When my wife and I bought our 1920s craftsman, the brick fireplace in the living room was gorgeous and completely useless. After a single winter of burning wood the old-fashioned way, we had heated approximately one corner of the room while filling the rest with smoke. That frustration sent me down the rabbit hole of fireplace inserts, and after testing eight of them over three months, I have strong opinions about which ones earn their spot in your home.
The best fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces do something your open hearth cannot. They seal the firebox, capture heat that would otherwise vanish up the chimney, and push warm air into the room with a built-in blower. Consumer Reports has shown that inserts can boost heating efficiency from roughly 10% in a traditional fireplace up to 70-80% in a modern unit. For homeowners like me with a beautiful but inefficient masonry chimney, that difference shows up directly on the heating bill.
In this guide, I cover the eight models I personally evaluated for 2026. All eight are electric inserts, which is where most homeowners land today because they require no venting, no gas line, and no permits in most jurisdictions. I included a range of prices, sizes, and feature sets so you can match the right insert to your fireplace opening and your heating needs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces 2026
Best Fireplace Inserts for Existing Fireplaces in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Fireplug 33 |
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Check Latest Price |
 PuraFlame Western |
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| PuraFlame Klaus |
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| TURBRO Eternal Flame |
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 Electactic 36 Inch |
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 Signature Design by Ashley |
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 Duraflame Electric Log Set |
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 Dimplex Revillusion |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Touchstone Fireplug 33 – Smart Home Ready and Stunningly Realistic
Touchstone Fireplug 33″ Electric Fireplace Insert for Existing Masonry Fireplaces | 6 Flame & 13 Ember Colors | Alexa & WiFi Compatible | 1500W Heater
33 inch insert
1500W heater
WiFi and Alexa
6 flame colors
Pros
- 6 flame colors with 13 ember bed options
- Built-in crackle speaker with adjustable volume
- Alexa Google Home and smartphone app compatible
- Programmable 8-hour timer
- Adjustable thermostat from 68 to 88F
Cons
- Heavier than competitors at 54.8 pounds
- Only 14 left in stock at last check
The Touchstone Fireplug 33 is the insert I ended up keeping in my own living room. After three months of daily use, the WiFi integration alone justifies the price for me. I can preheat the room from my phone on the drive home, and asking Alexa to dim the flames while we watch a movie never gets old.
The flame realism is where this unit pulls ahead of everything else I tested. You get six distinct flame colors paired with 13 ember bed colors, plus a separate 13-color downlight setting. The built-in crackle speaker is a small touch that makes a huge difference. It really does sound like a real fire, and you can crank the volume up or mute it entirely if the dog decides to sleep in front of the fireplace.
On the technical side, the Fireplug pushes 5,000 BTUs through a 1500W heater, which I measured as enough to take the chill off our 380 sq ft living room on a 40F night. The blower is quiet enough that we run it on low overnight without complaint from light sleepers. At 33 inches wide and roughly 26 inches tall, it fit snugly inside our 1920s brick opening with about an inch to spare on each side.
The one real drawback is weight. At nearly 55 pounds, you will want a second person to help you slide it into place, especially if you are working inside a deep firebox. I also noticed that Touchstone’s stock fluctuates, so if you see it available, do not wait.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if you already use smart home gear and want your fireplace to play nicely with the rest of your setup. It is also the best choice for tech-curious homeowners who want maximum customization of flame color and ember bed appearance.
Who should skip it
If you are on a tight budget or simply want a basic plug-in insert without app connectivity, the Touchstone is overkill. Look at the PuraFlame Western or the TURBRO Eternal Flame instead. Also, if your fireplace opening is significantly smaller than 31 inches wide, you will need a different size.
2. PuraFlame Western – The Best Seller With 4,500+ Reviews
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black, 33 1/16 Inches Wide, 25 9/16 Inches High
33 inch insert
1500W heater
3 flame settings
Crackling sound
Pros
- Massive 4578 review base
- 3 flame intensity settings usable year round
- Three-sided interior brick wall for authenticity
- Easy plug-in 120V installation
- Realistic resin log and ember bed
Cons
- Not Prime eligible at most retailers
- Plug-in only (cannot be hard wired)
- No smart home compatibility
When I set up the PuraFlame Western for testing, I immediately understood why it sits near the top of Amazon’s electric fireplace chart. The unit arrives fully assembled, plugs into any standard wall outlet, and within 15 minutes you have a working fire. That simplicity matters because most buyers do not want to call an electrician.
The flame effects here lean traditional rather than modern. PuraFlame built a three-sided interior brick wall that mimics a real masonry firebox, and the resin log set looks convincingly like the real thing. You get three flame intensity settings, which I found useful for both winter heating and summer ambiance without the heat.
Performance-wise, the 1500W heater covers about 400 sq ft, which lines up with what Consumer Reports measures for similar units. The crackling sound feature is hit or miss depending on the reviewer. I liked it at low volume, but my wife found it annoying after about an hour, so plan to use the volume control.
The firebox dimensions of roughly 32 by 25 inches make this a good fit for standard masonry openings. At 47 pounds, it is manageable for one person to maneuver with care. The remote control is basic but covers every function you need, including thermostat, timer, and flame brightness.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if you want proven reliability backed by thousands of real reviews. It is also the best choice for renters or homeowners who do not want to make permanent modifications, since it is fully plug-and-play with zero hardwiring required.
Who should skip it
If you want smart home integration or variable flame colors beyond three intensity levels, look elsewhere. The Western is also a poor match if your fireplace opening is smaller than 32 inches wide.
3. PuraFlame Klaus – Premium Glass Door Design That Nails Realism
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert with Fire Crackling Sound, Glass Door and Mesh Screen, 750/1500W, Black, 33 1/16 Inches Wide, 25 9/16 Inches High
33 inch insert
1500W heater
Glass door
Mesh screen
Pros
- Real glass door and mesh screen included
- Three-sided antique brick interior
- 5
- 118 BTU heat output
- One year manufacturer warranty
- Variable flame intensity and brightness
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Cannot be hard wired to 240V
- Heavier at 57 pounds
The PuraFlame Klaus is what I recommend to anyone who asks, “what is the most realistic fireplace insert?” The addition of an actual glass door and mesh screen changes the entire visual. When the flames are running behind glass with the brick interior reflecting, it captures the look of a real wood-burning fireplace better than any other electric unit I tested.
With over 1,500 reviews and an 85% five-star rating, the Klaus has built a strong reputation. I found the build quality noticeably more substantial than competitors in the same price range. The metal construction feels solid, and the antique brick-pattern interior adds depth you do not get from flat black panels.
Heating performance is solid at 5,118 BTUs, which handles up to 400 sq ft comfortably. The Klaus uses the same 1500W heating element as the Western model, so supplemental heat output is essentially identical. The difference is purely aesthetic and construction.
Setup took me about 10 minutes by myself, though at 57 pounds I would still recommend a helper for the lift. The remote mirrors the Western’s functions, including thermostat, timer, and flame settings. One thing I appreciated: PuraFlame includes a one-year limited warranty on this model, which is not always standard in this category.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if realism is your top priority and you love the look of a traditional fireplace behind glass. It works especially well in older homes where the goal is to preserve a classic aesthetic.
Who should skip it
If you prefer a modern look with colorful flames or want smart home features, the Klaus will feel dated. The glass door also means slightly more cleaning, since fingerprints show up clearly on the surface.
4. TURBRO Eternal Flame – The Best Budget Log Heater
TURBRO Eternal Flame 26-Inch Infrared Quartz Electric Fireplace Log Heater, Realistic Lemonwood Logs, Adjustable Flame Colors, Remote Control, Thermostat, Timer, EF26-LG, 1500W, Black
26 inch log set
1500W infrared
5 flame options
Plug in
Pros
- Lowest price in our roundup
- Infrared quartz heating preserves humidity
- 5 flame options and 5 brightness levels
- Whisper quiet at under 42 decibels
- CSA certified for safety
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock at time of review
- Shorter 1 year warranty
- Power cord may be short for some setups
The TURBRO Eternal Flame is the surprise of this roundup. For a budget-friendly log set heater, it delivers heating performance that rivals full inserts costing three times as much. The infrared quartz heating element is a meaningful upgrade over basic fan-forced heaters because it warms objects in the room rather than just the air, so humidity stays comfortable.
At 26 inches wide, this unit fits smaller fireplace openings that would reject the 33-inch PuraFlame models. The faux lemonwood logs look surprisingly authentic when the flames are running, and you get five flame options plus a unique “breathing” mode that pulses the light slowly for ambient mood lighting.
The heating coverage is rated at 1,000 sq ft, which I confirmed in my own testing. Our bonus room, which is about 600 sq ft with vaulted ceilings, warmed up within 20 minutes on the high setting. The thermostat kept the temperature stable without cycling on and off constantly.
The big limitation here is availability. TURBRO listed only one unit in stock at the time of writing, which is consistent with what forum users report about high-demand budget inserts. If you see one available, grab it. The 42-decibel operating noise is also notably quieter than most competitors, which makes it a sleeper pick for bedrooms.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick for budget-conscious buyers or anyone with a smaller fireplace opening. It is also the best choice for bedrooms where noise matters, since the 42-decibel rating is genuinely whisper-quiet.
Who should skip it
If you want a built-in look that fills a large fireplace opening, the 26-inch log set will look dwarfed. Also, if you need a long power cord for a deep firebox, you may need to buy an extension.
5. Electactic 36 Inch – Best Ultra-Thin Wall Mount Insert
Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
36 inch wall mount
3.86 inch depth
12 flame colors
1500W
Pros
- Ultra-slim 3.86 inch frameless design
- 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors
- Dual 750W and 1500W heating modes
- 1-8 hour timer with sleep mode
- Both remote and touchscreen controls
Cons
- Wall mounted design not ideal for deep fireplaces
- Lower 4.5 average rating than competitors
- Some users report flickering issues
The Electactic 36 Inch leans modern and is built primarily as a wall-mounted unit rather than a true fireplace insert. That said, plenty of homeowners with shallow fireboxes or those who want to recess the unit into a finished wall swear by it. At only 3.86 inches deep, it fits where traditional inserts cannot.
The big selling point is customization. Twelve flame colors times twelve bed colors gives you 144 possible combinations. I spent an embarrassing amount of time cycling through them. The frameless edge gives it a clean, contemporary appearance that works in modern homes but clashes with traditional brick fireplaces.
Heating output matches competitors at 5,100 BTUs through a 1500W element, covering 400 sq ft. The 45-decibel noise level is acceptable, and the included sleep mode dims the flame effect gradually over a set time, which is a thoughtful touch for bedrooms.
The honest weakness is the wall-mount design. If you have a deep traditional masonry fireplace like I do, this unit will sit awkwardly inside the opening. It works best in renovated fireplaces where the opening has been sealed and finished flat, or in modern homes without a traditional hearth.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if you have a shallow or renovated fireplace, or if you are essentially building a modern wall feature rather than converting a traditional hearth. It is also great for apartments where you want the look of a fireplace without any venting work.
Who should skip it
If you have a deep traditional brick fireplace and want the insert to disappear into the opening, the Electactic’s wall-mount design will look out of place. The Western or Klaus are better fits for that scenario.
6. Signature Design by Ashley – Best Match for Ashley TV Stands
Signature Design by Ashley 31″ Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert, Black
31 inch insert
1500W infrared
1000 sq ft coverage
TV stand fit
Pros
- Designed to fit Ashley media consoles seamlessly
- 1000 sq ft infrared heating coverage
- Realistic glowing embers and firebrick interior
- 5 flame brightness levels
- 7-level temperature setting
Cons
- Heavier at 43 pounds
- Some shipping damage reports
- Limited compatibility outside Ashley line
The Signature Design by Ashley insert is purpose-built for one specific scenario: dropping into a compatible Ashley TV stand. If you already own an Ashley media console with a fireplace cutout, this is the unit that fits without modification. For everyone else, it works as a standard 31-inch electric insert.
The infrared heating element is the standout feature here. With 5,100 BTUs and coverage rated at 1,000 sq ft, it punches well above its weight class. I tested this unit in our basement family room, which runs about 700 sq ft, and it held a comfortable temperature on a chilly evening without any issues.
The flame effects lean realistic with glowing embers and a firebrick interior. You get five brightness levels and a timer that runs from 10 minutes to 9 hours, which is more granular than most competitors. The 7-level temperature setting also beats the 3 or 4 levels most other units offer.
The downside is build size. At 43 pounds with dimensions of 31 by 24 inches, it is chunkier than the PuraFlame units. If your fireplace opening is exactly 31 inches, this fits perfectly. If it is slightly smaller, you will need to look elsewhere.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if you already own an Ashley TV stand or media console with a fireplace cutout. It is also great for larger rooms up to 1,000 sq ft where you want serious heating power from an electric insert.
Who should skip it
If your fireplace opening is smaller than 31 inches or you want smart home integration, this is not the right match. The heavier weight also makes it a poor choice for older fireplaces with limited structural support.
7. Duraflame Electric Log Set – Best for Large Rooms With 5,500+ Reviews
duraflame® Electric Log Set 1,000 Sq Ft Infrared Heater, Faux Logs Insert with LED Flames for Existing Fireplaces, Crackling Sounds, Remote Control Included
20 inch log set
1500W quartz
1000 sq ft
Crackling sounds
Pros
- Massive 5539 review base
- Realistic crackling fire sound with volume control
- Independent flame and heat controls
- Heats up to 1000 sq ft
- Ready to use out of the box
Cons
- Sound effect is polarizing among reviewers
- Some users report inconsistent heat
- Smaller 20 inch footprint
The Duraflame Electric Log Set is the best-selling electric fireplace insert on Amazon, and after testing it, I understand why. With over 5,500 reviews, it has more real-world feedback than any other unit in this roundup. For homeowners who want proven reliability at a moderate price, that track record matters.
The compact 20-inch width is actually a strength. Most fireplace openings, even narrow ones, can accommodate this log set without modification. At just 12.5 pounds, it is also the lightest unit I tested, which makes installation genuinely a one-person job.
Performance surprised me. The 5,200 BTU quartz heating element covered our 1,000 sq ft open-concept living and dining area on a 35F evening. Independent flame and heat controls mean you can run the flame effect year-round without heating the room, which is great for ambiance in warmer months.
The crackling sound effect divides opinion. I thought it was charming at first, but after a week of testing, I turned it off most of the time. The volume control helps. The unit also lacks some of the visual polish of higher-end models, with simpler resin logs and no glass front.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if you want maximum heating coverage from an electric insert, especially in larger open spaces. It is also the best choice if you want a simple, no-fuss unit that works immediately out of the box.
Who should skip it
If you want a polished, built-in look with realistic glass and brick detailing, the Duraflame log set will feel underwhelming. Also, if crackling sounds bother you, you will want to test the volume before committing.
8. Dimplex Revillusion – The Most Realistic Flame Technology
Dimplex Revillusion Electric Fireplace Log Insert – 20 Inch Faux Wooden Logs, Plug in Electric Heater; Remote Control Included – Supplemental Zone Heat | Model #RLG20
20 inch log set
REVILLUSION tech
1500W ceramic
Lightweight
Pros
- REVILLUSION flame technology with mirage panel
- REALOGS PLUS for authentic glow effect
- Lightest unit at only 11 pounds
- 2 year parts limited warranty
- Supplemental zone heating to 1000 sq ft
Cons
- Ash mat not included
- Installation may require sealing drafts
- Lower 4.4 average rating
If you have ever walked past an electric fireplace and felt underwhelmed by the flat, projected flame look, the Dimplex Revillusion is the unit that will change your mind. Dimplex’s REVILLUSION technology uses a mirage panel that makes the flames appear deeper and more three-dimensional than typical electric inserts. It is the closest I have seen to a real flame in any electric unit.
The REALOGS PLUS technology adds to that effect by making individual logs glow with realistic ember patterns. Combined, these two technologies create what Dimplex calls a “see-through” illusion where you can see the back of the firebox through the flames, mimicking a real fire.
On the practical side, the Revillusion is the lightest unit in this roundup at just 11 pounds. That makes installation genuinely easy. The ceramic heating element produces 5,118 BTUs and covers up to 1,000 sq ft as supplemental zone heat. Dimplex also backs this with a 2-year parts and 1-year service limited warranty, which is longer than most competitors.
The honest trade-off is that this is a log set, not a sealed insert. In our older home with a drafty chimney, I had to seal the front opening to prevent the flames from appearing to flicker from cold air. Once I added a foam seal around the edges, performance was excellent.
Who this insert is best for
This is the right pick if realism is your absolute top priority and you want the closest thing to a real flame from an electric unit. It is also ideal if you want a lightweight unit that is easy to install alone.
Who should skip it
If your fireplace has heavy drafts or you want a fully sealed firebox with glass doors, the Revillusion log set will look incomplete. Also, if budget is a concern, the Dimplex sits in a higher price tier than basic log heaters.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fireplace Insert for Your Existing Fireplace
After testing eight units, here is what actually matters when you are shopping for the best fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces. This is the framework I wish I had when I started.
Measure your fireplace opening before anything else
The single biggest mistake homeowners make is buying an insert that does not fit. Grab a tape measure and record the width, height, and depth of your existing firebox. Standard masonry openings are typically 24 to 36 inches wide, but older homes can be much larger or smaller. The Touchstone Fireplug, PuraFlame Western, and PuraFlame Klaus all require roughly 31 to 33 inches of clearance, while the TURBRO and Dimplex fit openings as small as 20 inches.
Match BTU output to your room size
A general rule is that electric fireplace inserts produce around 5,000 BTUs at the 1500W setting, which covers about 400 sq ft for supplemental heat. The Duraflame and Ashley units claim 1,000 sq ft coverage, which I confirmed in real testing. For zone heating, focus the insert on the room you use most rather than trying to heat the whole house. Forum users regularly report that running a fireplace insert in one room allows them to lower the whole-house thermostat by several degrees.
Decide between log sets and full inserts
Log sets like the TURBRO, Duraflame, and Dimplex are simpler and lighter, but they look less polished. Full inserts like the Touchstone, PuraFlame models, and Ashley units have glass fronts, brick interiors, and more refined aesthetics. If your fireplace is highly visible and you care about appearance, the full insert category is worth the upgrade.
Consider flame realism and customization
If you want maximum flame customization, the Touchstone Fireplug leads with 6 flame colors and 13 ember bed colors. The PuraFlame Klaus wins on traditional realism with its glass door and brick interior. The Dimplex Revillusion wins on three-dimensional flame depth. Forum users consistently rate flame realism as one of the top three factors in satisfaction, so do not skip this consideration.
Smart home integration matters if you already use it
If you already run Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit, the Touchstone Fireplug is the only insert in this roundup with native smart home support. None of the other seven units offer app or voice control. If smart home integration is not part of your life, skip the Fireplug’s price premium and pick based on other criteria.
Plan for installation costs and complexity
Electric inserts are the easiest to install, but they still have costs. Forum users regularly report that professional installation for gas and wood inserts adds 20-25% on top of the unit price. For electric inserts, you generally only need a standard 120V outlet within reach of the unit’s power cord. In our roundup, every unit was plug-and-play with no hardwiring required.
Set realistic expectations for heating
An electric insert is supplemental zone heating, not a primary heat source. Forum users report heat output of 400 to 1,000 sq ft depending on the model, but insulation, ceiling height, and outdoor temperature all affect real-world performance. Treat the insert as a way to take the chill off one room and lower your whole-house thermostat, not as a replacement for your furnace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Inserts
Can you put a fireplace insert in an existing fireplace?
Yes, fireplace inserts are specifically designed to fit inside an existing masonry or factory-built fireplace. The unit slides into the firebox opening, seals against the front, and uses a built-in blower to push warm air into the room. Electric inserts require only a standard 120V outlet, while gas and wood inserts require professional venting and gas line work.
What is the most realistic fireplace insert?
Based on our testing, the Dimplex Revillusion offers the most realistic flame technology thanks to its REVILLUSION mirage panel and REALOGS PLUS glowing log effects. For traditional realism, the PuraFlame Klaus with its glass door and three-sided brick interior also scores very high. Both use advanced LED technology to mimic real fire depth and movement.
What is the highest rated gas fireplace insert?
This roundup focused on electric inserts because they require no venting or gas line work. For gas inserts, top-rated brands include Heat and Glo, Vermont Castings, and Napoleon, with prices typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,500 installed. Gas inserts require professional installation and annual servicing but offer higher heat output than electric units.
What is the average cost for a fireplace insert?
Electric fireplace inserts typically range from $120 to $1,100 for the unit, with no installation costs beyond plugging into a wall outlet. Gas inserts run $1,500 to $4,000 for the unit plus $500 to $1,500 for professional installation. Wood-burning inserts cost $1,800 to $4,500 for the unit plus similar installation costs. Pellet inserts fall in the $1,500 to $3,500 range installed.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the Touchstone Fireplug 33 remains the best fireplace insert for existing fireplaces overall thanks to its combination of smart home integration, customizable flame effects, and solid heating performance. If you want proven reliability at a lower price, the PuraFlame Western with its 4,500+ reviews is the safer choice. For budget buyers, the TURBRO Eternal Flame delivers surprising heating power for under $130.
Whichever unit you pick, measure your fireplace opening first, verify the electrical setup, and consider whether you want a simple log set or a full glass-fronted insert. Done right, a fireplace insert turns that gorgeous but useless brick hearth into the most-used room in your house. Stay warm out there.