To change a wood-burning fireplace to electric, choose an electric log insert or freestanding heater that fits the hearth and suits your heating needs. The Innoflame is best for simple plug-in use with a thermostat, while the PuraFlame adds multiple flame colors and crackling sound. The Riseon offers adjustable flame effects, the Duraflame is a portable stove-style heater, and the Sweetcrispy is better suited to heating a room than filling an existing fireplace opening.
| Product | Best suited for | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|
| Innoflame 21-inch Log Set | Simple hearth refresh | Thermostat and remote |
| Duraflame Electric Stove | Portable room heating | 3D flame effect |
| Riseon 20-inch Log Insert | Customizable flame display | Five colors and speeds |
| PuraFlame 27-inch Log Set | Flame ambience and sound | Crackling sound effect |
| Sweetcrispy 26-inch Heater | Freestanding room warmth | Two heat settings and child lock |
Innoflame 21-Inch Electric Fireplace Log Set
Best for: Homeowners who want a straightforward electric log set for an existing hearth. The unit has resin logs, an ember bed, four flame-brightness settings, a remote, and a thermostat adjustable from 64°F to 82°F. Its flame and heat can operate independently, so it can provide a visual effect without added heat.
The manufacturer describes it as a 1,400W supplemental heater for spaces up to 400 square feet. No installation or assembly is required according to the product details, making it a convenient option when the opening can accommodate its dimensions.
Limitation: Its stated heating coverage is limited to 400 square feet, and it is described as supplemental heat rather than a whole-home heating solution.
Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace Stove
Best for: Buyers who want a portable stove-style heater rather than an insert that sits inside the fireplace. This model has side viewing windows, an opening glass door, a brick-style back panel, glowing logs, and a 3D flame effect. The listing states that it provides infrared heat for rooms up to 1,000 square feet.
Choose this unit if you want to move supplemental heat to different rooms and prefer a freestanding stove appearance. It may suit a room with an unused fireplace nearby, but its freestanding form is not the same as a fitted hearth insert.
Limitation: The product information does not give opening dimensions for a fireplace fit. Measure the hearth and plan for it to stand safely in the room rather than assuming it will fit inside the firebox.
Riseon 20-Inch Electric Fireplace Log Insert
Best for: People who want more flame-display choices in a compact log-style heater. The Riseon has realistic resin logs, five flame colors, five flame speeds, and a flame-only mode for use without heat. Its 1,500W quartz-tube infrared heater is described as warming people and the room directly.
At 20 inches wide, this is a candidate for smaller fireplace openings, but width alone does not establish fit. Check the full unit dimensions and required clearances before buying. Choose it if flame customization matters more than a built-in thermostat or stated timer; those features are not listed in the supplied product details.
Limitation: The listing does not specify a heating-area figure, so compare its output with the room and your supplemental-heating needs rather than relying on an assumed coverage range.
PuraFlame 27-Inch Electric Fireplace Log Set
Best for: Buyers prioritizing a varied flame appearance and fire-like sound. The set offers six flame colors, five brightness levels, and a crackling sound effect. Its 750W/1,500W heater can run with or without the flame effect, and the listing says it can warm a 400-square-foot room.
The product is described as fitting most existing fireplace openings, but buyers should still measure the opening and the appliance. It uses a 120V polarized plug, which is an important electrical detail to check against the intended location.
Limitation: The manufacturer states that this unit cannot be used as a primary heat source. Treat it as supplemental heating and ambience.
Sweetcrispy 26-Inch Freestanding Electric Heater
Best for: Buyers seeking a freestanding heater with a fireplace effect, remote control, and stated safety functions. It has 750W and 1,500W heat settings, a 3D flame effect, overheating protection, a child lock, and a 12-hour timer.
Choose this model if you want flexible controls and supplemental warmth in a living room or bedroom. It is described as freestanding, so it is better for placing in the room than for creating a fitted log-set look inside a firebox.
Limitation: The supplied details do not state a room-coverage figure or fireplace-opening fit dimensions. Confirm placement and heating requirements before choosing it as a replacement for a hearth insert.
Buying Guide: How To Change A Wood Fireplace To Electric
Should you choose an insert or a freestanding heater?
An electric log set or insert is the closer visual replacement when you want an appliance inside an existing fireplace opening. A freestanding stove or heater can provide a fireplace-style effect without being sized to fit the firebox. Compare product dimensions with the opening, including depth and height, and follow the manufacturer’s clearance instructions.
What should you check before using an existing fireplace?
Inspect the firebox and surrounding area, and determine whether the chimney or flue needs attention before changing how the fireplace is used. Do not assume that an electric appliance makes an existing chimney safe to seal or modify. Consult a qualified fireplace professional and check local requirements when work to the fireplace, vent, or electrical setup is planned.
How much heat do you need?
Compare the stated wattage and heating-area information, but treat coverage figures as product claims rather than guarantees for every home. Room size, insulation, ceiling height, and cold drafts can affect comfort. These products are presented as supplemental heaters; do not assume they can replace a home’s primary heating system.
Which features matter most?
For easy adjustment, look for a remote, thermostat, timer, or multiple heat settings. For year-round ambience, confirm that flames can run without heat. Flame colors, brightness options, and sound effects affect appearance, but do not determine whether a unit fits the fireplace. Also check the outlet and plug details before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an electric fireplace in a wood-burning fireplace?
Often, an electric log set or insert can be placed in an existing opening if its dimensions, clearances, and electrical requirements are appropriate. Check the appliance instructions and assess the condition of the fireplace first.
Do I need to remove the wood-burning fireplace?
Not necessarily. A plug-in electric log set may sit inside the existing hearth without removing the fireplace structure. Permanent changes to the firebox, chimney, or wiring should be assessed by a qualified professional.
Can the flame effect run without heat?
Several listed models offer flame operation without heat, including the Innoflame, Riseon, and PuraFlame. Check the selected model’s controls and instructions to confirm how to use this mode.
Can an electric fireplace replace central heating?
These products are described as supplemental heaters, and the PuraFlame listing explicitly says it cannot be used as a primary heat source. Keep a separate primary heating system unless a qualified professional confirms another suitable arrangement.