What is the best electric insert for an existing fireplace?

Two ways to go electric inside an old firebox

The simpler path is an electric log set — a plug-in unit that sits where the grate used to, glows and flickers, and can be lifted out anytime. The more finished path is a firebox-style insert: a glass-fronted electric unit sized to fill the opening so the whole fireplace looks alive again. Dimplex is the electric brand we carry and recommend for either look — their flame technology is the reason electric stopped being embarrassing.

We measure the opening — width, height, depth — and match the insert to it, the same way we'd size a gas insert. An undersized unit floating in a big masonry mouth is the most common mistake we see when people guess at it themselves.

What installation actually involves

Almost nothing, and that's the appeal. No liner, no venting, no gas line. We close off the flue — damper shut and ideally sealed — which quietly fixes another problem: an open masonry fireplace can actually run a net heat loss, pouring your conditioned air up the chimney all winter. The insert needs an outlet at the firebox; if there isn't one, we coordinate getting one added. And nothing about it is permanent, which makes electric the gentle option for historic Asheville homes and rentals where you don't want to alter the masonry.

When we'd steer you to gas instead

If warmth is the real goal, say so — because a sealed gas insert commonly runs 70 percent efficient or better and is a genuine heater, while electric is capped near 5,000 BTU and goes dark in an outage, something no one in WNC forgets after Helene. We'd rather get you the right appliance than the most expensive one, in either direction. Call (828) 545-0525 and we'll look at your firebox and tell you straight which insert it wants.