7 Best Electric Fireplace Log Inserts with Heater (2026 Buying Guide)
The 7 Best Electric Fireplace Log Inserts with Heater When it has been years since you lit a real fire in your fireplace, the quickest method of restoring it to its former glory is by installing an electric log insert. Take one, slide it into the existing opening, plug it in and in ten minutes or so you have a glowing log set with actual heat output and no chimney sweep, no gas line and no ash clean up.
To create this list, we have compared the highest selling and lab-tested log inserts currently available, reviewed what independent testers such as Consumer Reports have discovered in their heat-output testing, and compared specs across the major retailers. Our 7 best ideas are listed below, a complete comparison table, and a purchasing guide that will tell you precisely what to look at before you purchase heat output and fit are far more important than flame color.
Quick answer: In most homes a 1,500-watt log insert, with a PTC ceramic heater and a thermostat, the size of which leaves at least an inch of clearance on each side of your fireplace opening, is the safest and most effective.
Key Takeaways
- Most electric fireplace log inserts have a standard 1,500-watt heating device, which is sufficient to warm a room of about 400 to 1,000 square feet, with proper insulation and ceiling height.
Price is not a good predictor of heat performance. Consumer Reports has discovered that certain of its cheaper tested inserts did as well on room heating as did models that cost three times as much. - Before shopping, measure the width, height and depth of your fireplace opening. The size of log inserts is in inches (usually 20 to 36 inches wide) and must have space on all sides to allow ventilation.
- PTC ceramic heaters heat more quickly and maintain a more constant temperature than older coil-based heaters; infrared quartz models are more effective at directly heating people sitting nearby.
- These units are used to complement room heat. They are not constructed or rated to be a main heat source to an entire house. The way we selected these Electric Fireplace Log Inserts.
How We Chose These Electric Fireplace Log Inserts
- Install standard masonry and zero-clearance fireplace apertures without special framing.
- Have a thermostatically controlled heater as opposed to a fixed on/off.
- Have a visible BTU or wattage rating of the manufacturer.
- Be meaningful in terms of retailer and owner reviews.
- Incorporate essential safety measures: overheat protection, cool-touch housing. Comparison at a Glance.
| Model | Width | Heater Type | Heat Output | Best For |
| ClassicFlame Traditional Built-In Insert | 26″–36″ | Infrared quartz | Up to ~5,200 BTU | Realistic log detail on a budget |
| Dimplex DFI Series Log Insert | 20″–23″ | PTC ceramic | ~4,700 BTU | Small or shallow fireplace openings |
| PuraFlame Western Electric Insert | 33″ | PTC ceramic | ~4,780 BTU | Wide, shallow masonry openings |
| R.W.Flame Freestanding & Recessed Insert | 36″ | PTC ceramic | ~5,000 BTU | Flexibility to also use freestanding |
| Touchstone Smart Electric Log Insert | 36″ | PTC ceramic | ~5,000 BTU | Smart home and app control |
| Real Flame Vividflame Replaceable Insert | 20″–23″ | PTC ceramic | ~4,700 BTU | Replacing an old gas-log insert exactly |
| Modern Flames Redstone Insert | 26″ | PTC ceramic | ~5,000 BTU | High-definition, layered flame realism |
The heat output values indicate manufacturer specifications and third-party test summaries and may change with the model year. Never make purchases without checking the existing specifications on the product page of the manufacturer.
1. Classic Flame Traditional Built-In Electric Fireplace Insert
Best in realistic logs at a lower cost.
Classic Flame has been making log-style inserts over the years and the Traditional is the model most people imagine when they think of electric fireplace log insert. It features an infrared quartz heater, which switches on and off to maintain a desired temperature instead of throwing out continuous heat, and it is available in various widths, allowing it to fit gaps in the range of 26 to 36 inches.
Strengths: The log and ember detail is truly convincing at the normal viewing distance, and the framed kit design makes it easy to construct a finished looking surround.
Trade-offs: The remote and control interface are old-fashioned when compared to newer models which are connected to an app, and the brightness of the flame cannot be adjusted independently of the heat on all models.
2. Dimplex DFI Series Log Insert
Best on: small or shallow fireplace openings.
Dimplex DFI is designed to fit into older wood-burning openings that are too shallow to fit larger inserts. It combines a PTC ceramic heater with the Dimplex layered flame technology, which is more likely to appear three-dimensional than single-panel LED displays.
Strengths: Dimplex boasts one of the longest track records in the electric fireplace category and PTC ceramic heaters have a fast warm up time and maintain temperature without the hot then cold spike and fall as seen in some of the cheaper coil heaters.
Trade-offs: It is one of the narrower in this range, measuring 20 to 23 inches, so it is not the choice when you have a large masonry opening and you want it filled up.
3. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
Best on: wide, shallow masonry fireplaces.
The Western-style insert of PuraFlame has a driftwood-style log set rather than the conventional split-log appearance, and is only 33 inches wide, fitting into a larger opening without requiring much depth. The heater is thermostat regulated with various heat levels.
Strengths: Worth the price, and has a flame-only setting to use it as ambiance lighting in warmer seasons.
Trade-offs: Owner reviews are ambivalent on long-term remote reliability, so combine it with a unit that also possesses manual back-panel controls in case that matters.
4. R.W. Flame Freestanding & Recessed Electric Fireplace Insert
Best use: versatility between built-in and freestanding use.
It is among the few log-style inserts that actually were intended to be used in two manners: either recessed into a fireplace aperture or mounted in a separate frame. That makes it a good choice when you are not certain but sure that you will leave it in the fireplace long-term or you may move it.
Strengths: It is one of the higher-powered heat-output models in this list, being 36 inches wide with a 1,500-watt PTC heater, and testing by Consumer Reports has given similarly specced R.W.Flame models good ratings on room-heating performance.
Trade-offs: It should be large, and therefore must have a really large opening; measure before you order.
5. Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace Log Insert
Best to use : smart home and app control.
Touchstone established itself as the producer of flush-mount electric fireplaces and its log-insert-style models are also compatible with the same app and voice-assistant integration. You can program heat cycles, turn the flame down, and do all that with a phone rather than a remote, which gets lost in the couch cushions.
Strengths: Touchstone has continued to have its 36-inch models at the top of independent testing in terms of a combination of ease-of-use and heating capability.
Trade-offs: The smart-bits are, literally, nice to have, not need to have, so you are paying a premium to be convenient, not to get additional heat.
6. Real Flame Vivid Flame Replaceable Electric Fireplace Heater Insert
Best use: to replace an old gas-log insert precisely.
This is a drop-in replacement of an aging gas-log insert, a popular but narrower requirement, which is the main purpose of Real Flame designing it: many homeowners are removing a nonfunctional gas insert and would like an electric log set that fits the same cavity with no alterations.
Strengths: Simple to install, a lifelike ember bed, and a tested heater that ensures even, consistent heat.
Trade-offs: The flame display is less customizable and more traditional compared to newer HD/LED panel displays.
7. Modern Flames Redstone Electric Fireplace Insert
Best for: the most realistic flame layering
The Redstone line of Modern Flames employs a multi-layer flame projection system that most testers and owners report being much more three-dimensional than single-layer LED flame walls, and more like a real fire actually flows.
Strengths: Well-developed flame realism of medium width (26 inches), and a PTC ceramic heater of about 5,000 BTU.
Trade-offs: It costs more than a number of other choices on this list, so it will make the most sense when flame realism is your most important factor, rather than pure value.
What to Look for in an Electric Fireplace Log Insert with Heater
Size: Measure Before You Shop
The size of fireplace openings differs. Before buying, measure:
- Minimum width of the opening.
- Measurement of distance between floor of firebox and top.
- Depth, particularly when your fireplace is shallow (as in older houses)
Minimum clearance requirements are at least an inch on any side, and manufacturers do publish minimum clearance requirements – always consult the spec sheet, not just the width of the headline.
Heater Type: PTC Ceramic vs. Infrared Quartz
PTC (positive temperature coefficient) ceramic heaters are self-regulating and will automatically increase or decrease the amount of power they consume to reach the desired temperature. They are quick to warm and maintain a constant room temperature effectively.
IR quartz heaters heat objects and people in their direct line of sight instead of merely warming air, which may seem more immediate when you are sitting near it, but does not heat the room as well as a larger space.
One is not objectively better than the other, it is just a question of whether you want even room warming (ceramic) or direct spot heat (quartz).
Heat Output: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Almost all the logs inserts available in the market operate on a standard 1,500-watt heating element that can be translated to about 5,000 BTU. It was designed that way – 1,500 watts is the practical limit of a device that can be connected to a standard 15-amp household outlet, without breaking a breaker. Be careful not to be influenced by the marketing language that says one model heats more than the other when they both claim 1,500 watts; the actual differences are how well the heat is distributed and how well the room is insulated.
Noise Level
There is a certain amount of operating noise with fan-driven heaters. Assuming that the insert will be in a bedroom or a quiet living room, find models with published decibel ratings or reviews specifically mentioning fan noise, as this differs more between models than heat output.
Safety Features
At least ensure that the unit has:
- Heater with automatic overheat protection.
- Cool-touch exterior housing.
- Grounded 3-prong plug (do not use with an extension cord that is lower rated than the amperage of the unit)
Flame-Only Mode
Almost all of these inserts allow you to operate the flame effect without the heater which is actually handy in the 7 or more months of the year that most locations do not require additional heat.
Electric Log Insert vs. Gas Insert vs. Wood-Burning Fireplace
| Factor | Electric Log Insert | Gas Insert | Wood-Burning |
| Installation | Plug in, no venting | Requires gas line + venting | Requires chimney, code compliance |
| Ongoing cost | Electricity only | Gas + occasional service | Firewood + chimney cleaning |
| Heat output | ~5,000 BTU (supplemental) | 20,000–40,000+ BTU (primary) | Variable, inconsistent |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Annual inspection recommended | Chimney sweep, ash removal |
| Emissions | None | Combustion byproducts | Smoke, particulates |
| Best for | Ambiance + supplemental heat | Primary zone heating | Traditional wood-fire experience |
Conclusion: electric log inserts are the correct choice when you desire the look and feel of a fireplace and a small amount of additional heat without the price or upkeep of gas or wood. They are not a substitute for a home’s primary heating system.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
The majority of electric log inserts are configured to be installed at no additional cost (other than the purchase price) such that they can be plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet. Unless your fireplace has an outlet nearby, you may need to budget an electricians addition, which is generally the only cost involved in installation. No permitting, venting or gas-line work is needed on a typical plug-in model.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Purchasing by width only. A unit that is the width of your firebox, but not the depth will not fit flush, and the surround will not close.
- Assuming higher price means more heat. As mentioned earlier, the majority of units have a common ceiling of 1,500 watts at different prices.
- Leaving the circuit of the breaker. Operating a 1,500-watt heater on a circuit that already has other high-draw appliances may cause the breaker to trip.
- Omitting the spec of clearance. Placing the insert against surround material may cause overheat shutoffs to occur multiple times.
- Leaving it on overnight in the heat mode, which is not suggested with any type of space heater, including electric fireplace.
You May Also Read:
- How an Electric Fireplace Performs in Different Winter Climates?
- How to Decorate an Electric Fireplace 7 Stylish Ideas
FAQs:
Which is the most suitable electric fireplace log insert that has a heater?
It does not have a single best one – it will depend on the exact size of your fireplace. Most of the standard 26-36 inch openings have models such as the R.W.Flame Freestanding and Recessed Insert or the Touchstone Smart Electric Log Insert provide a good balance of heat generation, realism and convenience.
Are electric fireplace log inserts really heating?
Yes. They use a 1,500-watt heating component (PTC ceramic or infrared quartz) that can significantly heat a small to medium room, but which is not a replacement furnace.
What is the procedure of installing an electric fireplace log insert?
Install the unit into your current fireplace opening, ensure that it has the recommended clearance on all sides, and then connect to a grounded 120-volt outlet. It does not need any venting or gas line.
Is it possible to operate an electric fireplace log insert without the heater?
Yes. Almost all models have a flame-only option to allow you to have the visual effect without heat addition.
Can electric fireplace log inserts be left unattended overnight?
The majority of them have overheat protection, but, like any space heater, manufacturers usually do not recommend that they be left running unattended over long periods, including overnight.
What is the size of the electric log that I require?
First measure the width, height and depth of your fireplace opening. Typical insert widths are between 20 and 36 inches; never exceed maximum clearance requirements of the manufacturer with your firebox size.
Does my gas fireplace opening take an electric log insert?
Yes, often, models such as the Real Flame Vividflame Replaceable Insert are intended to be a drop-in replacement to replace a gas-log insert which has worn out, but measure first as gas insert cavities differ.
Are electric fireplace inserts energy consuming?
The cost per hour of a 1,500-watt heater operating continuously is about equal to that of a typical space heater. Operating the flame-only mode without heat consumes a tiny percentage of that, usually less than 50 watts.
So what is the difference between a PTC ceramic heater and infrared quartz heater?
PTC ceramic heaters automatically regulate themselves and warm a room uniformly; infrared quartz heaters focus the warmth on people and objects in their field of view, which may seem more immediate at close ranges but less uniform over an entire room.
Is it possible to use electric log inserts instead of a nonworking fireplace?
Yes – this is one of their most frequent applications. They allow you to have a fireplace as a decorative and practical center without fixing or utilizing a broken chimney.
What noises do electric fireplace log inserts make?
Depending on the model, noise is mostly caused by the internal fan. In case the quietness of operation is important, check owners’ reviews with regard to fan noise, as the decibel rating is not always published by the manufacturer.
Are these inserts required to have a special outlet?
No – a typical 120-volt household outlet (grounded) is adequate with practically all the models in this category.
What’s the average lifespan of an electric fireplace log insert?
Under typical home usage, most highly rated models are designed to last a number of years; in most cases, the LED flame parts will usually last much longer than the heating element with regular use.
Is it possible to use an extension cord with an electric log insert?
Manufacturers typically do not recommend it, or insist on a heavy-duty cord with the full amperage of the unit, as undersized cords may overheat.
Is more BTU rating better?
Not necessarily. Adjust the BTU output of the unit to your room size – more than that will not provide any significant comfort in a small room, or will not overcome poor insulation in a big room.
