Best Electric Fireplace Insert for Existing Fireplaces

What’s the best way to spruce up an existing fireplace? An electric fireplace insert, of course! These handy devices convert your old and dusty fireplace into a modern centrepiece in just minutes. The best ones are designed for specific kinds of fireplaces, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re getting the right type. In this blog post, we will review five of the most popular inserts on the market today, and help you decide which one is perfect for your home.

If you have an existing fireplace and want to add some ambiance for the winter, then you need a fireplace insert. There are many different types of inserts available, but not all of them will work with your old-fashioned brick hearth. In this article, we’ll share the 5 best electric fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces.

Best Choice

This electric fireplace insert is a well-liked option for people looking to update their fireplaces without breaking the bank or needing additional installation work done on the existing unit. This particular model comes with both an LCD touch screen and remote control, making it easy to adjust this heater’s settings from across the room if need be or just because you don’t feel like getting up!

Best Selling Electric Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces

Valuxhome Electric Fireplace

Product Description

• Electric fireplace insert with overheat protection
• Realistic looking fire and logs
• Remote control included for temperature, flame height, crackling sound on/off, timer function (on/off) and light on/ off. The remote can also be used to operate a LED flashlight that works independently from the electric fireplace.
• Fireplace Dimensions: 36″H x 31″W x 11 “D / Width of Heat Air Venting System: 13 inches Height by 19 Inches Wide at Top and Bottom Side Openings; 34 inches Depth at Rear Opening – Heating Capacity: 1500 Watts with 750 Watts Flame Effect – Maximum heat output up to 40 sq ft depending on room size and wall insulation properties. Can easily warm up a room of 400 to 500 sq ft.
• Built-in overheat protection
• Easy installation, just plugin and switch on. No professional help is required to install the electric fireplace insert and no venting requirements as it is a sealed unit with a self-contained blower/fan system for heat circulation. Designed to fit into an existing empty fireplace opening making it easy to convert any room or home quickly and easily without costly or messy renovations and construction work associated with real fireplaces – Heat Air Blowing System: 100 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) Fan Power: 26 Watts Voltage: 120 VAC 60 Hz +/- 15% Certified by ETL USA ASTA CANADA AND NEW ZEALAND SAFETY STANDARDS. All electrical components meet ULC standards

Pros

• Well-built and designed electric fireplace insert with a realistic-looking fire. Can be easily installed in existing fireplaces, remote control included for ease of use, overheat protection to avoid damaging the unit when used unattended
• Many positive reviews from customers who purchased this product at Amazon (click here). Several people stated that they were pleased with how easy it was to install into their existing fireplace opening without having to do any construction or renovations around the home.

Cons

Some negative comments about the quality of sound produced by speaker system which may not seem very loud in some cases but overall most happy owners have given good ratings

Recommended?

Yes, good value for money and well built electric fireplace insert.

R.W.FLAME 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert

Product Description

The 36″ R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert is a great choice for you to replace your old fireplace with this modern unit that will provide the same look, heat, and ambiance of a real fire without any mess or hassle.

This electric fireplace insert has an attractive design that can fit into almost anything including traditional brick veneers, prefabricated stone & stucco mantels as well as our easy to use drop-in units

• It comes with three different colors (red/blue/orange) flame effect light bulbs so you can choose one that matches best with your room’s decor. The LED flickering bulb creates the illusion of natural dancing flames, it also includes two brightness settings for power conservation. You can also turn out the flame effect by just pressing one button
• The 36″ R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert is easy to install, no need for professional help. It comes complete with a 12Volt adapter plug, remote control, and instruction manual with easy step by step installation instructions (can be installed in about half an hour)
• This fireplace insert has three heat settings: 750W/1500W high setting & 1000W low setting so you can choose which temperature suits your needs best! The built-in thermostat maintains the firebox at desired temperatures within +/- 15°F of setpoint (recommended room temperature 65° F ). This electric heater warms up quickly and offers fast recovery time after it has been turned off
• This electric fireplace insert comes with a two-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support for your peace of mind. It has an overall dimension of 36″ W x 16.25″ H x 12.75 D (in inches)

The 36″ R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert is a great choice for you to replace your old fireplace with this modern unit that will provide the same look, heat, and ambiance of a real fire without any mess or hassle. This electric fireplace insert has an attractive design that can fit into almost anything including traditional brick veneers, prefabricated stone & stucco mantels as well as our easy-to-use drop-in units.

It comes with three different colors (red/blue/orange) flame effect light bulbs so you can choose one that matches best with your room’s decor. The LED flickering bulb creates the illusion of natural dancing flames, it also includes two brightness settings for power conservation.

You can also turn out the flame effect by just pressing one button. This fireplace insert has three heat settings: 750W/1500W high setting & 1000W low setting so you can choose which temperature suits your needs best! The built-in thermostat maintains the firebox at desired temperatures within +/- 15°F of setpoint (recommended room temperature 65° F ).

This electric heater warms up quickly and offers fast recovery time after it has been turned off This electric fireplace insert comes with a two-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support for your peace of mind. It has an overall dimension of 36″ W x 16.25″ H x 12.75 D (in inches).

The Best Electric Fireplace Insert for Existing Fireplace is a great choice for you to replace your old fireplace with this modern unit that will provide the same look, heat, and ambiance of a real fire without any mess or hassle. This electric fireplace insert has an attractive design that can fit into almost anything including traditional brick veneers, prefabricated stone & stucco mantels as well as our easy-to-use drop-in units.

Pros

• It comes with three different colors (red/blue/orange) flame effect light bulbs so you can choose one that matches best with your room’s decor. The LED flickering bulb creates the illusion of natural dancing flames, it also includes two brightness settings for power conservation. You can also turn out the flame effect by just pressing one button
• The 36″ R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert is easy to install, no need for professional help. It comes complete with a 12Volt adapter plug, remote control, and instruction manual with easy step by step installation instructions (can be installed in about half an hour)
• This fireplace insert has three heat settings: 750W/1500W high setting & 1000W

Cons

• You need to keep the remote control close by as this unit lacks a timer function that would give you peace of mind when going away from home for long periods, especially if left unattended with children or pets around. If you are looking for an

Recommended?

• Yes, this electric fireplace insert is recommended because it offers great value for the money. It provides the heat and ambiance of a real fire without any mess or hassle! The 36″ R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert comes with a two-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support so you can buy with confidence knowing that your unit will be well taken care of in case there are issues down the road. If you have an existing fireplace/mantel then this product is highly recommended as it takes only about half an hour to install !

PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert

Product Description

The PuraFlame electric fireplace insert is a product that you will love to have in your home. It has the look of a real wood fire, but without any danger or mess from ashes and other materials associated with an actual open flame. To add even more realism, it also includes a crackling sound module so that you can get the experience right down to the popping sounds of burning embers.

The unit itself measures out at 33 inches wide by 25 35/64 inches high and weighs just over 50 pounds for easy installation into almost any existing opening sized 24-34 inches wide by 18 15/16 – 20 13/32 inches high. There are three heat levels offered on this unit plus adjustable brightness settings for each which allows complete customization of your experience.

The unit uses 750/1500 watts of power depending on the heat setting selected. The PuraFlame is made from flame-retardant wood fiber which comes with a lifetime warranty against any defects in materials or workmanship. If you are looking for an electric fireplace insert that looks great, operates without danger to your home, and fills up your room with warmth, then this may be just what you have been searching for all along!

Pros

• The realistic design of this unit will have you thinking it’s a real wood burning fireplace.
• You can get the crackling sound that goes with it to make the experience even more authentic.
• The unit is safety approved for use in both the home and office.

Cons

• This electric fireplace insert has no heating capabilities so it will not provide any heat on its own. You will need to purchase an additional heater system if you want your room temperature raised by the flames of this product.
• “The PuraFlame” says that it can be installed into almost every existing opening 24 34 inches wide by 18 15/16 20 13/32 inches high, but some customers have reported trouble with installation due to size restrictions – some openings were too small or didn’t allow enough depth space for all required connections.”

Recommended?

Yes! This electric fireplace insert is a great way to get the look of a real wood-burning fire without any mess. It comes with three heat settings, adjustable brightness control, and realistic sounds for complete customization. If you’re looking to add some warmth into your home this winter season but don’t want the hassle or potential damage that would come from using a real flame source then check out The PuraFlame today.”

Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert

Product Description

The Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert with remote control and timer is great for the living room, bedroom, or even office. With adjustable heat levels from 750 to 1500 watts, it provides an equivalent of 1800-3000 BTU output. The realistic flame effect adds more charm to your home decor while working as a heating unit in the winter months.

This Honeywell air conditioner/heater works both indoors and outdoors so you can enjoy a comfortable temperature all year round without having any installation cost! It comes with digital controls which allow you to adjust settings easily. There are three modes available: Fan only mode; Cooling mode; Heating mode. You can also use the 24-hour on/off timer to automatically set your AC at a certain time (up to 12 hours).

The unit is capable of heating up small rooms or spaces, but it’s ideal for cooling down larger areas such as rooftop patios and balconies with its powerful BTU capacity! The motor doesn’t produce any annoying sound so you won’t be bothered by noise when enjoying some rest in your room. There are three fan speeds available that allow you to choose the most suitable option based on current weather conditions.

It comes equipped with oscillation louvers that help distribute cool air evenly across an area which ensures quick results after turning it on. This energy-efficient model features both hot start technology and an energy saver function which helps you save money on your energy bills.

The unit features a built-in ionizer that ensures the freshest air quality possible, while also reducing trace amounts of particles and chemicals in the surrounding environment! This makes it suitable for allergy sufferers who need to keep their homes clean. The snap-on grille is removable so you can quickly clean it after use without any hassle! When used indoors, this AC/heater will remind you of summertime breezes blowing through open windows bringing freshness into your home or office all year round. It comes with an installation kit for outdoor applications as well as an exhaust hose adapter if required (not included).

Pros

• Compact and lightweight;
• Easy to use;
• Comes with a remote control for extra convenience.

Cons

• Not as powerful as other models;
• Louvers do not oscillate.

Recommended?

Yes, if you’re looking for a compact and powerful unit that is great for heating or cooling smaller rooms!

YODOLLA 28.5″ Electric Fireplace Insert

Product Description

The YODOLLA electric fireplace insert is one of the best ways to add a cozy atmosphere and extra heat source to your home without worrying about installation or ventilation. It’s completely safe for use with any existing gas-burning fireplaces, decorated with realistic-looking flickering flames which you can choose from three different colors: yellow, orange, and blue.

You can set it up in less than five minutes using the included mounting brackets that attach straight onto your damper plate – no tools required! You simply place it inside along ceiling lines or wall creases where there isn’t much space but need some additional warmth, plug into an acceptable 120V outlet (100~120V/200~240V), and enjoy at once.

As far as safety goes, the YODOLLA fireplace is ETL listed for its compliance with North American standards. It will automatically shut off in case of overheating or power outage to help prevent any damage and accidents from happening.

It comes equipped with a remote control which makes it easy to operate without getting up (timer function included) while still providing supplemental heat down your favorite seating area(s). Plus, if you’re not satisfied with the fire effect alone then use this unit as an additional source of excess heat during the winter season by turning on just two burners near your feet!

What’s more? The flame brightness can be adjusted between 300W-1500W so that only one side is lit at once or both simultaneously depending on how much warmth you need.

The YODOLLA fireplace measures 28.58″L x 13.78″W x 12.20″H and weighs around 29 pounds with a stylish black finish that will look great in any room of your home, either as an addition to existing fireplaces or on its own for the right cozy ambiance were after years!

Pros

• Easy to set up with included mounting brackets
• Three different colors for the flickering flames
• Adjustable brightness levels that control both sides at once or individually depending on how much heat you need.
• ETL listed, automatic shut off in case of overheating/power outage and safety features including remote control.

Cons

• Flame effects are not adjustable so it might appear too bright when only one side is turned on if your eyes get used to dimmer ambiance.
• It’s loud but tolerable, especially considering its price range compared against other insert alternatives which can be quite costly while offering similar performance qualities.

Recommended?

Yes! – The YODOLLA electric fireplace insert is an affordable yet effective choice for any home looking to add a cozy atmosphere or supplemental heat source.

Its flame effects are realistic and adjustable between 300W-1500W so that the desired amount of warmth can be reached in minutes without much effort when needed. – Setup takes around five minutes using included mounting brackets while it’s easy to use with a remote control which makes operating this unit hassle-free even from across the room, not worrying about getting up all the time!

Buyer’s Guide

What Is An Electric Fireplace Insert?

An electric fireplace insert is a self-contained unit that slides into your existing firebox. No need to buy an entirely new fireplace, you can simply add the electric part and get all of the benefits without loosing any functionality! It’ll look just like it always has but will now include heating elements so you can enjoy cozy warmth during cold winter months.

There are many types available depending on what your needs might be:

• whether or not you want thermostatic control in order to keep things at a comfortable level;
• if radiant heat is more important than flame effects for example;
• how much space inside the firebox there is (in some cases they may only fit small models);
• etc which means it really comes down to preference when choosing one.

You might be wondering why you would choose an electric fireplace insert over a traditional one. There are actually quite a few reasons! First, they’re much easier to install since no rebuilding is required. You can literally just slide it right in and go; basically plug-and-play (though there will still likely need to be some wiring run).

Another huge advantage is that they don’t require any flame effects or gas which makes them ideal for homes with pets or small children who could potentially get burned by touching the mantel, hearth, or other elements of your existing firebox. Yet another bonus: no more worrying about running out of fuel during power failures as these units operate independently using electrical energy instead making them perfect for emergency situations.

Now that you know what an electric fireplace insert is and why they might be a good option for your home, it’s time to look at the top models available so you can start comparing!

What Size Electric Fireplace Insert Do I Need?

The size of your electric fireplace insert is typically determined by the width and height measurements. Keep in mind that you usually need about 12 inches on all sides to allow for proper airflow, but this can vary depending on the model.

If an insert is too small, it may not produce enough heat for your space. If the insert is larger than necessary, you will be wasting electricity and could pay more on your energy bill.

You can use a tape measure to determine how much area you have available for installation before buying an electric fireplace insert or logs, but keep in mind that some units are designed with adjustable components so they can fit snugly into almost any existing hearth opening.

What Is The Best Electric Fireplace Insert For Heat?

Electric fireplace inserts are a great way to get heat into an existing firebox. These units can be used even when the power is out! Here are some of our favorite electric fireplace options for heating with wood-burning stoves.

• Pellet stoves are a great way to get heat and cook food. They can be used as inserts into other fireplaces, but they also come in freestanding models if you don’t have an existing fireplace or want to change up your home décor with something new.
• Electric Stoves: These units look like real wood-burning stoves (and sometimes include realistic logs) but produce no smoke. Instead of burning fuel, electric stovetops use electricity that is converted into radiant heating that warms objects instead of the air around them. Their main drawback costs; these will probably not pay for themselves over time when compared to central heating alone so consider them only if you plan on keeping your house and need supplemental heat.
• Electric Fireplace Inserts: These units are a great way to heat your home while reducing your energy costs and helping the environment at the same time. They can be used in existing fireplaces or as inserts into new ones, so you don’t have to worry about replacing an entire fireplace if yours is old and outdated-looking.

What To Consider When Buying An Electric Fireplace Insert For Your Existing Fireplace

When choosing an electric fireplace insert for your existing fireplace, there are a few things you should consider. Listed below is what to look out for when buying one of these units.

Size

Make sure that the unit you choose fits into your existing firebox or hearth appropriately and safely. You will need at least 16 inches from the back wall to any side walls as well as four inches on each end so it can be inserted properly without damaging any parts of your house or chimney system.

Location

If you have two-sided access in front of the opening between where the actual flame comes up and where people sit down, this would be ideal since both sides can function with built-in controls if needed.

However, you must keep in mind where the electrical cord is since this will also be a major factor when deciding on which side to install your unit. Make sure that it does not interfere with anything else going on around you or cause any problems.

Safety

This may seem like an obvious thing to consider, but if you have children running in and out of the living room at times, make sure there aren’t any cords hanging down from the bottom nor are they tripping over it constantly. You don’t want them getting hurt because of something as simple as walking past a fireplace insert.

Flame

Contrary to popular belief, a fire does not have to be blazing in order for the room to feel warm and cozy. When you turn it on, make sure there is at least one flame that comes up from the bottom of the unit or right behind where your logs would go if they were real ones. This will give off enough heat without any issues whatsoever.

Controls

Lastly, consider how easy it is going to be for each person who uses this fireplace insert daily when choosing which side of the opening between where people sit down and where actual flames come up should have controls on it. You also want something that can fit into different types of decor since everyone has a different style inside their home/apartment with their fireplaces.

Heat

To understand what are the best electric fireplace inserts, you first have to know more about their heat output. Electric fireplaces produce a lot of heat compared with other types of heating elements. They can be used as an effective way to warm up your home on cold days or nights during winter time even when there is no electricity available.

The top-rated units provide between 5000-8000 BTU/hour which makes them suitable for mid-sized rooms (around 300 square feet) and larger ones if multiple units are installed in order to cover enough space. To put things into perspective, this means that they will produce a sufficient amount of warmth for an area around 12 x 14 ft., similar to a small living room size without taking too much power from your home.

Smaller electric fireplaces are perfect for smaller spaces, such as a bedroom or den area and they can be used instead of heating lamps that consume less energy but don’t actually provide any warmth to the room.

Opting for an infrared fireplace insert will help you save more on your power bills since these models produce heat directly in front of the unit rather than warming up the surrounding air so it has to be exhausted through vents which is what happens with convection fireplaces.

Power & Efficiency

The heat output is determined by the size of your existing fireplace, but most models can produce up to 12,000 BTUs. In order to maximize efficiency and warmth in a smaller fireplace, choose an insert that has been designed for this specific use.

Electric Fireplace Inserts are more efficient than traditional wood-burning inserts since they do not need logs or smoke detectors which add to the cost of operation. With a heater like this, you will be able to enjoy a warm cozy fire without having to tend it all night long!

Other Features

Another great benefit of using an electric fireplace insert is the fact that they are very easy to install.

Most models can be installed within one day, and do not require any special expertise or tools. Most will fit inside your existing fireplace with ease.

If you already have a working chimney in good condition, then simply remove the mantel and venting system from above your current fireplace and attach it directly to this new unit! You now suddenly find yourself with a whole new room (and heating source!) for less than $1000 – Not too shabby if I do say so myself…

After installation turn on the power button and watch as flames come alive dancing before your eyes; now enjoy those cozy warm evenings without ever having to worry about creosote build-up, chimney fires, or the dangers of having an open flame in your home.

The best thing about this type of insert is that you can also use it during the summer months! If you do not want to install central air conditioning but still need some relief from high temperatures then this may be just what you are looking for.

With a fireplace like this, relaxation and comfort do not have to break the bank – especially when it comes time for heating bills…

FAQs

Is it difficult to install?

No. In most cases, you can simply place the fireplace insert in front of your existing firebox and use the included brackets to secure them together. Some models do require a bit more work (e.g., cutting out some parts), but even these typically only take an hour or two at most before they’re ready for action.

Can you use it with a gas fireplace?

Yes. In fact, most of the electric fireplace inserts we recommend for this article are compatible with both natural and propane gas flows. This is because they come complete with all necessary equipment to make the switch from one fuel source to another very easy (e.g., quick-connects or even a dual flue). You might need an installer’s assistance if your existing fireplace only uses one type of fuel though as some models don’t include parts that can be converted between them (e.g., ventless grates).

Is there any maintenance required?

Not really, but you should inspect your new electric fireplace insert regularly just in case anything starts going wrong. It’s also a good idea to clean the glass doors every so often so they don’t get too dirty. As long as you do this, though, there isn’t much else that needs doing in terms of upkeep at all (e.g., no cleaning or vacuuming required).

Does it need venting?

Most models are insulated and designed for indoor use only; however, some still require an exhaust system in order to expel warm air created by your new fireplace insert (i.e., when used properly). If yours is one of these units then yes, you will need to install ventilation before using it (unless stated otherwise on its box/instructions). The majority of electric fireplaces, though, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use without needing to be vented.

How much does it cost?

Prices will vary from one model to the next depending on a variety of factors (e.g., which fuel source they run on). In general, most electric fireplace inserts retail at around $100-$300 but there is some variance between them as well as how many bells and whistles each has. The more expensive models tend to provide more heat output than those that come with less power behind their blowers; however, this isn’t always the case either so you should look beyond just price when trying to find your ideal product too. If you want any further help in making up your mind about what option might be best for you, we recommend reading through our buyer’s guide at the end of this article.

Is it easy to move?

Electric fireplace inserts are typically made from stone or ceramic and can be quite heavy; therefore, they aren’t particularly portable (even if some models do come with casters). If you need something that is able to be moved around your home then a gas insert might better suit your needs as these units feature wheels attached to their feet which make them very simple to relocate when necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the electric fireplace inserts we have covered here today are some of the best available on the market at this time. They provide a great alternative to their gas-powered counterparts and can be used in almost any room without needing to drill holes or run wires all over your home. If you’re looking for something that will heat up cold spaces quickly then one of these products is an ideal choice as they burn very efficiently too; however, it’s important not to forget about safety when using them either which is why proper venting should always be installed beforehand (if needed).