Best 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
Electric fireplaces are great because they heat up a room without using much energy. They also provide a warm ambiance and add beauty to your home. However, choosing the right model can be tricky.
There are several things to consider before buying an electric fireplace. For example, you should choose a unit that has a high BTU rating (BTUs), meaning that it heats up a large area quickly.
Also, you need to consider the size of the fireplace, whether you need it to be recessed or wall-mounted, and how you go about installing it into the desired space.
And... When all of that is taken care of, you need to consider additional style and safety features. Do you prefer a modern or more retro look? Do you need the thermostat to come with a timer?
If you're finding all of this a bit overwhelming, then you're in the right place. Below, we've listed the best 36-inch electric fireplace inserts available today.
We have hand-selected each one according to its affordability, BTU rating, features, and style. We've also included a handy buyers' guide so that you can make the most informed purchase possible.
Check it out!
Valuxhome Electric Fireplace
It's made from durable materials and comes with everything you'll need to install it yourself.
The whole fireplace measures 36 inches wide by 27 inches high by 9 inches deep, whilst the insert measures 32 inches wide by 26 inches high by 8 inches deep.
As such, it is an impressive size. It also comes with a 6-foot-long power cable, which should be long enough for most needs.
With this insert, you have two heating options: high (1500W) or low (750W). This provides you with ample versatility.
In fact, there is also an option to turn the heat off but keep the flame effect on, which means that you can enjoy a cozy atmosphere on even the warmest evenings.
It is very easy to adjust the heat setting to your preferences with this insert. It comes with a remote control and an easy-to-use panel that allows you to quickly alter the settings.
It is also equipped with a timer and auto-shutoff mechanism - these are excellent safety features.
The multi-flame modes offered by this electric fireplace insert are excellent and hugely varied, so there should be something for everyone's tastes!
It features life-like resin logs, an ember bed, 3 atmospheric colors to choose from, and the brightness of the flames can be easily adjusted.
Its BTU rating is 5100, making it suitable for heating an average-sized room.
As a bonus, Valuxhome provides all of their customers with a one-year warranty when they purchase this electric fireplace insert - so you know that it is a particularly safe purchase!
Our Thoughts
We love the design of this fireplace. It has a modern exterior, but the realistic-style resin log and ember bed provide a rustic and cozy atmosphere.
We also found that it was particularly easy to install! We know that it is more expensive than others, but it is worth the extra money.
Pros
- Two Heating Options - provide good versatility.
- No Heat Option - can enjoy this fireplace all year round.
- Remote Control And Panel - make it very easy to adjust the settings to your own preferences.
- Multi-Flame Modes - particularly varied.
- One-Year Warranty - make this fireplace a safe purchase.
Cons
- Price - more expensive than others on this list (but still good value for money).
R.W.Flame Recessed And Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
If you're looking for a super sleek electric fireplace, this R.W.Flame Recessed And Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace is ideal. It has an attractive and practical design that is certain to look wonderful and work for any modern home.
The unit is available in five sizes, ranging from 36 inches to 68 inches. However, each of these sizes has one thing in common - they are all incredibly thin.
The 36-inch model is just 3.8 inches deep, which is almost half the depth of their previous models.
In turn, this fireplace has a super sleek and modern feel. It is also very customizable, so should suit a number of different aesthetic preferences.
It has 12 flame and LED flame bed color modes, 5 flame speed modes, 5 flame brightness levels, and a special automatic flame design.
Each of these settings can be operated with a remote control or by the touch screen panel. Here, you can also adjust the heat settings -you can choose from 750W or 1500W, making it quite a versatile electric fireplace.
The supplemental heating zone of this model is 400 square feet. This means it will be able to heat up a small to medium-sized room quickly and easily, without using up too much energy.
The heat it produces is good for maintaining natural levels of humidity in the air, which prevents a dry atmosphere.
Finally, this insert can be used as both a recessed fireplace and a wall-mounted fireplace, depending on how you install it.
This makes it incredibly versatile, particularly if you are planning to redecorate or move house at some point in the future.
Our Thoughts
We really like the versatility provided by this fireplace - especially when you consider the price tag. Its safety features are also excellent - it has an auto-heat kill safety mechanism that prevents the unit from overheating.
Pros
- Recessed And Wall-Mounted - makes this model very versatile.
- 400 Sq Ft Supplemental Heating Zone - will warm up a medium-sized room quickly.
- Flame Bed And LED Settings - there are many to choose from.
- Thin - this model is very sleek and won't take up much space.
Cons
- No 'No Heat' Option - you cannot use this fireplace with the heat setting off.
Homedex Recessed Mounted Electric Fireplace
This Homedex Recessed Mounted Gas Log Set Electric Fireplace is a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish and functional fireplace insert for a bargain!
In fact, thanks to its excellent design, this fireplace adds a touch of relaxation and warmth to any space.
There is an upper front heater blower and two heat settings. If it is a particularly cold day, the high setting (1500W) will warm up the room well.
Whereas if you want just a touch of warmth, the low setting (750W) will do the job perfectly.
These settings will heat up a 400 square feet room quickly and effectively. This means that this fireplace is a great choice for anyone who needs to warm up a medium or small-sized area.
You can adjust the heat settings using a remote control or the super simple touch screen panel.
From here, you can also adjust the flame settings, of which there are many! You can choose from two different ember beds: log set or crystal stones.
You can also choose from 9 different flame color settings. The flames can also be operated with or without heat, so you can feel cozy regardless of the weather!
If you're concerned about the room becoming too dry, this heater will ensure that natural levels of humidity are maintained - ensuring a comfortable space for hours on end.
The safety settings on this model are also extensive, including a safety cut-off mechanism, so you will feel totally at ease!
This electric fireplace has been designed primarily to be an in-wall or recessed fireplace. However, you can use it as a wall-mounted fireplace if you would prefer.
Simply follow the easy instruction manual and you'll have the fireplace of your dreams in no time.
Our Thoughts
This fireplace is perfect for those looking for a stylish and safe alternative to traditional fireplaces.
It's easy to maintain, and it looks fantastic in almost any room. And, considering the features it comes with, it is an absolute steal!
Pros
- Supplemental Heating Zone Of 400 Sq Ft - will heat up a medium-sized room quickly.
- Flame Settings And Ember Bed Options - these are very varied.
- Recessed Or Wall-Mounted - makes this option very versatile.
- No Heat Option - flames can be operated without heat.
- Price - affordable considering the features.
Cons
- Flame Settings - not the most realistic.
Masarflame Retro Electric Fireplace Insert
With a modern look, this fireplace offers more than enough style to make sure that all of your guests envy you! However, it does come with a larger than average price tag.
It has a unique design that makes it stand out from other models. In particular, this model is especially well-suited to those of you who are looking for a realistic electric fireplace.
It has a very life-like ember bed and wonderfully realistic resin logs.
Additionally, the three-sided brick back provides a true vintage feel. This fireplace is a great option for people who have had to remove a traditional fireplace and need to replace it with a safer (but equally gorgeous) option.
This fireplace comes with 3 color options and 5 flame-intensity options. Whilst the options for personalization with this model are more limited than others on this list, every single one of the settings is life-like and of very high quality.
Unlike other electric fireplaces, this one also comes equipped with a built-in speaker. This produces a comforting crackling sound that mimics the sound of a real fireplace.
As such, if you're looking for a fireplace that will provide ambiance, this is an excellent option.
It has an energy-efficient heating system that uses less energy than traditional fireplaces. There are two energy-saving heating options: 1500W and 750W.
It heats up fast and provides plenty of heat for a small or medium room because it heats up to 400 square feet per hour.
Our Thoughts
We absolutely love the design of this fireplace. It is one of the most realistic electric fireplaces that we've ever seen!
However, the design may not be for everyone, because it has an especially rustic feel. Also, the price tag is very large compared to others on this list.
Pros
- Life-Like Flame Effect - this is one of the most realistic flames we've ever seen.
- Built-In Speaker - it plays a soothing crackling sound that mimics the sound of a real fire.
- Energy Efficient - uses less electricity than traditional fireplaces.
- Rustic Design - looks just like a traditional fireplace.
Cons
- Size - a little bulkier than some other electric fireplaces.
- Price - more expensive than others on this list.
BOSSIN Ultra-Thin Silence Linear Electric Fireplace Insert
If you want a realistic fireplace but don't want to spend a lot of money, then this might be the perfect choice for you.
The BOSSIN Ultra-thin Silence Linear Electric Fireplace Insert is a very good alternative to other electric fireplaces. It's a safe, affordable solution that looks beautiful in any home.
The first thing that stands out about this fireplace is its size. At only 3.85 inches wide, it's much smaller than many other models on the market.
Additionally, it's only 18 inches tall. This means that it won't take up too much space in your living room.
The second thing that stands out about it is how easy it is to install. It doesn't require any tools at all.
You can easily put it together yourself without having to hire a professional. The instruction manual is very easy to follow - you should have no problems at all!
The third thing that stands out about the fireplace is how realistic it looks. It has a realistic crystal glass stone effect that gives it a very authentic look.
It boasts 12 flame and LED color modes, and each one is very different from the others - so there should be an effect to suit all preferences.
As far as functionality goes, it's pretty similar to other electric fireplaces on this list. It has two different heat settings (low, at 750W, and high, at 1500W) that allow you to choose the right level of warmth for your needs.
It also has a remote control so that you can adjust the temperature from anywhere.
It also has a timer function that allows you to set it to automatically turn off after a certain amount of time. In fact, it has a number of safety features.
It is UL and ETL certificated, and you can receive free parts for any installation problem.
Our Thoughts
Overall, we think that the BOSSIN Ultra-Thin Silence Linear Electric fireplace insert is an excellent option for anyone who wants a realistic-looking fireplace that will fit into their budget and doesn't have a ton of space.
It is also very quiet, so is ideal if you need a calm atmosphere.
Pros
- Easy Installation - the instruction manual is very clear.
- Low Noise Levels - not noisy at all.
- 12 Flame Effects - provide excellent versatility.
- Free Parts For Installation Problems - means this fireplace is a fairly safe purchase.
Cons
- Small Size - may not work well with larger rooms.
Buyers Guide
We know that purchasing something as large and expensive as a fireplace insert can be quite daunting. There is just so much to think about!
That's why we've included a handy buyers' guide. Below, you'll find a list of things you need to understand and consider before purchasing an electric fireplace insert.
We've also included a useful FAQ section to ensure that all of your fireplace-related queries are answered. Take a look - you'll be an expert on fireplaces in no time.
Types Of Electric Fireplaces
First and foremost, it is important that you are looking for the right type of electric fireplace for your needs. Check out the most common ones below.
Insert
Let's start with our focus of this article - insert electric fireplaces. These are essentially electric fireplaces that can be installed into an existing recessed space.
Your house may already have a space built for an electric fireplace, or perhaps a traditional fireplace was taken out, leaving a large gap in the wall.
Insert fireplaces can be kept in these recessed spaces. However, generally speaking, they work by plugging them into a panel.
As such, if you're hoping to fill a space that once housed a traditional fireplace, you may need to do some electrical work before being able to install an insert fireplace.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted fireplaces add an elegant and modern touch to any room. They resemble a high-definition TV, which is why many people with modern homes tend to install them underneath their existing flat-screen TV.
Freestanding/Stove
Freestanding or stove electric fires are heaters with an antique look. They tend to be preferred by people with traditional or rustic decor.
You can move them around easily since they're portable. However, they tend to take up more floor space than others.
Corner
Corner-style electric fireplaces fit tightly into corners to save space. These fireplaces might double as television stands, and many of them are also used as storage units.
These are great for people who want a traditional-style fireplace but they have minimal space.
Mantel
Finally, there are mental electric fireplaces. These tend to mimic the traditional style of mantel fireplaces (those fuelled by wood or propane).
These fireplaces are very decorative and will be statement pieces in a home. However, they do tend to be smaller than traditional versions.
Heating Capacity
Another important thing to consider is the heating capacity of your chosen fireplace. Heating capacity may either be described by 'Supplemental Heating Area', which is the amount of space that the fireplace can heat up effectively or in BUTs (British Thermal Units).
Essentially, 1 BTU is the equivalent of the energy necessary to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
It sounds confusing, but generally speaking, you should keep an eye out for a fireplace that has around 4000 to 5000 BTUs.
We recommend opting for a fireplace that has a maximum heating power of 1500W. This is more than enough to ensure that an average room is warm, without causing safety concerns.
All of the fireplaces listed above have a maximum heating power of 1500W.
Installation
Installing electric fireplaces is a lot easier than installing traditional fireplaces because they don't require any venting.
In fact, most electric fireplaces just need to be plugged into a wall outlet, which makes the installation process very simple.
However, in some instances, it may be necessary to undergo electrical work to ensure that the fireplace can be situated exactly where you want it to.
If this is the case, we recommend hiring a professional to take a look at the situation before trying to DIY a solution.
Features
Finally, let's discuss some of the key features of electric fireplaces.
Flame Settings
All electric fireplaces are designed to mimic the look of a real fire, without any of the safety concerns associated with smoke or burning logs.
However, not all flame settings are equal. Some will be far more realistic than others.
We recommend opting for an electric fireplace that comes with a large range of different flame settings, including those that allow you to alter the brightness, intensity, and color of the flames. You should also purchase one with a realistic ember bed.
This way, you will be able to find a setting that works perfectly in your space and to your preferences. It also means that you'll be able to change the settings depending on the atmosphere that you want to create.
Remote Control
Whilst a remote is a very useful feature when it comes to electric fireplaces.
At the end of the day, the last thing you want is to be snuggled up on the couch watching your favorite TV show, when you realize that you need to get up to adjust the heat settings on your fireplace.
This might sound like a minor problem, but trust us, it will feel major if it happens to you! A remote allows you to control everything - from the heat settings to the color of the flames, from the comfort of your couch.
Timer
We think that a timer is one of the most useful features of electric fireplaces. In fact, we recommend staying away from those that don't have an in-built timer.
Not only is it convenient, allowing you to heat up the room for a certain amount of time, but it is also a great safety feature.
We've all had evenings where we've fallen asleep in front of the TV. However, doing this when you have your electric fireplace on can result in some safety concerns.
But, with a timer, you are able to set an 'off' time in the evening, so you know that you will always be safe (regardless of how sleepy you are!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at the frequently asked questions below if you still have some concerns regarding electric fireplace inserts.
Are Electric Fireplaces Safe?
Yes! In fact, electric fireplaces are significantly safer than traditional fireplaces. This is because there are no real flames to be concerned about. You also don't need to worry about proper ventilation.
Are Electric Fireplaces Expensive To Run?
Electric fireplaces are very cost and energy-efficient. It is estimated that, on average, they use up to 18 cents an hour to power them.
However, it is worth remembering that most models allow you to adjust their brightness and heat output. If you want to save electricity, be sure to put your fireplace on all of its lowest settings.
Are Gas Fireplace Inserts Better Than Electric Fireplace Inserts?
Gas and electric fireplace inserts are both great options. They both have some pros and cons. For instance, electric fireplaces are safer to use.
They are also (generally) cheaper and more energy-efficient. They also come in a range of sleek and modern designs.
However, for people who love the traditional-style fireplace, it's unlikely that an electric one will ever live up to their standards.
Gas fireplaces will heat up a larger room more quickly than an electric version, and it will look far more rustic and cozy.
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