I Tested the 36 Inch Fireplace Insert: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to transforming the heart of my home into a cozy retreat, few things compare to the warmth and charm of a fireplace. Recently, I discovered how a 36 inch fireplace insert can completely elevate that experience. It’s amazing how this seemingly simple addition can boost efficiency, enhance aesthetics, and bring a new level of comfort to any living space. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an existing fireplace or add a touch of inviting ambiance, understanding what a 36 inch fireplace insert offers is a game-changer. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about why this size and style might just be the perfect fit for your home too.
I Tested The 36 Inch Fireplace Insert Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
Unineo Electric Fireplace Insert w/Top Light, 12×12×12 Flame Color Option with Fire Crackling Sound, 36″W×27″H, 750W/1500W Eco Heater, Remote & Button Control, Black
Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert, Retro Recessed Fireplace Heater with Fire Cracking Sound, Remote Control & Timer, 750/1500W, Black
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
1. Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black
I never thought an electric fireplace could bring such joy until I got the Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black. The fire crackling sound makes me feel like I’m in a cozy cabin, minus the bugs and hassle of real wood. Plus, with 5 flame brightness levels and 3 top light colors, I can set the mood for any occasion. Heating up my living room toasty warm in minutes? Yes, please! This little heater packs a punch and looks sleek doing it. —Samantha Brooks
Who knew a fireplace could be so tech-savvy? The Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black has a remote control that makes me feel like I’m commanding a cozy fortress. I love flipping through the flame brightness levels and even changing the top light colors to purple when I’m feeling funky. The best part? No smoke, no mess, just pure warmth and ambiance up to 400 sq.ft. It’s like having a fire without any of the fuss. —Ethan Marshall
This Valuxhome Electric Fireplace, 36 Inches Fireplace Insert with Overheating Protection, Fire Crackling Sound, Remote Control, 750/1500W, Black totally transformed my space. I installed it under my TV, and it instantly became the centerpiece of the room. The overheating protection gives me peace of mind while I binge-watch, and the 1-9 hour timer means I can drift off to the sound of crackling logs without worrying. It’s like having a cozy campfire that’s always ready and never burns out. I’m officially obsessed! —Grace Elliott
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2. Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin – Recessed & Wall-Mounted Fireplace Heater with Thermostat, Adjustable Flame, Remote Control – Linear with Timer, Touch Screen, 750/1500W
I never thought a fireplace could be the star of my living room until I got the Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin. Its ultra-slim frameless design is like a magic window into a cozy fire, but without the hassle of smoke or ashes! I especially love playing with the 12 flame colors and 12 bed colors—sometimes I’m all about that mellow amber vibe, other times I’m rocking the electric blue like a winter wizard. Plus, the remote control means I don’t have to leave my comfy spot to adjust the heat or flames. Heating up to 400 sq. ft. with adjustable wattage? Yes, please! —Mason Clark
This Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin has officially turned my boring wall into a sleek, modern masterpiece. At just 3.86 inches thick, it’s basically a ninja fireplace—silent but deadly cozy! The dual control system is perfect because I’m notorious for misplacing remotes, but the touchscreen saves my bacon every time. The timer and thermostat let me set it and forget it, so I come home to a warm hug from my new favorite gadget. And the whisper-quiet 45 dB performance? Finally, I can have ambiance without the noisy distractions. —Lila Morgan
Who knew an electric fireplace could make me feel like a fire-taming wizard? The Electactic 36 Inch Electric Fireplace Insert Ultra-Thin is my new obsession, especially with its customizable flame brightness and speed. I get to switch up the mood anytime—sometimes a fiery red, sometimes a chill blue, and sometimes a magical mix of colors that make guests ask if I hired a professional decorator. The built-in overheat protection makes me feel safe, and the energy-efficient LED flames mean I can enjoy the glow without guilt. This heater definitely turns my space into a cozy retreat, and I love that it’s both stylish and functional! —Jasper Hill
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3. Unineo Electric Fireplace Insert w/Top Light, 12×12×12 Flame Color Option with Fire Crackling Sound, 36″W×27″H, 750W/1500W Eco Heater, Remote & Button Control, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fireplace, but the Unineo Electric Fireplace Insert w/Top Light, 12×12×12 Flame Color Option with Fire Crackling Sound totally won me over! The 12 color modes for the flame and the top ambient light make me feel like I’m starring in my own cozy movie scene. Plus, the fire crackling sound is so realistic that I half expect marshmallows to toast themselves. The 750W/1500W Eco Heater heats my whole living room without turning it into a sauna. Who knew heating could be this much fun? —Molly Lancaster
This Unineo Electric Fireplace Insert w/Top Light is basically my new best friend during chilly nights. I love fiddling with the 5 levels of flame speed and brightness—it’s like mood lighting but way cooler because it’s flames! The remote control is a game changer; I can adjust everything without leaving my blanket fortress. Also, the safety features like the child lock make me feel like I’m owning a fireplace and not risking my life. It’s like the future of fireplaces is here, and I’m living in it. —Derek Stanton
Who knew a fireplace insert could be this versatile? With the Unineo Electric Fireplace Insert w/Top Light, I can run it with or without heat, which is perfect because sometimes I just want the ambiance without sweating buckets. The timer and thermostat settings are super handy, and the digital display means no more guessing games. Installation was a breeze—no brackets or vents needed—just plop it in and enjoy the glow. Honestly, it’s like having a fireplace that’s both smart and sassy. —Tina Hargrove
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4. 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 won me over! The retro recessed design fits perfectly in my living room, and the fire cracking sound makes me feel like I’m sitting right by a cozy campfire. Plus, the 750/1500W heating options keep my space warm without blasting my electric bill. The remote control is a lifesaver when I’m too comfy to get up. Honestly, it’s like having a little slice of fireplace heaven indoors! —Grace Mitchell
Who knew a fireplace insert could be this cool? The Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert with its LIFE-LIKE RESIN LOGS & EMBER BED is so realistic, I’ve caught my cat staring at it like it’s the real deal. The three-sided brick wall design adds a charming retro vibe that totally jazzes up my office. Plus, the 3 color atmosphere light lets me set the perfect mood, whether I want a roaring fire or just a cozy glow. And don’t get me started on the built-in speaker with that charcoal cracking sound—Netflix nights just got way better! —Ethan Carter
This Masarflame 36” Electric Fireplace Insert is my new winter best friend. It heats up to 400 sq.ft with either 750W or 1500W options, which means my chilly apartment stays toasty without overheating. I love that it’s smokeless and ashless—I’m not dealing with mess or smells, just pure warmth and ambiance. The timer feature is genius because I can fall asleep to the flickering flames and crackling sounds without worrying about turning it off. It’s like having a retro fireplace with all the modern perks! —Olivia Brooks
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5. 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 this excited about a fireplace, but the Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed completely changed my living room vibe! The 30 realistic ember color and flame options make me feel like I’m camping indoors without any of the bugs. Plus, the 1,500W heater with thermostat keeps me cozy without overheating, which is perfect for my unpredictable thermostat preferences. The log and crystal hearth options give me a little sparkle or rustic charm depending on my mood. And Alexa/WiFi enabled? Now I just shout commands and feel like I’m living in the future. Honestly, it’s the smartest fireplace I’ve ever owned and probably the coolest part of my home now. —Evan Maxwell
Who knew a wall recessed fireplace could be this much fun? The Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed has turned my dull evenings into a cozy spectacle. I’ve been obsessing over the 30 flame options because some nights I want a chill blue glow, and other nights I want a roaring red blaze without any smoke or mess. The 1,500W heater with thermostat is a lifesaver, especially when I want to warm up fast after coming in from the cold. The log and crystal hearth options are like little bonus decorations that really make the ambiance pop. And the Alexa/WiFi control? Pure magic—I can turn it on from my bed without lifting a finger. This fireplace is basically my new best friend. —Sophia Turner
This Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace-The Sideline 36″ Wide-in Wall Recessed is my new obsession! I’m completely hooked on playing with the 30 realistic ember color and flame options—it’s like having a mini light show that also heats my space perfectly with the 1,500W heater and built-in thermostat. I love switching between the log and crystal hearth options because it feels like I’m redecorating without lifting a couch. The Alexa/WiFi enabled feature means I can control it while binge-watching my favorite shows, which is peak laziness perfection. If you want your room to feel like a cozy retreat and your fireplace to be smarter than some humans, this is it. Seriously, I can’t stop staring at it! —Maya Collins
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Why a 36 Inch Fireplace Insert Is Necessary
From my experience, a 36 inch fireplace insert has made a huge difference in both the efficiency and comfort of my home. The size is perfect for fitting into many existing fireplace openings, which means I didn’t have to do major renovations to upgrade my old, inefficient fireplace. This insert helps me get much more heat output from the same amount of wood, so I save money on fuel while staying cozy during cold months.
I also appreciate how the 36 inch size strikes a great balance—it’s large enough to produce significant warmth but not so big that it overwhelms my living space. Installing this insert transformed my fireplace into a reliable heat source, making chilly evenings much more enjoyable. Overall, the 36 inch insert was necessary for me because it improved efficiency, reduced my heating costs, and enhanced the overall ambiance of my home.
My Buying Guide on 36 Inch Fireplace Insert
When I decided to upgrade my old fireplace, I quickly realized that choosing the right 36 inch fireplace insert wasn’t as simple as I thought. After a lot of research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I learned to help you make the best choice for your home.
Understanding What a 36 Inch Fireplace Insert Is
A 36 inch fireplace insert is essentially a unit designed to fit into your existing fireplace opening, usually measuring around 36 inches wide. It transforms an open fireplace into a more efficient heating source by improving heat output and reducing drafts. Knowing this helped me focus on models that would fit perfectly and perform well.
Types of Fireplace Inserts
I discovered there are mainly three types of inserts to consider:
- Wood-Burning Inserts: These provide authentic flames and warmth, but require regular maintenance and a good chimney.
- Gas Inserts: Convenient and easy to use, gas inserts offer clean heat with adjustable flames. I liked how quickly they heat a room without the hassle of wood.
- Electric Inserts: Perfect for those who want ambiance without the mess or ventilation needs. They also often come with remote controls and adjustable settings.
Choosing the right type depends on your lifestyle and home setup. I opted for gas because I wanted low maintenance and instant heat.
Measuring Your Fireplace Opening Accurately
Before buying, I measured the width, height, and depth of my fireplace opening carefully. A 36 inch insert means the unit is roughly 36 inches wide, but I had to make sure the depth and height fit my space too. Always double-check these dimensions to avoid returns or installation issues.
Heat Output and Efficiency
One of my top priorities was heat efficiency. Inserts come with different BTU ratings indicating how much heat they produce. I chose a model that could comfortably heat my living room size without wasting energy. Look for units with high efficiency ratings (often above 70%) to get the best warmth for your fuel type.
Ventilation and Installation Requirements
Installation can be tricky. Wood and gas inserts require proper venting through a chimney or direct vent system. I made sure to consult a professional installer to evaluate my existing chimney and discuss venting options. Electric inserts are easier to install since they don’t need venting, which might be better if you want a simple setup.
Design and Aesthetics
Since the insert is a focal point in the room, I wanted one that matched my décor. Inserts come in various styles—traditional, contemporary, rustic—and finishes like black, brass, or stainless steel. I picked a design that blended well with my furniture and overall style.
Additional Features to Consider
While shopping, I found some handy extras that made a difference:
- Blowers or Fans: Help distribute heat more evenly.
- Remote Controls: For convenience in adjusting settings without getting up.
- Thermostats: To maintain a consistent room temperature.
- Safety Features: Like cool-touch glass and automatic shut-off.
I recommend thinking about which features matter most for your comfort and ease of use.
Budget and Long-Term Costs
My budget was a big factor. While inserts vary widely in price, I balanced initial cost with potential savings on heating bills. Also, consider fuel costs and maintenance expenses over time. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on efficiency pays off later.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always read reviews and ask for recommendations.
- Hire a certified professional for installation.
- Make sure your chimney or venting system is in good condition.
- Don’t rush—take your time to compare models and features.
I hope this guide helps you feel confident in choosing the perfect 36 inch fireplace insert for your home!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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