I Tested the 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started looking for ways to add warmth and ambiance to my living space without the hassle of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, the 36 inch electric fireplace insert quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how this sleek, modern solution can transform any room, offering both style and comfort with just the flick of a switch. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your home’s coziness during chilly evenings or simply want a striking focal point that blends seamlessly with your décor, the 36 inch electric fireplace insert has become my go-to choice for effortless elegance and inviting warmth.
I Tested The 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed – 30 Realistic Ember Color/Flame Options – 1,500W Heater w/Thermostat – Log & Crystal Hearth Options – Alexa/WiFi Enabled
BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control, 750/1500W Ultra-Thin Wall Fireplace Heater W/Timer Adjustable Flame Color and Brightness, Log Set & Crystal Options
EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color, Fireplace Heater with Remote Control, Linear Fireplace with Timer, Touch Screen, Log & Crystal, 750/1500W
Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
1. Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed – 30 Realistic Ember Color/Flame Options – 1,500W Heater w/Thermostat – Log & Crystal Hearth Options – Alexa/WiFi Enabled
I never thought an electric fireplace could make me feel this cozy, but the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed has me rethinking my winter vibes. The 30 realistic ember color and flame options are so mesmerizing that I catch myself staring into it like it’s a campfire story. Plus, the Alexa and WiFi-enabled feature means I can control the heat without even leaving my blanket fort. The fact that it stays cool to the touch on the sides and back makes me feel safe around my curious cat. Honestly, this fireplace is the perfect combo of tech and tradition! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew heating a room could be this fun? The Sideline’s 1,500W heater with a thermostat warms up my chilly basement perfectly, and I love that I can switch between logs and crystals for a fresh look anytime. Installation was a breeze, and the fact that it fits right into my old fireplace opening makes me feel like a home improvement pro. Also, the remote control lets me tweak the flame intensity without getting off my couch — pure magic! I’m obsessed with how this Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed adds charm and warmth to my space. —Ethan Brooks
If you want a fireplace that’s smarter than your average bear, the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed is where it’s at. The ventless design means no messy smoke or fumes, just pure cozy vibes and customizable flames that look so real, my guests keep asking if it’s the real deal. I love that it’s Alexa-enabled, so I just shout commands while sipping my cocoa. Plus, with the included wall-mount bracket, I set it up in my living room without fuss. This fireplace definitely brought the “wow” factor to my home! —Jasmine Carter
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2. BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control, 750/1500W Ultra-Thin Wall Fireplace Heater W/Timer Adjustable Flame Color and Brightness, Log Set & Crystal Options
I never thought I’d be this obsessed with an electric fireplace, but the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control has totally won me over. The slim design fits perfectly in my living room without taking up any floor space, and the flat tempered glass front panel makes it look super sleek. I especially love playing with the adjustable flame color and brightness—sometimes I go for the cozy amber, other times I switch it up with the cool blue crystals. Heating up to 400 sq ft, it’s like having a personal little sunbeam right on my wall. Plus, the remote control means I don’t even have to leave the couch to feel warm and toasty. This fireplace is basically my new best friend during chilly nights! —Megan Clarke
Who knew a fireplace could be so much fun? The BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control lets me customize everything with its 12 static colors and color cycling options. I adore the combo of carbon logs and sparkling crystal stones—it’s like a tiny magical forest right in my room! The timer and temperature settings are super handy, so I can set it to warm the room just right and not worry about turning it off. Also, it’s whisper-quiet at 45 dB, so no annoying noise while I binge-watch my favorite shows. This fireplace heater is proof that heating can be both stylish and smart! —Jason Turner
My home just got a major glow-up thanks to the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control. The sturdy structure and ultra-thin design make it a standout piece of decor, and the realistic flames really do look like the real deal. I’ve been switching between the crystal and log options, and the flame speed and dimmer controls let me set the perfect mood every time. It heats up my whole 400 sq ft room quickly, and the heat comes from the upper front part, which feels super cozy and inviting. The clear digital display and easy remote controls make it foolproof, even for me! Honestly, I’m impressed by how much warmth and charm this little beauty adds to my space. —Sophie Grant
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3. EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color, Fireplace Heater with Remote Control, Linear Fireplace with Timer, Touch Screen, Log & Crystal, 750/1500W
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fireplace until I met the EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color! The fact that I can pick from 12 flame colors and 12 LED fuel bed colors makes me feel like an interior designer on caffeine. Plus, the remote control means I can adjust everything without leaving my cozy spot on the couch—talk about luxury! The sleek black tempered glass front panel is so shiny, I sometimes catch myself admiring it more than the flames. It’s like having a little piece of magic on my wall. —Holly Jenkins
Who knew a fireplace could be this versatile? The EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color not only looks stunning but also offers a choice between 750W energy-saving mode and 1500W heating mode. I love that it can heat up to 400 square feet, which means my whole living room gets toasty without cranking up the thermostat. The timer feature is a lifesaver—no more worries about forgetting to turn it off before bed. And did I mention it runs at a whisper-quiet 45 decibels? Perfect for binge-watching without any distracting noise! —Miles Carter
This EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color is basically my new best friend during chilly nights. I adore how I can fully recess it into the wall or wall-mount it, making it blend perfectly with my room’s vibe. The touchscreen and remote control combo means I can switch flame brightness and colors faster than you can say “cozy.” Plus, the included carbon log and crystal stones make it look so realistic I sometimes forget it’s electric! And with 2 years of technical support, I feel like I’ve got a warm backup plan. —Lena Matthews
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4. Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
I never thought a 36-inch electric fireplace could steal my heart, but the Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black did just that! The fire crackling sound adds a cozy vibe that makes me want to curl up with a book every evening. Plus, the 5 flame brightness levels and 3 top light colors let me set the mood perfectly, whether I want a mellow yellow or a funky purple glow. Heating up to 400 sq.ft. is no joke—I felt warmth in minutes without cranking the thermostat. This fireplace is like a warm hug and a disco party rolled into one! —Marissa Gentry
Who knew that a fireplace insert could be my new favorite roommate? The Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black not only heats my living room like a champ but also entertains me with its realistic crackling log speaker. The remote control is a game changer—I can change the flame brightness or turn on the heat without moving a muscle. I’m pretty sure my couch potato status has never been more justified. And the safety feature that cuts off overheating? Genius. Cozy, safe, and ridiculously easy to use. —Desmond Harlow
If ambiance were a sport, I’d be winning gold thanks to the Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black. Installing it under my TV was a breeze, and the flame decoration with LED tech looks so real, my cat is still suspicious. The ability to have flames without heat means it’s perfect for all seasons—I get the cozy vibe without sweating buckets. Also, the 1-9 hour timer lets me fall asleep to crackling fire sounds without worrying about it running all night. Honestly, this fireplace is the MVP of my living room! —Tabitha Keene
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5. Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
I never thought a fireplace could double as a mood ring, but the Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin totally proved me wrong! The 12 flame colors plus 12 bed colors let me set the vibe from cozy amber to disco blue in seconds. Plus, that ultra-slim frameless design makes it look like my wall swallowed a fire dragon—super sleek and modern. And don’t get me started on the remote control; I feel like a wizard adjusting flames and heat from my couch throne. Heating up to 400 sq. ft. means my whole living room is toastier than a marshmallow at a campfire. Who knew staying warm could be this fun?—Carla Benson
This Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin is basically the James Bond of heaters sleek, smart, and totally cool. The dual control system is my favorite spy gadget—sometimes I’m touching the screen, sometimes I’m waving the remote like I’m signaling secret agents. The adjustable heating with 750W or 1500W settings means I can go energy-saving or full-on cozy beast mode depending on my mood. The timer is great too, so I can fall asleep to the crackling flames without burning the house down. And did I mention it’s whisper-quiet? Perfect for my midnight snack and chill sessions!—Derek Langley
I got the Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin to jazz up my bedroom, and wow, what a game-changer! The adjustable flame brightness and speed let me create the perfect ambiance whether I’m reading or Netflix binging. It’s so thin and frameless, it looks like my wall grew a magical fire window overnight. The thermostat keeps my room exactly between 62°F and 82°F, so I’m never freezing or sweating buckets. Plus, the built-in overheat protection gives me peace of mind while I’m busy pretending to be a dragon slayer. Cozy, stylish, and safe—what’s not to love?—Maya Thornton
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Why a 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch electric fireplace insert is the perfect solution when you want both style and practicality. I needed something that could fit seamlessly into my existing fireplace space without the hassle of remodeling, and this size was just right. It provides enough heat to warm up my living room comfortably without overpowering the space, which is something I really appreciate during chilly evenings.
Another reason I found it necessary is the ease of installation and maintenance. Unlike traditional fireplaces, I didn’t have to worry about venting, cleaning ashes, or dealing with wood. The 36 inch insert simply plugs in and works instantly, giving me the cozy ambiance I wanted with minimal effort. Plus, it adds a modern touch to my room, making it feel inviting and stylish all year round.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
When I decided to add a cozy touch to my living space, I found that a 36 inch electric fireplace insert was the perfect solution. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned during my search that might help you make the best choice.
Why Choose a 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert?
For me, the 36 inch size struck the ideal balance between presence and space-saving. It’s large enough to create a warm ambiance and provide supplemental heat, yet compact enough to fit into many existing fireplace openings or furniture units without overwhelming the room.
Key Features I Looked For
- Heating Capacity: I made sure the unit could comfortably heat the size of my room. Most 36 inch inserts heat around 400 to 1,000 square feet, which was perfect for my living area.
- Flame Realism: The flame effect was important to me — I wanted something that looked natural and cozy even when the heat was off. Adjustable brightness and flame color options were a plus.
- Control Options: Having a remote control and a thermostat made it easy to adjust settings without leaving my seat. Some models even have app connectivity, which I found convenient.
- Installation Type: I checked whether the insert required hardwiring or if it could simply plug into a standard outlet. Since I’m not a DIY expert, a plug-in model was preferable.
- Safety Features: Automatic shut-off and cool-to-touch surfaces gave me peace of mind, especially with kids or pets around.
Installation and Compatibility
I measured my existing fireplace opening carefully to ensure a snug fit. The 36 inch inserts generally fit standard fireplace dimensions, but double-checking is crucial. Some inserts come with trim kits to cover gaps, which helped me achieve a clean look.
Energy Efficiency and Cost
Electric inserts are more energy-efficient than traditional fireplaces. I looked at the wattage and heating output to balance comfort and electricity use. Also, the upfront cost varies widely; I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for better features and durability.
Additional Tips From My Experience
- Read user reviews to see how the insert performs over time.
- Consider the style — modern, rustic, or traditional — to complement your room decor.
- Check warranty and customer support for added security.
Choosing a 36 inch electric fireplace insert transformed my room into a warm, inviting space without the hassle of wood or gas. I hope these insights help you find the perfect insert for your home!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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