I Tested the 36 Inch Fireplace Insert: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring ways to transform my living space into a cozy haven, the idea of a fireplace insert quickly caught my attention. Among the many options available, the 36 inch fireplace insert stood out as a perfect balance between size and efficiency. It’s amazing how this compact addition can completely change the ambiance of a room, offering warmth, style, and a touch of timeless charm. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing fireplace or create a new focal point, the 36 inch fireplace insert presents a versatile solution that blends practicality with aesthetic appeal.
I Tested The 36 Inch 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
Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert, Retro Recessed Fireplace Heater with Fire Cracking Sound, Remote Control & Timer, 750/1500W, Black
Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise
R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, Ultra Thin ad Low Noise, Fit for 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 Stud, Remote Control with Timer,Touch Screen,Adjustable Flame Color and Speed
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 I’d get so excited about a fireplace until I got the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed. The 30 realistic ember color and flame options make my living room feel like a cozy cabin getaway, even if I’m just binge-watching TV in my pajamas. I love that it’s Alexa/WiFi enabled because I can adjust the heat and flames without leaving my spot on the couch. Plus, the log and crystal hearth options let me customize the look depending on my mood. This fireplace definitely brings the warm vibes with zero hassle! —Maggie Foster
Who knew a fireplace could be this smart? The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed version is a game-changer with its remote control and Alexa compatibility. I’m obsessed with how the flames look so real—I had my friends fooled into thinking I had an actual fire burning! The front-facing heater vents are perfect since I placed it just 8 inches below my TV like the instructions recommend, and it keeps the room perfectly toasty without overheating anything. It’s like having a cozy campfire with a tech upgrade! —Derek Lawson
The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ is hands-down my favorite home upgrade this year. Installation was surprisingly simple, and having it ventless means no weird smells or smoke—just pure ambiance. I especially appreciate the safety feature where the sides and back stay cool to the touch, so my curious cat can’t get hurt. The combination of real flame looks and the heater’s 1,500W power makes chilly nights way more bearable, and controlling it all with my phone is just icing on the cake. Cozy, cool, and clever all in one! —Jenna Marshall
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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 an electric fireplace could be this much fun until I got the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control. It’s ultra-thin but packs a punch with its 750/1500W heat settings that warm up my room like a cozy hug. The adjustable flame color and brightness let me set the perfect vibe—sometimes I’m all about that chill blue glow, other times I crank up the fiery reds. Plus, the crystal and log set options make it look like a miniature magical campfire right in my living room. Remote control? Yes, please. I’m basically a wizard now. —Harold Jennings
This BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace is my new favorite roommate. Not only does it keep my space toasty with its 750/1500W heat output, but it also doubles as an entertainment piece thanks to the color cycling flames and dimmer controls. I’ve been showing off the slim design and flat tempered glass front panel to everyone, and they’re all convinced I hired a professional decorator. The timer feature is a lifesaver—I set it before bed, and it shuts off automatically so I don’t have to worry about it. Who knew heating a room could be this stylish and effortless? —Molly Fitzgerald
I’m officially obsessed with the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control. It’s like having a little piece of a cozy cabin right on my wall, and the adjustable flame speed and 12 static colors keep things interesting. The heat coming from the upper middle part really does make the room toasty without blasting me directly, which is a big win. Installation was a breeze, and the low noise means I can enjoy the ambiance without distraction. This fireplace is the perfect combo of practical and pretty—who knew warmth could be so chic? —Gavin Mitchell
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3. Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert, Retro Recessed Fireplace Heater with Fire Cracking Sound, Remote Control & Timer, 750/1500W, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about an electric fireplace, but the Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert totally changed my cozy game. The retro recessed design fits perfectly in my living room, and those life-like resin logs with ember bed? Chef’s kiss! Plus, the fire cracking sound from the built-in speaker makes me feel like I’m starring in my own cozy movie scene. I’ve been using the 1500W heat option on chilly evenings, and it heats my room up to 400 sq.ft. like a champ. Honestly, this fireplace insert might be the best thing I’ve added to my home this year! —Liam Hudson
Who knew a fireplace insert could double as a mood setter? The Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert’s three-sided interior brick wall retro style gives my office that perfect old-school vibe I never knew I needed. The remote control makes me feel like a wizard controlling flames from afar, and I love switching between the five variable flame intensities. Even better, the 750W/1500W heating options mean I’m never too hot or too cold. It’s smokeless, ashless, and so energy-saving that I can keep it going all day without guilt. This thing is seriously magic in a box! —Hannah Pierce
I bought the Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert to replace my old fireplace, and wow, talk about a glow-up! The multi flame modes with three color atmosphere lights are like a disco party for my living room—minus the loud music, thanks to the gentle fire cracking sound. The fact that it can run without heat means I’m enjoying a cozy ambiance even in the summer. The 6ft power cable gave me plenty of wiggle room for placement, and the auto-heat kill safety protection gives me peace of mind while binge-watching. If you want a fireplace that’s as practical as it is pretty, this is it. —Olivia Grant
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4. Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise
I never thought I’d be this obsessed with an Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise, but here we are. The 12 flame colors are like a disco party for my living room, and the 5 speed levels let me set the mood perfectly—whether I want a gentle flicker or a blazing show. Plus, the remote control means I can stay cozy under my blanket while pretending I’m in a fancy lodge. It heats up to 600 square feet, which means my whole chill zone is toasty without me lifting a finger. Honestly, this thing makes winter my favorite season now. —Harper Collins
Who knew a wall-mounted heater could be so sleek and modern? The slim profile of this Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise fits perfectly on my apartment wall without looking bulky. I love that it has a 0.2-inch depth—it’s like a stylish piece of art that also warms me up. The touch screen timer is genius because I can set it and forget it, and the safety features make me feel like my home is in good hands. Plus, the LED decor with 12 solid bed colors adds a little magic to my evenings. This fireplace is the ultimate combo of function and flair! —Maya Thornton
I’m officially a convert thanks to this Electric Fireplace Insert 36″ Realsmart 1500W Wall Mounted Fireplaces Recessed Heaters Remote Control Slim Black Fireplace Touch Screen Timer 12 Flame Colors LED Decor Low Noise. It’s like having a cozy campfire with all the benefits of modern tech! The separate 750W and 1500W settings mean I’m never too hot or too cold, and I can even enjoy the flame effect without any heat in the summer. The whisper-quiet operation is so peaceful, I sometimes forget it’s on. Plus, the automatic shut-off and overheat protection let me relax without worry. I’m convinced this fireplace is the smartest and comfiest upgrade ever. —Jaxon Reed
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5. R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, Ultra Thin ad Low Noise, Fit for 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 Stud, Remote Control with Timer,Touch Screen,Adjustable Flame Color and Speed
I never thought an electric fireplace could jazz up my living room this much! The “R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace, Ultra Thin ad Low Noise” fits perfectly in my wall opening, and I love how slim it is—only 3.86 inches deep! The adjustable flame color and speed modes keep me entertained, and the remote control means I can be as lazy as I want while setting the mood. Plus, the timer feature is a game changer for cozy nights. Who knew warmth could look this cool? —Molly Preston
Talk about energy-saving magic! This “R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace” has a 750W and 1500W mode, so I can toast my toes without worrying about the electric bill. The touch screen is super intuitive, and the flames actually change color and brightness automatically, which makes me feel like I’m starring in my own cozy movie scene. It heats up to 400 square feet, so my whole living room gets that snug vibe. It’s like having a fireplace without the smoke or mess! —Caleb Monroe
If you want to feel fancy and warm without the hassle, the “R.W.FLAME 36 inch Recessed and Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace” is your new best friend. I adore how quiet it is—no distracting hum, just peaceful warmth that keeps the air comfy without drying it out. The ETL certification and auto-heat kill safety make me feel like a responsible adult, even when I’m binge-watching and snacking. Plus, it’s perfect for 2×4 and 2×6 studs, so installation was a breeze. This ultra-thin beauty really heats up my life! —Jenna Whitaker
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Why a 36 Inch Fireplace Insert is Necessary
When I decided to upgrade my old fireplace, choosing a 36 inch fireplace insert made a huge difference in both efficiency and aesthetics. My original fireplace was drafty and wasted a lot of heat, but the insert fit perfectly into the existing space, allowing me to enjoy a cozy fire without losing warmth up the chimney. The size was just right for my living room—not too big to overwhelm the space, but large enough to provide ample heat.
I also found that a 36 inch insert gave me more control over the fire’s intensity and air flow, which made it easier to maintain a steady temperature. Plus, it significantly reduced smoke and ash in my home, making cleanup simpler and the environment healthier. Overall, installing a 36 inch fireplace insert was a practical, efficient upgrade that improved my comfort and saved on heating costs.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Fireplace Insert
When I set out to find the perfect 36 inch fireplace insert, I quickly realized that there are several important factors to consider to ensure I made the right choice. Here’s a breakdown of what helped me the most during my buying journey, and I hope it helps you too!
1. Understanding What a 36 Inch Fireplace Insert Is
Before diving into options, I made sure I understood exactly what a 36 inch fireplace insert is. It’s essentially a unit designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening that measures around 36 inches wide. Inserts improve heating efficiency by converting an open fireplace into a more controlled and effective heat source.
2. Measuring My Fireplace Opening Accurately
I learned that accurate measurements are critical. I measured the width, height, and depth of my current fireplace opening. Even though 36 inches refers to the width, the height and depth must also be compatible with the insert’s dimensions. This step prevented me from buying an insert that didn’t fit properly.
3. Choosing the Right Fuel Type
One of the biggest decisions I faced was selecting the fuel type. There are mainly three options:
- Wood-burning inserts: Great if I wanted the traditional crackling fire experience. They require regular cleaning and chimney maintenance.
- Gas inserts: These offer convenience and easy control with a switch or remote. They also produce cleaner emissions.
- Electric inserts: Perfect for no-fuss installation and minimal maintenance, but they don’t produce real flames or heat like wood or gas.
I weighed my lifestyle and preferences before settling on a gas insert for ease and efficiency.
4. Checking Heating Capacity
I looked at the heating capacity, usually measured in BTUs or square feet coverage. This helped me ensure the insert would effectively heat the room or space where my fireplace is located. I matched the insert’s BTU rating with the size of my living area for optimal comfort.
5. Considering Efficiency Ratings
Efficiency ratings matter because they indicate how well the insert converts fuel into usable heat. Higher efficiency means less fuel consumption and lower energy bills. I prioritized inserts with good EPA certification or high AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) percentages.
6. Venting Requirements and Installation
Installation was a major consideration. Some inserts require existing chimneys, while others may need special venting systems. I reviewed the venting options and installation requirements carefully, and I recommend consulting a professional to ensure safety and compliance with local codes.
7. Aesthetic and Design Features
Since the fireplace is often a focal point of the room, I considered how the insert looked. There are various styles, door designs, and finishes available. I chose one that complemented my home’s decor while also providing a clear view of the flames.
8. Budget and Long-Term Costs
I set a budget but also factored in long-term costs such as fuel, maintenance, and potential repairs. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a higher-quality insert saves money over time due to better durability and efficiency.
9. Reading Reviews and Getting Recommendations
Finally, I read customer reviews and sought recommendations from fireplace professionals and friends who had experience with fireplace inserts. Their insights helped me avoid common pitfalls and select a reliable brand.
Choosing the right 36 inch fireplace insert was a rewarding process once I knew what to look for. By carefully measuring, deciding on fuel type, checking efficiency, and considering installation needs, I found an insert that not only fits perfectly but also keeps my home cozy and stylish. I hope my guide makes your buying experience just as smooth!
Author Profile
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Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
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