If your living room could use a quieter kind of upgrade, a built-in fireplace may be the answer. You will find options ranging from compact 36-inch inserts to smart 88-inch wall units, with features like Alexa control, flame customization, and 1500W heat.
The right model can do more than warm a room. It can change how the whole space feels.
Here is what sets the best ones apart.
| 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote and Timer |  | Best Classic Insert | Installation: Recessed insert | Heating: 750W/1500W | Flame Colors: 3 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 50 Inch Smart Electric Fireplace Insert Alexa Control |  | Best Smart Control | Installation: Recessed or wall-mount | Heating: 1500W | Flame Colors: 12 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50” Electric Fireplace (80036) |  | Best Premium Fit | Installation: In-wall recessed | Heating: 1500W | Flame Colors: 6 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| EUHOMY 50 Inch Electric Fireplace with Remote Control |  | Best All-Around | Installation: Wall recessed or wall-mounted | Heating: 750W/1500W | Flame Colors: 12 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace with Remote Control |  | Best Large Format | Installation: Recessed or wall-mounted | Heating: 750W/1500W | Flame Colors: 12 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 88″ Electric Fireplace with WiFi Alexa 6 Flames |  | Best Wide Display | Installation: Recessed or wall-mounted | Heating: 750W/1500W | Flame Colors: 6 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| LEMBERI 72 Inch Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater |  | Best Slim Design | Installation: Wall-mounted | Heating: 750W/1500W | Flame Colors: 12 colors | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
36″ Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote and Timer
If you want a built-in fireplace insert that is easy to install and even easier to enjoy, the 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert with Remote and Timer is a strong fit. You can recess it into an existing opening and power it with a 6 ft, 120V cord. It delivers up to 5,000 BTU and heats rooms up to 400 sq. ft. with 750W or 1500W settings. You also get realistic flames, resin logs, ember bed glow, three color lighting, and charcoal crackling sound. Use the remote, set the timer, and enjoy smokeless, ashless comfort.
- Installation:Recessed insert
- Heating:750W/1500W
- Flame Colors:3 colors
- Timer:Yes
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:3 color atmosphere light
- Additional Feature:Charcoal cracking sound
- Additional Feature:5 flame intensity levels
50 Inch Smart Electric Fireplace Insert Alexa Control
For a sleek, space-saving setup that still delivers smart convenience, this 50-inch smart electric fireplace insert is a strong fit for sitting rooms, bedrooms, offices, and finished basements. You can control it with WiFi, Alexa, the remote, or the touch panel, and adjust flame color, ember bed light, flame speed, heat, and timer from the couch. The linear design offers 12 flame colors, 13 ember bed colors, and logs or acrylic crystals for classic or modern style. Its 1500W heater delivers up to 5,120 BTU, with a 60°F to 99°F range, plus overheat protection and child lock.
- Installation:Recessed or wall-mount
- Heating:1500W
- Flame Colors:12 colors
- Timer:0.5–12 hrs
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:WiFi app control
- Additional Feature:Alexa voice control
- Additional Feature:Child lock safety
Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50” Electric Fireplace (80036)
The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 50” Electric Fireplace (80036) is a strong choice when you want a sleek built in fireplace for a modern living room, bedroom, or office without the hassle of a traditional hearth. You can recess it in the wall, plug it in, or hardwire it, and follow clear homeowner instructions for setup. Its 50 inch display offers six flame colors, 10 media colors, and 60 combinations, while logs, driftwood, and crystals add depth. The 1,500W heater, thermostat, remote, and WiFi controls let you manage warmth and ambiance separately.
- Installation:In-wall recessed
- Heating:1500W
- Flame Colors:6 colors
- Timer:Not specified
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:60 color combinations
- Additional Feature:Flame settings memory
- Additional Feature:Independent flame/media
EUHOMY 50 Inch Electric Fireplace with Remote Control
EUHOMY’s 50-inch built-in electric fireplace is designed for homeowners who want a sleek, modern focal point with flexible installation and simple control. It can be recessed or wall-mounted, and its black tempered glass front suits family rooms, bedrooms, offices, and RVs. It offers 12 flame colors, 12 fuel-bed colors, and five brightness levels, along with logs and crystal stones for a customized look. Use the remote or touchscreen to adjust heat, timer, and thermostat settings. It heats up to 400 square feet with 750W or 1500W modes, operates quietly, and includes overheat protection and ETL approval.
- Installation:Wall recessed or wall-mounted
- Heating:750W/1500W
- Flame Colors:12 colors
- Timer:1–8 hrs
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:12 LED fuel bed colors
- Additional Feature:45 decibel operation
- Additional Feature:ETL certified safety
EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace with Remote Control
Looking for a sleek built-in fireplace that gives you control over both style and comfort? The EUHOMY 60 Inch Electric Fireplace features a black tempered glass front, 12 flame colors, 12 fuel bed colors, and 5 brightness levels. You can recess it or mount it on the wall, and it fits residential rooms, bedrooms, offices, RVs, and more. Use the remote or touchscreen to adjust heat from 62°F to 82°F, set the 1 to 8 hour timer, and enjoy quiet 45 decibel operation. It is ETL approved and includes 2 year support.
- Installation:Recessed or wall-mounted
- Heating:750W/1500W
- Flame Colors:12 colors
- Timer:1–8 hrs
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:12 LED fuel bed colors
- Additional Feature:45 decibel operation
- Additional Feature:ETL certified safety
88″ Electric Fireplace with WiFi Alexa 6 Flames
If you want a sleek built-in fireplace for a modern smart-home lifestyle, Mystflame’s 88-inch BI88G-pro is a strong match. You can recess it into a standard stud wall or mount it directly, and its 5.51-inch depth helps it sit cleanly under a TV. It offers 750 and 1500W heat for rooms up to 400 sq ft, plus an adjustable thermostat from 71 to 99°F. Control flame, ember, brightness, and timer through the remote, app, Alexa, or Google Home. With six flame colors, 13 ember hues, logs, crystals, and overheat protection, it combines style with practical comfort.
- Installation:Recessed or wall-mounted
- Heating:750W/1500W
- Flame Colors:6 colors
- Timer:1–9 hrs
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Yes
- Additional Feature:Google Home compatible
- Additional Feature:13 ember bed colors
- Additional Feature:Three top light colors
LEMBERI 72 Inch Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater
The LEMBERI 72 Inch Electric Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater is a smart choice if you want a wide, modern focal point that also adds supplemental warmth to an occupied room, office, or commercial space. It features a 72-inch front-facing design with a slim 3.2-inch profile, so it sits neatly on the wall. The 1500-watt quartz heater offers 750 and 1500 watt modes, while vent-free operation helps maintain natural humidity. You can adjust 12 flame colors, brightness, speed, and bed color with the remote or buttons. ETL approval and auto-heat shutoff add confidence.
- Installation:Wall-mounted
- Heating:750W/1500W
- Flame Colors:12 colors
- Timer:Yes
- Remote Control:Included
- Heatless Mode:Flame only
- Additional Feature:20% thinner profile
- Additional Feature:12 flame bed colors
- Additional Feature:Maintains natural humidity
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Built-In Fireplace
When you choose a built-in fireplace, consider the installation type first, since it affects how easily it fits your space and setup. You should also check the size and fit, heating capacity, flame customization, and control options so the fireplace matches both your room and your comfort needs. Choosing the right balance of style and function helps you get the most from your fireplace.
Installation Type
Choosing the right installation type starts with your wall space, since built-in fireplaces may need a fully recessed cavity, a wall bracket, or a unit that can work either way. You’ll want to confirm which setup your room supports before you buy, because the wrong style can block installation entirely. Measure the opening carefully and compare it with the unit’s overall and recessed dimensions so it fits the wall without forcing modifications. Check the required depth too, since some slim models need only 3.2 to 5.5 inches, while others need a much deeper cavity. Also verify the power source, because some fireplaces plug into a 120V outlet and others can be hardwired. Finally, make sure the location allows safe clearance and proper ventilation, especially under a TV or on a feature wall.
Size And Fit
Before you buy, measure the opening carefully because built-in fireplace inserts can vary a lot in overall width, height, and depth, even when they are sold in the same nominal size. Check the exterior dimensions and the recessed cutout dimensions, since the visible frame and the in-wall opening do not always match. Then confirm whether you need a fully recessed, wall-mounted, plug-in, or hardwired model, because that choice changes clearance and wall space requirements. Pay close attention to depth, especially if your wall cavity is shallow. Slim units can fit in just 4 to 6 inches, while deeper inserts need more recess room. Finally, choose a size that suits your room or wall, such as 36 inch, 50 inch, 60 inch, 72 inch, or 88 inch formats, so the fireplace looks balanced.
Heating Capacity
Once you’ve matched the fireplace to your wall opening, the next step is to check how much heat it can add to the room. Review the BTU and wattage ratings to make sure the unit suits your space; many models provide about 750W on low and 1500W on high, with roughly 5,000 to 5,120 BTU for supplemental warmth. For small to medium rooms, look for about 400 sq. ft. of heating coverage if you want noticeable zone heating. Adjustable heat settings help you balance comfort and energy use, especially when switching between low and high modes. A thermostat or temperature range, such as 62°F to 99°F, helps prevent the room from overheating. If you want ambiance at times, choose a model that can run flames without heat year round.
Flame Customization
Flame customization can make a built-in fireplace feel subtle or dramatic, so it is worth comparing the visual controls before you buy. Check how many flame colors are available, since some models offer only 3 while others provide 12 or more. Brightness matters too, because a unit with 3 to 5 levels lets you fine tune the glow to fit the room. Look at flame speed settings as well. Three speeds may suit a calm ember effect, while 5 speeds create a livelier look. When the flame and ember bed adjust separately, you can create more combinations. Extras such as logs, crystals, or multi-color ember lighting can also expand your display options and help your fireplace feel unique.
Control Options
Control options can make a built-in fireplace feel easy to use or unnecessarily complicated, so it helps to match the interface to your routine. You may prefer a remote when you want to adjust flame and heat from across the room, while a touchscreen panel works well for quick changes at the unit. If you want smarter convenience, choose a WiFi-enabled model that lets you use an app or voice assistant to turn it on, change lighting, or set the temperature without leaving the couch. Some fireplaces also let you fine-tune flame color, brightness, speed, ember bed lighting, heat output, and timers separately. Look for memory functions too, since they can restore your last settings after a power change and save you time.
Safety Features
While choosing a built-in fireplace, safety features should be a top priority. Look for overheat protection or automatic shut-off so the unit stops heating when internal temperatures get too high. If you prefer simpler maintenance and fewer combustion risks, choose a ventless electric model with no gas, oil, smoke, or ash. Make sure your home’s wiring can handle the load. A grounded 120V setup with a dedicated 15A circuit is safer for higher-output units, especially those rated from 750W to 1500W. Child lock, ETL certification, and thermostat limits help prevent accidental use and overheating. Remote controls, timers from 0.5 to 12 hours, and memory settings also make it easier to manage heat safely without constant manual adjustments.
Style And Finish
Once you have covered safety, the next decision is how the fireplace will look in your space. You will usually see a rectangular, front-facing design with black tempered glass, and that clean profile can blend smoothly into walls or a feature surround. If you want a modern feel, choose polished black frames and a glass front. If you prefer a classic look, brick-lined interiors or log-style media can add warmth and tradition. You can also shape the mood with flame and ember-bed colors, since many models offer 6 to 12 flame colors and up to 13 fuel-bed options. Logs, driftwood, acrylic crystals, or mixed media each create a different visual effect, while brightness, speed, and intensity controls let you shift from a soft ambient glow to a bold focal point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Built-In Fireplaces Safe for Homes With Small Children?
Yes, built-in fireplaces are not inherently dangerous, but if you have small children, you should take precautions. Use barriers, cool-touch fronts, alarms, and close supervision to make them much safer.
Can Built-In Fireplaces Increase a Home’s Resale Value?
Yes, a built-in fireplace can improve your home’s resale value, especially when you choose a stylish, efficient model. It adds warmth, visual appeal, and a desirable feature that buyers often notice right away.
Do Electric Built-In Fireplaces Need Professional Installation?
No, you usually do not need a professional for electric built-in fireplaces, but caution is important. You can often handle the setup yourself, but you should hire an electrician when wiring or a dedicated circuit is required.
How Much Maintenance Do Built-In Fireplaces Require Yearly?
You’ll usually spend 1 to 2 hours each year cleaning, inspecting vents, checking seals, and replacing batteries or filters. Gas units may need professional servicing, and wood-burning models require more ash removal and chimney sweeping.
Can Built-In Fireplaces Be Used During a Power Outage?
Yes, you can, unless your built-in fireplace needs electricity for blowers, ignition, or controls. During an outage, gas or wood units might still work, while electric ones will not.
