The 10 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts (For Your Existing Fireplace) 2023

Table Of Contents

Best Electric Fireplace Insert For Existing Fireplace
Top 7 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts
1. ClassicFlame 3D SpectraFire Plus Insert
2. Dimplex 30-Inch
3. Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Insert
4. GreatCo Insert
5. Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD Insert
6. Napoleon Ascent Insert
7. Napoleon Cinema Insert
What To Consider When Buying An Electric Fireplace Insert For Your Existing Fireplace
Further Buying Guides

Electric fireplace inserts can be installed inside your existing fireplace to help give it a fresh new look and to help reduce the work that’s required when having real wood burning fires in your home.

Electric fireplace inserts simply need to be plugged or wired into your home electrics in order to work. Once connected, the flames and heat be turned on with a switch of a button, and there’s no setting up required beforehand and no cleaning required after.

If you’re looking for an insert for your traditional wood burning fireplace then you’ll need to look at getting a plug-in electric fireplace insert, which will allow you to transform your fireplace from wood to electric.

We’ve been looking for an electric fireplace insert for our kitchen fireplace and so we’ve done a ton of research into electric fireplace inserts to find out which ones are the best to buy.

We’ve been remodelling our kitchen and have been looking for an electric fireplace insert

Electric Fireplace Insert Installed — The electric fireplace insert that we’re currently installing

We’ve therefore put together this guide to outline the best electric fireplace inserts for existing fireplaces that you can buy right now. We’ve also put together a buying guide in this article explaining everything that you need to consider when buying an electric fireplace insert for your existing fireplace.

This guide is for plug-in electric fireplace inserts that are designed to be able to be placed within an existing open wood burning fireplace.

Other types of inserts include built-in electric fireplaces, which are better for in-wall installations or when you’re building your own entertainment center. You can find our guide to the best built-in electric fireplace inserts here.

There are also electric fireplace log sets, which simply imitate logs inside a fireplace grate, and are the easiest option for an insert into your existing fireplace. Our guide to the best electric fireplace logs can be found here.

For more information electric fireplace inserts in general see our complete guide to electric fireplace inserts including what they look like, their parts and how they work.

Best Electric Fireplace Insert For Existing Fireplace

The best overall electric fireplace insert for your existing fireplace that you can buy right now is the ClassicFlame 3D SpectraFire Plus Insert.

It combines life-like flame effects using SpectraFire Plus technology with a powerful infrared heater to bring you everything you’d need from an insert for your traditional wood fireplace.

There are also plenty of different sizes of this insert available meaning that you’re bound to find the right size of this brilliant insert to fit your specific fireplace.

You can see more about this electric fireplace insert and the latest price right here.

Top 7 Best Electric Fireplace Inserts

In summary the best electric fireplace stoves are the following:

1. ClassicFlame 3D SpectraFire Plus Insert

The ClassicFlame 3D is a brilliant all-round electric fireplace insert that will be a perfect solution for your existing open fireplace.

It boasts both a large infrared heater that can heat areas up to 1000sqft and life-like 3D flame effects thanks to SpectraFire Plus technology.

The flames flicker and the logs glow for a realistic fire experience, and there are 5 different settings available for your choice of flame color, brightness and speed.

This insert also comes with a remote allowing you to control all of the features from the comfort of your seat.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the ClassicFlame 3D Insert.

This 23-inch insert is also available in 18-inch, 26-inch, 28-inch, 32-inch, 33-inch and 42-inch versions.

Specs

Brand: ClassicFlame
BTUs: 5200
Heating Area: 1000sqft
Dimensions: 23.6” Width 20” Height 8.5” Depth (23-Inch Version)
Trim Options: Self-trimming
Sizes: 18 / 23 / 26 / 28 / 32 / 33 / 42-inches

Powerful infrared 1000sqft heater
Uses 3D SpectraFire Plus technology for realistic flame effects
5 different flame color, brightness and speed options
Comes with remote
Overheat prevention technology

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Worth the money”
“Awesome product”
“Realistic flame effect”
“3D fireplace a step above most”
“Beautiful & vibrant colors”
“Perfect fireplace insert”

Read all the reviews on this ClassicFlame fireplace insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the ClassicFlame 3D Electric Fireplace Insert here.

2. Dimplex 30-Inch

This 30-inch uses patented flame technology to deliver a realistic flame experience, as well as providing supplementary heat thanks to a fan heater.

This insert runs quietly and can be controlled using the included multi-function remote. The flames speed and intensity can also be controlled to suit your preference.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the Dimplex 30-inch Insert.

Specs

Brand: Dimplex
BTUs: 5120
Heating Area: 400sqft
Dimensions: 31.46” Width 26.39” Height 11.22” Depth
Trim Options: Self-trimming

Realistic patented flame effects
Flame speed and light settings
Supplementary 400sqft heater
Remote control included

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“The most beautiful finishing touch to room”
“Great alternative to traditional fireplace”
“Amazing fireplace”
“Great look and feel”
“Flame looks real”
“Fireplace met expectations”

Read all the reviews on this Dimplex fireplace insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the Dimplex 30-Inch Electric Fireplace Insert here.

3. Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Insert

The Multi-Fire XD is another great insert option by Dimplex with an array of features, offering both a powerful infrared heater and life-like flame effects on an impressive and contemporary design acrylic ice ember bed.

There’s 5 different ember bed theme choices and can be controlled along with all of the other features using the remote included with the insert.

This insert also utilizes gWave technology allowing you to turn it on and off with just a wave of your hand. There’s also a heat boost function allowing you to set maximum heat for a certain amount of time.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Insert.

This 25-inch insert is also available in a 33-inch version. With both versions you can choose between acrylic ice and logs for the ember bed, and with the 25-inch model you can choose to have a curved glass screen rather than a flat glass screen.

Specs

Brand: Dimplex
BTUs: 5118
Heating Area: 1000sqft
Dimensions: 25.87” Width 18.87” Height 9.33” Depth
Trim Options: Self-trimming
Sizes: 25 / 33-Inches

Contemporary design
Realistic Multi-Fire XD flame effects
Modern acrylic ice ember bed
Powerful 1000sqft infrared heater
gWave hand gesture technology
Remote control included

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Flame and clear glass absolutely beautiful”
“Wonderful ambience”
“Excellent in all ways”
“Puts out plenty of heat”
“Looks so real”
“Lots of compliments”

Read all the reviews on this Dimplex insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the Dimplex Multi-Fire XD Electric Fireplace Insert here.

4. GreatCo Insert

The GreatCo plug-in fireplace insert is a stunning authentic cast resin fireplace log set that users say is easy to install into your traditional existing open fireplace.

The logs are resin cast for realism, and flames are projected on the back of the fireplace. You can choose from 2 down light options, 5 ember bed options and 4 flame effect options. The ember bed also glows for added effect.

There’s also a supplementary 400sqft heater with thermostatic control and high and low heat settings, and all of the features can be controlled using the remote provided with the insert.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the GreatCo 32-inch Insert.

This 32-inch fireplace is also available in 29-inch and 34-inch versions.

There’s also a range of flush mount conversion kits and different styles of frontages you can buy to help this insert really fit into your home.

Specs

Brand: GreatCo
BTUs: 4900
Heating Area: 400sqft
Dimensions: 42.25” Width 28.5” Height 9.75” Depth (32-inch)
Trim Options: Self-trimming / Black Surround Trim
Sizes: 29 / 32 / 34-Inches

Realistic cast resin log set
LED flame projected onto back
Flame and ember bed settings
Comes with remote

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Very simple to install”
“Looks great”
“Puts off the right amount of heat”
“Awesome quality product”
“Flame looks beautiful”
“Trim looks like it was custom fitted”

Read all the reviews on this GreatCo insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the GreatCo Electric Fireplace Insert here.

5. Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD Insert

The Dimplex Multi-XHD is similar to the XD model but provides even more realistic flame effects.

This insert boasts resin cast and hand finished logs that glow to simulate real smoldering logs, as well as adjustable flame brightness and speed levels.

There’s a powerful integrated ceramic heater capable of heating areas up to 1000sqft, and you can use the remote control to use all of the features on this fireplace. There’s also touch screen controls on the unit that displays the settings.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the Dimplex XHD Insert.

This 26-inch fireplace insert is also available in 23-inch and 28-inch models, and you can choose between logs or acrylic ice for the ember bed.

Specs

Brand: Dimplex
BTUs: 5118
Heating Area: 1000sqft
Dimensions: 26” Width 18.625” Height 9.75” Depth (26-inch)
Trim Options: Self-trimming
Sizes: 23 / 26 / 28-Inches

Resin can logs with hand painted finish
Multi-Fire XHD flame effects
1000sqft ceramic heater
Adjustable flames
Touch controls
Comes with remote control

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Quick and easy installation”
“Great little heater”
“Plenty of ambience”
“Excellent product”
“Far exceeded our expectations”
“Flames and logs very realistic”

Read all the reviews on this Dimplex fireplace insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the Dimplex Multi-Fire XHD Electric Fireplace Insert here.

6. Napoleon Ascent Insert

The Napoleon Ascent insert for your existing fireplace is a dual voltage unit meaning that it can either be plugged into your standard electric outlet or hard wired in to your electrics for even more heat output.

This allows the Ascent to provide from 400 to 800sqft of heat, while also producing realistic flame effects thanks to LED lighting and a glowing ember bed.

There are several different color options for the night lights, and the flame fades out when turning off for added realism.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the Napoleon Ascent Insert.

The Ascent is available in 33-inch and 40-inch models.

Specs

Brand: Napoleon
BTUs: 4500/9000 (Dual Voltage)
Heating Area: 400/800sqft
Dimensions: 26” Width 18.625” Height 9.75” Depth (26-inch)
Trim Options: Self-trimming
Sizes: 33 / 40-inches

Vivid and life-like flames
Realistic finished logs and ember bed
Night and fade effect settings
Plug-in or hardwire options
Comes with remote control

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Easy to set up just plug in”
“Looks beautiful”
“Love the ability to change colors”
“The best looking flames”

Read all the reviews on this Napoleon fireplace insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the Napoleon Ascent Electric Fireplace Insert here.

7. Napoleon Cinema Insert

The Cinema is another great insert by Napoleon and also has the option to be plugged in or hard wired, but can only provide up to 400qft of heating space.

The life-like flame effects are accompanied by a hand molded and finished log set with glowing embers, with adjustable brightness settings that can be controlled using the remote supplied with the fireplace.

There’s 7 different temperature settings allowing you to set your room at the perfect temperature, and the on and off timer allows you to control when you want the fireplace to be on for up to 6 hours.

You can also choose between logs or glass for the ember bed when ordering to suit your preference.

Click here to find more information and to see the latest price for the Napoleon Cinema Insert.

This 27-inch insert is also available in 24-inch and 29-inch models.

Specs

Brand: Napoleon
BTUs: 5100
Heating Area: 400sqft
Dimensions: 24” Width 17.6” Height 8.625” Depth (26-inch)
Trim Options: Self-trimming
Sizes: 24/ 27 / 29-inches

Realistic and adjustable flames
Molded logs set with glowing embers
Supplementary heater with 400sqft heating area
On/off timer
Comes with remote control

Verified Buyer Review Comments:

“Absolutely love it”
“Easy to install”
“Looks awesome ”
“Was expecting more realistic flames”

Read all the reviews on this Napoleon insert here.

Check the latest price and buy the Napoleon Cinema Electric Fireplace Insert here.

What To Consider When Buying An Electric Fireplace Insert For Your Existing Fireplace

When buying an electric fireplace insert to fit inside your existing traditional open fireplace you’ll want to look for a plug-in electric fireplace insert.

Plug-in inserts simply need to be plugged into a standard home electrical outlet in order to work.

There are also other types of electric fireplace insert, but have different purposes. These other types of insert include:

Built-in electric fireplace inserts
Electric fireplace log sets

Built-in inserts can also be used inside existing open fireplaces but are more suited to installation within walls or homemade entertainment centers. They typically need to be hard wired into your electric and are a more of a permanent solution that plug-in inserts for a traditional open fireplace.

Log sets are simply the logs, grates and embers by themselves without the complete unit surrounding it. Logs sets are therefore the easiest way to turn your traditional wood fireplace into an electric one, but aren’t able to transform your whole fireplace like the other forms of inserts can.

Read our buyers guide to the best electric fireplace log sets here.

When buying a plug-in electric fireplace insert for your existing fireplace you’ll need to consider the following:

Size of your existing fireplace and therefore best size of insert.
Trim to make the insert look fitted.
Flame effects.
Heater.
Providing power to the insert.

Size of Existing Fireplace

When choosing which brand and model of plug-in insert to install in your open wood fireplace, you’ll need to consider what size of insert (in inches) best fits.

You’ll want to buy an insert that is the right fit or smaller than the dimensions of your existing fireplace opening. You don’t want to get an insert that is too large or you’ll need to make structural changes to your fireplace.

Insert sizes are defined in inches for the width. For example, a 27-inch insert will be approximately 27-inches wide.

You’ll also need to check that the height and depth also works with your fireplace, and that you’re leaving a sufficient gap between the back of the insert and the back of your fireplace firebox.

Flames

All electric fireplaces will produce realistic flame effects, but some offer more life-like features than others.

The flame effects and choice of settings such as flame speed, brightness and color will differ between the different brands, and so it’s down to your preference which effects you like the look of the most.

Some inserts also allow you to choose between acrylic ice and logs for your ember bed when ordering.

Heat

Inserts with conventional fan heaters will be able to heat up to 400sqft of area in your home when plugged into a standard electrical outlet, or some can be direct wired into your electrics to be able to heat up to 800sqft of space.

Some inserts include ceramic or infrared heaters rather than fan heaters, and are much more powerful allowing you to heat rooms in your home up to 1000sqft.

Power

With plug-in electric fireplace inserts you need to plug them into an electrical outlet in your home in order for them to work.

If you don’t already have an outlet inside your fireplace then you’ll need to get one installed.

Some plug-in inserts also provide the ability to direct wire the unit into your electrics.

Other Features

The majority of plug-in inserts come with a remote, allowing you to use all of the features of the fireplace from your seat.

Many will have also thermostats allowing you to keep your room at a constant temperature.

What Is An Electric Fireplace Insert?

An electric fireplace insert is placed inside an existing fireplace, wall, mantel or entertainment center to provide the experience of having a real fire without many of the downsides.

The main forms of insert include linear, plug-in, direct wired and log sets.

What Size Electric Fireplace Insert Do I Need?

For an existing fireplace, an insert must be smaller than the opening of the fireplace, but large enough so that a trim can be used to make the insert look fitted.