Buying Guide: Recessed Electric Fireplaces

The new generation of electric fireplaces shares many of the sleek, contemporary features that people love about modern linear gas fireplaces. These low-profile hearths add a warm glow and ambient light to just about any room without having to worry about gas lines, venting or screens.

In addition to features such as driftwood log sets and realistic finishing, all electric fireplaces include flame color options and fire bed media colors to suit your mood. You also have the option to set the hearth to rotate through all of the fire bed media colors automatically.

Benefits of a Recessed Electric Fireplace

• Safety. Electric fireplaces are just as safe as any other electric appliance. Since the flame is an illusion created by projected light, there’s no need to worry about burns, smoke or wall heat. Artwork or televisions can be hung directly above the fireplace without the need for special venting.
• Low maintenance. No venting, chimneys or gas lines means that your electric fireplace won’t need regular maintenance or cleaning like gas or wood-burning fireplaces do.
• Easy installation. Many homeowners choose to install their recessed electric linear fireplace themselves. It’s a simple DIY project that can be done over a weekend with the help of a few power tools and some basic framing skills. (However, there’s always the option of contacting a local expert for an installation consultation if you prefer.)

Recessed Electric Fireplace Installation Explained

Recessed linear fireplaces are slide into a framed and finished wall opening. A “built-in” fireplace is finished right into the actual wall and cannot be removed without taking part of the wall apart.

Whereas a wall mounted electric fireplace protrudes from the wall, a fully recessed or built-in fireplace will be flush with the wall for an even cleaner finish and more contemporary look.

Whichever style you choose, an electric fireplace is a smart and safe choice for both ambient light and supplemental heat just about anywhere in your home—even in a condo, townhome or other multifamily dwelling where it’s not possible to have a gas or wood-burning hearth.

We’ve narrowed down the options to two of the most impressive recessed and built-in linear electric fireplace models, ranging from budget-friendly centerpieces to luxurious architectural features.

Better | Allusion Platinum

The Allusion Platinum, like the Allusion, is an affordable entry point into electric fireplaces. The Platinum boasts additional features that put it on par aesthetically with the latest gas linear fireplace models.

The Allusion Platinum “has all the benefits, from an installation standpoint, of the Allusion since it can be fully recessed in a 2x6 wall,” Kuefler explains. “But it's got a bigger viewing area. It's got a cleaner finish. The heat vents are less noticeable. It is designed to look more like a gas linear fireplace.”

The Allusion Platinum packs a larger viewing area into a minimal frame, making it an impressive statement piece for any room. The Platinum comes standard with either clear crystal or white stone media and can be upgraded with a driftwood log set.

Best | Scion

Simplicity meets style with the Scion built-in electric fireplace, boasting a seamless finish and large viewing area with no visible vents. “The heat actually blows down—the glass has a slight slant to it and [the heat] goes down and cascades over the glass,” Kuefler explains.

The Scion installs during wall framing, and this built-in style allows for finishing materials to sit right at the edge of the fireplace for a flush look. “You can finish right up to the viewing area,” says Kuefler.

The Scion's fire bed takes center stage; the fireplace features a deeper bed with either clear crystal or driftwood logs (glowing embers come standard). Upgrade to a high-definition ShadowGlo™ log set in Alpine Timber or Natural Birch for an even more realistic glow. Accent lighting adds ambiance and sophistication to your living space.

Installing the Scion is slightly more complex than the Allusion or Allusion Platinum, due to the fact that it is built into a wall and not just recessed, Kuefler notes. “You're doing a little bit more of a framing job and a little bit more cutting, but still not that much work.”

Kuefler also points out that the Scion also has more flexibility on finishing materials than fully or partially recessed electric fireplaces, which must be affixed to wall studs. “There’s no limitations on finishing material thickness...there are no restrictions on the Scion from that standpoint.