Best 36 inch electric fireplace insert: 5 top picks for 2023

A 36″ electric fireplace insert is perfect for smaller spaces or current fireplace openings that measure this width.
There are plenty of options on the market, but not all of them are worth the money.
That’s why we have compiled a list of the best, featuring different styles, prices and technologies.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 picks for best 36 inch electric fireplace insert.

SimpliFire 36-Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
Best 36 inch electric fireplace insert
- built-in installation only
- can be plugged into a standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet or 800 sq. feet if hardwired

R.W.FLAME 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert
Best budget 36 inch electric fireplace insert
- can be wall-mounted or recessed
- can be plugged into a standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet
Best 36 inch electric fireplace insert
1. Valuxhome 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert

A budget-friendly, high-quality electric fireplace
The Valuxhome insert is one of the most popular 36″ electric fireplaces on the market today. It offers good quality with good value, making it the perfect choice for many.
Being at the cheaper end of the spectrum, the Valuxhome electric fireplace insert doesn’t offer many flame settings and options (3 color options in total and different brightness levels).
It has two heat settings (low and high) and a timer for convenient operation. It also comes supplied with a remote control for operation and can be used with or without the heat setting turned on for year round ambiance.
It features a crackling sound feature to add to the realism of the fire, however, the speaker isn’t the best quality and shouldn’t be a deciding feature when purchasing this fireplace.
2. R.W.FLAME 36″ Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace

A very popular 36″ electric fireplace with a budget price tag
The R.W.Flame 36″ electric fireplace is another super popular choice, but isn’t the traditional looking insert.
It can be wall-mounted as well as built-in, giving you alternative installation methods to suit your needs/future needs.
This electric fireplace is one of the quietest, budget options on the market, making it a perfect option if you plan to have it in your living room and don’t want the sound of a fan disrupting your TV or other entertainment systems.
The R.W.Flame features touch screen control as well as a remote control and has 12 color options for the flame and bed.
It has two heat settings to find your perfect temperature, or be used without heat to add ambiance to any room.
3. Touchstone The Sideline 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert

A super budget-friendly modern electric fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline is our favorite budget choice for a 36″ electric fireplace insert.
It features 5 flame settings and 3 color flame options, allowing you to customize the way your fireplace looks to suit your style.
The Sideline offers a more modern approach to an electric fireplace insert, so if your house or apartment has a much more contemporary design this is the perfect option.
The electric fireplace can be plugged into a standard 120v outlet or hardwired depending on your circuit needs for other appliances.
The flames can be operated with or without heat, for year round use or in warmer climates.
4. SimpliFire 36-Inch Electric Fireplace Insert

Extremely realistic, high-quality 36″ electric fireplace
The SimpliFire electric fireplace insert is one of the best quality, most realistic options available. So if you’re in the market for an electric fireplace that will come as close to the real thing, as well as last you a lifetime – look no further.
It can be plugged into a standard 120V outlet or hardwired depending on your needs and heat requirements. If plugged in, it can comfortably heat a small room up to 400 square feet, while hardwiring with a 240V connection will allow you to heat a room double the size and up to 800 square feet.
Once installed, the SimpliFire electric fireplace offers a super sleek, high-end look with its flush-fit design.
It is also supplied with a remote that’s easy to use, offers lots of options and is of much better quality than the standard of ones with a more budget price tag.
5. R.W.FLAME 36″ Electric Fireplace Insert

A traditional looking 36″ electric fireplace insert
The final option on our list is the R.W.Flame electric fireplace insert. It again offers a traditional look and is a great replacement for a real fireplace.
While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it’s also definitely not close to being the most expensive.
The quality of the electric fireplace is fantastic for its price, and while the flame effect isn’t super realistic, it’s better than most other budget options out there.
It also comes supplied with a decent remote in comparison to most other budget options too.
Interested in reading more? Why not check out our guide on the best electric fireplaces for small rooms.