Touchstone Sideline Elite Built-In/Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

The Sideline Elite Adds Smart Control to Touchstone's Best-Known Recessed Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline Elite is a linear electric fireplace that recesses flush into a 2x6 wall or mounts on the surface. It runs on electricity alone, so there is no combustion, no venting, no chimney and no gas line. What separates it from the standard Sideline is control: this one connects to WiFi and answers to Alexa and Google Home.

Sideline vs. Sideline Elite vs. Sideline Elite Pro

We sell three tiers, and the naming hides how simple the ladder actually is.

The Sideline is the value model. Same 1,500 watt heater, same multicolor flame, but remote control only. Take it if smart control is not something you want.

The Sideline Elite, this one, adds WiFi with Alexa and Google Home, and a wider range of flame and ember bed colors.

The Sideline Elite Pro is the realism upgrade. A deeper firebox and what Touchstone calls enhanced flame-depth technology give the flame a more layered look, and it adds crackling sound. Its spacer kit also does two jobs, only one of which is obvious: it allows a partial recess into a 2x4 wall, and it finishes off a surface-mounted installation. Mount a Sideline or an Elite on the wall and the side of the firebox is visible. The Pro does not have that problem.

Every Size Puts Out the Same 5,000 BTU, Whatever the Width

Touchstone rates every size at 1,500 watts and 5,000 BTU, covering about 400 square feet, and that number does not change with width. A 100 inch Elite produces exactly as much heat as the 42 inch. Extra width buys you more flame, not more warmth.

Treat it as supplemental heat. It will take the edge off an average living room, and it will not be your only heat source through a cold winter. The flames run independently of the heater, so the fireplace still earns its place in July.

It Recesses Into a 2x6 Wall and Needs No Clearance at the Sides or Back

The Elite is built for a flush, fully recessed installation in a 2x6 wall, and it will also surface mount if you would rather not open the wall. It plugs into a standard outlet or hardwires for a cleaner finish.

Clearances are simple but not optional. Touchstone asks for 8 inches above the fireplace to a TV, a mantel or the ceiling, and 6 inches from the bottom to the floor. Nothing is required at the sides or the back, which is what makes it work in a tight wall. Run it on its own 15 amp circuit, since the manual specifically says not to share the circuit with other appliances.

Frame to the Rough Opening, Not to the Fireplace Dimensions

The rough opening is not the same as the fireplace dimensions, and it changes with size. The 42 inch frames to a 5 1/2 inch depth while the 100 inch needs 6 inches, and the opening height and width differ from the visible frame on every model. Pull the size you want from the spec sheet on this page and frame to those numbers, not to the fireplace measurements.

The larger sizes are heavy. The 100 inch is 127 pounds before packaging, which is a two-person install and a freight delivery rather than a parcel drop.

Settings are remembered when power is cut, so the Elite works on a light switch or a smart outlet without needing to be reset every time.

Other sizes and models: browse the full Touchstone Sideline series.

Finish the look with a fireplace mantel.