10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts 2026 in the United States

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace is a solid option if you’re looking for a stylish and functional heating solution that fits seamlessly into your home. Designed for in-wall installation, this 60-inch fireplace boasts a sleek black frame that adds a modern touch to any room, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or offices. One of its biggest strengths is the variety of flame and media combinations, offering 60 flame colors and 10 media options, which provide a customizable and realistic fire experience. The ability to control it via a remote or smart device is a modern touch that users will appreciate.

With a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, this model can effectively heat spaces up to 400 square feet, making it ideal for supplemental heating. Its adjustable thermostat allows for temperature settings between 68-88 degrees Fahrenheit, plus two heat settings to suit your preference. The inclusion of faux logs and crystals adds to the authentic look of the flames, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the unit is easy to install, it does require a bit of DIY effort, which may not suit everyone. Additionally, the flame effects, while visually striking, might not be as convincing as a traditional fireplace. Some users might also find the need for AAA batteries for the remote control inconvenient.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 60" Smart Electric Fireplace is a versatile and stylish addition to any home. Measuring 60" W x 19 ¼” H x 6 5/16" D, it can be either wall-mounted or recessed, making it suitable for various room layouts. The fireplace boasts a powerful 1500W heater that can effectively warm rooms up to 400 sq. ft., making it ideal for supplemental heating in living rooms, bedrooms, or offices.

Its adjustable thermostat, ranging from 68-88°F, and programmable timer ensure customizable comfort throughout the year. The realistic flame effect, with 6 flame colors and 13-color down lighting, adds a sophisticated touch to any setting. The built-in crackle sound feature enhances the ambiance by mimicking the soothing noises of a real fire.

Smart home compatibility with Alexa and WiFi allows for remote control via smartphone or voice commands, offering modern convenience and ease of use. However, the product's heavier weight of 66 pounds might pose installation challenges, and its energy consumption of 1500 Watts could be a concern for those mindful of power usage. Despite these drawbacks, the Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro, with its sleek design and advanced features, is a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing option for anyone looking to enhance their home with an electric fireplace.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50" electric fireplace insert is a solid choice for those wanting a stylish and versatile heating solution for rooms up to 400 sq. ft. It offers flexible installation options, either wall-mounted or recessed, with a slim design that fits well into modern spaces. Its size is fairly standard at 50 inches wide with a deeper viewing area that adds a nice touch of realism.

One of its standout features is the customizable flame effect, with 6 flame colors, 13 ember bed lighting colors, and adjustable flame speed and intensity, allowing you to create the perfect ambiance. The built-in crackle sound adds to the cozy fireplace feel, which is a nice bonus. It also offers smart home compatibility with Alexa and WiFi, so you can control the flames, temperature, and timers remotely via voice or smartphone—handy for modern living.

Heating is provided by a 1500W/750W heater with a thermostat, which can efficiently warm medium-sized rooms. The unit includes a programmable timer and runs vent-free, making it safe and convenient. While it consumes up to 1500 watts, typical for electric fireplaces, this means running costs might be noticeable if used extensively. Installation requires precise measurements due to its recessed option, so planning ahead is important.

This model combines good heating performance with impressive visual and audio effects and smart features. It is best suited for users who want a decorative yet functional fireplace with smart controls in a medium-sized living area. If you need to heat very large spaces or want a purely plug-and-play unit without installation considerations, there might be simpler alternatives.