Electric Fireplaces
Best Insert Electric Fireplace Heater (2026): Our 3 Picks Ranked
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For an insert electric fireplace heater, the Antarctic Star 36 inch leads as Best Overall: it pairs a 12-color flame with a 750W and 1500W heater, a thermostat and coverage rated for up to 400 sq ft by the maker. The Riseon follows as the Lightest Pick at 13.6 lb. The Touchstone adds a 60 inch frame with Alexa and WiFi control.
Starting out? See the main guide: Best Electric Fireplace
Top picks at a glance
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9.8 View on Amazon -
9.4 View on Amazon -
9.2 View on Amazon
Compare the specs
Ranked on width, flame colors, heat settings, remote control, timer, adjustable thermostat, coverage (maker's figure), overheat protection from each listing, plus how many buyers have rated it. A dash (—) means we could not confirm that figure from the listing.
| Pick | Width | Flame colors | Heat settings | Remote control | Timer | Adjustable thermostat | Coverage (maker's figure) | Overheat protection | Wattage | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Antarctic Star 36 Inch Electric Fireplace in-Wall | 36 in | 12 colors | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | 400 sq ft | Yes | 1,500 W | 33 lb | — |
| 2. Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs Inserts Heater with Remote | — | — | 2 settings | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | 1,500 W | 13.6 lb | 1-year |
| 3. Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 60" Smart Electric | — | 6 colors | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | 400 sq ft | — | 1,500 W | 66 lb | 1-year |
Antarctic Star 36 Inch Electric Fireplace in-Wall
It pairs a 12-color flame with 750W and 1500W heat modes, a 1 to 8 hour timer, a thermostat and overheat protection.
- Width: 36 in
- Flame colors: 12 colors
- Remote control
- Timer
- Adjustable thermostat
- Coverage (maker's figure): 400 sq ft
- Overheat protection
- Wattage: 1,500 W
Good for
- Buyers who want a 36 inch wall-mounted fireplace
- Buyers who want 12 flame colors with a remote
Skip it if
- You need rated coverage past 400 sq ft
- You need a timer longer than 8 hours
The 36 inch unit mounts recessed, semi-recessed or on the wall, and it weighs 33 lb. Heat and flame switch independently, with flame color and speed adjustable from the remote or touch panel. The front blower runs at 750W or 1500W, and a cut-off device gives overheat protection. The box includes instructions, a remote and screws.
Riseon Electric Fireplace Logs Inserts Heater with Remote
It packs a log insert with 5 flame brightness levels, 2 heat modes, a 24 hour timer and overheat protection into a 13.6 lb body.
- Heat settings: 2 settings
- Remote control
- Timer
- Adjustable thermostat
- Wattage: 1,500 W
- 1-year warranty stated
- 13.6 lb, the lightest here
Good for
- Buyers who want a light 13.6 lb log insert
- Buyers who want flame without heat in any season
Skip it if
- You need more than 5 flame brightness levels
- You need a warranty longer than 1 year
The flame imitates burning logs with 5 brightness levels, and it runs with or without heat. Press the heater button once or twice for low and high heat, and the fan runs 60 seconds after shutoff to disperse remaining heat. The timer sets 1 to 24 hours, and the unit is ETL certified with automatic shutdown on overheating.
Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 60" Smart Electric
It pairs a 60 inch frame with 6 flame colors, 13-color ember bed and down lighting, crackle sound and Alexa and WiFi control.
- Flame colors: 6 colors
- Remote control
- Timer
- Adjustable thermostat
- Coverage (maker's figure): 400 sq ft
- Wattage: 1,500 W
- 1-year warranty stated
Good for
- Buyers who want a 60 inch wall or recessed fireplace
- Buyers who want Alexa and WiFi control
Skip it if
- You need a fireplace under 66 lb
- You need a timer longer than 9 hours
The heater runs at 1500W or 750W with a thermostat from 68 to 88 degrees, and coverage is rated for up to 400 sq ft by the maker. The timer runs from 30 minutes to 9 hours, and the unit plugs in or hardwires. It weighs 66 lb, and the box includes painted crushed glass crystals and realistic driftwood.
How to choose
Match the size and install type
Measure your opening before you buy. The Antarctic Star is 36 inches wide for recessed, semi-recessed or wall mounting, and the Touchstone is 60 inches wide for wall-mount or recessed installation with a rough opening of 58 11/16 inches wide. The Riseon is a log insert at 20.39 inches wide for freestanding or built-in placement. Width and depth decide fit more than wattage, since all three heaters run at 1500W.
Coverage and thermostat control
Coverage is the maker's own figure: the Antarctic Star and the Touchstone are each rated for up to 400 sq ft by the maker. A thermostat holds a set temperature by cycling heat, while plain heat modes only pick a power level. The Antarctic Star and the Touchstone pair a thermostat with 750W and 1500W modes, and the Riseon pairs 2 heat modes with a thermostat. Compare the rating against your room size, and use the timer to set run times.
Flame, sound and controls
Flame runs with or without heat on the Antarctic Star and the Riseon, so the display works in every season. The Antarctic Star offers 12 flame colors with adjustable speed, the Riseon offers 5 brightness levels, and the Touchstone offers 6 flame colors, 13 ember bed colors and 13 down lighting colors plus crackle sound with adjustable volume. The Antarctic Star and the Touchstone use a remote and a panel. The Touchstone adds Alexa and WiFi control.
FAQ
What size insert fireplace heater do I need?
Measure your opening first. The Antarctic Star is 36 inches wide, the Touchstone is 60 inches wide with a rough opening of 58 11/16 inches, and the Riseon log insert is 20.39 inches wide.
Can the flame run without heat?
Yes for the Antarctic Star and the Riseon: the Antarctic Star switches heat and flame independently, and the Riseon flame runs whether the heater is on or off.
What timers do these fireplaces have?
The Antarctic Star timer runs 1 to 8 hours, the Riseon timer runs 1 to 24 hours, and the Touchstone timer runs 30 minutes to 9 hours.
Which fireplace works with Alexa?
The Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro works with Alexa and WiFi, with control by smartphone or voice commands as well as its remote and control panel.
