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace. This 50-inch fireplace is super thin, measuring only 3.86 inches deep, making it perfect for recessed or wall mounting. It fits easily into standard 2×6 studs. You can control it with a remote or the touch screen. It offers a cozy glow with adjustable flame colors and speeds. Plus, it provides gentle heat for rooms up to 400 square feet.
What We Like:
- Super slim design (3.86 inches deep) fits almost anywhere.
- Easy to control with both a touch screen and a remote.
- Lots of options for flame colors (12 choices) and speeds.
- The heat is great for warming up a room without making the air dry.
- It’s ETL certified for safety and has an auto-heat shutoff.
- Low noise operation means it won’t disturb you.
- Energy saving options with two heat settings (750W & 1500W).
What Could Be Improved:
- The main power and cable placement was redesigned; while more attractive, ensure it’s easily accessible for your setup.
This R.W.FLAME electric fireplace brings both style and warmth to your home. It’s a smart choice for adding a cozy atmosphere and supplemental heat.
2. duraflame Electric Log Set 1
Rating: 9.4/10
Transform your ordinary fireplace into a cozy, warm haven with the duraflame Electric Log Set 1,000 Sq Ft Heater. This innovative insert brings the charm of realistic flames and glowing logs to your home, all while providing efficient supplemental heat. It’s designed to be a simple, attractive, and money-saving solution for keeping your living spaces comfortable.
What We Like:
- The lifelike flames and realistic logs create a beautiful and inviting atmosphere in any room.
- It effectively heats areas up to 1,000 square feet, making it great for larger spaces.
- Using this heater as supplemental warmth helps you save money on energy bills by allowing you to lower your main thermostat.
- The included remote control gives you full command over the thermostat, flame effects, speed, and brightness right from your couch.
- You can enjoy the cozy glow of the flames year-round, even without the heat, thanks to independent controls.
- Installation is incredibly easy – just plug it in and enjoy! No messy vents, gas lines, or construction are needed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it provides supplemental heat, it may not be sufficient as the sole heat source for extremely large or poorly insulated homes in very cold climates.
- The realism of the logs, while good, might not fool everyone at a very close inspection.
This duraflame electric log set offers a fantastic blend of ambiance and practicality. It’s an easy way to add warmth and charm to your home without the hassle of a traditional fireplace.
3. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound
Rating: 8.6/10
Transform your living space with the PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert. This insert brings the cozy charm of a fireplace into your home without the mess and hassle of real wood. Its realistic flame effect and crackling sound create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing evenings or entertaining guests. The sleek black design with a brick-like interior and glass front trim adds a touch of elegance to any room. Plus, with the included remote control, you can adjust the flame and heat settings with ease.
What We Like:
- Realistic flame effect with three intensity levels, usable with or without heat all year long.
- Built-in fire crackling sound adds to the authentic fireplace experience.
- Energy-saving 100% LED technology keeps electricity costs down.
- Sleek, modern design with a three-sided interior brick wall and clean glass front, requiring no cleaning of dust or ashes.
- Life-like resin log and ember bed mimic the look of a traditional wood-burning fireplace.
- Adjustable thermostat for supplemental heat up to 400 sq. ft.
- Easy to install and uninstall; simply plug it in and use.
- Comes with a convenient remote control for effortless operation.
- Customer service is readily available to help with any questions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Not intended as a main heat source; it’s for supplemental warmth only.
- Requires 120V voltage and cannot be hardwired, limiting placement options.
- It’s essential to confirm measurements and contact customer service before ordering to ensure it fits your specific opening.
This PuraFlame fireplace insert offers a simple way to enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace. It’s a great addition for those seeking comfort and style in their homes.
4. PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound
Rating: 9.1/10
Bring cozy warmth and realistic charm into your home with the PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert. This fireplace insert looks like a real wood-burning fireplace but without the mess. It features a beautiful glass door and mesh screen, just like a traditional fireplace. You can enjoy the beautiful flame effect all year long, even without the heat. It’s easy to set up and use, making it a great addition to any room.
What We Like:
- Realistic flame effect with 3 settings and adjustable brightness.
- Authentic fire crackling sound for added ambiance.
- Traditional antique design with a three-sided brick interior, glass door, and mesh screen.
- Life-like resin log and ember bed create a natural look.
- Can be used with or without heat, making it perfect for any season.
- Energy-saving LED technology.
- Adjustable thermostat for comfortable heating up to 400 sq. ft.
- Easy installation: just plug it in and place it on the floor.
- Remote control for convenient operation.
- One-year warranty and helpful customer service.
What Could Be Improved:
- Cannot be hard-wired; it only plugs into a standard outlet.
- Supplemental heat only, not a primary heat source.
- Overall dimensions are slightly larger than the listed insert dimensions, so check measurements carefully.
The PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert offers a beautiful and convenient way to enhance your home’s atmosphere. It delivers a realistic fireplace experience with easy operation and charming details.
5. BELLEZE 23″ Electric Fireplace Insert w/Fire Crackling Sound
Rating: 9.3/10
Transform your living space into a cozy haven with the BELLEZE 23″ Electric Fireplace Insert. This innovative heater brings the charm of a fireplace without the hassle, offering realistic flames and comforting warmth at your fingertips. Its compact design makes it a perfect addition to any room, enhancing your decor while providing practical heating.
What We Like:
- The remote control makes operation super easy. You can adjust the timer for up to 8 hours, change the flame brightness across 4 levels, and set the temperature between 64°F and 82°F.
- It has a realistic fire crackling sound that you can turn on or off, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
- Safety is a top priority with CSA/UL certification. It plugs into a regular outlet and has overheat protection to keep your home safe.
- You can use the flame effect even when you don’t need heat, so it’s great for ambiance all year round.
- Assembly is quick and easy, taking only about 15 minutes.
- The LED flames last a long time, over 50,000 hours.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers adjustable temperature, the heat output is 5000 BTU, which might be best suited for smaller to medium-sized rooms rather than very large spaces.
- The unit measures 24L x 5W x 18.1H inches, so make sure to measure your intended space to ensure it fits perfectly.
This electric fireplace insert offers a wonderful blend of convenience, safety, and ambiance. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and style to their home.
Your Guide to the Perfect Electric Fireplace Insert with Heater
Thinking about adding warmth and charm to your home without the hassle of a real fireplace? An electric fireplace insert with a heater is a fantastic option. These units slide into existing fireplace openings or can be used as standalone units. They offer the cozy glow of flames and provide supplemental heat. This guide will help you choose the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, keep these important features in mind:
- Flame Effects: Most inserts offer realistic flame visuals. Look for adjustable brightness and color options. Some even mimic the crackling sound of a real fire.
- Heating Power: Heaters are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). More BTUs mean more heat. Check the wattage too, as it relates to energy usage. A unit around 1500 watts is common for heating a medium-sized room.
- Thermostat Control: A thermostat lets you set a desired temperature. The unit will then cycle on and off to maintain it. This saves energy and keeps your room comfortable.
- Remote Control: A remote makes it easy to adjust flame settings and temperature without getting up.
- Timer Function: A timer allows you to set the fireplace to turn off after a certain period. This is great for falling asleep.
- Safety Features: Look for overheat protection. This automatically shuts off the unit if it gets too hot. Cool-touch cabinets are also a plus, especially if you have kids or pets.
- Size and Fit: Measure your existing fireplace opening carefully. Inserts come in various sizes to fit different openings.
Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and appearance.
- Firebox: The main body of the insert is often made of durable steel. This ensures it can withstand heat and last a long time.
- Flame Screen/Glass: Many inserts use tempered glass for the front. This is strong and safe. Some have metal grates that mimic traditional fireplace designs.
- Flame Effect Components: These are typically made from durable plastics and LEDs. High-quality LEDs provide brighter, more realistic flames.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make an electric fireplace insert better or worse:
- Realistic Flame Technology: The better the flame effect, the more enjoyable the insert. Look for multi-dimensional flames that move and flicker naturally. Cheaply made flames can look flat and unconvincing.
- Heating Efficiency: A good heater warms a room effectively without using excessive electricity. Look for units with good reviews on their heating performance.
- Build Quality: A well-built unit feels sturdy. The paint finish should be smooth and consistent. Loose parts or flimsy construction can indicate lower quality.
- Noise Level: Some heaters can be noisy. Check reviews to see if users complain about loud fan noise.
- Ease of Installation: While most inserts are designed to be plug-and-play, some require more effort. A straightforward setup improves the user experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
An electric fireplace insert offers a great user experience for many situations.
- Ambiance Creator: These inserts are perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere in your living room, bedroom, or den. You can enjoy the visual appeal of a fireplace even when you don’t need heat.
- Supplemental Heating: They are excellent for warming up a specific room, especially if your central heating is not enough or you want to save energy by heating only the occupied space. They can quickly take the chill off a room.
- Easy to Use: Most are incredibly simple to operate. You just plug them in and use the controls or remote. There’s no messy wood to store or ash to clean.
- Safe Alternative: For homes with children or pets, electric fireplaces are a much safer option than real wood-burning fireplaces. There’s no risk of sparks or burns from hot surfaces.
- Modern Living: They fit well into modern homes where traditional fireplaces might not be feasible or desired. They offer a clean, stylish look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of an electric fireplace insert with a heater?
A: Its main purpose is to provide both the visual appeal of a fireplace and supplemental heat to a room.
Q: How much heat can an electric fireplace insert provide?
A: The amount of heat depends on the BTU output. Most can heat a room up to 400 square feet effectively.
Q: Do I need special wiring for an electric fireplace insert?
A: Most models plug into a standard wall outlet. Always check the product specifications for wattage requirements.
Q: Can I use the flame effect without the heater?
A: Yes, most models allow you to use the flame effect independently of the heater. This lets you enjoy the ambiance year-round.
Q: How realistic are the flames?
A: Modern electric fireplaces have very realistic flame effects. They use LEDs and advanced technology to mimic real flames.
Q: How much electricity do they use?
A: They use electricity similar to a space heater when the heat is on. The flame effect uses very little power.
Q: Are electric fireplace inserts safe?
A: Yes, they are very safe. They have safety features like overheat protection and cool-touch cabinets.
Q: How do I clean an electric fireplace insert?
A: Cleaning is usually simple. You can wipe down the exterior with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Q: Can I install an electric fireplace insert myself?
A: Most are designed for DIY installation. You just need to ensure it fits your fireplace opening and plug it in.
Q: What is the lifespan of an electric fireplace insert?
A: With proper care, most electric fireplace inserts can last for many years, often 10-15 years or more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.