It seems that everything is fashionable and the future is rapidly moving towards modern technology – even fireplaces. Fireplaces and pellet stoves have often been installed in a home to create creature comforts – especially in winter. While you shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken, to improve the traditional fireplace, you can add the best fireplace insert to increase the efficiency of a fireplace. This fireproof box is then lined with steel or cast iron, which is then wrapped with insulating gas to retain heat and warm the home much more efficiently than a traditional fireplace.

In this review, we will highlight the different features you need to know before buying a fireplace insert for you and your home. To choose the right insert for you, you will need to consider the different types of fuel, size, heating power, heating surface and the warranty offered by the company for the product.

After hours of searching the web and comparing different products, we have selected the best products and compiled a list of the best fireplace inserts right here in this guide. Not only will you have access to the best products for your choice, but you can also read our detailed reviews of each product and our comprehensive buying guide, while browsing our product comparison table. We hope this guide can help you

Dimplex DF3033ST Electric Fireplace with automatic adjustment

The Dimplex DF3033ST is an electric fireplace that can not only give your home a realistic look, but also heat a room up to 400 square feet with its powerful fan heater.

 

With its patented flame technology, the LED glow logs and pulsating ember technology can create a realistic experience that will not only keep your body warm but your soul as well.

If you’re looking for a warm fireplace in the middle of winter, without all the extra work, the Dimplex DF3033ST is the perfect choice for supplemental heating and year-round comfort, even if you don’t need heat to warm up.

If you’re just looking for a cosy room atmosphere, you can control the thermostat with the fan heater to get the perfect temperature.

Not only do the logs and embers dance and glow as if they were real, but the multi-flame technology also creates the perfect atmosphere.

And it’s good for the environment. The Dimplex DF3033ST is environmentally friendly and has no harmful particles or emissions. It is 100% efficient and safe for homes with children and pets as there is no heat or flame emission, with a glass that stays cool to the touch.

GreatCo Gallery Series Electric Fireplace Insert

The GreatCo Gallery Series electric fireplace is one of the best electric fireplaces that is a great alternative to a gas or wood burning fireplace in your home.

One of the advantages of this fireplace is that you don’t necessarily need a professional to install it, which makes it much easier than a traditional fireplace.

You can slide the GreatCo Gallery Series electric fireplace into an existing space easily – you don’t even need to measure it first! With its black, glass and steel finish, it also fits in with any interior decor.

This fireplace measures 36 inches, which is the perfect size for a large room. It is also a great solution if you need to renovate an old gas or wood burning fireplace or upgrade a room in the house where traditional gas and wood burning fireplaces are simply not possible.

It features a heating element, flame, ember bed and backlighting, all of which can be operated using a remote control that allows you to choose which functions to switch off and on independently. The GreatCo Gallery Series electric fireplace has a built-in LED display and a 2-stage 750/1500 watt heater with fan to heat the entire room. You don’t have to worry about sound either, as it uses Silent Force technology, an ultra-quiet fan.

. Napoleon Grandville VF Series GVF36-2N

The Napoleon Grandville VF series is so good that it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Gas-fired, this type of fireplace insert truly combines traditional functionality with a modern look. You can choose from a wide range of design options to brighten up your room and even match your interior design.

The Napoleon Grandville VF series really warms up a room, with 30,000 BTUs. This fireplace is also a ventless gas fireplace, which means you can really take advantage of the mobility of the room. It works with PHAZER® logs and Napoleon’s advanced burner technology, and you and your family and guests can enjoy soothing, realistic dancing yellow flames.

If convenience is what you’re after, the Napoleon Grandville VF Series has a simple on/off switch that is easily operated with the touch of a finger. It also has a 50% flame and heat setting, so you can control the amount of heat and temperature emitted from the fire.

You also don’t have to worry about children or pets being around. With the included safety grill, you can be sure that your family is safe, even if the fireplace is heating the whole room.

The Napoleon Grandville VF series is ODS compliant, has an optional fan, and also comes with a backup control system that will keep it running even if your home’s power goes out.

Fireplace Drolet Escape Wood Insert

The Drolet Escape fireplace insert is one of the first in our review to be a wood burning fireplace. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

If you’re looking for a fireplace insert that can really brighten up a room and keep it warm and cozy, the Drolet Escape fireplace insert works with an ultra-quiet cross-flow fan that makes it a really attractive heating option for your home.

While you may be a little reluctant to go the traditional route and use a wood fireplace insert, you can rest assured that it is safe as it is backed and approved by the EPA.

You can also rely on the appearance of the Drolet Escape fireplace insert. With its sleek, black exterior look, it can fit very easily into your new home. Since the ceramic door and cast iron frame are also designed to meet safety standards, you don’t have to worry about the life of your fireplace either.

Maintenance is also extremely easy with the Drolet Escape fireplace insert. You can simply take advantage of the glass air cleaning system, which means a lot less work for you.

It is also extremely powerful, producing and operating at an impressive 60,000 BTUs. How do you light the fire and give it the base it needs? You can easily add logs up to 18 inches long.

Ashley AGVF340LP Cheminée sans évent au gaz propane

The Ashley AGVF340LP fireplace insert is listed as one of our best propane fireplace inserts. If you’re looking for a safe, vent-free alternative with everything you could possibly need, such as a 14″ gas pipe and a log set, this fireplace has it all.

Working to be able to heat an entire 12,000 square foot space with 34,000 BTUS, you can certainly be assured that you will have a warm and comfortable home with the Ashley AGVF340LP fireplace insert.

You can also expect unobtrusive ingenuity from this design. With hidden controls that are simply ready to plug in right out of the box, this easy installation can fit into an existing fireplace or any space since it comes with the fireplace and its own gas pipe.

You can also connect this fireplace to any standard millivolt thermostat, making it extremely viable and ready to use in a state of convenience.

To enhance your purchase, you can purchase the Ashley AGVF340LP fireplace insert with an optional leg kit, mantle kit or insert kit. With its vent-free functionality, it is 99% efficient and can provide the warmth of a real wood fire without the added cost and maintenance.

ClassicFlame 26II310GRA Quartz fireplace insert

The ClassicFlame 26II310GRA fireplace insert is one of the best performing electric fireplaces on the market today. Although it only comes with a one-year limited warranty, you can certainly make that year worthwhile. By heating up to 1,000 square feet with 5200 BTUs, you can get heat and visual effects in one unit.

The ClassicFlame 26II310GRA fireplace insert comes with a few extra features that few other fireplace inserts have. For example, you can sleep soundly with its 9-hour auto shut-off timer. If you leave it on for a cozy, romantic evening, you won’t have to remember to turn it off in the middle of the night.

You can also choose the right mood from up to 125 selectable flame effect options. It also adapts perfectly to the atmosphere, thanks to an adjustable thermostat, remote control and LED technology that allows for a realistic flame.

You also don’t have to worry about the place getting too dry when this fireplace is in use. That’s because the ClassicFlame 26II310GRA fireplace insert is an infrared heater that maintains the natural humidity of the air.

Touchstone 80004 Sideline

Have a small space but still want to keep it warm? The Sideline 80004 fireplace insert from Touchstone may be the perfect investment for you and your home.

This electric fireplace insert blends seamlessly into the wall after a simple installation into the wall. If you’re looking for the contemporary look without the clutter, the Touchstone 80004 Sideline fireplace insert has five realistic flame settings to fit the mood of any room, no matter how small.

Why is it a great choice for small rooms? Well, the Touchstone 80004 Sideline fireplace insert easily reaches up to 400 square feet, which can keep a small room or space nice and warm, but won’t reach the limits of a larger home.

However, even though it’s small, it’s a great investment. With a one-year warranty, this fireplace insert comes with two heating settings that you can simply choose and enjoy – no need to fuss with a complicated remote control!

You can also enjoy its semi-realistic look, with several flame modes, logs and crystals included. Sleeping with this Sideline fireplace is also a breeze with its built-in timer from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.

ClassicFlame 36EB110-GRT Traditional electric fireplace insert
Do you want a traditional fireplace with images of wood logs to warm your home? The ClassicFlame 36EB110-GRT electric fireplace insert is the perfect choice.

What if you want a contemporary look that fits in with your modern home while still being able to provide heat? The ClassicFlame 36EB110-GRT electric fireplace insert is here to help.

With the ability to run a traditional flame effect with up to five brightness settings and choose a contemporary flame effect with four different adjustable colours to choose from, this fireplace insert is a truly great option for any occasion.

However, it can only heat up to 400 square feet, so if you live in a larger home, be aware that it can only keep people in one of your rooms pretty warm.

If you don’t mind or are looking to save money, you can easily take advantage of its multi-functional remote control that gives you total control and its wall-mounted thermostat can help you have control over the temperature – from 60°F to 90°F.

You can also enjoy the multiple flame effects even when it’s hot outside, as it works with or without a heater. If you’re worried about falling asleep by the fire, don’t worry! The ClassicFlame 36EB110-GRT electric fireplace insert has an electronic timer that can be set to turn off from 30 minutes to 9 hours after setting.

Valuxhome Houselux Electric Fireplace

The Houselux fireplace insert from Valuxhome may be the end of your search if you are looking for a realistic fireplace insert that looks like a real fireplace. With its realistic brick panels and fire, not only does it visually resemble a real fire, it also sounds like one!

The Valuxhome Houselux works with real realistic sound so you can enjoy the crackle of a warm night fire that also keeps you warm with its two heat setting options.

While it doesn’t do much for a space over 400 square feet, you can certainly enjoy the visuals and the experience. You can turn it up and have full control of the full heat, medium heat or flame options.

What makes this fireplace insert extremely appealing is the fact that it is extremely environmentally friendly, using absolutely no gas, ethanol, propane or gel cans. You also don’t have to worry about using vents or special chimneys. To top it all off, the Valuxhome Houselux works with 100% energy saving LED technology.

If you ever fall asleep with the fire burning, this fireplace insert triggers its automatic overheat switch, for the safety of you and your home. You can also enjoy total control with its remote control that allows you to simply set the on and off and set the timer from 1 hour to 9 hours.

Best Choice Products SKY1826

The SKY1826 fireplace insert from Best Choice Products is a great fireplace option if you are on a budget.

With its CSA certification, you can be sure that even though you’re paying less than other fireplace inserts on the market, your purchase will be of quality.

The SKY1826 fireplace insert from Best Choice Products is one of the best choices if you are looking to vary and set the mood and tone of your home. With five different levels of adjustable flame brightness, you can choose the mood you want to create with its remote control.

This modern and economical fireplace insert is a great choice for a ventless electric fireplace, which means you don’t have to worry about installation and details.

You can also use the Best Choice Products SKY1826 fireplace insert all year round, as you can enjoy the images with or without heat. However, when using either heat setting, you don’t have to worry about leaving it on too long or your children or pets being burned by the heat. This fireplace has a safety shut-off for protection against overheating, and a protected glass viewing window.

safety shut-off, remote control included, 5 adjustable flame brightness levels, CSA certified
What is a fireplace insert?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, a fireplace insert is an appliance that, unlike a freestanding electric fireplace or an electric fireplace TV stand, connects to an existing masonry or wood fireplace.

To be as functional as possible, you should choose a fireplace insert with a base made of extremely durable materials. This way, it will be able to withstand the heat inside the firebox. It is also extremely important that the fireplace insert can be welded easily, expand and contract, as you need this to maintain the structural strength of your original fireplace.

If you already have a chimney, you can get a fireplace insert that has a space for smoke to escape from your original chimney.

When choosing a fireplace insert, make sure you also get one with a quality firebox, so that the heat is safe and can warm the room. Another important feature to consider is a fireplace insert with an adjustable and controllable air flow. This will help you to distribute the heat in your home.
Types of fireplace inserts
Choosing the right fireplace insert for your home and situation is extremely important and can be decided by the type of insert. You can choose a unique type of fireplace based on your budget, how much maintenance your time allows, and how your home is configured. One thing is for sure: while there are a ton of choices, there is sure to be a fireplace insert that is perfect for you and your home!

The types of fireplace inserts we’ll be taking a closer look at are gas, wood and electric.

Gas fireplace inserts
If you’re looking for a gas alternative for your traditional fireplace, gas fireplace inserts use natural gas to power and keep your room warm. Although you can buy a propane model, such as the Ashley AGVF340LP, natural gas options are the most common.

What sets the gas fireplace insert apart from other models on the market is that there are several to fit any home – whether you need different sizes or different heat outputs depending on the size of your home.

Another great advantage of the gas fireplace insert is that you can even get a model, such as the Napoleon Grandville VF series, that has a push button or remote start, so you only need to press a finger to get a hot flame. This makes it extremely easy to control the flame and the heat produced.

You can also benefit from direct-vent models, so you don’t need to have a traditional fireplace already built in your home. You can also opt for unvented models, which do not require any venting.

Wood-burning fireplace inserts
These fireplace inserts are an excellent source if you are looking for the closest insert that looks like a traditional fireplace. As inserts can be measured in different sizes depending on the type, before ordering a wood burning fireplace insert you will need to ensure that the existing chimney is measured as accurately as possible.

This type of fireplace insert is equipped with a fan and blower so that the heat can be blown out and distributed into the room. You can also expect these fireplaces to burn a longer fire and to be able to distribute the heat over a larger area – in a whole house, for example.

With this wood-burning fireplace, however, you’ll need to be prepared to invest in annual flue cleaning, as well as a fairly expensive installation process.

Electric fireplace inserts
The final type of fireplace is the electric fireplace. These fireplaces run on electricity (hence the name) and can produce and display simulated flames. Of all the types of fireplace inserts, these are the most affordable and easiest to install.
Another advantage of these fireplace inserts is that they do not require ventilation! This means that they can be installed almost anywhere in the house. You will also be able to integrate it into any decor, as they are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. You can also get a model like the ClassicFlame 36EB110-GRT, which offers a variety of colour types and flame configurations.

Normally, these types of fireplaces are used to create ambiance rather than heat, as they generally have a lower heat output.

Why do you need a fireplace insert?
We wouldn’t necessarily say that you need a fireplace insert. However, if you are looking for a heating solution for your home that will help you save money when it comes to heating your home. Especially if your insert is equipped with dual fans, you can make big savings.

If you already have an existing structure, you won’t have to make as big a transition either. You can use that structure and won’t have to install anything new.

How to install a fireplace insert
Of course, the first piece of advice we could give you would be to get a team of professional installers to do the job. However, if you are planning a DIY project, it is essential to take measurements. All types of measurements: depth, width and height are important.

When installing, you will need to ensure that the chimney is connected to a stainless steel flue so that you have a place where the smoke will be chained.

However, before you even begin the installation, you should first have your chimney swept. If you have hired a professional cleaner, he will most likely do this for you. There is also no perfect cost for the installation process. If you hire a professional, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $2,500.

Safety tips for using fireplace inserts
Before using your fireplace insert or anything else related to fire, it is important to know a few things. First and foremost, you should always :

Beware of smoke – if you smell it, your insert is not working properly.
Have it inspected and cleaned every year
Remove ashes from the area regularly.
Use only dry wood for burning
Make sure your smoke detector is working properly.
Do not leave the locks or control within the reach of children
Features to consider when buying the perfect fireplace insert
When choosing the perfect fireplace insert for your home, there are certainly a few features to consider before choosing the one that is right for you. You will have to choose between size, type, material, heating power and many other features. Below are some of the features that explain the importance of each of them.

Size
You need to be very precise in measuring your fireplace insert to know if it will fit exactly as it should into an existing space or into an existing traditional fireplace.

Fuel type
The fuel type of the fireplace insert is important to know as you will need to understand what you are working with from the start. For example, whether it’s an electric fireplace like the GreatCo Gallery Series or a wood burning fireplace like the Drolet Escape or a gas fireplace, like the Ashley AGVF340LP.

Material
When choosing the right fireplace for you, you should opt for a cast iron fireplace as it will be able to withstand the heat much more effectively. Normally, you will find that most of these inserts are made of steel and have at least one cast iron door.

Ventilation systems
The system you choose will have a direct effect on your ventilation. You can choose a direct venting system, where smoke and exhaust leave the appliance directly, or you can choose a vent-free system, where you do not necessarily need an open channel.

Screens and doors
The screen and doors of the fireplace insert are also important to know. First of all, you need to know if it is electric and you need to see the visuals if the heat from the fireplace will affect the visual impairment of the fireplace.
Durability
You are making an investment, even if it is only for visual and material comfort. However, as you are already making an investment, you will want a product that will last.

Flame
Whether you choose a visual representation of fire or the flames themselves, you need to know what you are getting when you make your choice.

Guarantee
This initial investment should last a long time, so you can enjoy it for as long as possible in the comfort of your home.

Our verdict
If you just want to skip all the reading because you’re short on time, here are our top three options for the best fireplace insert:

The Dimplex DF3033ST is our editors’ choice for the best fireplace insert you’ll find on the market today. With a 5-year limited warranty, you can also benefit from its many features, such as an included multi-function remote control, thermostatically controlled vented heating, LED internal glow logs and pulsed ember technology for a realistic fire.

The Napoleon Grandville VF series is our best gas fireplace insert on the market. With up to 30,000 BTUs of power, if you have a large space and need to heat it, this fireplace insert can certainly do the job, with its heat reaching up to 1200 square feet! You can also take advantage of the limited lifetime warranty it comes with.

The Best Choice Products SKY1826 is our economical choice if you want the luxury of a fireplace insert but are a little short on cash. This electric fireplace insert features a safety shut-off, an included remote control and 5 levels of adjustable flame brightness. It is also CSA certified, which means you can still get quality at a reasonable price.

We hope this guide has helped you choose the best fireplace insert for your home, whether it’s to keep you warm during the winter months or simply to create an amazing atmosphere in your home.