10 Best Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts of 2026 for Modern, App-Controlled Heat and Style

Smart electric fireplace inserts can add instant ambiance without the mess, smoke, or upkeep of a traditional hearth. They’re a strong fit for homeowners who want modern styling, supplemental heat, and app or voice control in one unit.

Below, we focus on the best options for different room sizes, mounting styles, and smart-home setups so you can quickly find the right fit.

Best 10 Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts Picks for 2026

Premium Recessed Smart Fireplace Pick – Touchstone Forte 40" Alexa/WiFi Recessed Insert

If you want smart electric fireplace inserts that feel close to a traditional built-in fireplace, the Touchstone Forte 40″ is a strong fit. It’s designed for recessed in-wall mounting, offers multiple flame and ember looks, and gives you both app-based smart control and classic remote operation for everyday convenience.

Best For: Homeowners planning a recessed install who want a realistic flame look with Alexa/WiFi control.

Pros:

• Alexa/WiFi enabled, plus remote control for flame, heat, and timer settings
• Recessed design with hard-wire ready or plug-in operation
• Five flame settings and log/crystal hearth options for flexible styling
• Front-facing heater vents let it sit closer under a TV than many inserts

Cons:

• Requires careful measuring before ordering for a proper fit
• Heater is meant to take the edge off a room, not replace primary heat
• Installation may call for professional help when using existing fireplace openings or gas lines

Overall, the Forte stands out for buyers who prioritize a built-in look and easy smart control. If your main goal is a polished recessed fireplace with adjustable visuals, it covers the essentials well.

Budget-Friendly App-Control Insert – Benrocks 36" Smart Wall-Mount Fireplace

This Benrocks model is a practical choice among smart electric fireplace inserts if you want app control without stepping up to a larger premium unit. It supports recessed or wall-mount installation, includes a touch screen and remote, and is sized to heat rooms up to 400 sq. ft. as supplemental heat.

Best For: Buyers who want an affordable smart fireplace with multiple control options and a compact 36-inch size.

Pros:

• Controlled by app, touch screen, or remote
• Offers five brightness levels and three flame colors
• Dual heat settings with thermostat control from 62°F to 99°F
• Can be hardwired or plugged in

Cons:

• Heating coverage is limited to supplemental use in rooms up to 400 sq. ft.
• Product information lists a 1500W max heater, but exact setup may vary by use mode
• Smaller insert size may not suit wider fireplace openings

For shoppers focused on value and flexibility, this insert gives you the core smart features without a complicated setup. It’s a sensible pick if you want modern controls and a straightforward linear fireplace look.

Large Built-In Smart Statement Piece – Touchstone Sideline 50" Alexa/WiFi Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline 50″ is built for buyers who want smart electric fireplace inserts with a larger visual presence. It’s designed for recessed in-wall mounting, includes realistic flame options, and adds Alexa/WiFi control for convenient operation from the couch or through a smart home setup.

Best For: Larger rooms or media walls where a 50-inch recessed fireplace can act as a focal point.

Pros:

• Alexa/WiFi enabled with remote control and smart app support
• Five flame settings with log and crystal hearth options
• Hard-wire ready or plug-in operation for installation flexibility
• Front-facing heater vents make TV placement easier than some alternatives

Cons:

• Requires 8 inches of clearance between the fireplace and a TV or mantel
• Heater is supplemental and not meant as a primary heat source
• Installation still depends on careful measuring and fit checks

If you want a wider built-in look with easy smart controls, the Sideline 50″ is a dependable option. It balances showpiece styling with the practical features most buyers want in a recessed fireplace insert.

Most Customizable Flame Display – Westinghouse 50" Alexa-Compatible Fireplace

If your priority is visual customization, this Westinghouse model is one of the most flexible smart electric fireplace inserts in the group. It offers a large range of flame and ember combinations, works as either a wall-mount or recessed insert, and connects with Alexa, Google Home, the app, and the remote.

Best For: Shoppers who want the widest range of flame looks and smart-home compatibility in a 50-inch insert.

Pros:

• Up to 144 flame and ember color combinations
• Compatible with Alexa, Google Home, app control, and remote
• Adjustable thermostat from 62°F to 82°F with 750W/1500W settings
• Includes interchangeable faux log and crystal ember bed sets

Cons:

• Requires careful circuit planning; do not plug other appliances into the same circuit
• Clearance requirements may limit placement under low ceilings or mantels
• Heating coverage is listed as modest, so it’s best as supplemental heat

This is a strong pick if style control matters as much as heating. The combination of broad customization, smart compatibility, and installation flexibility makes it easy to tailor to different rooms.

Smart Recessed Pick – Touchstone Sideline 36" Alexa/WiFi

If you want smart electric fireplace inserts that look built-in and are easy to control, the Touchstone Sideline 36″ is a strong fit. It’s designed for recessed in-wall mounting, offers multiple flame and ember color options, and can run with or without heat for year-round use.

Best For: Homeowners wanting a recessed, smart-controlled fireplace for a TV wall, living room, or basement.

Pros:

• Alexa, Google Home, and app control plus included remote
• Ventless design with cool-touch sides and back for safer recessed installation
• Can be hardwired or plugged in, with front-facing heater vents for TV-wall placement
• Includes log and crystal hearth options for a more custom look

Cons:

• Requires careful measurement before ordering
• 8 inches of clearance above the unit is recommended
• Heater is meant to supplement a room, not replace a primary heat source

Overall, this model stands out for buyers who want a sleek, built-in appearance with smart controls and flexible flame styling. It’s especially appealing if you want the fireplace look without committing to a traditional vented install.

Wide Smart Statement Piece – Westinghouse 60" Smart Fireplace Insert

For shoppers comparing smart electric fireplace inserts with a bigger visual impact, the Westinghouse 60 Inch model brings a lot of customization. It supports wall-mount or in-wall recessed installation, connects with Alexa and Google Home, and offers multiple flame, ember, and brightness settings.

Best For: Larger rooms or feature walls where a wide smart fireplace insert and adjustable flame effects matter most.

Pros:

• Up to 144 flame and ember color combinations
• Works with Alexa, Google Home, the Westinghouse app, and remote control
• Built-in thermostat and 750W/1500W heat settings for adjustable comfort
• Includes interchangeable faux log and crystal ember bed sets

Cons:

• Needs a large opening and careful fit check before installation
• Requires 11.8 inches of clearance above the unit
• Should not share a circuit with other appliances

This is a good choice if you want a wide, modern fireplace insert with extensive flame customization and flexible mounting options. Its smart-home compatibility and included decor choices make it easy to tailor the look to your room.

Balanced Mid-Size Option – Touchstone Sideline 45" Alexa/WiFi

The Touchstone Sideline 45″ is a practical option if you want smart electric fireplace inserts with a built-in look but don’t need the largest format. It uses the same recessed, ventless approach as the series and gives you flame control, heat control, and smart app integration in a medium-width size.

Best For: Buyers who want a recessed smart fireplace insert for a living room, basement, or TV wall in a more moderate size.

Pros:

• Alexa, Google Home, app, and remote control support
• Recessed in-wall design with cool-touch sides and back
• Can run with flames only or with 1,500W heat
• Front-facing heater vents help with TV-wall placement

Cons:

• Still needs 8 inches of clearance above the unit
• Requires measurement of the opening before purchase
• Heating is supplementary, not a full-home solution

Compared with larger smart inserts, this 45-inch version is easier to fit into many spaces while keeping the same modern flame effect and control options. It’s a balanced pick for buyers who want the Touchstone look without going oversized.

Hidden Vent Smart Linear – PuraFlame Bernice 60 Inch Smart Linear Electric Fireplace

If you want smart electric fireplace inserts with a cleaner built-in look, the PuraFlame Bernice is designed around concealed vents and a slim 2-inch trim. It can be recessed into a framed wall, wall-mounted, or used freestanding, so it works for different room layouts without losing the modern linear style.

Best For: Homeowners who want a flexible install and smart control with a polished, minimal look.

Pros:

• Concealed heater vents and 2-inch aluminum trim for a clean appearance
• Works recessed, wall-mounted, or freestanding
• App, Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote control support
• 9 flame and fuel-bed colors plus cracking sound with adjustable brightness and volume

Cons:

• Warmth is limited to supplemental heating for up to 400 sq. ft.
• Requires either plug-in or hardwired installation planning

This model stands out if design flexibility matters as much as smart features. It offers a lot of visual customization and multiple install options, making it a strong choice for a modern media wall or feature room.

Recessed Ember Glow – Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace Sideline 60" Wide

The Touchstone Sideline is one of the more established smart electric fireplace inserts for a recessed in-wall setup. It focuses on a realistic flame look, multiple ember and flame options, and easy control through the remote, app, Alexa, or Google Home.

Best For: Buyers who want a recessed fireplace with strong flame realism and straightforward smart controls.

Pros:

• Designed for recessed in-wall mounting and can fit existing fireplace openings
• 30 ember/flame combinations with 5 flame settings
• Alexa, WiFi, app, and remote control support
• Log and crystal hearth options for different looks

Cons:

• Recommended 8 inches of clearance above the unit for a TV or mantel
• Supplemental heat only, not a primary heating source
• WiFi setup may require extra attention for smart features

If your priority is a fireplace that looks convincing from across the room, this is a strong candidate. The combination of recessed install, front-facing vents, and broad flame customization makes it practical for a living room media wall.

Compact WiFi Insert – 36" WiFi Smart Recessed Electric Fireplace Insert

For a smaller smart electric fireplace insert, this 36-inch recessed model keeps the feature set focused on ease of use and everyday comfort. It supports app, remote, touch panel, and Alexa control, while offering adjustable flame colors, heat settings, and timer options for year-round use.

Best For: Smaller spaces or 2×6 wall installs that need app-based control and simple supplemental heat.

Pros:

• Fits 2×6 wall installations with 110V plug-in setup
• App, remote, touch panel, and Alexa control
• 3 flame colors, 5 flame intensities, and 1-9 hour timer
• 750W and 1500W heat modes with thermostat control up to 400 sq. ft.

Cons:

• Alexa only controls power, not full settings
• Smaller 36-inch size may not suit larger feature walls

This is a practical option if you want smart controls without committing to a larger linear fireplace. Its adjustable heat, flame settings, and easy plug-in installation make it a solid fit for offices, bedrooms, or compact living areas.

How We Picked the Best Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts

We looked for Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts that balance realistic flame presentation, dependable heating output, and easy control options. Priority went to models with clear sizing choices, flexible installation formats, and useful smart-home compatibility such as app, remote, Alexa, or Google Home support. We also considered whether the design works well as a focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, media walls, and remodels.

Quick Comparison

For most buyers, the biggest decision is size. Compact 36-inch inserts suit smaller rooms or tighter wall openings, while 45- to 60-inch units create a more dramatic built-in look in larger spaces. If you want a cleaner architectural finish, recessed models are usually the best choice; if you need more installation flexibility, wall-mount or combo units may be easier to place.

Key Buying Factors for Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts

Size and Viewing Width

Match the insert to your wall opening and the room’s scale. A unit that is too small can look undersized, while one that is too large may overwhelm the space. Measure carefully before buying and check recessed-depth requirements.

Smart Controls

Not all Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts offer the same level of convenience. Some include app control only, while others add voice assistant compatibility, touch panels, and remotes. If you already use a smart-home ecosystem, verify compatibility before choosing.

Heat Output and Use Case

Most electric inserts are designed for supplemental heat rather than whole-home heating. Look for the advertised wattage and room coverage if you plan to use the fireplace for comfort during colder months.

Flame Effects and Design

Flame color options, ember bed style, and brightness settings affect realism and mood. If visual impact matters most, choose a model with multiple flame colors and adjustable effects. Hidden vents and slim frames can also make the installation look more built-in.

Who Should Buy Which Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts?

Choose a smaller 36-inch model if you want an affordable upgrade for a bedroom, office, or modest living area. Pick a 50- to 60-inch insert if you want a statement piece for a larger wall or custom media build. Buyers focused on smart-home convenience should prioritize app and voice control, while design-first shoppers may prefer a recessed linear model with the cleanest front profile. In short, the best Smart Electric Fireplace Inserts are the ones that fit your room, your control preferences, and your installation plan.