Best Recessed Electric Fireplace

Many traditional fireplaces are rather bulky and because of this, they can be a rather obtrusive addition to your living space. If you have smaller rooms inside your home, you may not be able to accommodate a substantially sized unit.

Traditional fireplaces can also be rather messy and you will need to dedicate a sufficient amount of time to regular maintenance and cleaning. 

This is where a recessed electric fireplace comes in. An electric fireplace works by drawing in the cool air before heating it via a coil and projecting it back into the room.

A recessed fireplace is designed to fit into a structural opening and they are often sought after by those who want to have more control in customizing the look of their living space. They are classy and modern and when installed correctly, will sit flush against the wall. 

As there are so many different recessed electric fireplaces available, finding the best one can seem like a challenge. This is where we come in.

To make the task easier for you, below we have selected and reviewed our top 5 picks of the best options that the market has to offer. We have also provided a handy buyer’s guide with all our tips to help you during the purchasing process.

R.W.FLAME Recessed Electric Fireplace 

The R.W.FLAME Recessed Electric Fireplace measures 60” x 3.85” x 18.11” and is only 3.85” thick. Not only is this upgraded design much more practical but it is more attractive too.

When recessed in your wall, it is going to look sleek and sophisticated. The 750W and 1500W modes can be adjusted to suit your needs and this is ideal for those who want to save energy without completely sacrificing heat.

Impressively, this is an intuitive fireplace that incorporates multiple modes. You have the option to control it via the touchscreen or the remote depending on your preference.

Choose from 12 flame and flame bed LED color modes, 5 flame speed modes, and 5 flame brightness modes to emulate the desired vibe in your living space. 

As for safety, this fireplace has been ETL certified which means that the product has undergone testing and meets certain safety regulations.

Moreover, this model also has an auto-heat kill feature which will ensure that it does not overheat and the heat that is produced will maintain the humidity inside the room without making the air dry.

Pros

• Size - there are multiple sizes available so you can select the appropriate option for the size of your living space. 
• Versatility - it can be controlled via the touch screen or using the remote control provided. 
• Warranty - backed by a 1 year warranty, there is help on hand should you require it. 

Cons

• The flames - some reviewers have reported that the flames did not appear as realistic as they were expecting and were a little looking. 

 

Homedex Recessed Electric Fireplace 

Modernly designed, the Homedex Recessed Electric Fireplace will introduce comfort and relaxation to your living space.

Though it would look great in your main family room, it can also be installed in a bedroom or anywhere where a heat source is required.

It features two heat settings, the lowest being 750W and the highest being 1500W, and is powerful enough to heat a room measuring up to 400 square feet. 

We particularly like the addition of a countdown timer, which can be set to turn the fireplace off once a certain amount of time has passed.

The thermostat will also control the temperature of the room so that you can relax in a comfortable environment. You are also provided with a remote control that can be used to operate the functionality of this fireplace. 

For the ember bed there are two options available; depending on your taste you can choose between a log set or crystal stones. Powerful LED lights have also been used to create a bright but realistic flame. 

Pros

• Safe - it has been CSA certified and the unit will also turn itself off if it begins to overheat. 
• Settings - this fireplace features 9 different flame settings so you can emulate the desired ambiance. 
• Size - there are two models available so you can select the best one for the size of the wall that it is going to be recessed in. 

Cons

• Noise - the fan and motor of this fireplace produces a noticeable noise when it is operating. 

 

Touchstone Recessed Electric Fireplace 

The Touchstone Recessed Electric Fireplace replicates the same coziness as a traditional fireplace with the most noticeable difference being that this unit has been designed for recessed mounting.

During the colder months, you can turn on this fire for heat, however, as the temperatures warm up you can turn the flames on without the heat. 

Along with the fireplace you are also provided with a set of faux logs or crystals which can be added to the base of the fire to make it look more realistic. When properly fitted the unit will sit flush to the wall boasting a modern and clean look. 

In regards to functionality, this fire features two heat settings, 5 brightness settings, and different color modes.

As such, you can customize the settings to suit your preferences regardless of whether you are looking for a soft glow or a more powerful flame.

Similar to our previous picks, this fireplace comes with a remote which can be used to control the intensity of the heat and flame.

Pros

• Versatility - if you do not wish to recess this fireplace, you will appreciate the wall mount bracket. This offers flexibility regarding how it can be installed. 
• Built-in timer - this can be set to turn the unit off after a certain amount of time whether this is 30 minutes or several hours.
• Installation - you are provided with easy to read instructions that will make this fireplace easier to install. 

Cons

• Noise - unfortunately, some customers experienced issues with the noise of this fireplace, which was rather loud and distracting.

 

PuraFlame Recessed Electric Fireplace

If you are looking for a sophisticated fireplace, this PuraFlame Recessed Electric Fireplace could be a perfect choice.

Unlike our previous picks, this unit is only suitable for recessed installation and cannot be hung or left freestanding. It incorporates 2 heat settings; the lowest is 750W and the highest is 1500W. 

Using the remote control you can alter the settings of this fireplace, although the body of the unit possesses touchscreen properties.

Furthermore, this fireplace is equipped with 4 different flame settings so you can select your favorite option depending on the ambiance and feel that you want to create. The flame can also be operated regardless of whether the heater is on or not. 

You can set the timer to automatically turn the unit off when needed. As such, you don’t need to worry about forgetting to turn the fire off because so long as you have programmed the timer, this setting will do it for you. 

Pros

• The appearance - the logs inside the unit have been hand painted for more of an authentic look.
• The LEDs - as this fireplace is equipped with ultra-bright LEDs it will project a bright beam of light to create a realistic flame.
• Sizes - this fireplace comes in 5 different sizes, so you can select the best option for your living space. 

Cons

• Effectiveness - although this fireplace does produce heat, it may not be as intense as some customers desire. 

 

Tangkula Recessed Electric Fireplace

The Tangkula Recessed Electric Fireplace measures 50” x 3.86” x 18.11” and is 3.86” thick. Because of this, it is going to make a statement on your wall without appearing too obtrusive.

It has also been designed with two air inlets which are located at the front of the fireplace. Aside from this, it is also powerful enough to heat a 400 square foot room.

As this is a versatile fireplace it can be installed in multiple ways. Of course, the first option is to recess it into your wall, but if this doesn’t suit the design of your living space you can hang it on the wall.

The crystal glass and flame will enhance the appearance of the fire making it look much more realistic. 

This fireplace features 5 different flame speed modes and 5 brightness levels. This allows you to adjust the look of the flame depending on the ambiance that you want to create.

It also has a timer and a sleep mode. As such, you can set the fireplace to turn off after a set amount of time. 

Pros

• Safe - as an ETL-certified fireplace, it has been tested to make sure that it is safe to use. It also incorporates a feature that will turn it off if it begins to overheat.
• Install - many customers have been impressed with how easy it is to install into your wall.
• Sizes - because this fireplace is available in various sizes you can choose the model that is going to fit the best onto your wall.

Cons

• Heat output - this fireplace does not feature a button that can be used to adjust the temperature so you may not find the output of heat as hot as you would like.

 

Buyer’s Guide

When searching for a recessed electric fireplace there are a few things that you will need to look out for. Considering the following criteria will help you to determine which option is best for your needs. 

The Size

First, you must assess the size of the space where you plan to install the fireplace. If you already have a designated area where it is going to be fitted, you will need to measure this space before browsing the market.

The product specifications will state the size of the fireplace and in most instances, there will be more than one size to choose from.

A great thing about many of these fireplaces is that they are big enough to make a statement but they do not overwhelm the space. 

A fireplace that is going to cover a smaller area should be more compact, and a fireplace that is going to cover a larger area should be more substantially sized to ensure that it doesn’t look lost. 

Installation

Ideally, your fireplace should be easy to install. Those who lack confidence in DIY are likely to struggle when trying to assemble and install a recessed fireplace that is overly complex.

To check whether or not it is easy to install, it is worth reading existing customer reviews from previous buyers who have left their feedback on this matter.

Almost all fireplaces will come with a user manual that will detail the step by step stages of fixing it to your wall. 

The Appearance

A common complaint with many electric fireplaces is that the flames do not look realistic enough. After investing in a fireplace of this kind, of course, you want it to create flames that closely replicate those produced by a traditional unit.

Along with the fireplace itself, you will also be provided with a set of rocks or crystals which can be added to the base to make it look more like a real fire. Often, these features will be hand painted to make it look more authentic. 

Heat Settings

A great thing about most recessed fireplaces is that they come with adjustable heat settings. This allows you to alter the intensity of the heat according to your preferences.

During the months when it is warm but you could benefit from a little bit more heat, you can opt for the lower setting. As the weather gets colder and the temperature drops, you can then select a higher setting which will produce a more noticeable output of heat. 

Timer 

Many recessed electric fireplaces are equipped with a timer. Once this timer is set it will automatically turn the unit off after the stated amount of time has passed. This may be as little as 30 minutes or a couple of hours.

For many, this provides added assurance should they forget that the fireplace is on. Also, if you know that you are going to require the fire for a lengthy period of time, once it is on and the timer has been set, you needn’t worry about having to check the settings for the duration of time that it is running. 

Flame Settings

The majority of these fireplaces feature multiple flame settings which concern their speed and brightness. Often, there will be around 5 options available and you can choose according to the ambiance and mood that you want to create.

Whilst some may prefer a calmer and more subtle flame, others may prefer one that is brighter and more intense.

Moreover, most fireplaces can either be controlled via touchscreen buttons or a remote control which makes it much more intuitive. As such, you can alter the settings without having to remove yourself from the comfort of your sofa. 

Safety 

We would recommend that you opt for a fireplace that has a safety certification. This will indicate that it has undergone certain tests and conforms to safety standards and regulations.

The specifications will state whether the fireplace is CSA or ETL approved. Furthermore, many models will also incorporate a feature that will automatically stop the fireplace from operating if it starts to overheat. 

Noise

An issue with some fireplaces is that they produce a noise similar to the sound of grinding or rattling as they function.

For many, this could be problematic, especially if the fire is going to be installed in a room where any type of noise is going to be noticeable and therefore distracting. 

The Cost

Recessed electric fireplaces can retail at various prices, some options which are considerably more expensive than others. For this reason, it is important to have a budget in mind before browsing through the selection of fireplaces available.

In doing so, you can then ensure that the products that you search for accommodate your price range. Sometimes, the cheaper cost of some fireplaces is reflected in the appearance of the flames.

You must ensure that your chosen fireplace incorporates all of the features that you desire and complements the interior of your living space. 

Warranty

Some fireplaces will be covered by a warranty. This will cover you should you experience any issues with the functionality of your fireplace or if you are unhappy with the item that you receive.

You will need to contact the manufacturer and they will then be responsible for rectifying the issue, in most cases, they are likely to offer a refund.

The length of the policy can differ between brands and others will not cover their products with any type of warranty. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric fireplaces tacky?

Certainly not as the designs have improved tremendously since they were first introduced to the market. Previously, they received complaints that they appeared cheap and the flame effects were not as realistic as some had hoped.

Now the designs have advanced considerably and the majority will complement modern interiors.