A recessed fireplace sits inside the wall like a real built-in, and the best recessed electric fireplace gives you that polished look with a slim frame and a plug-in cord.
These five picks from five different brands include four 50-inch wall units and one compact insert, and each one lists its depth so you can plan the cutout.
| Product Name | Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace | R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | Electactic 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | 23-Inch 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert |
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| Mounting | In-wall recessed | Recessed or wall mounted | Recessed or wall mounted | Recessed or wall mounted | Insert for a mantel or opening |
| Depth | 5.5″ | 3.86″ | 4.13″ | 3.86″ | 5″ |
| Heater | 750/1,500W | 750/1,500W | 750/1,500W | 750/1,500W | Heater with thermostat |
| Flame Colors | 3 flame colors | Adjustable colors | 12 flame colors | Adjustable flame | Realistic adjustable flames |
| Finish | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Best For | Built-in wall looks | Slim built-in looks | Cozy modern rooms | Comfort control | Existing openings |
| Dimensions | 50.4″ x 5.5″ x 21.5″ | 50″ x 3.86″ x 18.11″ | 50″ wide, 4.13″ thick | 50″ x 3.86″ x 18.11″ | 23″ x 5″ x 17.56″ |
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| Product Name | Image | Mounting | Depth | Heater | Flame Colors | Finish | Best For | Dimensions | Buy Now |
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| Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace | |
In-wall recessed | 5.5″ | 750/1,500W | 3 flame colors | Black | Built-in wall looks | 50.4″ x 5.5″ x 21.5″ | |
| R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | |
Recessed or wall mounted | 3.86″ | 750/1,500W | Adjustable colors | Black | Slim built-in looks | 50″ x 3.86″ x 18.11″ | |
| EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | |
Recessed or wall mounted | 4.13″ | 750/1,500W | 12 flame colors | Black | Cozy modern rooms | 50″ wide, 4.13″ thick | |
| Electactic 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace | |
Recessed or wall mounted | 3.86″ | 750/1,500W | Adjustable flame | Black | Comfort control | 50″ x 3.86″ x 18.11″ | |
| 23-Inch 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert | |
Insert for a mantel or opening | 5″ | Heater with thermostat | Realistic adjustable flames | Black | Existing openings | 23″ x 5″ x 17.56″ | |
1. Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace
The Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace is the classic recessed choice, a 50-inch unit that sits flush in the wall with three flame colors and a 750 or 1,500 watt heater.
It measures 50.4 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep and 21.5 inches tall.
A remote and a black finish keep it simple.
Features
- Size: 50.4″ W x 5.5″ D x 21.5″ H
- In-wall recessed installation
- Three flame colors
- 750 or 1,500 watt heater
- Remote control and black finish
Pros
- Touchstone is a well-known name in wall fireplaces
- It sits flush for a clean built-in look
- Two heat levels let you choose the warmth
- The remote makes it easy to use
Cons
- Recessing needs framing and some planning
- The 5.5-inch depth is deeper than some rivals
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
If you want a dependable recessed fireplace from an established brand, this is a very sensible choice.
It looks lovely in a media wall.
Plan the framing before you start.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace
The R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace is the slimmest unit here, only 3.86 inches deep, and it can be recessed or wall mounted.
It measures 50 inches wide and 18.11 inches tall, with a remote and touch screen and a 750 or 1,500 watt heater.
Adjustable flame colors and a low-noise design are included.
Features
- Size: 50″ W x 3.86″ D x 18.11″ H
- Recessed or wall-mounted installation
- 750 or 1,500 watt heater
- Remote and touch screen controls
- Adjustable flame colors
Pros
- The slim depth makes recessing easier
- It can also be wall mounted if you change your mind
- The flame colors and brightness are adjustable
- The low-noise design suits quiet rooms
Cons
- Check the stud spacing before a recessed install
- The finish is a plain black
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
When you want a recessed fireplace that is easy to fit into a standard wall, the slim depth is a real advantage.
It is a popular choice among buyers.
Follow the framing guide in the manual.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace
The EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace has 12 flame colors, a remote, a timer and a touch screen, and it heats rooms of up to 700 square feet.
It is about 4.13 inches thick, with tempered glass and a 750 or 1,500 watt heater.
It can be recessed or hung on the wall.
Features
- Size: 50″ wide and about 4.13″ thick
- 750 or 1,500 watt heater
- Heats rooms of up to 700 square feet
- 12 flame colors and tempered glass
- Remote, timer and touch screen controls
Pros
- Its thin profile suits modern rooms
- Two heat levels give you control
- The 12 flame colors let you customize
- The remote and timer make everyday use simple
Cons
- Recessing needs framing
- It covers less area than a large infrared stove
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
This one is a great fit when you want a slim recessed fireplace with many flame options and reliable warmth.
It looks sleek on its own wall.
Check your wall depth before you plan the install.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. Electactic 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace
The Electactic 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace adds a built-in thermostat to the usual features, so the room stays comfortable without much fiddling.
It measures 50 inches wide, 3.86 inches deep and 18.11 inches tall, and it runs at 750 or 1,500 watts.
It has a remote, a touch screen, adjustable flames and a timer.
Features
- Size: 50″ W x 3.86″ D x 18.11″ H
- 750 or 1,500 watt heater
- Built-in thermostat
- Remote, touch screen and timer
- Recessed or wall-mounted
Pros
- The thermostat holds a steady temperature
- The slim body is easy to recess
- The touch screen and remote are convenient
- Adjustable flames suit any mood
Cons
- Recessing needs framing
- The brand is less established than some rivals
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
The thermostat makes this a nice choice if you plan to use the heater often and want to avoid hot spells.
It suits bedrooms and living rooms alike.
Check the thermostat range in the manual.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. 23-Inch 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert
The 23-Inch 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert is a compact insert for an existing opening, with realistic adjustable flames, a thermostat and a built-in timer.
It measures 23 inches wide, 5 inches deep and 17.56 inches tall.
Overheat protection is built in.
Features
- Size: 23″ W x 5″ D x 17.56″ H
- 3D infrared fireplace insert
- Realistic adjustable flames
- Thermostat and built-in timer
- Overheat protection
Pros
- It fits into an existing opening or a mantel
- The thermostat and timer are convenient
- Overheat protection adds safety
- The compact size suits small walls
Cons
- The brand name is not clear on the listing
- It is much smaller than the 50-inch units
- Rating data was not confirmed at the time of writing.
Choose this one if you have a small opening to fill and want a lifelike flame with real warmth.
It also works in a small mantel.
Measure the opening carefully before you order.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Check the depth of each unit against your wall, since a slim fireplace is easier to recess.
Compare the heater, the flame options and the overall size.
Make sure the framing, the outlet and the finish all suit your overall wall plan.
Read each listing fully before you finally decide.
Tips for Choosing a Recessed Electric Fireplace
Before you buy, check the wall depth and the stud spacing, because a recessed fireplace needs a frame that fits the cutout size exactly.
Think about the cord and the outlet, since the cord must reach an outlet and a power kit can hide it neatly inside the wall.
Choose a unit that can also be wall mounted if you want the option, because it gives you a simpler plan B.
It is smart to keep the manual handy during the install, because cutout sizes and clearances vary between models.
Choose a heat setting that suits the room, because a recessed unit can warm a small room very quickly.
Most recessed units are only a few inches deep, which means a standard 2×4 or 2×6 wall can usually hold them with the right framing.
If you rent or do not want to cut into a wall, many of these can be hung on the surface instead, which is much simpler and reversible.
Power is the other detail to plan, since the cord needs to reach an outlet, and a power kit can hide it inside the wall.
A recessed fireplace needs a frame, so check the cutout size in the manual and measure your wall twice before cutting any drywall.
A good tip is to mark the cutout with painter’s tape first, so you can check how the fireplace will look before you commit.
If you want extra warmth for other rooms too, you may like our guide to the best WiFi controlled space heaters.
If you are planning the whole room, our guide to the best family sofas is a good place to look for seating that suits a cozy fireplace corner.
FAQ
What does recessed mean for an electric fireplace?
It means the fireplace sits inside a cutout in the wall, flush with the surface, instead of hanging on it.
Do I need an electrician?
Not usually, because these plug into a standard outlet, though hiding the cord inside the wall may need a power kit.
Can I mount a recessed fireplace on the wall instead?
Many can, which is easier and reversible, so check the listing for wall-mount options.
How much heat do they give?
Most 1,500-watt units produce about 5,100 BTU, which warms a room of about 400 square feet.
Conclusion
A recessed electric fireplace brings a built-in look to a wall with no chimney and very little depth.
The Touchstone Sideline 50-Inch Recessed Fireplace is the best all-round pick for an established brand and a clean built-in look.
Choose the R.W.FLAME 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace for the slimmest depth, the EUHOMY 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace for 12 flame colors, and the Electactic 50-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace for a built-in thermostat.
Pick the 23-Inch 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Insert when you have a small opening to fill.