10 Best Infrared Fireplace Insert Heater 2025 in the United States

The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace - The Sideline is a stylish and modern infrared fireplace insert designed for recessed in-wall installation. With a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, it can provide warmth to spaces up to 400 square feet, making it suitable for living rooms or bedrooms. One of its standout features is the realistic flame effect, offering 30 ember color and flame options, which can create a cozy atmosphere without the need for actual fire. Users will appreciate the convenience of controlling the fireplace through a remote, smart devices, or voice commands via Alexa or Google Home, enhancing user-friendliness.

Installation is straightforward, and the unit is ventless, meaning it doesn't require extensive ductwork. It stays cool to the touch on its sides and back, providing added safety, particularly in homes with children or pets. The option to run it with just the flame effect without heat is a great feature for warmer climates or ambiance without warmth.

While the Sideline can heat a room, it shouldn't be relied upon as a primary heat source. The heater is effective for taking the chill off, but larger spaces may require additional heating solutions. Additionally, the fireplace needs a minimum of 8 inches of clearance from televisions or mantels, which may limit installation options in some rooms. Another consideration is the use of two AAA batteries for the remote control, which aren't included, and those looking for a plug-in option will need to ensure they have the appropriate circuit, as the unit draws up to 12 amps.

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 60” Electric Fireplace is a stylish option designed for in-wall installation, making it suitable for modern homes. Its sleek black frame and large flame viewing area contribute to its aesthetic appeal, while the realistic flame effect, featuring 60 color combinations and various intensity settings, enhances the cozy atmosphere traditionally found in fireplaces. The unit operates with a heating capacity of 1,500 watts, providing supplemental heat with adjustable thermostat settings ranging from 68 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows users to customize their comfort level. Additionally, it supports both plug-in and hardwired installation, offering flexibility based on your home’s needs.

On the flip side, while the installation is user-friendly, it may still require some basic DIY skills, which could be a hurdle for some homeowners. The 5 1/2-inch depth is relatively slim, but it’s crucial to ensure there is adequate wall space for proper placement and ventilation. The remote control feature adds convenience, though it's important to note that batteries are not included. Furthermore, while it provides a nice range of flame colors and effects, some users might find that the heater's output is more suitable for small to medium rooms, making it less effective in larger spaces.

The Touchstone Sideline stands out for its advanced features, including smart device compatibility and flame memory settings, which enhance user experience. However, as with any electric heater, relying solely on it for primary heating might not be ideal during extremely cold weather. With its combination of beauty and functionality, this fireplace is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their living space while enjoying the ambiance of a real flame.

The BETELNUT 30" Electric Fireplace is a slim, modern heater designed to fit well in spaces up to about 400 square feet. Its 750/1500 watt settings provide sufficient warmth for a small to medium room, producing up to 5100 BTUs. The unit’s size is compact at 30" wide, 17" high, and just 4" deep, making it easy to mount on a wall or recess into it, which adds flexibility depending on your room layout.

One standout feature is the adjustable flame effect with 12 LED colors and options for either crystal stones or carbon logs, which lets you customize the look to suit your home’s style or mood. The flames are designed to look realistic and contribute to a cozy atmosphere alongside the heat. Thermostat control is user-friendly with both a touch panel and remote control, allowing you to set temperatures between 62°F and 82°F and use a timer that runs from 1 to 8 hours. This helps maintain comfort without wasting energy. The fireplace also includes safety features like a cut-off device to prevent overheating and operates quietly at about 45 dB.

Energy-wise, it is an efficient choice for electric heaters, certified by ETL. Installation is straightforward with included hardware and manual, but wall mounting or recessing may require basic DIY skills or professional help. The heating capacity is limited to smaller rooms, so it may not be enough for larger spaces. Also, while the flame effects are nice, they aren't as lifelike as real wood fires. The heater relies on electricity, so it won't work during power outages. This fireplace insert is a good option for those wanting a stylish, space-saving heater with good ambiance features and reliable safety, but it is less suited if heavy-duty heating or a very natural fire appearance is needed.