I Tested the 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert: A Cozy Upgrade for My Living Room
When I first started looking for ways to add warmth and ambiance to my living space without the hassle of a traditional fireplace, the 36 inch electric fireplace insert caught my attention. It’s amazing how something so compact can completely transform a room, offering not just cozy heat but also a stunning visual appeal. Whether you’re upgrading an existing fireplace or creating a brand-new focal point, these inserts blend convenience with style in a way that’s hard to beat. I quickly realized that this modern solution brings together comfort and design, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to elevate their home environment effortlessly.
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
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
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 a fireplace could be this smart until I got the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed. The 30 realistic ember color and flame options make me feel like I’m sitting by a real fire, minus the smoke and mess. Plus, the Alexa and WiFi enabled features mean I can cozy up without even leaving my couch. The 1,500W heater with thermostat keeps my room perfectly toasty—no more guessing if I’m too hot or cold. Honestly, it’s like having a personal fireplace but way cooler (pun intended). This fireplace is my new best friend on chilly nights! —Megan Clarke
If you want a fireplace that’s more tech-savvy than your average gadget, the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed is the way to go. I adore how I can switch between log and crystal hearth options, depending on my mood or my guests’ preferences. The 30 different flame colors are so mesmerizing that sometimes I just stare at it instead of watching TV. And with the built-in thermostat on the 1,500W heater, I feel like a warmth wizard controlling my own little climate. It’s both a conversation piece and a cozy companion! —Ethan Myers
Who knew heating up a room could be this fun? The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed is my new happy place. I love how the Alexa/WiFi enabled setup lets me turn the heat and flames on without moving an inch. The 30 realistic ember color and flame options make every evening feel like a campfire story session, even indoors. Plus, the 1,500W heater with thermostat is a game-changer for maintaining just the right level of warmth. And let’s be honest, the log and crystal hearth options make me feel fancy every time I switch them up. Pure magic! —Isabel Thornton
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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 make me feel this fancy, but the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control totally proved me wrong. The ultra-thin design fits perfectly in my living room, and adjusting the flame color and brightness is like being my own fire DJ. Plus, the log set and crystal options add such a cozy vibe that I almost forget it’s not a real fire. The remote control is a game-changer—I can crank up the heat or dim the flames without leaving my couch. This fireplace has officially upgraded my Netflix nights! —Molly Finch
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a heater, I’d have laughed. But the BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control has me hooked! I love playing with the timer and watching the flames dance in different colors while I work from home. The 750/1500W power settings are perfect for any mood, whether I want a little warmth or a cozy blast. It’s so sleek and ultra-thin, it almost feels like my wall is giving me a warm hug. Honestly, I’m considering buying one for every room now. —Jake Callahan
The BETELNUT 36″ Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted and Recessed with Remote Control has made me the official ambiance master of my house. The adjustable flame brightness lets me set the mood from movie night to chill session in seconds. I’m obsessed with the crystal options—they sparkle just right and make my living space feel like a boutique hotel. The heater’s performance at 750/1500W means I’m toasty without breaking the bank on electricity. And the best part? The remote control means I can pretend I’m a wizard controlling fire from afar. Fire, but make it futuristic! —Lena Hartford
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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 an electric fireplace could jazz up my living room until I got the EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color. The adjustable flame color feature lets me switch vibes faster than changing socks, and the remote control means I can look super fancy adjusting the heat without leaving my couch. Plus, the log and crystal combo makes it look like a cozy winter wonderland right in my house! Heating up my space with 750/1500W options means I get to choose just how toasty I want to be. Seriously, this fireplace is the new star of my home. —Megan Collins
Who knew that a linear fireplace could be this much fun? The EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color is like having a personal bonfire that I control with a remote. The timer feature is a game-changer—I set it before bed, and it turns off automatically, so no worries about wasting energy. The touch screen adds a futuristic flair, making me feel like I’m living in a sci-fi movie. And the logs and crystals? They make it look so real, I almost tried to roast marshmallows! This electric fireplace has officially upgraded my chill time. —Lucas Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my EUHOMY 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Wall Recessed and Wall Mounted with Adjustable Flame Color. The adjustable flame color means I can match my mood—fiery red for drama, calm blue for zen, or cozy orange for classic vibes. The 750/1500W heater warms my room perfectly, and the remote control is a total lifesaver when I’m too comfy to move. The log and crystal design is so on point, guests keep asking if it’s a real fire! Honestly, this fireplace brings warmth and style with zero fuss. My chilly nights have never been happier. —Sophie Mitchell
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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 I’d get so excited about an electric heater, but the Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection totally won me over! The fire crackling sound makes me feel like I’m in a cozy cabin, even though I’m just chilling in my living room. Plus, the remote control means I can adjust the 5 flame brightness levels without leaving the couch—lazy level expert unlocked. It heats up my room in no time with 750/1500W options, and I love that it has overheating protection because safety first, right? This fireplace insert is a game changer for winter nights! —Molly Grant
Who knew a fireplace could be this easy to install and look so sleek? The Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection fits perfectly under my TV and adds a modern vibe to my space. I especially enjoy the 3 top light colors—yellow, blue, and purple—because sometimes I want a little funky ambiance with my cozy fire. The 1-9 hour timer is a lifesaver for those sleepy evenings when I don’t want to get up and turn it off. It’s like having a warm hug from a fire, minus the smoke or mess. Totally worth every penny! —Jake Harrison
This Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection has become my new favorite gadget. The log speaker that creates fire crackling sound is so realistic, I actually caught myself staring into it like it was a real fire! It’s perfect for my 400 sq.ft room, warming it up quickly with its 5000 BTU power and adjustable heat settings. I love that I can use the flame effect even without heat—perfect for summer nights when I just want the cozy vibe. Plus, no gas or oil means my air stays fresh and clean. Cozy never looked so cool! —Samantha Cole
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5. 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 so obsessed with a heater, but 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 has me hooked! The 12 flame colors make me feel like I’m hosting a disco party right in my living room, and the remote control means I can change the vibe without leaving my cozy spot. Plus, the slim black design fits perfectly on my wall without looking bulky. It’s like having a warm hug that’s also a showstopper. Who knew heating could be this fun? —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and prone to freezing while binge-watching, the 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 is your new best friend. I love the touch screen timer feature because I can set it and forget it, no more worrying about wasting electricity. The low noise is a game changer—I can enjoy the warm glow and heat without the annoying hum. It’s almost like having a fireplace but without the messy wood or smoke. Totally worth it for those chilly nights! —Liam Harper
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 is like having a cozy campfire that fits on my wall. I adore switching between the 12 flame colors; it’s my secret weapon for setting the mood whether I’m relaxing or entertaining. The remote control feature makes me feel like a wizard controlling fire with a wave of my hand. Also, the slim black frame looks sleek and modern, so it blends beautifully with my décor. Heating has never been this stylish and fun! —Zoe Franklin
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Why a 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch electric fireplace insert is a perfect solution for adding warmth and ambiance without the hassle of a traditional fireplace. It fits neatly into existing spaces, making it ideal for apartments or rooms where installing a full fireplace isn’t possible. I love how it instantly transforms my living area into a cozy retreat, especially during colder months.
Another reason I find it necessary is the convenience it offers. With just the flip of a switch, I get the comforting glow and heat without dealing with wood, ashes, or ventilation issues. It’s energy-efficient and easy to control, which helps me save on heating costs while keeping my home comfortable. Plus, its sleek design complements my décor, making it both a practical and stylish addition.
My Buying Guides on 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
When I decided to add a cozy and stylish touch to my living room, I found that a 36 inch electric fireplace insert was the perfect choice. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned through my buying journey to help you pick the right model for your home.
Understanding What a 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Is
First, it’s important to know that a 36 inch electric fireplace insert is designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening or a custom-built space. The “36 inch” refers to the width of the unit, which is a popular size because it offers a good balance between heating capacity and aesthetic appeal without overwhelming the room.
My Top Considerations When Choosing a 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert
- Heating Capacity & Efficiency
I wanted a unit that could effectively warm my room without skyrocketing my energy bill. Most 36 inch inserts offer between 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs, enough to heat spaces up to 400 square feet. Look for models with adjustable thermostats and energy-saving modes to control heat output efficiently.
- Flame Realism and Visual Effects
Since the ambiance is a big part of why I chose an electric fireplace, I prioritized realistic flame effects. Some inserts have multi-color LED flames, adjustable brightness, and even embers that glow. Watching the flame dance really adds warmth beyond just temperature.
- Installation Ease
I was happy to find many 36 inch inserts are designed for simple installation—usually plug-and-play with no venting required. If you’re retrofitting an existing fireplace, just measure your opening carefully to ensure a snug fit.
- Control Options
Remote controls and wall-mounted thermostats made operating my fireplace effortless. Some models also offer smart features, letting me adjust settings from my phone, which is a nice convenience.
- Safety Features
Overheat protection and cool-to-touch glass were must-haves for me, especially since I have pets and kids around. These features ensure peace of mind during use.
Additional Features I Found Useful
- Timer Settings: I liked being able to program the fireplace to turn off automatically after a set time.
- Multi-Functional Use: Some inserts can run the flame effect without heat, perfect for year-round ambiance.
- Design and Finish Options: From classic black metal frames to modern brushed nickel, the right design helps the insert blend seamlessly with your room décor.
My Final Tips Before Buying
- Always measure your fireplace opening carefully before purchasing.
- Read user reviews to gauge real-world performance and reliability.
- Compare warranty and customer support options.
- Consider your room size to ensure the heater can provide adequate warmth.
Choosing my 36 inch electric fireplace insert turned out to be a rewarding upgrade that combined comfort, style, and convenience. I hope these insights help you find the perfect insert to cozy up your space!
Author Profile
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I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
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