Key takeaways
- Measure first: Record the opening’s width, height, and depth at several points. A slightly irregular masonry opening may need trim, spacers, or a simple noncombustible surround to hide gaps.
- Match the insert style: A framed insert creates the most finished appearance, while a log set works well when you want to preserve the look of an open fireplace and avoid filling the entire opening.
- Check electrical access: Most plug-in electric fireplaces need a nearby grounded outlet. Do not route the cord through a wall or pinch it behind the unit; use an electrician if the existing setup is inconvenient.
- Separate heat from ambiance: Flame effects can usually operate without heat, which is useful in warmer weather. For supplemental warmth, compare the available wattage and keep the heater’s airflow unobstructed.
- Prioritize controls and sound: Remote controls, flame brightness settings, timers, crackling audio, and overheating protection can make a bigger everyday difference than a small change in flame color.
What's inside
An empty or outdated fireplace opening can make an otherwise comfortable room feel unfinished, but choosing an insert is rarely as simple as picking the most attractive flame display. Existing fireplaces vary in width, height, depth, wiring, and ventilation, while electric models differ in heater output, sound, controls, and installation style.
This guide focuses on practical DIY considerations: measuring the opening, making a clean-looking fit, choosing between a full insert and a log-set design, and matching features to how you actually use the room. The products below cover several common fireplace sizes and layouts, from traditional framed inserts to flexible freestanding log sets.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to Choose a/an Electric Fireplace Insert For Existing Fireplace (2026)
- Measure first: Record the opening’s width, height, and depth at several points. A slightly irregular masonry opening may need trim, spacers, or a simple noncombustible surround to hide gaps.
- Match the insert style: A framed insert creates the most finished appearance, while a log set works well when you want to preserve the look of an open fireplace and avoid filling the entire opening.
- Check electrical access: Most plug-in electric fireplaces need a nearby grounded outlet. Do not route the cord through a wall or pinch it behind the unit; use an electrician if the existing setup is inconvenient.
- Separate heat from ambiance: Flame effects can usually operate without heat, which is useful in warmer weather. For supplemental warmth, compare the available wattage and keep the heater’s airflow unobstructed.
- Prioritize controls and sound: Remote controls, flame brightness settings, timers, crackling audio, and overheating protection can make a bigger everyday difference than a small change in flame color.
The Best Electric Fireplace Insert For Existing Fireplace (2026)s Reviewed
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
The PuraFlame Western is a strong all-around choice for a standard-sized fireplace opening, with a 33 1/16-inch width and 25 9/16-inch height. Its 750/1500W heater settings, remote control, and fire-crackling sound cover the basics without making the setup feel complicated. From a DIY perspective, its straightforward rectangular format should be easy to position, though careful measuring remains essential before ordering.
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace Insert
The Klaus uses the same 33 1/16-by-25 9/16-inch footprint as the Western but adds a glass door and mesh screen for a more traditional firebox appearance. It is a particularly appealing option when the fireplace is a visual focal point and you want more than a flat flame panel. The 750/1500W heater levels, remote, and crackling sound provide useful everyday flexibility.
23-Inch Electric Fireplace Insert with Log Set
This compact 23-inch insert is suited to smaller openings or projects where a large surround would look oversized. It combines a log set with four flame-brightness levels, a remote, low-noise operation, an eight-hour timer, and overheating protection. Its 1400W heater makes it worth considering for supplemental warmth, provided the opening and outlet arrangement are compatible.
Valuxhome 36-Inch Fireplace Insert
The Valuxhome is the pick for a broad fireplace opening, measuring 36 inches wide. It brings a substantial visual presence along with 750/1500W heating, remote control, crackling sound, and overheating protection. Before committing, measure the opening’s height and depth as carefully as the width; a wide insert can still require a custom trim solution if the surrounding masonry is uneven.
LegendFlame 23-Inch Free Standing Log Set
The LegendFlame EF290 takes a more flexible approach than a conventional framed insert. Its 23-inch freestanding log-set format can suit an open hearth where preserving the existing surround matters, while 750/1500W heat settings, crackling sound, and remote control add practical comfort. It is a sensible DIY-friendly option when you want a quick visual refresh without covering the entire fireplace opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electric insert go into an existing wood-burning fireplace?
Usually, yes, provided the opening is large enough, dry, structurally sound, and has suitable electrical access. The chimney generally does not need to function for an electric unit, but it should be inspected and managed appropriately if moisture, drafts, or an open flue could affect the room.
Do I need to remove the old fireplace?
Not necessarily. Many electric inserts sit inside the existing firebox, allowing you to keep the mantel and surround. Remove loose debris, ash, and obstructions first, and verify that the new unit can sit level with enough clearance for its controls and heater airflow.
Are electric fireplace inserts expensive to run?
Operating cost depends on local electricity rates and how often the heater runs. Using the flame effect without heat consumes less power than running the heating element, so timers and thermostat controls—or simply switching heat off when the room is comfortable—can help limit energy use.
Can I install one myself?
Positioning a plug-in insert is often a manageable DIY project, but electrical work should follow local code and be handled by a qualified electrician when needed. Never use an extension cord unless the manufacturer specifically permits it, and keep curtains, furniture, and other combustibles away from the heater outlet.
Final Thoughts
For a conventional opening, the PuraFlame Western is a well-rounded starting point, while the Klaus is the better fit for shoppers who want a more classic glass-and-screen appearance. Choose the Valuxhome for a wide fireplace, or consider the LegendFlame log set when a less permanent, open-hearth look makes more sense. Measure twice, plan the power connection, and treat the insert as both a heating appliance and a carefully fitted piece of room furniture.
