PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert Review
Turn 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.
The verdict
The PuraFlame Western is the insert for people with an existing fireplace they don't use — sealed flue, no gas, tired of the draft. It slides into the firebox, plugs into a standard outlet, and gives you a traditional-looking fire with resin logs, glowing embers, three flame brightness levels, and an optional crackling soundtrack that's less cheesy than it sounds. The heater is a real 750/1,500W fan-forced unit with a thermostat and timer. Measure the firebox before ordering, and plan an outlet inside or beside the opening.
Typical price: ~$390 (typical street price — current price shown on Amazon)
Buy on AmazonWhat we like
- +Traditional log-set look that suits an existing masonry fireplace far better than a linear unit
- +750 / 1,500W heater with digital thermostat and timer; flame runs without heat
- +Crackling fire sound (switchable), three flame brightness levels, remote control
- +Tempered glass front; installs in minutes once the opening is measured
- +Overheat protection, ETL listed
What to know
- −Requires a firebox at least ~34 in wide and ~26 in tall — measure twice
- −1,500W — supplemental heat for ~400 sq ft
- −Needs a 120V outlet within cord reach of the fireplace opening
- −Heavy (~48 lb) — a two-person lift into the firebox
Full review
An unused masonry fireplace is a hole in the house that leaks heat up the chimney and collects dust. An electric insert fixes both: seal the damper, slide the insert in, and the firebox becomes a source of warmth and light instead of a draft. The PuraFlame Western is the insert we'd choose because it looks like it belongs there — a stacked resin log set over glowing embers, framed by a black metal face and tempered glass — rather than a slab of LED crystals in a hearth built for wood.
The flame has three brightness levels and a convincing flicker; the crackle sound, which you can switch off, adds more than you'd expect at low volume. The heater is the standard 750/1,500W fan-forced unit with a digital thermostat and a timer, blowing out of the front — about 5,100 BTU, enough to warm the seating area around the hearth and supplement the furnace in a family room. Flame-only mode is silent and sees plenty of use in spring and fall.
Installation is mostly measurement. The insert is about 33 inches wide and 25.6 inches tall, so the firebox opening needs to clear that with a little room; PuraFlame sells trim-kit versions for openings that are a bit larger. You'll need a 120V outlet inside or right beside the opening — an electrician can add one in an hour — and the heater shouldn't share a circuit with much else. Keep the mantel and any decorations clear of the front vent.
Best for: Homes with an unused wood-burning fireplace that want the look of a fire and some warmth without the chimney.
Specifications
| Heat output | 1,500W high / 750W low (~5,100 BTU max) |
|---|---|
| Install | Slides into an existing firebox; trim kit versions available |
| Flame options | Three brightness levels, glowing ember bed, resin log set |
| Sound | Crackling fire sound, switchable |
| Thermostat | Digital, adjustable |
| Timer | Yes, multi-hour |
| Room coverage | ~400 sq ft supplemental |
| Safety | Overheat protection, tempered glass, ETL |
| Noise | Low fan hum on heat; silent (or crackle) on flame-only |
| Size / weight | ~33 × 8.9 × 25.6 in / ~48 lb |
| Cord | ~6 ft, 120V wall outlet only |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Ready to get one?
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~$390 typical price
Buy on AmazonHead-to-head comparisons
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