How to Choose An Electric Fireplace Insert?

It was once written: “A house with no fireplace is a house without a heart.” Does your home have a “heart”?

Perhaps your fireplace is old and needs updating, or maybe you don’t even have a fireplace at all but you always wanted one.

Wouldn’t it be comforting to know that there will be no clean up involved? Or that there would be no wood to chop or purchase?

Enter electric fireplace inserts...

Electric fireplace inserts are designed to fit into existing masonry fireplaces and convert them into clean energy efficient electric units.

Electric fireplace inserts come in three different forms: log set inserts, plug in fireboxes, and built-in fireboxes that need to be hardwired.

Electric fireboxes can also be used in new construction and frame into a wall or cabinetry.

In photo: Dimplex Revillusion™ 42" - Built-in Electric Firebox

Why You Should Choose Fireplace Inserts

Efficiency

Did you know traditional wood burning fireplaces actually absorb warm air out of the room and into the fire? The Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association pegged older fireplaces’ efficiency at only about 5-10 percent.

Electric fireplace inserts are designed to increase a fireplace’s efficiency up to 99%. So, not only is it an attractive addition to your home, it also reduces energy loss when heating your home.

Air Quality

Traditional fireplaces negatively impact your indoor air quality and our environment.

There are many health implications that can come with burning wood indoors from allergies to asthma and all the way to cancer.

Luckily we live in 21st century and have much safer alternatives.

Electric inserts keep your indoor air clean and don't pollute our planet. Since there is no actual flames there are no dangerous emissions into the air.

If you have a health condition like asthma and always wanted a fireplace but couldn't - electric fireplace is a safe choice for you.

In photo: Modern Flames Redstone 36" Built-in Electric Fireplace Insert (RS-3626)

Safety

Traditional fireplaces are hot and can be dangerous for little kids or pets.

With electric fireplaces, you can be sure that your loved ones are safe. Electric fireplace inserts stay cool to the touch and won't burn little hands or curious noses.

There is also no danger of a spark getting out and starting a fire. With electric fireplaces there is no actual combustion, hence no fire hazard.

Convenience

Once installed, electric fireplace inserts are super easy to use and require zero maintenance.

You can control the flames and the heat with a touch of a button on the touch screen or remote control. Some models can even be connected to your smart home. We mention our favorite in the recommendations section.

Easy to Install

Electric fireplaces are easy to install. If you are getting a cordless log insert for your existing fireplace, this will be the easiest remodeling project you've ever done. All you'll have to do is charge the battery and insert the log set into your fireplace.

Generally, installation of an electric fireplace insert is much easier than any other fireplace and can be DIY'ed or done by a general contractor.

Of course if you are building out a brand new fireplace and inserting a fire box it will be a bigger project. Still, compared to any other types of fireplaces, installing electric insert will be much easier, faster and cheaper.

Design and Style

The thing about Electric Fireplace Inserts is that there are many looks and styles available. You can choose the insert to match your home’s overall design.

For a sleek modern look, you can choose an insert with glass crystals and contemporary flame colors. For a more traditional look, you can choose the one with traditional logs and realistic flames. Or for a modern farmhouse a traditional insert with logs and clean concrete back is a great choice.

Modern Electric Firebox Insert

In photo: Dimplex Revillusion™ 30" - Built-in Electric Firebox

Two Types of Electric Fireplace Inserts

There are two type of electric inserts that can be used for reviving old fireplaces, electric log sets and electric fireboxes. Both of these types of inserts are vent-free, maintenance free, environmental friendly and safe to use around kids and pets.

Electric Log Sets

Electric log sets recreate the glow of embers from a real fire with low energy LED lights, and do not require any installation at all. You simply place the log set inside of your existing fireplace and plug it into any standard household outlet.

There are also cordless versions available. Keep reading, we'll talk about them in our recommendations section.

Electric Fireboxes

Like log set inserts, electric fireboxes can also be inserted in existing fireplaces. What's different is that they can also be installed as new fireplaces and inserted into walls, mantels, or cabinetry.

Electric fireboxes also use LED lights to create flame illusion. They also come with built-in heaters that can heat up 400 - 1000 sq ft. These heaters are silent and work independently from flames, so you can turn them off when you don't need them.

Some electric fireboxes come with trim that you can use to frame the flame display and cover up the gaps if your firebox is a bit smaller than your old fireplace opening.

Other models don't come with trim or you might find that the trim is not big enough to cover the gap. In his case you'll have to just have one made by your local contractor.

Electric firebox inserts have a traditional fireplace shape but the flame display ranges from traditional to modern. You can choose to go with logs or contemporary glass to place in front of the flames and you can even change the flame colors for a unique experience.

We love electric fireboxes for their finished look and realism. There are hundreds of options available. We handpicked some of the best ones for you in this article, so keep reading.

How to Choose The Right Electric Insert?

To make sure your new electric insert fits just right, follow these simple tips.

Electric Insert Shopping Tips:

Decide whether you want a log set of a fire box
Write down the dimensions of your existing fireplace or your new fireplace. Measure the height, width, and depth.
When purchasing, find an insert as close to the height and width of your dimensions as possible.

Bonus tip: Keep in mind that many masonry fireplaces get narrower towards the back. Once you pick your insert, double check the width of the firebox and make sure it still fits into your fireplace opening at the deepest part of that firebox.

Where To Purchase Electric Fireplace Inserts

With our competitive prices, Free Shipping right to your door, and Free Returns, Modern Blaze is the best online store to make your purchase. Our Customer Service is second to none; we take pride in going the extra mile for our valued customers! You can find our reviews here: Modern Blaze Reviews.

Click here to view our collection of Modern Electric Fireplace Inserts.

How To Install An Electric Fireplace Insert Into An Existing Fireplace

Installing your electric fireplace insert into an existing masonry fireplace is simple. Just follow these two tips.

Here's one example of an easy-to-follow installation tutorial video:

For more detailed instructions, please click here.

Recommended Fireplace Inserts

Modern Blaze is proud to offer you a great selection of realistic looking fireplace inserts. Here are some of our favorites!

Overall Best Fireplace Insert

Dimplex Revillusion Series

In photo: Dimplex Revillusion™ 42" - Built-in Electric Firebox

Our Dimplex Revillusion Series really has it all. From an enviable view of lifelike flames, customizable features like firebox glow and flame base color, a built-in sleep timer, to optional heat settings, this model is definitely an overall favorite.

In photo: Dimplex Revillusion™ 42" - Built-in Electric Firebox

Not only does this fireplace come with all these incredible features, but it is also sustainable, with no emissions and no need for vents. If you're wanting a versatile fireplace insert with charm and character, this one would be a great choice for your home.

Best Model for Heat Production

Dimplex DF Series

In photo: Dimplex 26" DF Series Plug-in Electric Firebox (DF26DWC-PRO)

When it comes to efficient heating, the Dimplex DF Series offers an impressive capacity of providing up to 5,118 BTUs of heat. Its powerful ceramic heater can heat a room up to 1,000 square feet. You can also use the fireplace without activating heat features, so you can enjoy the view of the high contrast flames all year round!

Most Realistic Fireplace Insert

Modern Flames Redstone Series

In photo: Modern Flames Redstone 36" Built-in Electric Fireplace Insert (RS-3626)

Recreate the elegant visuals of a traditional fireplace without the work and hassle with the Modern Flames Redstone Series. With Modern Flames' Hybrid-FX™ Flame Technology, you have independent control of the flame and ember bed colors giving you the power to create any color combination you wish for more vibrant flames. You can keep the tone to natural orange, yellow and red or switch it up and try many other color options available.

In photo: Modern Flames Redstone 36" Built-in Electric Fireplace Insert (RS-3626)

Redstone fireboxes also come with heating capabilities, adding a more realistic feel to the stunning flame display. The combination of visuals and heating features is sure to make you forget that you have an electric fireplace!

Best Plug-In Fireplace Insert

Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Series

Dimplex 25" Multi-Fire XD Plug-in Electric Firebox
In photo: Dimplex 25" Multi-Fire XD Plug-in Electric Firebox, UL Listed (PF2325HL)

Do you want the comfort and aesthetics of a wood burning fireplace but don't want to go through the tedious work that comes with it? Look no further, the Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Series might just have fireplace insert you're searching for.

The unit can easily be inserted into your existing fireplace opening (as well as a mantel or a wall opening). It conveniently plugs into a standard household outlet eliminating complicated hardwiring. Not to mention that you can turn the unit on or off with just the wave of your hand! How's that for ease and comfort?

Best Wifi-Enabled Model

Modern Flames "Sedona Pro Multi" 3-Sided Smart Electric Firebox

In photo: Modern Flames "Sedona Pro Multi" 3-Sided Smart Electric Firebox

'Alexa, tell me more about the Modern Flames Sedona Smart Electric Firebox.'

You got that right, this model uses state of the art technology fully controllable with its remote, Wi-Fi APP, and Smart Home system. Ask Alexa to turn on your firebox, take your pick from the wide array of available light control and color combinations. And with its optional 3-sided variation, you can enjoy the impressive flame visuals and have a sleek, modern accent piece to your space.

Cordless Log Set Insert

Modern Flames Sunset Charred Oak Electric Fireplace Insert

In photo: Modern Flames Sunset Charred Oak Electric Fireplace Insert with Wi-fi and Optional Battery

The Modern Flames Sunset Charred Oak insert is the first battery operated electric fireplace log insert. This optional feature let's you enjoy the convenience of a cordless electric fireplace insert, which lasts for 10-12 hours per charge and nicely hides behind the log set. It is also Wi-fi enabled and ready for smart home integration so setting it up is a breeze.

Most Affordable Fireplace Insert

Napoleon Cineview™ Built-in Electric Firebox

In photo: Napoleon Cineview™ Built-in Electric Firebox

Get all the good stuff for less with the Napoleon Cineview Electric Firebox. You don't have to break to bank to have the look and feel of a traditional fireplace with all the health and safety benefits of electric.

With a realistic burnt oak log set, a capacity of providing 5,000 BTUs of heat for up to 400 square feet of space, and adjustable flame speed and brightness, this model is the most suitable option for those on a budget.

In photo: Napoleon Cineview™ Built-in Electric Firebox

Final Thoughts

If you are thinking of remodeling your old fireplace, electric fireplace insert is the best way to go. It is more affordable and technologically advanced than any other kind of fireplaces. Not only that, it is also a clean, healthy and safe choice for you, your loved ones and our planet.

Electric fireplace inserts can be inserted into existing fireplace openings or used on their own. You can build them into walls, cabinets, or insert them into mantels.

Check out photos from our customers for more ideas: Customer Photos

In case you didn't read anything above, here is a short list of our favorite inserts:

Best Overall: Dimplex Revillusion Series

Best Heat: Dimplex DF Series

Most Realistic: Modern Flames Redstone Series

Best Plug-in Insert: Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Series

Best Wifi-Enabled Model: Modern Flames "Sedona Pro Multi" 3-Sided Smart Electric Firebox

Best Affordable: Napoleon Cineview™ Built-in Electric Firebox

Cordless Log Set: Modern Flames Sunset Charred Oak Electric Fireplace Insert

To see our entire catalog of Electric Fireplace Inserts, go to https://modernblaze.com/collections/modern-electric-fireplace-inserts.

Need help finding your perfect fireplace? We can help you with that. Just give us a call or shoot us an email support@modernblaze.com.

Subscribe to our Email to learn more about electric fireplace inserts and get notified about new products and promotions: Subscribe