Electric vs Wood Fireplace Insert: Which One Should You Buy?

FirewoodGearHQ may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page. The price you pay stays the same. Read our affiliate disclosure.

The quick answer

Choose a wood fireplace insert when the house needs real heat and you have dry, seasoned firewood on hand. Choose an electric fireplace insert when you want the ambience of flames with heat for a stated square footage and no venting at all. All four example inserts below are electric models, since that is what the listings cover; they illustrate the electric side of the comparison.

What an electric fireplace insert is

An electric fireplace insert is a heater that looks like a fire, powered by a cord. The PuraFlame Western 33 inch model states 750/1500W heat, 4600 british thermal units and a heater that warms up to 400 sq. ft., with 3 flame settings, a resin log, a crackling sound and a remote control. It plugs into 120 volts and comes with a trim kit. The PuraFlame 24 inch log set states the same 750/1500W and 400 sq. ft. coverage, with 6 flame colors, 5 brightness levels, a crackling sound and a thermostat that sets from 60 to 82 degrees. The Benrocks 36 inch insert states 750/1500W, 5100 british thermal units and 150-200 sq ft of heating coverage, with 5 flame brightness levels, 3 top light colors, a 1-9H timer and overheat protection. The YITAHOME 24 inch insert states 1400W, 5000 british thermal units and heat for spaces up to 400 sq ft, with 3 flame brightness levels, adjustable temperature from 62 to 82 degrees and a timer of 0.5 to 6 hours.

What a wood fireplace insert is

A wood fireplace insert burns real firewood inside your existing fireplace opening to heat the house. It needs seasoned wood, a working chimney and the clearances the maker states, plus regular chimney cleaning. None of the four listings here is a wood insert, so nothing in this article rates wood inserts against each other; they are shown only to complete the comparison. On this site see our wood stove vs electric fireplace and wood stove vs fireplace insert guides for the real-wood side in more depth.

Four electric insert examples from the listings

The PuraFlame Western 33 inch insert is the most complete listing here: 44.1 by 31.5 by 8.8 inches, 750/1500W, 4600 british thermal units, heat for up to 400 sq. ft., a trim kit, a resin log that the listing measures 11 13/16 inches high, 3 flame settings, a crackling sound, a remote control and a one year warranty. It suits a big fireplace opening where the viewer wants a full trim-kit look. The PuraFlame 24 inch log set is the flexible smaller option: 24 by 19.9 by 9.8 inches, 13.4 pounds, 750/1500W, 400 sq. ft. coverage, 6 flame colors with 5 brightness, a crackling sound, a thermostat from 60 to 82 degrees, a timer of 0.5 to 9 hours, a remote and a one year warranty. It suits a standard opening where flame color choice matters.

The YITAHOME 24 inch insert is the compact modern option: 24.2 by 17.5 by 5.1 inches, 1400W, 5000 british thermal units, heat for up to 400 sq ft, 3 flame brightness levels, adjustable temperature from 62 to 82 degrees, a timer of 0.5 to 6 hours, overheat protection and a remote control. It suits TV cabinets and fireplace walls where depth is limited. The Benrocks 36 inch insert is the widest: 35.63 by 27.32 by 8.84 inches, 55.6 pounds, 750/1500W, 5100 british thermal units, 150-200 sq ft of coverage, 5 flame brightness, 3 top light colors, a 1-9H timer, overheat protection and a log speaker that simulates cracking firewood. It suits a wide opening where the flame display is the point, though its stated heating coverage is the lowest of the four.

Electric vs wood fireplace insert: which one should you buy?

Buy electric when there is no chimney, the rental agreement or your routine will not allow wood burning, or the goal is ambience plus a stated amount of supplemental heat. The PuraFlame listings state the insert cannot be used as a main or primary heat source, so do not buy electric expecting it to heat a whole house. Buy wood when you have a working fireplace, a steady supply of seasoned firewood and a reason to burn it: real heat, off-grid reliability and a fire you tend. The electric inserts here are indoor, vent-free units, so they work where a wood insert cannot go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an electric fireplace insert be used as the main heat source?

The PuraFlame listings state the heater cannot be used as a main or primary heat source. Electric inserts are supplemental heat for the stated square footage.

Do electric fireplace inserts need a chimney?

No. All four listings state a vent-free design, and the Benrocks and YITAHOME are indoor units that plug in and run with no flue.

What size electric insert do I need?

Match the insert to the fireplace opening: the PuraFlame Western is 44.1 by 31.5 by 8.8 inches, the Benrocks 35.63 by 27.32 by 8.84 inches, and both 24 inch models fit smaller openings. Check the maker’s stated opening requirements.

Do these electric inserts have a crackling sound?

Both PuraFlame listings and the Benrocks state a crackling sound or log speaker that simulates burning firewood. The YITAHOME lists no crackling feature.

Which electric inserts state a warranty?

Both PuraFlame listings state a one year warranty. The Benrocks and YITAHOME listings state a limited warranty type with no term stated.

Related guides

See the wood stoves hub and our best fireplace insert for a zero clearance fireplace guide for wood-burning options. Compare power sources in the wood stove vs electric fireplace guide, and read our best fireplace insert for a corner fireplace roundup for more insert picks.