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.

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 four of the most impressive recessed and built-in linear electric fireplace models, ranging from budget-friendly centerpieces to luxurious architectural features.

The Allusion electric fireplace is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to bring a trend-forward look of a linear fireplace into your home. Joe Kuefler, director, Simplifire brand marketing at Hearth & Home Technologies, explains that the Allusion is considered a good “entry level” choice for this style of fireplace.

Despite its lower price point, the Allusion is far from basic. Clear crystal ember bed media gives the illusion of a glowing fire; customize the Allusion further by upgrading to a driftwood log set or ceramic stones.

The Allusion is an especially good solution when space is a premium, since its shallow footprint allows it to be fully recessed in a 2x6 framed wall. If you choose to recess the Allusion partially instead of fully into your wall, you can still give it a sleek finish with the addition of a trim skirt to smooth out the protrusion.

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.

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.

Launched in December 2020, the unique, multi-sided Scion Trinity is one of the newest electric fireplaces on the market. It’s also one of the most stunning and versatile.

With the Scion Trinity, enjoy the glow of your hearth from multiple angles. Opt for two-sided installation for an ultra-modern corner fireplace, or transform it into a show-stopping architectural feature with three-sided installation for a super-sleek bay look. (The optional floating mantel kit allows for an updated, contemporary take on wall mounting.)

Like the Scion, the Scion Trinity has no visible heat vents and the finishing materials are right at the edge; it also boasts an extra-deep ember bed. “You get a deeper ember bed—so your media display is more substantial and impressive looking,” notes Kuefler.

Choose from clear crystal ember bed media or a driftwood log set, or upgrade to an Alpine Timber or Natural Birch ShadowGlo HD log set for even more impressive light display.

Ready to learn more or purchase the perfect fireplace for your home? Request a free, no-obligation with a local hearth expert to discuss installation or to get an expert consultation virtually, over the phone or safely in person.