Electric fireplaces have become the go-to upgrade for people who want the ambiance of a real fire—without the wood, smoke, cleanup, or complicated venting. Today’s best models use LED flame effects, interchangeable ember beds (logs, crystals, or glass), and surprisingly capable supplemental heaters to take the chill off a room. Many can be recessed into a wall for a built-in look, while others can be wall-mounted for a faster install. You’ll also see smarter control options than ever: thermostats that hold a target temperature, programmable timers, and even Wi-Fi/app support with voice assistants.
In this roundup, we’re focusing on five real, popular electric fireplaces (and inserts) with a mix of design styles—from ultra-thin linear units to traditional fireplace inserts with glass doors. Below, you’ll find what each one does best, the key specifications that matter in daily use, and what kind of room or install each model suits.
What to look for before you buy
1) Installation type (recessed vs wall-mount vs insert).
If you want a clean “built-in” look, pick a unit designed for in-wall recessed mounting and confirm the required rough opening. For example, Westinghouse lists both opening fit and front/back dimensions to help you plan a flush install.
2) Heat output and room coverage.
Most electric fireplaces are supplemental heaters—great for comfort in a bedroom or living room, but not meant to replace central heat. Typical coverage is around 400 sq ft for many 1,500W class units, with output around ~5,000 BTU depending on the model.
3) Flame/ember customization.
Flame colors, ember-bed colors, brightness levels, and flame speed make a big difference in how “real” the fireplace feels. Some models go huge on color variety (like Westinghouse’s “up to 144” combinations).
4) Controls and convenience.
Remote control is now standard, but thermostats, timers, and Wi-Fi/app control are what separate premium picks from basic ones. Touchstone’s Sideline 50 and Westinghouse both emphasize smart-home control with Alexa/Google compatibility.
Safety and everyday usability tips
Leave the recommended clearance above the unit, especially if mounting under a TV or mantel. Westinghouse explicitly advises clearance and cautions against sharing the circuit with other appliances.
Use the thermostat like a comfort “cruise control.” Many units let you set a target range (often around 62°F–82°F). That’s ideal for maintaining comfort rather than blasting constant heat.
Decide if you want hardwire capability. If you’re doing a built-in remodel, models that allow plug-in or hardwired installation can simplify the final look. Touchstone notes plug-in or hardwired 120V support.
Confirm whether an insert can be hardwired. Some insert-style units are plug-in only—PuraFlame’s Klaus notes it cannot be hardwired.
5. Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace (Sideline 50, model 80004)
If you want a recessed fireplace that feels “built-in” and still plays nicely with a smart home, the Touchstone Sideline 50 is a standout. Touchstone designed it with a front heating vent, which helps it work well in a flush, in-wall installation. It ships with both a log set and crystal set, so you can lean modern or traditional without buying extra accessories.
On performance, the Sideline 50 is rated at 1,500W and 5,000 BTU, positioned as supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft—perfect for taking the edge off a living room or basement hangout. Customization is strong: Touchstone highlights three flame color options, five intensity settings, plus a 10-color ember bed you can run separately from the flames.
Control is where it really earns the “smart” name. It’s Wi-Fi enabled, works with Alexa and Google Home, and can be operated via Touchstone’s app or the included remote.
4. Manastin 50 inch Electric Fireplace (in-wall recessed or wall mounted)
The Manastin 50-inch model is a value-friendly linear fireplace that still checks the boxes people actually use every day: flexible installation, dual heat settings, and lots of lighting control. It supports wall-mounted or embedded (recessed) installation, and the unit’s slim build is listed at 3.94″ deep with overall dimensions 3.94″D × 50″W × 17″H. That slimmer depth can make a recessed install feel more modern and less “bulky” on the wall.
For heat, Manastin lists two modes (750W and 1500W) and a 60°F–99°F thermostat range—with a note that setting it to 99°F can trigger a continuous heating/forced mode. Heat output is specified at 5,000 BTU with coverage up to 400 sq ft as auxiliary heat.
Ambiance-wise, it’s built for variety: the listing calls out 12 adjustable colors, and you can dial settings from the touch controls or the included remote. A 1–12 hour timer is a practical bonus for bedtime use or automatically shutting down after a movie night.
3. Westinghouse 50 Inch Electric Fireplace Heater (smart-home compatible)
Westinghouse’s 50-inch electric fireplace leans heavily into “set it once, enjoy it daily” convenience—especially if you like smart control and lots of visual customization. The big headline is appearance: Westinghouse advertises up to 144 total color combinations for flames and embers, plus 5 brightness levels and 5 flame speeds, and it includes both faux log and crystal ember beds in the box.
Installation planning is refreshingly specific. Westinghouse states it fits 49″ × 15″ × 6″ openings, with a front-facing size of 50″ × 15.75″ and a back-install size of 48.75″ × 14.35″ × 5.56″, designed for either wall-mounting or in-wall recessed mounting. The product info also lists 5.5″D × 50″W × 15.75″H and a 5110 BTU heat output with 1500W power consumption.
Comfort controls are strong: there’s a built-in thermostat you can set between 62°F and 82°F, and the unit supports multiple control modes—Alexa/Google Home compatibility, the Westinghouse app, and an included remote.
2. PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert (crackling sound, glass door, mesh screen)
If you prefer a more traditional fireplace look—especially for renovating an existing firebox—the PuraFlame Klaus insert is built to mimic the classic “wood stove” vibe with modern simplicity. Its overall dimensions are listed as 35.04″ W × 26.96″ H × 8.78″ D, making it a realistic candidate for many masonry fireplace openings where a linear wall unit wouldn’t fit.
The Klaus focuses on realism: it includes a life-like resin log sitting above the ember bed, along with a traditional antique design, three-sided interior brick wall, plus a glass door and mesh screen for that authentic hearth feel—without ash, dust, or smoke. It also adds one of the most-requested features for ambiance: fire crackling sound (called out directly in the product title).
For heating, it offers 750W/1500W operation and an adjustable thermostat, with PuraFlame noting it provides supplemental heat for up to 400 sq ft (and explicitly says it cannot be used as a main heat source). It’s also clearly positioned as plug-and-play: it plugs into 120V and cannot be hardwired, which is helpful to know before planning a built-in remodel.
1. R.W.FLAME 60″ Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace (ultra-thin, high customization)
For a big, modern statement piece, the R.W.FLAME 60-inch recessed/wall-mounted fireplace delivers a wide flame presentation with a slim profile and lots of lighting modes. The product information lists 3.86″D × 60″W × 18.09″H, and the “About this item” section emphasizes that the newer style keeps thickness at only 3.86 inches—a big deal if you’re aiming for a sleek, low-bulk wall design.
Customization is a central strength. R.W.FLAME lists 12 flame and LED flame-bed color modes, along with 5 flame speeds and 5 brightness levels, controllable via touch screen or remote. Like most serious electric fireplaces, it includes two power modes (750W and 1500W) and is positioned for supplemental zone heating up to 400 sq ft. Safety features include ETL certification and an auto shutoff/overheat protection description in the listing.
If you like finer temperature control, R.W.FLAME’s own product page describes a 62°F–82°F temperature range and a 1–8 hour timer, which makes it easy to schedule warmth without leaving it running all night. The result is a strong “feature-to-price” flagship for modern rooms where you want impact, not clutter.
Conclusion
The “best” electric fireplace really comes down to the look you want and how you plan to install it. If smart-home control and clean recessed styling are top priorities, Touchstone’s Sideline 50 and the Westinghouse 50-inch model both deliver app/voice-friendly operation with rich flame customization. If you’re shopping value-first, Manastin offers a slim profile, a wide thermostat range, and a practical timer in a 50-inch format. For a classic hearth vibe, PuraFlame’s Klaus insert stands out with its glass door, mesh screen, resin logs, and crackling sound—ideal for upgrading an old wood-burning opening without the mess. And if you want a bigger modern centerpiece, R.W.FLAME’s 60-inch ultra-thin design with multiple flame/bed colors and dual heat modes is built for maximum visual impact.
Whichever direction you go, prioritize the right install type, confirm dimensions/openings, and treat the heater as supplemental comfort. Do that, and an electric fireplace becomes one of the easiest ways to add warmth and atmosphere to a room year-round.