Head to head · 2026
PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert vs R.W.FLAME 50" Recessed & Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
Contender A
PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert
Editor's ChoiceTurn a dead masonry fireplace back into a fireplace: a 33-inch insert with a traditional log set, crackling sound, and a 750/1,500W heater.
~$390 typical price
Buy on AmazonContender B
The best-selling linear fireplace for a reason: 50 inches of adjustable flame, a 750/1,500W heater, touch screen plus remote, and a price that undercuts the premium brands by half.
~$230 typical price
Buy on AmazonOur verdict
Different installs for different homes. The PuraFlame is an insert: it slides into an existing masonry firebox and looks like a traditional wood fire with logs and a crackle. The R.W.FLAME is a linear unit that recesses into or hangs on a flat wall for a modern look. Same 1,500W heat in both. Have a dead fireplace? PuraFlame. Have a blank wall? R.W.FLAME.
Pick the PuraFlame if…
- ✓You have an existing fireplace opening at least ~34 × 26 in
- ✓Traditional log-set look and crackling sound
- ✓You want to stop the draft from an unused chimney
Pick the R.W.FLAME if…
- ✓No existing fireplace — a flat wall is the canvas
- ✓Modern linear look, adjustable flame colors
- ✓Lower price and lighter unit
Spec by spec
| Spec | PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert | R.W.FLAME 50" Recessed & Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 8.6 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Heat output | 1,500W high / 750W low (~5,100 BTU max) | 1,500W high / 750W low (~5,100 BTU max) |
| Install | Slides into an existing firebox; trim kit versions available | Recessed into a 2×6 stud wall or surface wall-mounted (hardware included) |
| Flame options | Three brightness levels, glowing ember bed, resin log set | Multiple flame and ember-bed colors, adjustable brightness and speed |
| Sound | Crackling fire sound, switchable | — |
| Thermostat | Digital, adjustable | Digital, adjustable (roughly 60–80°F range) |
| Timer | Yes, multi-hour | Up to 8 hours |
| Room coverage | ~400 sq ft supplemental | ~400 sq ft supplemental |
| Safety | Overheat protection, tempered glass, ETL | Overheat protection, cool-touch glass when heat is off, ETL |
| Noise | Low fan hum on heat; silent (or crackle) on flame-only | Low fan hum on heat; silent on flame-only |
| Size / weight | ~33 × 8.9 × 25.6 in / ~48 lb | ~50.4 × 18.1 × 3.9 in / ~38 lb |
| Cord | ~6 ft, 120V wall outlet only | ~6 ft, 120V wall outlet only |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Media | — | Log set and crystal set included |
Still deciding?
Read the full reviews for the complete story, or check both current prices — sale pricing swings this class of decision all the time.
~$390 typical price
Buy on Amazon~$230 typical price
Buy on Amazon