That dark, drafty masonry fireplace is doing nothing for you. An electric insert drops right into the opening and turns it into cozy, on-demand heat.
Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert — Top Pick
With a class-leading three-dimensional flame, a glowing ember bed, and heat that reaches toward 1,000 square feet, the Dimplex is the best electric fireplace insert for bringing an old fireplace back to life in 2026.
In a hurry? That's our pick. Want the reasoning and the full comparison? Keep reading.
You have a fireplace opening that just sits there. Maybe the chimney is a pain, maybe you never want to haul wood or deal with the mess, or maybe you rent and a real fire is off the table. An electric fireplace insert solves all of that. It slides into the firebox of your existing masonry fireplace or a built-in cabinet, plugs into a standard 120V outlet, and gives you flames and heat at the press of a button. No venting, no gas line, no ash.
The trick is buying one that actually fits your opening and looks convincing once it is in. Inserts come in fixed widths, so a unit that is an inch too wide simply will not go in, and the flame effect ranges from cheap flicker to genuinely believable ember beds. Below you get the four inserts worth your money in 2026, plus a plain-English guide to measuring your firebox, matching heater coverage to your room, and telling a great flame effect from a gimmick.
Key Takeaways
- An insert must fit inside your existing firebox opening, so measure width, height, and depth before you buy anything.
- For the most convincing flames and reliable heat, the Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert is our top pick.
- Want strong performance without overspending? The R.W.FLAME Fireplace Insert delivers the best value.
- Most inserts plug into a standard 120V outlet and heat about 400 to 1,000 square feet as supplemental zone heat.
- The glass stays cool to the touch and there is no venting or gas needed, so an insert is safe for kids, pets, and rentals.
How to Buy an Electric Fireplace Insert (Without a Bad Fit)
Start with a tape measure, because fit is everything with an insert. Unlike a wall-mount or freestanding fireplace, an insert has to slide into the opening you already have, whether that is a masonry firebox or a built-in cabinet cutout. Measure the width, height, and depth of the opening, and note that fireplaces are often narrower at the back than the front. Buy the insert that fits the smallest of those dimensions, and leave a little clearance so the trim sits flush. Get this wrong and a unit that is an inch too wide simply will not go in, so measure twice before you order.
Next, match the heater to your room. Nearly every insert here plugs into a standard 120V household outlet and pulls around 1,500 watts, which covers roughly 400 square feet of supplemental heat. Larger or dual-element units like the Dimplex can warm closer to 1,000 square feet. Think of an insert as zone heating: it takes the chill off the room you are actually in so you can turn down the whole-house furnace, not as your only heat source. If you want more than plug-in power, a few models can be hardwired, but for most homes the outlet is all you need.
Finally, judge the flame. This is where budget and premium inserts really split. Cheaper units give you a flat, repeating flicker, while the better ones layer a three-dimensional flame over a glowing ember bed or log set with independent brightness control. Look for adjustable flame speed, color, and dimming so you can run the ambience with the heat off in summer. A convincing flame is the whole reason to choose an insert over a space heater, so it is worth paying attention to.
Safety, Controls, and the Details Reviews Skip
One of the best things about an electric insert is what it does not need. There is no chimney to line, no venting, no gas, and no carbon monoxide, so installation is usually as simple as sliding the unit in and plugging it in. The glass front stays cool to the touch because the heat blows out through a vent, not through the display, which makes an insert genuinely safe around kids and pets. Most units include overheat protection and an auto-shutoff, and because nothing burns, there is no ash, soot, or spark to clean up.
Then there are the controls that make daily use easy. Look for a remote, and increasingly an app, so you can set the temperature, adjust flame brightness, and run a timer from the couch. A built-in thermostat matters more than raw wattage, because it cycles the heater to hold your target temperature instead of blasting until you sweat. The best inserts also let you run flames without heat, so you get the glow on a mild evening without cooking the room. Small touches like a quiet fan and a clean, low-profile trim kit separate an insert you love from one you tolerate.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Flame Effect | Strength | Heat Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert | Overall pick | Class-leading realism | Best flames + heat | Up to ~1,000 sq ft |
| R.W.FLAME Fireplace Insert | Best value | Adjustable, bright | Frames per dollar | Up to ~400 sq ft |
| Touchstone Fireplace Insert | Best design | Multi-color, modern | Sleek glass front | Up to ~400 sq ft |
| PuraFlame Fireplace Insert | Best retrofit | Warm log + ember bed | Easy firebox fit | Up to ~400 sq ft |
1. Dimplex Insert — Best Overall
Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert
The Dimplex is the insert we hand to almost anyone who wants their old fireplace to feel real again. Dimplex built its reputation on flame realism, and it shows: the effect layers a genuinely three-dimensional flame over a glowing ember bed instead of the flat, looping flicker you get from budget units. Drop it into your masonry firebox or built-in opening, plug it into a standard outlet, and it looks like a fire, not a screen playing a video of one.
It backs up the looks with real heat. The heater delivers strong supplemental warmth, and on the larger models it reaches toward 1,000 square feet, more than most single-element inserts. You get a remote, thermostat control, and the ability to run flames with the heat off, so it earns its place year-round. If you want the most convincing insert and you do not want to compromise on warmth, this is the one.
Pros
- Class-leading flame realism with a true 3D ember bed
- Strong heat output that can warm up to around 1,000 sq ft
- Run flames with or without heat for year-round ambience
- Simple 120V plug-in install with no venting or gas needed
- Trusted brand known specifically for flame quality
Cons
- Premium flame realism comes at a premium price
- Larger models need a deeper firebox, so measure carefully
- Fewer flashy color modes than some design-focused rivals
2. R.W.FLAME Insert — Best Value
R.W.FLAME Fireplace Insert
The R.W.FLAME is the smart-money pick. It gives you a bright, adjustable flame effect and a full 1,500 watts of supplemental heat for noticeably less than the premium inserts, which makes it the easy recommendation when you want your fireplace working again without a big spend. The flame is not quite Dimplex-level, but you can tune the brightness, speed, and color to suit the room, and it looks genuinely good with the lights down.
It keeps the essentials you actually use: a remote, adjustable thermostat, timer, and overheat protection, plus flame-only mode for warmer evenings. It plugs into a standard outlet and slides into most standard firebox openings, so installation stays simple. If your budget is finite and you would rather put your money into heat and flame than into a designer glass front, the R.W.FLAME stretches every dollar.
Pros
- Excellent price for the flame effect and heat you get
- Adjustable flame brightness, speed, and color
- Full ~1,500W of supplemental heat for around 400 sq ft
- Remote, thermostat, and timer included
- Fits most standard firebox openings for an easy retrofit
Cons
- Flame realism trails premium inserts like the Dimplex
- Heat coverage tops out around a single average room
- Build materials feel more budget than flagship
3. Touchstone Insert — Best Design
Touchstone Fireplace Insert
If you want your revived fireplace to look modern, the Touchstone is the one to beat. Its clean glass front and multi-color flame effect lean contemporary rather than traditional, so it suits a minimalist mantel or a built-in feature wall better than a faux-log unit. You can cycle flame colors and brightness to match a mood, from a warm orange glow to cooler blues, which makes it as much a design piece as a heater.
Behind the good looks sits a capable 1,500-watt heater that warms roughly 400 square feet, plus the expected remote, thermostat, and flame-only mode. It plugs into a standard outlet and drops into a firebox or built-in opening like the others. Choose the Touchstone when the aesthetic matters as much as the warmth and you want an insert that reads sleek and current rather than rustic.
Pros
- Sleek, contemporary glass-front design
- Multi-color flame effect with adjustable brightness
- Capable ~1,500W heater for around 400 sq ft
- Flame-only mode for ambience without heat
- Standard 120V plug-in with no venting required
Cons
- Modern look does not suit traditional log-style setups
- Flame realism is stylized rather than lifelike
- Design premium adds to the price
4. PuraFlame Insert — Best Retrofit
PuraFlame Fireplace Insert
The PuraFlame is built for the classic retrofit: you have an old masonry fireplace, you want it warm and glowing again, and you want the install to be painless. Its warm log set and ember bed give a traditional look that suits the kind of brick or stone surround most of these inserts land in, and the range of widths makes it easy to find one that matches your firebox opening.
You get a 1,500-watt heater good for around 400 square feet, a remote, an adjustable thermostat, and flame-only operation for milder days. It plugs into a standard outlet and slides in with minimal fuss, so it is a favorite for renters and anyone who wants a straightforward upgrade. Pick the PuraFlame when a clean, traditional retrofit into an existing fireplace matters more than premium flame realism or a designer front.
Pros
- Traditional log-and-ember look that fits classic surrounds
- Range of widths makes matching your firebox easy
- Simple plug-in retrofit, great for renters
- Remote, thermostat, and flame-only mode included
- Reliable ~1,500W supplemental heat for around 400 sq ft
Cons
- Flame effect is decent but not class-leading
- Heat coverage suits a single room, not open plans
- Fewer color and effect options than modern rivals
Which Should You Choose?
Pick the Dimplex if you want the most convincing fire and the most heat
If the whole point is to make your old fireplace feel real again, the Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert is the clearest choice. Its three-dimensional flame and glowing ember bed outclass everything else here, and its heater reaches toward 1,000 square feet on the larger models. Just measure your firebox depth first, since the best models want a bit more room, and you get the best flame and warmth on this list.
Pick the R.W.FLAME or PuraFlame if simple value matters most
Want strong heat and a good flame without overspending? The R.W.FLAME Fireplace Insert gives you the most warmth and adjustability per dollar. Retrofitting a traditional brick fireplace and want a painless drop-in? The PuraFlame Fireplace Insert fits a range of openings and keeps the classic log look. Both plug into a standard outlet and heat about 400 square feet, which is plenty for one room.
Pick the Touchstone if the look leads the decision
Some buyers want the fireplace to be a design statement, not just a heater. The Touchstone Fireplace Insert answers that with a sleek glass front and multi-color flames that suit a modern mantel or feature wall. It still delivers a full 1,500-watt heater and flame-only ambience, so you are not sacrificing warmth for style, but the contemporary look is what you are really choosing here.
Ready to Warm Up That Empty Fireplace?
The Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert drops into your existing firebox, plugs into a standard outlet, and gives you the most convincing flames plus real supplemental heat. Check current pricing and see why it tops our 2026 list.
Explore Brainstamped's Free ToolsFrequently Asked Questions
For most people, the Dimplex Electric Fireplace Insert is the best electric fireplace insert in 2026. It combines the most convincing three-dimensional flame effect with strong supplemental heat that can warm up to around 1,000 square feet. If you want the best value instead, the R.W.FLAME Fireplace Insert is the top alternative.
Measure the width, height, and depth of your existing firebox opening, and remember that many fireplaces are narrower at the back than the front. Choose an insert that fits the smallest of those dimensions with a little clearance to spare. Fit is the number one thing to get right, so measure twice before you buy, because an insert that is too wide simply will not go in.
No. An electric insert has no flame that burns fuel, so it needs no chimney, no venting, and no gas line, and it produces no carbon monoxide. Most units simply plug into a standard 120V household outlet, though a few can be hardwired. That makes installation as easy as sliding the unit into your firebox and plugging it in.
Most inserts pull around 1,500 watts and heat roughly 400 square feet of supplemental warmth, which is ideal for taking the chill off a single room. Larger or dual-element models like the Dimplex can reach toward 1,000 square feet. Think of an insert as zone heating that lets you turn down the whole-house furnace, not as your only heat source.
Yes. The glass front stays cool to the touch because the heat blows out through a separate vent, and nothing burns, so there is no ash, soot, or spark. Most inserts also include overheat protection and auto-shutoff. That combination makes an electric insert one of the safest ways to add fireplace ambience in a home with children or pets.