Touchstone Sideline Stainless Steel 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace (#86273)

A Stainless-Framed 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline Deluxe Stainless Steel 50 is an electric fireplace that goes into the wall like a built-in or hangs on it. There is no chimney, no gas line and nothing to vent, and the flame runs with or without heat so it works year round. The stainless frame is what sets it apart: it reads as brushed metal against a dark wall rather than disappearing into one.

The Heat Comes Out of the Front, So It Mounts Flush

The heating vent is on the front face rather than the top. That is what lets the fireplace sit flush in the wall with nothing above it needing clearance, and it is the same reason a television can be mounted close above it. A top-vented fireplace cannot do either.

Nine Flame and Ember Colors, Five Intensities

Nine flame and base color combinations at five intensity settings, with a log set and a crystal set both in the box. The slim frame means most of the front is viewing area rather than surround.

Heat to 400 Square Feet, With a Thermostat From 62 to 82 F

The heater runs at two settings and puts out 5,000 BTU, enough to take the edge off a room up to about 400 square feet. It is supplemental heat, not central heating. The thermostat holds a set temperature between 62 and 82 F.

Frame the Opening at 47 1/2 Inches Wide

Touchstone specifies a rough opening 47 1/2 inches wide, 20 1/2 high and 5 3/4 deep. The fireplace is 50 3/8 inches wide, 21 1/2 tall and 5 1/2 deep and weighs 59 lbs, so a 2x6 wall takes it with room to spare. It plugs into a 120-volt outlet or can be hardwired.

Run It From the Remote or the Panel, Not an App

This model is not Wi-Fi connected. Touchstone lists 86273 among the Sideline units that are not Wi-Fi compatible, so there is no app and no voice control: the remote and the touchscreen on the fireplace do everything. If app and voice control matter to you, the Deluxe Gold 50 is the same chassis with Wi-Fi.