10 Best fireplace insert

SaveSavedRemoved 0

Hey, what are you looking for? A cheap means of getting your house heated up? Or is it something that will save some costs in the long term? If that’s the case, then this article has what you need. Nowadays, there are ready-made electric fires which can drive out cold from your home. Also, inserts that are made for real wood are available in the marketplace. So you have the options of either having artificial fires or having an insert that can take care of natural fires. Getting the best fireplace insert could be a herculean task for most people. But that is not because of the electric alternative anyway. The reason for this is not farfetched - there are lots of factors to consider before getting a fireplace insert. Such factors may include the wall structure you have in your home, power consumption, amongst many other factors. Well, if you are bothered by the various factors to consider, there is no need to worry. On this article, you will be guided on the best fireplace insert in the market and where to get them. Also in this article, we shall show you the best fireplace insert for your home. We shall also give you a reason fo,r that too. But that’s not all you’ll get from this article. You are also going to learn what factors you should consider before buying a fireplace insert. In addition, we shall present a comparison list of the best fireplace insert for your home. Therefore, apart from getting the best fireplace insert, you’ll also learn some tips and tricks after reading this article. All products listed in this article have been tested for quality and durability. So which is the best fireplace insert? Want to find out? Then read on.

HOW WE CAME UP WITH OUR LIST OF THE BEST FIREPLACE INSERT

Before we go into details on the best fireplace, we wish to show you how we came up with our results. We did this in order for you to have an understanding of how we arrived at the best fireplace inserts. In reviewing the best burning wood fireplace insert, we checked how efficient it is. We did this by checking the rate of increase in temperature with time. Since fireplace inserts also contribute to the interior of your home, we considered beauty as well. How people perceive beauty depends on the interior, they want to place their fireplace works on. For this reason, we decided to ask 10 of our co-reviewers to rate the aesthetic values of the fireplace insert. We did this on a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 stands for very good and 10 stands for very bad. The better the rating, the more impact it has on its position on our top ten list. The wattage of the fireplace insert is another factor which determined our rankings. Other factors considered in this review are cost, ease of use, and extra features like self-cleaning and remote control. We understand that several features make it more difficult to get a good fireplace insert. That’s why you should consider a review like this one where the products are ranked.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A FIREPLACE INSERT FOR YOUR HOME

EFFICIENCY RATING:

Having an efficient fireplace insert will save you some costs in the long run and rapidly heat up your home. If you are considering efficiency, you shouldn’t be bothered about the purchase price of the product. Since you are going to recoup the extra costs in terms of power consumption, paying more money isn’t a bad idea.

HEATING TIME:

In the cold winter days, you will want your home to get heated up faster than you expect. For this reason, it makes sense to consider getting a faster heating fireplace insert.

Accent Lightning:

Other than heating up the home, a fireplace insert should also light up its environment. While this is a factor people hardly consider, you should be considering it if you consider beauty. The accent lights a fireplace insert gives goes further in beautifying your home, and it makes your chimney a gathering place.

Additional Features:

Looking for the best fireplace insert? Having one with great features like remote control, and self-cleaning features is a great bargain. These features make your fireplace insert more enjoyable. Controlling temperature from the comfort of your sofa or your bed is an added advantage to your fireplace insert.

 WattsweightDimensions
Pleasant Hearth 20" Electric Crackling Natural Wood Log1350 (4600 BTU)

7.25 pounds10 x 20 x 10.2 inches (diagonal 20 inches)
Duraflame DFI020ARU-A004 Electric Fireplace Insert w/ Heater1400 (4600 BTU)18 pounds8.7 x 20.5 x 12 inches
ClassicFlame 26II310GRA 26" Infrared Quartz Fireplace Insert with Safer Plug1523.97 (5200 BTU)26.9 pounds27 x 9.5 x 17.7 (diagonal 33 inches)
PuraFlame 30" Western Electric Fireplace Insert with750/1500w45.9 pounds31.89 x 8.78 x 24.61 inches (diagonal 30 inches)
Drolet High-Efficiency Wood Stove - 95,000 BTU,27841.74 (95,000 BTU)555 pounds 29.4 x 28.1 x 34.4 inches (diagonal 20 inches)
Vogelzang TR004 Colonial EPA Wood Stove18756.54 (64000 btu)265 pounds 20 x 26.4 x 21.5 inches

Dimplex DFI2310 Electric Fireplace Deluxe 23-Inch Insert, Black1375 watt30.6 pounds 23.2 x 19.8 x 10.8
Timberwolf Economizer EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert17584.26 (60000 BTUs)291 pounds (50 inches)14 xx 25.9 x 22 inches
Touchstone Sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplaces (50 Inches)1500 watts58.2 pounds50.4 x 5.5 x 21.5 inches (diagonal 50 inches)
Sure Heat BRO18NG Sure Heat Burnt River Oak Vented Gas47000 BTUs46.4 pounds12 x 18 x 16 inches (diagonal 18 inches)

Pleasant Hearth 20" Electric Crackling Natural Wood Log

Pleasant Hearth Electric natural wood log is one that can fit into diverse kinds of fireplaces in the home. There is little need to take dimensions (since it doesn’t come with casing) when you want to buy this product. Also, it delivers a great amount of heat. We can actually heat up to 1000 square ft under extremely cold days. It also comes at a price point below $50.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=0]

Product features :

  • It makes use of real wood logs to produce fire. Real wood logs give natural fires and a great deal of heat.
  • It is quick and easy to install. Since it doesn’t come with casing, you can just throw it into your fireplace and set it up.
  • It produces a brilliant fire accent, especially in the night times. With a brilliant fire accent, you can add more beauty to the interior of your home.
  • It produces a heat rating equivalent to 4000 BTUs. With such a level of heat, you can drive out cold from a small room.

Pros

  • Portable
  • Cheap
  • Power efficient
  • Uses natural wood log
  • Beautiful

Cons

  • Red bulb produces too red fire accent
  • Good for small rooms, not ideal for large rooms
  • Needs a readymade fireplace for proper setup

Verdict

If you are looking for something cheaper and smaller, then this may be the best fireplace insert for you. Nevertheless, you should bear in mind that this fireplace insert is good for small rooms (not big ones). However, it is still a great bargain for a fireplace insert especially when you consider the price.

Duraflame DFI020ARU-A004 Electric Fireplace Insert w/ Heater

Looking for a fireplace insert with a red fire accent? Then this may just work out well for you. Just like the one from Pleasant Hearth, this fireplace insert is pretty naked. There won’t be more considerations when it comes to dimensions of this product. In addition, it is energy efficient and can heat up an environment up to 400 square feet.

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=1]

Product features :

  • It comes with energy efficient all LED technology. By being energy efficient, you will save costs (in terms of electricity bills) in the long run.
  • The flame effect of the Duraflame works all year round without using fires. Thus if you need the ambiance lighting of a fireplace insert for your home, then is a great deal.
  • It supplies up to 4000 British Thermal units worth of heat. Such an amount of heat is great enough to warm up a small room.
  • It can be plugged into any standard outlet. There is no need to buy an extra extension or an outlet that will fit into the plug.

Pros

  • Nice fireplace lighting
  • Easy to install
  • Uses natural wood log
  • Great heat for small areas
  • Energy efficient

Cons

  • Not ideal  for large area
  • Not so beautiful
  • Provides the same amount of heat with the Pleasant Hearth but it cost more

Verdict

If you are looking for a great fireplace insert, then this might just work out well for you. We love it since for being energy efficient and its red flame. However, it is not as beautiful as other fireplace inserts we have seen. Nevertheless, the red flame accent can add more beauty to the interiors of your home. It is still a great fireplace insert though.

ClassicFlame 26II310GRA 26" Infrared Quartz Fireplace Insert with Safer Plug

The ClassicFlame 2II310GRA is a 26 inches fireplace insert which that adds more beauty to your home with its color accents. Shining in beautiful red and blue colors, this fireplace insert produces heat equivalent to 5200 British Thermal Units. This amount of heat is greater than the previous two we’ve reviewed. On our testing, it heated an area of up to 1000 square feet. It also comes with an auto timer which shuts off the heat at 9 hours interval (depending on your settings).

[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=2]

Product features :

  • It comes with a black casing measuring 26 inches diagonally. With such a great length at the diagonals, you have more room to place more wood and produce heat.
  • It produces 5200 British thermal unit worth of heat. Such an amount of heat makes it ideal for people with small rooms.
  • It produces the brilliant bluish and red flame effect with or without heat. Thus you can enjoy the ambiance lighting of this fireplace insert both in winter and summer seasons.
  • It produces infrared heat without drying out the air inside the room. The infrared heat helps in maintaining natural humidity within the air which yields moist, comfortable heat.
  • It has a thermostat which can be adjusted to the desired temperature. Thus, you get the desired room heating and more comfort you need for the interiors of your home.
  • Pros

    • Nice ambient lighting
    • Convenient for a small home
    • Produces flame effect without heat
    • It produces the subtle level of heat
    • Temperature can be adjusted

    Cons

    • Not so great for a big room
    • Requires more consideration of your fireplace (in terms of dimensions) before buying
    • A little bit pricey (especially when you consider the amount of heat it produces)

    Verdict

    We love this product for its colorful ambient lightening it produces in and out of season. However, it is something we consider expensive since it produces the same amount of heat with the previous product we reviewed. Nevertheless, it is still a great buy for those who consider the ambient lighting a fireplace insert gives. We would recommend this product to anyone looking for the best fireplace insert.

    PuraFlame 30" Western Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote control

    Do you desire to control the temperature of your room from the comfort of your bed? Then getting a remotely controlled fireplace insert is a great idea. When it comes to remotely controlled fireplace inserts, the PuraFlame Western electric is our best pick. We love it for the beautiful ambient lighting it brings and the amount of heat it releases. Also when compared to other products in the competition, this product is quite cheaper. It is one of the reasons it has a spot on our list of the best fireplace insert.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=3]

    Product features :


    • This fireplace inserts work with electricity and saves a great deal of energy. Thus there is no need to add extra fuel to ignite the wood or increase the temperature.
    • It uses electronic temperature control to adjust the temperature. With electronic temperature control, you can have a precise means of controlling and adjusting your thermostat.
    • It produces beautiful ambient lighting with 3 color options which illuminate the interior with or without heat. This makes it useful at all times irrespective of the season (whether it is winter or summer).

    Pros

    • Electric use
    • Remote control
    • Great heat for small homes
    • Fire color options
    • Beautiful design

    Cons

    • Pricey
    • Not the best for large spaces
    • Requires proper considerations of the dimensions of your fireplace before buying

    Verdict

    If you are in search of the best fireplace insert with a remote control, then consider this product. However, there is a caveat to this; you need to verify that the dimensions of your fireplace insert will fit in. Therefore you should take measurements of your fireplace insert and compare it with the manufacturer’s requirements. However, if this one doesn’t fit in, there are other sizes available on Amazon. You can check them out by visiting this link.

    Drolet High-Efficiency Wood Stove - 95,000 BTU

    Having a large apartment? Then the Drolet High-efficiency wood stove may just be the perfect one for your home. With a heat rating of 95,000 British thermal unit, you can heat up a large apartment. Also, its sturdy design and beautiful flames give a perfect look to the interior of your home. Provided this fits into the dimensions of your fireplace, this is the best fireplace insert for your home.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=4]

    Product features :

    • It has an efficiency rating of 78 percent. With such a high rating, you get more heat output for less energy input.
    • It comes with 3.93 cubic feet firebox which is lined with firebricks. With an interior space this large, you have enough room to add much more wood and increase heat.
    • It has a large as a drawer which can easily remove more waste in less time. For a fireplace insert of this size, a large ash drawer is perfect for it.
    • It can accept wood log of up to 22 inches in length. With such an ability to accept wood logs this size, you can generate more heat for your home.
    • It has a heat rating of 95,000 British thermal unit. With such a great amount of heat, you can actually heat up a large apartment during harsh winter periods.

    Pros

    • 95000 BTU
    • Nice design
    • High efficiency
    • 3.93 feet of firebox
    • Great choice for large apartments

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Not recommended for small homes
    • Needs to take into consideration every bit of the dimensions of this unit before buying this fireplace heater

    Verdict

    If you are having a large apartment and are looking for the best fireplace insert, this could be a great choice for you. But you have to check the dimensions of this product and compare with that of your fireplace before buying. Also, you need to be aware that this product is priced at over 1000 dollars. Nevertheless, it is still a great fireplace heater for extremely cold weather conditions.

    Vogelzang TR004 Colonial EPA Wood Stove

    This is another fireplace insert having the capability to heat up a large area. To be precise, this fireplace heater was able to heat up an area of 1650 square feet on our testing. It has an easy open door with a handle on it. The glass window is made of ceramic, and the door chassis is made of cast iron. For people with small apartments, this might be too bulky for your home. However, it is a great choice for you people who intend to heat up very large apartments. It also produces a great amount of heat too. If you are looking for the best wood fireplace insert, you should consider this for your home.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=5]

    Product features :

    • It can heat up an area as large as 1800 square feet. So if you are having an apartment this large, or a smaller apartment, then this is a great choice for you.
    • It burns wood for as long as 8 hours when fueled to the maximum acceptable level. You can add wood into this fireplace insert and go to sleep without worry of being frozen while asleep.
    • It can accommodate large amounts of wood with great lengths. There is no need of splitting wood into smaller bits before placing them on the stove.
    • It gives a classic look to the interiors of your home. If you consider the aesthetic value that a good fireplace insert gives, then this is a great choice.
    • It is made of heavy gauge 3/16 inch reinforced plate with firebrick lining. With a firebrick, this thick, the floor of your home remains protected from burn-ins.

    Pros

    • A great deal of heat
    • Long burning periods
    • Protective firebricks
    • Beautiful ceramic window
    • Protective handle

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Not the best choice for small apartments
    • Bulky

    Verdict

    If you are having a home with spacious rooms, then this product may be the perfect choice for you. However, you should make sure the dimensions of this product fit properly with your insert before buying. We love this product for being able to heat up a large area very well. But it doesn’t give that ambient lighting another fireplace insert gives. In spite of this, it is still recommended for those looking for the best heater for the large room.

    Dimplex DFI2310 Electric Fireplace Deluxe 23-Inch Insert, Black

    Want to go with the electric fireplace insert? Then the Dimplex DF12310 is a great choice for your fireplace insert needs. It has a beautiful ambient lighting which illuminates the interior of a room and beautifies it. This electric fireplace insert gained a spot on our wood stove insert review for this reason. But that is not the only good side, it is portable and consumes less energy. Also, it has an adjustable heat setting. The heat levels of this product come in three options - full heat, half heat, or flame only levels.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=6]

    Product features :

    • This fireplace insert comes with beautiful ambient lighting. The ambient lighting adds more beauty to the overall look of the interior.
    • Everything about this fireplace heater is regular, especially in its design. For being simple, it makes it easy to install and use.
    • It consumes just 1375 watts of electricity to produce heat. This, with a combination of dry wood, is enough to provide the required heat for a regular sized home.
    • It comes with a remote control for easy operation. With a remote control, you can sit in the comfort of your chair and control the heat from a distance.
    • The heat levels of this fireplace heater can be adjusted to different settings. Having an adjustable heat setting makes it more comfortable to use especially on partially cold days.

    Pros

    • Beautiful design
    • Compatible with regular fireplaces
    • Remote control
    • LED technology
    • Nice ambient lighting

    Cons

    • Not great for large homes
    • A small amount of heat (4695 BTUs)
    • Expensive (when you think of the amount of heat it releases and compares it to our top product)

    Verdict

    We love this product for its ambient lighting and its energy efficiency. It is ideal for small homes and for people who desire a great lighting from their fireplace insert. We recommend this product to anyone looking for the best oil filled space heater for a small room.

    Timberwolf Economizer EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert

    Having a bigger apartment? Then a bigger fireplace insert is a great choice for your fireplace needs. Of the entire big fireplace insert we’ve tested, the Timberwolf stands out for its great heating capacity. It can heat up an area of up to 2000 square feet, and it also comes with blowers. If you are having a large apartment, then the Timberwolf could just be the perfect fit for your fireplace. It is one of our best oil heater for large room.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=7]

    Product features :

    • It has a ceramic glass window. You can keep track of the fires whenever it is getting low and reignite it.
    • The interior is really wide and open. On can actually shove in long pieces of wood inside it for more heat.
    • It comes with 2-44 CFM blowers. These blowers keep the fire burning by blowing off soot and circulate the heat around the house.
    • It can heat up an area a large as 2000 square feet. If the area of your apartment is something around this neighborhood, then this will work fine for you.

    Pros

    • A great amount of heat
    • Perfect for large houses
    • 2 blowers included
    • Very large interior opening
    • Great output of heat from a partially dry wood

    Cons

    • The design is not so perfect
    • Fiber baffles at the top can easily get damaged if you overstock the stove with wood
    • Expensive to maintain and replace bad parts

    Verdict

    Most big stuff comes at a big price, and this product does not deviate from that fact. Nevertheless, it isn’t for everybody. This stove is meant for anyone that wants a really large apartment heated up and can afford to pay the price. We recommend this stove to anyone having a large apartment and are looking for the best-oiled space heater.

    Interested in knowing the price of this product? Kindly view this product on Amazon

    Touchstone Sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplaces (50 Inches)

    The Touchstone sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace insert comes with a dark themed lighting. The colors of light in flames are so beautiful that it caught the attention of every visitor in our home. Looking at this beauty at first glance give the impression of a TV set with beautiful wallpaper on display. But on a closer inspection, you’ll get to understand that it is just a fireplace insert. If you are seriously considering the ambient lighting of a fireplace heater, then this is a great choice. This fireplace heater is specifically designed for in-wall installations, and it gives a good deal of heat.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=8]

    Product features :

    • It is specifically made for in-wall installation. When mounted as intended by the manufacturer, it gives the room a nice, elegant appearance.
    • It features two heat options which can be adjusted according to the user preference.  Two heat options pave room for more comfort during mild cold days and extremely cold days.
    • It gives a realistic flame with three color options. Whether it is on a cold day or on a sunny day, this is a great fireplace insert for all seasons.
    • There are different modes of color brightness for this fireplace insert. Thus, you can control the intensity of light from this unit as well as the color.

    Pros

    • 50 inches wide
    • Beautiful colors
    • Adjustable brightness
    • Faux fire Log and glass crystal
    • Two heat settings

    Cons

    • Installation is a little bit tricky
    • Average heat level
    • Not so great for large apartments

    Verdict

    If you are looking for something really spectacular in terms of colorful lights this product is the best deal. Apart from having a spectacular lighting system, this product gives a good amount of heat for a small room. It is something we would recommend to anyone looking for a great fireplace insert. However, you should be aware that the price of this unit is higher than USD 400.

    Get the details and the exact price of this product by visiting Amazon.

    Sure Heat BRO18NG Sure Heat Burnt River Oak Vented Gas

    Prefer having a natural gas heat instead of an electric power fireplace heater? The Sure Heat fireplace insert is a good choice. With over 15 inches depth you can place some really nice chunks of wood to produce more heat. In addition, the single fire color option produces brilliant red flames that light up a dark environment. It provides a great deal of heat in a fairly sized apartment. Priced at under $200, it is a great choice for people on a budget and in need of a moderate fireplace insert.

    [content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/bigcart_notitle limit=1 offset=9]

    Product features :

    • It comes with a detailed, and hand painted factory cement logs. The cement log reproduces the appearance of a strong fire in the fireplace.
    • It comes with a dual u-shaped burner, pan, grate, shale, glowing embers and connection hardware. This unit matches the lighting of the flames to give your home a nice look.
    • It perfectly fits into several fireplaces with minimum dimensions of 28” w x 15” D x 21” back. Thus if your fireplace falls within this dimensions, it can accommodate this insert.
    • It supplies up to 50,000 British Thermal Units of heat. This amount of heat supply is great for small and medium-sized rooms.

    Pros

    • Natural gas powered
    • Good vents
    • Nice flames
    • 50,000 BTU of heat
    • Suitable for medium sized apartments

    Cons

    • Slow heating
    • Gas logs emit fumes during the first few lightings
    • No color options

    Verdict

    If you are in search for the best lighting fireplace insert, then this is not the best choice for you. However if your main concern is price and heat generation, then this is a fireplace insert worth considering. We love it for its heating capabilities and also being gas powered.

    How to install electric fireplace insert

    So you’ve bought an electric fireplace insert and thinking of hiring someone to do the installation? Wait a minute, don’t you think you can save some bucks if you do it yourself? Of course, you can. Besides, that is what this section of this article is written for. So whether you are planning to buy an electric fireplace insert or you’ve just bought one, this article will guide you to on how to install an electric fireplace insert. Oh, don’t tell us that you aren’t a technician because it doesn’t matter. The steps here are presented in such a simple manner that a 5-year old will easily grasp. But before we begin, we just have to let you know that electric inserts come in two types. They are; firebox inserts, and log inserts. So here are the simple steps you can take to install your new electric fireplace

    Before you do anything else about your fireplace, consider the dimensions:

    Just before you pay for that electric insert take a measure of the following

    • Height of your fireplace
    • Depth of your fireplace
    • Width of your fireplace

    ​​​​After taking these dimensions, you can search for your favorite electric fireplace insert that matches the measured dimensions. Having a fireplace insert with slightly bigger trim is better than having the one with a smaller trim. However, if the dimensions of your fireplace are smaller, then you’ll have to find some means of closing the gaps. If the calibrations of your measuring tape have different SI units from the measurements of your fireplace, you can make use of Google search engine to make the necessary conversions. For example, you can type convert 5 inches to centimeters on the Google search engine, and you will get a result. After getting the perfect fit for your fireplace follow these simple installation steps:

    • To stop water from filtering into your fireplace, place a cover on your chimney
    • Cover the damper and make sure it is sealed
    • Place the firebox within the fireplace
    • Seal the gaps left by attaching the trim or frame

    FINAL VERDICT

    So which is the best fireplace insert for your home? Well, that depends on your fireplace insert needs and the size of your fireplace. Looking for something big and powerful in terms of heat generation? Then the Timberwolf Economizer EPA Wood Burning Fireplace Insert is a great choice. Want a fireplace insert that beautifies your home? Then consider the Touchstone Sideline Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplaces (50 Inches). Despite the fact that products on this review are ranked from 1 to 10, it doesn’t make the last less important. Also, it doesn’t make the first more important either. Each product has distinct characteristics that make them stand out. So, the best fireplace insert depends on your needs and the size of your fireplace. What we’ve done in this review is to show you the reliable and durable fireplace insert for your home. As for the best fireplace insert, that is up to you to decide from the list above.

    Please check our other resourceful articles:

    How to Soft Boil an Egg in the Microwave?

    Top Bathroom Trends for 2018

    How to use a Belt Sander for Knife Making?

    We will be happy to hear your thoughts

    Leave a reply

    Smart Home Pick
    Logo