What sizes do electric fireplace inserts come in?
Electric fireplace inserts commonly range from around 23 inches up past 60 inches wide, measured by the viewing or flame area or the frame. They come as firebox inserts that drop into an existing opening, plug-in log and canister sets, and linear wall-mount units. The Dimplex IgniteXL Bold 50 we display is a 50-inch model.
The main styles, and how they're sized
Electric insert covers a few different things, so it helps to sort them. There are firebox inserts built to slide into an existing masonry or prefab opening; plug-in log or canister sets that sit inside a fireplace to mimic burning logs; and linear wall-mount or recessed units that hang on or bury into a wall. Widths run roughly from the low 20-inch range up beyond 60 inches.
The number on the spec sheet usually refers to the overall width or the viewing area — always confirm which, because the trim frame can add an inch or two to what actually has to fit the space.
Matching the size to your opening or wall
If you're retrofitting an existing fireplace, the firebox dimensions drive everything. Masonry openings often taper, so we measure width at the front and the back, plus height and depth, before recommending an insert — a unit that fits the front lip but not the rear won't seat properly.
If you're building it into a wall instead, you've got more freedom on width and we size to the room and the furniture wall. Either way, bring us the opening or the wall space and we'll tell you what fits cleanly rather than what almost fits.
Size the view, set the heat separately
One thing to keep straight while you compare widths: a bigger electric insert gives you a longer flame, not more heat. Nearly all of them cap around 5,000 BTU on a standard outlet regardless of size, good for supplemental warmth up to about 400 square feet — less on a hard WNC winter night.
So choose the width for how the flame reads in the room, and set your heat expectations by the BTU number, not the inches. Come see the sizes in person at our Asheville showroom, opening measurements in hand, and we'll match you to the right one. Call (828) 545-0525.
How we can help
Related questions
- What size electric log set fits my existing fireplace?
- How much wall depth does a recessed electric fireplace need?
- Does the size of an electric fireplace change its heat output?
- How many BTUs of heat does an electric fireplace put out?
- Can drywall alone hold a wall-mounted electric fireplace?
- How many BTUs per square foot do I need to heat a room with a fireplace?
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