Best electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace – 5 top picks for 2023
Do you have an existing fireplace opening that you want to convert for use with an electric fireplace?
Then you’re in luck, this is often one of the easiest transformations to make.
By just measuring your existing fireplace opening and purchasing an electric fireplace insert that fits, the only thing you need to ensure is that you have a plug socket installed or have one nearby.
The electric fireplace insert doesn’t have to be an exact match either, as they all come with surrounds to create a seamless look.
For a more in-depth guide check out our article on how to install an electric fireplace in an existing fireplace.
In a hurry? Here are our top picks for best electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace.
Dimplex DF3033ST Electric Fireplace Insert
Best electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace
- 33″ wide
- built-in installation
- can be plugged into a standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet
PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
Best budget electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace
- available in sizes 22″ to 33″ wide
- built-in installation
- can be plugged into a standard 120v outlet
- supplied with remote control
- can heat a room up to 400 sq. feet
Best electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace
1. Dimplex DF3033ST Electric Fireplace Insert
High-quality electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace
Dimplex manufactures some of the best electric fireplaces on the market and is probably one of the most recognizable brands.
They aren’t the cheapest on the market but they often provide the best quality, best customer support, and most realistic-looking options.
The Dimplex DF3033ST uses 3D technology to offer a realistic flame effect. You’re never going to get the real deal with any electric fireplace, but Dimplex comes closest.
It features adjustable flame effects to get the right ambiance for your room including flame speed and brightness. Though you can’t change the colors.
There is also a sleep timer for convenience, different heat settings, the option for flames to be on without heat, and an easy-to-use remote control.
2. PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace Insert
A very popular electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace openings
The PuraFlame Western Electric Fireplace is one of the most popular electric fireplace inserts on the market.
Similar to the Dimplex, it features 3 flame settings for flame brightness and intensity. It also allows for the flames to be used without the heat for year-round use. This is perfect if you like the look and feel of a fire without needing the warmth.
It includes an adjustable thermostat to allow for complete control and comfort of the temperature in your home.
It’s also super easy to install, with a flat bottom you can simply slide it into your existing opening and fit the supplied trim. It requires being plugged into a socket and cannot be hardwired.
3. R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace Insert
Feature-packed electric fireplace insert for existing fireplaces
The R.W.Flame Electric Fireplace Insert is another extremely popular option. While it doesn’t look quite as realistic as the Dimplex or PuraFlame, it offers some different features that might make up for it depending on what you’re looking for.
Unlike the other options, this model allows you to change the color of the flames with 5 different colors, 5 different color settings for the log bed plus settings for flame brightness and speed.
It also features a touchscreen panel that is much easier to operate than traditional buttons, a timer, plus two heat settings including low and high.
4. Valuxhome Electric Fireplace Insert
Budget-friendly with plenty of realism
The Valuxhome Electric Fireplace Insert is another great option if you’re looking for an insert on a budget.
It features two heat settings including high and low and a timer for convenience.
Similar to the PuraFlame electric fireplace insert it also features a speaker that plays the sounds of a real fire. However, as with many of these budget models, the speaker is practically unusable and just sounds tinny. But if it’s something you would quite like to hear, our best recommendation is to use your Alexa or Google Home device to play fire sounds, this creates a much nicer ambiance.
It comes in a huge range of sizes, making it a good choice for more obscure sized fireplace openings.
5. Masarflame Electric Fireplace Insert
A super warm, budget-friendly electric fireplace insert
Last on our list is the Masarflame Electric Fireplace Insert, similar to a lot of the others but slightly cheaper, it’s a great option if you’re working on a real budget.
It has two heat settings including high and low, 3atmospheric color settings and 5 variable flame intensity settings. Once again, it features a speaker with a crackling sound but the volume of the speaker isn’t adjustable and is far too loud to add a nice ambiance.
The flames can be turned on with or without heat, allowing 4-season use to add a warm and cosy feeling to any room.
Best electric fireplace insert for existing fireplace – conclusion
As you may have gathered, there are a tonne of fantastic options for installing an electric fireplace insert in an existing fireplace.
The main thing to take note of when choosing your fireplace is the size required. It doesn’t have to be exact because they always come supplied with a trim surround, but the closer the better.
Interested in more articles? Why not read our guide on how to make an electric fireplace look realistic and can you put an electric fireplace in a real fireplace.
