Best Electric Fireplace Insert for Winter: 18 Great Options & Reviews!

If you haven’t got an electric fireplace insert in your home, then now is the best time to buy one. Electric fireplace is one of the most efficient and the safest way to generate heat when the winter comes.

Unlike the traditional fireplace in which you need to keep cutting wood to sustain the heat, the best electric fireplace insert lets you enjoy a comfortable warmth minus the wood chopping and constant fireplace cleaning.

18 Best Electric Fireplace Insert for a Cozy Room During Winter

1.  Winston Porter Biskoupky Traditional Electric Fireplace Insert

Are you in the market for the best electric fireplace insert that will be an excellent alternative for your wood or gas fireplace insert? Well, look no further than this 36 inches traditional built-in electric fireplace insert.

This insert is electric, and it operates at 1500 watts and has a voltage of 120 volts. Besides, you can use this unit to heat any type of room up to 400 sq. ft. The insert is crafted from metal, glass, and the black frame gives it a stylish design.

This free-standing insert features a screen and adjustable thermostat as well as onscreen function indicator lights that display flame effect and heater setting. According to the electric fireplace insert reviews, users love that it allows them to set the mood according to their preference.

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2.  Loon Peak Armes Fireplace Insert

Are you wondering what the best electric fireplace insert for small rooms is? Well, this electric fireplace insert is ideal for heating small rooms, up to 150 sq. ft. Therefore, if your living room is not very large, you will benefit from its ambiance. Armes fireplace insert is made for free-standing, and it doesn’t require professional installation.

Something that stands out about this product is that interior bricks are designed on the background to give life to the fireplace. Also, the fireplace features logs and a cluster of faux flames that are operational even without heat.

With a maximum BTU output of 4600 BTUs, this electric unit will give you warmth and ambiance. It has a voltage of 120 volts, and it operates at 750 watts.

Turning on this fireplace’s ambiance is pretty easy and straightforward, thanks to the fireplace remote included. What’s more, the fireplace comes with a firebox, a blower, batteries, bulb, and adjustable thermostat. Plus, you won’t need to worry about safety as it includes thermal overload protection.

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3.  Ebern Designs Gibbs Flat Fireplace Insert

Designed with 125 flame technology, the Gibbs Flat electric fireplace insert is one of the sleekest units in our list. What is impressive about this insert is that it is designed with three different flame speeds as well as three brightness settings. In addition, it has three heat settings to choose from; high, low, or no heat.

This fireplace insert features artificial logs and adjustable flame that is operational with or without heat. This means that it can heat your room both in the summer and spring months. Better yet, it can be installed as a free-standing or wall-mounted unit. It can cover a room of up to 450 sq. ft. and plugs easily into any standard outlet.

Like all best electric fireplace inserts, it includes batteries, bulb, remote, blower, firebox, artificial logs, thermal overload protection, and timer. The black finish gives it a beautiful look to match any interior.

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4.  Charlton Home Tybalt Stove Heater Recessed Fireplace

Are you getting cold in your living room? Then be sure to check out the Tybalt Stove Heater Recessed electric fireplace insert that comes with a large screen and can be used as free-standing or wall-mounted. This unit is the best electric fireplace insert for residential use, and its heat coverage area is up to 400 sq. ft.

With this insert, you won’t need to buy natural gas and logs as it features a realistic wood stove effect. Something else that stands out is that you can set to heating mode with ease to control the temperature. Plus, you can control it with the remote from the comfort of your seat.

The most compelling part is that you can choose from five different flame color settings. When you purchase this electric fireplace insert, you get a screen, remote, blower, and timer. You can also be assured of a safe and warm atmosphere as it includes thermal overload protection.

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5.  Red Barrel Studio Mischa Electric Fireplace

If you are looking for the best electric fireplace insert and a sleek alternative to your wood-burning fireplace, we recommend the Mischa electric fireplace insert. Its design is quite interesting as it can fit into an existing fireplace without much difficulty.

Besides that, it is made with convenience in mind as you just need to press a button to heat it. It comes with a remote control that allows you to control the heat from anywhere across the room. Not only does it offer a cozy ambiance, but it also produces heat.

This fireplace insert is constructed from metal, glass, and plastic. The center is equipped with logs and flames with a flickering effect that gives the fireplace a realistic look. Impressively, the flames can function with or without heat. Rated at about 4777BTU, the unit can provide heat for up to 322.8 sq. ft.

Installation is straightforward as the package includes a plug kit converter, bulb, and batteries. There is no doubt that it is designed with safety in mind as it features thermal overload protection and built-in auto safety stop.

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6.  Dynasty LED Electric Fireplace Insert

This is another best electric fireplace in our list that is suited for small rooms of up to 150 sq. ft. Otherwise, placing it in a large room will only give you the ambiance, but you will not enjoy the heat.

You can quickly and safely install this unit since you just need to plug in and enjoy its warm ambiance. It is designed to be free-standing, and it comes with a heated-air releasing vent at the top.

The adjustable flame is adjustable without heat, and the ED technology makes them appear realistic. The insert comes with thermal overload protection, safety stop, fireplace remote, screen, and blower. You will also be pleased to know that there is a timer included that automatically switches off the flames.

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7.  Johna Recessed Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

Heat your living space with this exquisite electric fireplace insert that has embers burning like real logs. The fireplace insert has a maximum BTU output of 5100 BTUs, and it can be used to heat rooms that measure up to 400 sq. ft.

According to electric fireplace insert reviews, the installation of this unit is pretty straightforward. You just need to plug it, and you are set. Additionally, the set comes with an adjustable thermostat as well as a remote control that lets you set the temperature to your preference.

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8.  E-Flame USA Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Insert

If you are looking for the best electric fireplace insert with a contemporary design to fit your modern-style home, then this wall-mounted unit would be a good choice. The fireplace insert features a digital screen and uses LED technology that gives the realistic flames a real-like look.

A unique spec is the nine contrasting color settings that let you change the light and ambiance of the room with the fireplace. When it comes to performance, the unit does an excellent job of producing 4603 BTUs that will deliver efficient heat for your 400 Square rooms.

For added convenience, this fireplace insert includes a remote control, adjustable thermostat, bulb, safety stop, thermal overload protection, timer, and blower. Besides, you can enjoy comfortable warmth during different times of the year thanks to the flame effect that can be used with or without turning on the heater.

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9.  DimplexPro Multi-Fire XD Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

This is the electric fireplace insert that you should turn to if you intend to heat your living space in a beautiful yet functional manner. It is equipped with a high-efficiency heating system that will keep your room warm and produce an elegant ambiance. The system is energy efficient and utilizes 11% less energy compared to the top quartz infrared heater.

Being a multi-setting heat source, this unit can be a gas fireplace and a natural wood-burning fire. It can also produce a plethora of light themes such as vibrant, moody, pulsing, and hypnotic.

Another high spec is the gWave function that lets you bring the fireplace to life with a wave of the hand. Furthermore, it is designed for wall-mounting.

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10.  Classic 36-Inch Traditional Built-In Electric Fireplace

Replace your wood-burning fireplace with this beautiful and affordable built-in electric fireplace. Providing a total BTU of 4,400, this fireplace insert can be used to heat spaces of up to 400 sq. ft. without emitting any harmful emissions.

The insert is designed with energy-saving LED technology and comes with five brightness settings to choose from. The center is designed with a log set ember bed that can function with or without heat.

The onscreen is equipped with indicator lights that display heater function, timer function, and temperature, and brightness setting. Installation is effortless thanks to the integrated flange and instruction manual.

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11.  Spectra Fire 39-Inch Traditional Built-In Electric Fireplace

Spectra Fire fireplace insert is designed with energy-saving LED technology that makes it an affordable substitute for gas inserts. You will also get to enjoy the realist wood-burning effect and gas-burning fire effect.

The center features faux brick and comes with two downlight settings. Furthermore, this product is safe for kids since the fixed tempered glass is designed to remain cool to the touch at all times.

What stands out most is that this insert can be plugged into either a standard 120 volt or 240-volt outlet. Because of this, it is possible to heat areas of up to 400 sq. ft. or 800 sq. ft. Installation is easy because of the three wiring options provided.

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12.  Dimplex 25-Inch Electric Firebox Fireplace Insert

Another one from Dimplex is this 25-inch fireplace insert whose heating coverage area is 400 sq. ft. What makes it unique is that it comes with seven adjustable color themes. It also has an LED display of temperature setting and special functions like the sleep timer.

Apart from being functional, this unit is also safe and eco-friendly as it uses ten times less energy and lasts 35 times more than incandescent bulbs. This will give you value for your money. The flame can be started with or without a heater, and the front glass is safe to touch.

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13.  Orren Ellis Iserman Recessed Electric Fireplace

Perhaps you’re looking for a wall-mounted option? Then don’t miss out on Orren Ellis’ offering, the Iserman Recessed electric fireplace insert. This insert mixes metal and glass for materials, making it a great option for modern homes.

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14.  Dynasty Fireplaces 5000 BTU Electric Fireplace

If a well-crafted fireplace insert is what you are after, then you need to buy one from a family-owned business. Introducing Dynasty Fireplaces’ 5000 BTU plug-in unit! This is a wall-mounted insert that is made from metal, glass, and iron for the detailing.

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15.  Charlton Home Easton Electric Fireplace

Fireplace insert is not just a stylish addition to your home; this piece of home equipment is also eco-friendly. Just like this Charlton Home Easton electric fireplace insert. It’s a free-standing unit with 5000 BTU maximum output.

Although the brand state that it works great for 220 square feet areas; it is a bit smaller than the heating coverage of the other brands.

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16.  Hazelwood Home Electric Fireplace

The best infrared heater unit on this list is none other than this 4440 BTU electric fireplace insert by Hazelwood. This plug-in fireplace insert is not just popular for its excellent heating power but as well as its interior décor potential.

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17.  The Outdoor GreatRoom Company Fireplace

Looking for a small fan-forced fireplace insert? Consider getting this 510 BTU fireplace insert, which is best suited for 150 square feet area. You can guarantee a quality and upscale product as OGC is a trusted manufacturer of electric fireplaces.

Please be reminded that a Phillips screwdriver is needed for the assembly and installation.

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18.  Modern Flames ZCR Series Fireplace

So far, I’ve introduced units that covers 400 square feet area. This time, it’s a 5000-BTU fireplace insert that covers as much as 500 square feet.

This insert is a free-standing unit intended for a quick replacement for traditional wood-burning fireplaces.

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How Does an Electric Fireplace Work?

Most electric fireplace insert works by drawing in cool air from the surroundings and then heating the cool air inside. The heating coil inside is the one responsible for the heating process. Once the cool air is heated, the blower motor of the fireplace insert will blow the now warm air out into the room.

However, due to the advancement of technology, some electric fireplace inserts nowadays integrate infrared technology. This technology directly heats the air in the room without the harmful fumes or gases.

Buying Guide for the Best Fireplace Insert that Suits Your Needs!

Got a plan to buy an electric fireplace insert? Here’s what you need to know to score the best product in the market!

Know Which Type Works for You.

There are three types of electric fireplace inserts to choose from. You can either have a log set insert or go for the plug-in insert and built-in insert.

If you have an old fireplace at home and still wants to use it somehow, then the log set insert is great for you. This requires less effort in installation as you only need to place the insert in the existing unused fireplace.

The log set insert makes use of a 3D log set with a base and a realistic flame effect projected at the back.

The plug-in type is slightly complicated than the log set, but it’s nothing you can handle easily even without the help of an electrician. Just plug in the unit into your home’s power outlet, and viola – you’ll have this one working just fine.

Instead of a log set, this one features an encased box with a glass front and a realistic log set inside. In this type, the heat vents out from the top of the firebox, thus providing supplemental warmth throughout the room.

This type is the most complicated among the three types, specifically in the installation process but is the most elegant to look at and the most efficient.

Before the installation, you should be sure where to put the firebox as this type is designed for a more permanent installation. This means moving the location of the firebox is quite difficult after the initial installation.

You can plug the built-in insert into a standard plug-kit power outlet; however, expert suggests that you have this one hard-wired since this type utilizes large circuit capacity.

Furthermore, always hire an electrician to do the installation. Built-in insert is best handled by professionals for proper wiring.

Always consider the size and dimension.

According to most electric fireplace insert reviews, to fully experience the benefit of this machine, you have to properly size the fireplace insert for your home.

On the side note, if you plan to install a fireplace insert from scratch, then calculate how many BTU (British Thermal Unit) is needed to heat up the room. The climate also matters when doing the calculation. In winter, you need around 50 BTU per square feet.

So, if you have 500 square feet house, you need a fireplace insert that generates at least 25,000 BTU per hour. The more intense the winter is, the more BTU is needed per hour to heat the room effectively.

FAQ

Are electric fireplace inserts energy efficient?

Yes, the best electric fireplace insert has 100% energy efficiency. Unlike traditional chimney fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts convert the heat in the room so that no energy is lost.

Where do you plug in an electric fireplace insert?

In most cases, electric fireplace inserts are plugged into any standard 120V household outlet. Those with dual voltage can be wired into 120 V OR 240V power to help double the heat output.

Are fireplace inserts safe?

Yes, electric fireplace inserts are safe since they do not release dangerous fumes or any causing-causing agents. Hence, you will be at peace that you and your family will not inhale any harmful fumes. Additionally, other units feature safe to touch glass.

Conclusion

Unlike traditional fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts are a safer, efficient, and convenient way of heating your home and creating a cozy atmosphere. All the above electric fireplace inserts are affordable than wood fireplaces and traditional gas and look realistic like real fireplaces.

Nonetheless, our top choice is the DimplexPro Multi-Fire XD Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Insert. This unit is the best electric fireplace insert because it is equipped with a high-efficiency heating system, multi-function control options as well as a gWave function that lights the fireplace with just a wave of the hand.

What’s more, unlike other models, this insert has a sleek view design with selected firewood that gives it the illusion of real burning firewood. Besides, electric fireplace insert reviews show that it is easy to install.