Electric Inserts

An electric insert drops into an existing masonry or factory built fireplace and converts a cold, drafty cavity into a maintenance free heat source in an afternoon, no gas line, no chimney work, no venting.

Electric inserts plug into a standard 120 volt outlet and produce 4,000 to 5,100 BTUs of supplemental heat, enough to warm 300 to 400 square feet. Flame and heat run independently, so the unit can provide year round ambiance with the heater off. Every insert Fireplace Insider sells ships free nationwide with white glove delivery, and is backed by our 20 plus years of hearth industry experience and price match guarantee.

We carry electric inserts from Dimplex, Amantii, Napoleon, Modern Flames, and SimpliFire in widths from 23 to 42 inches to fit most standard fireplace openings. For new construction or wide format applications, see our Built-In Electric Fireboxes collection.

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How to Choose the Right Electric Insert

Six factors that determine whether an electric insert will fit, look right, and earn its place in an existing fireplace.

Measure the existing firebox opening

Electric inserts are sized to fit the front opening width, height, and depth of your existing fireplace. Measure the front opening at the widest and narrowest points, then measure depth from the front edge to the back wall. A 28 inch insert typically needs a 26 inch minimum opening width and 11 inches of depth. Compare to the spec sheet exactly.

Decide between log set and contemporary media

Insert styles fall into two camps. Traditional inserts display a hand cast log set over a glowing ember bed and work well in masonry fireboxes with brick liners. Contemporary inserts use crushed glass or river rock with a linear flame ribbon. Match the style to the existing surround and mantel rather than picking in isolation.

Plan the power connection

Electric inserts plug into a standard 120 volt 15 amp outlet, which most existing fireplaces lack inside the firebox. The most common approach is to run a new outlet through the back of the firebox or pull the cord through a small hole in the side. An electrician can typically add an outlet in two to three hours.

Confirm the trim and surround fit

Most electric inserts ship with a black metal trim that conceals the gap between the insert and the firebox opening. Adjustable trim kits are sold separately for openings that fall between standard sizes. If your firebox has an unusual shape, choose an insert with the widest trim coverage rather than one that exactly matches the inside dimensions.

Verify the chimney can be sealed

After installing the electric insert, the chimney damper should be sealed permanently with a chimney balloon or rigid plug. An open damper draws conditioned air from the room year round, adding 100 to 400 dollars per year to heating and cooling bills. Sealing the chimney is the single biggest energy benefit of converting from wood to electric.

Choose your flame technology level

Entry tier electric inserts use single layer LED flame projection at 200 to 600 dollars. Mid tier units add multi layer flame, dimmable embers, and remote control at 600 to 1,200 dollars. Premium inserts from Dimplex Revillusion and Modern Flames Sunset Charred use water vapor or holographic technology with realism that reads convincingly from across the room.

Electric Insert Questions

The questions our hearth specialists answer most often before a customer places an order.

Can an electric insert go in any fireplace?

It can go in almost any masonry or factory built fireplace that meets the minimum opening dimensions. Direct vent gas fireplaces are an exception, since their sealed firebox is not designed to be modified. Wood fireplaces and existing gas log fireboxes are typically the easiest conversions.

Do I need to remove my wood burning components first?

Yes. Remove the grate, andirons, and any existing gas log set or burner. Have the chimney swept to remove creosote, then seal the damper permanently after the electric insert is in place. A chimney balloon costs less than 100 dollars and prevents heat loss and animal entry.

How much electricity does an electric insert use?

Flame only operation uses 20 to 100 watts, comparable to a couple of light bulbs. With the heater on, a typical 120 volt insert draws 1,500 watts. At national average electricity rates, four hours of heated operation costs roughly 80 cents per day. Flame only operation is essentially free.

Can an electric insert be the only heat source for a room?

For a small room of 200 to 300 square feet, yes. For a typical living room of 400 to 600 square feet, an electric insert provides comfortable supplemental heat but should not be the only heat source on the coldest days. For primary heating, a gas insert or wood insert is more powerful.

How long does electric insert installation take?

If a power outlet is already present, installation is typically 30 minutes to an hour. Adding a new outlet through the back of the firebox adds 2 to 3 hours of electrician time. Sealing the chimney damper takes another 15 minutes. Most customers complete the project in a single afternoon.

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Curated by the Fireplace Insider hearth team

Fireplace Insider is operated by hearth specialists with more than two decades of fireplace installation experience and thousands of completed projects. Every electric insert in this category has been vetted by an NFI certified specialist for fit, flame realism, and ease of retrofit installation.

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