Best Electric Fireplace Inserts for a Retrofit, Traditional Look or Open Hearth

For an enclosed insert in an existing fireplace, start with the Modern Flames Redstone. Choose the Dimplex Revillusion if a traditional, full-depth firebox appearance is your priority. If you want to leave the existing masonry visible, consider the Napoleon Woodland 27 electric log set instead—it is not an enclosed insert.

These are specification-based recommendations for North American models, checked October 31, 2026—not results from hands-on testing. The distinctions are installation method, flame design and electrical requirements. There is no tested winner here for quietness, reliability or flame realism.

Before ordering any pick, use the electric insert fit and power checklist. A model that cannot meet its opening dimensions, airflow requirements or electrical instructions is off the shortlist, regardless of appearance.

Best starting point for an enclosed retrofit: Modern Flames Redstone

Choose it when: you want a glass-fronted firebox that fills an existing opening, with adjustable flame colors and speed.

The Redstone earns the first recommendation because its manual explicitly distinguishes two installations: an insert in an existing fireplace using the supplied power cord, and a custom-framed built-in installation using hardwired power. The range includes nominal 26-, 30-, 36-, 42- and 54-inch sizes, with adjustable flame speed and independently controlled flame, ember-bed and downlighting colors. Modern Flames product details and owner’s manual.

The small RS-2621 illustrates why the model name is not a fit measurement:

• Its specified finished opening for a built-in installation is 23 inches wide × 18¾ inches high × 10 inches deep.
• With the larger supplied trim, its face is 26 inches wide × 20⅞ inches high.
• The manual requires 11.8 inches from the glass front’s top to a mantel, and keeps furniture and similar combustibles at least 36 inches in front.

Those dimensions come from the Redstone manual. For a retrofit, compare the appliance body and trim against your fireplace’s actual shape, allowing room for the outlet and plug. Trim coverage does not compensate for insufficient depth.

The trade-off: this is supplemental heat, not a heating-system replacement. The manual specifies 120 volts, 1,465 watts and a dedicated 15-amp-or-higher breaker. It prohibits sharing the circuit with other appliances and prohibits extension cords or power strips. Its retrofit instructions call for a qualified electrician to install an outlet at the rear or side of the existing fireplace; an outlet nearby in the room alone does not establish suitability. Hardwiring also belongs to a qualified electrician. Electrical and heating requirements.

Best for a traditional full-depth appearance: Dimplex Revillusion

Choose it when: you want to see a firebox interior behind the flames rather than make color effects the main feature.

The Revillusion uses a translucent flame panel that allows a view through to the back of the firebox. Dimplex offers Herringbone Brick, Weathered Concrete, Neutral Brick and Black interiors, with flame-only operation available. That construction makes it the more suitable choice on this shortlist for a traditional fireplace presentation—not proof that everyone will find its flames more realistic. Dimplex Revillusion design details.

The built-in family includes nominal 24-, 30-, 36-, 36-inch portrait and 42-inch versions. Select the size by its installation drawings, not the nominal width. Current Revillusion range.

The trade-off: this is a built-in firebox selection, not a promise of a simple slide-in conversion. Have the seller identify the exact model and provide its installation drawings, electrical configuration and matching trim before ordering. Do not substitute dimensions from another Revillusion size or older model number.

For this pick, a showroom viewing is especially useful. Look at the translucent panel from your likely seated position and from the side, with room lights on. Ask to hear the heater running separately from viewing the flame effect.

Best alternative for keeping the masonry visible: Napoleon Woodland 27

Choose it when: you like the existing hearth and want an electric log display without a replacement glass-fronted firebox.

The NEFI27H Woodland 27 is a standalone electric log set. Napoleon specifies 120-volt plug-in or hardwired operation, a 1,500-watt heater, an included remote and overall dimensions of 27 inches wide × 15½ inches high × 14 inches deep. Napoleon Woodland 27 specifications.

Its listed minimum fireplace cavity is 27½ inches wide × 16 inches high × 14 inches deep. The manual separately calls for positioning the set one inch from the rear wall for the flame effect. Allow for that rear gap when checking usable hearth depth; do not treat the cavity table alone as a guarantee of fit. Woodland installation manual.

The trade-off: it leaves the old opening visible and cannot be sealed behind existing fireplace doors. The manual requires adequate heat exhaust and screen airflow, a dedicated 15-amp circuit, and protection from chimney debris and rain. It also warns about hot surfaces; do not select it on a blanket “safe to touch” assumption. Woodland installation and safety instructions.

What should settle the purchase

After fit and power eliminate unsuitable models, compare the complete installed quote: appliance, matching trim, electrical work, removal work and finishing. Ask who handles warranty service, whether replacement heater and control parts are available, and what the return terms are before installation.

Choose Redstone for an enclosed retrofit with configurable effects, Revillusion for the full-depth traditional presentation, or Woodland for an open masonry hearth. Do not let an advertised square-foot heating figure override the exact electrical rating or your room’s heating needs.