Fireplaces

Touchstone Fireplace Best Picks 2023

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Hubert Miles

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You’re sure to come across Touchstone fireplaces when searching for the best recessed electric fireplace. Touchstone electric fireplaces are a leading manufacturer of electric LED fireplaces.

But are they any good? We’ve examined Touchstone fireplaces and have listed our thoughts on their top-selling models below.

Best Touchstone Electric Fireplaces

Finding the best Touchstone electric fireplace is difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Here are our top picks for the Touchstone fireplaces you will love.

Best Overall - In-Wall Model
Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart 60” WiFi-Enabled Electric Fireplace
5.0
$1,199.00
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09/21/2023 01:14 am GMT

Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart WiFi-Enabled Electric Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart WiFi-enabled recessed electric fireplace is a 60-inch smart electric fireplace that serves up to 400 square feet, making this an excellent source of supplemental heat. It consists of alloy steel for enhanced durability. And it has a sleek black design that allows it to fit within any modern space.

If you want a focal point, which is out of the way, this WiFi-enabled recessed electric fireplace is a great choice. It incorporates a wall-mount in-wall recessed design for that built-in look you desire. And it also lends itself well to a DIY fireplace project because you can easily install it by plugging it in or hardwiring it by following the simple instructions.

Also, the 1500-Watt linear fireplace has two heat settings. You can reduce the temperature to 68°F or increase it to 88°F courtesy of its thermostat. Furthermore, it offers six realistic flame options and ten media color-changing options, which can run independently.

The wall mounted LED fireplace has three flame speeds and five flame bed color and intensity settings, which you can adjust using the remote control. In addition, its faux log set, including driftwood and crystals, increase its visual impact while still providing the cozy atmosphere of a traditional fireplace.

It is worth noting that the WiFi-enabled electric fireplace is compatible with a smartphone app. So, if you have an Alexa device, you can incorporate voice control for added convenience. Alternatively, you can use a light switch to control it.

For more, see our picks for the best electric fireplace.

Top Pick - Mid-Priced Model
Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace – 50 Inch Wide
4.9
$499.00
Pros:
  • 28 to 100-inch lengths
  • Recessed in-wall mounting only
  • 3 flame colors (orange, blue, and orange-blue)
  • Realistic 5 flame settings
  • Remote control
  • Log, crystal, or both
  • Cool to the touch glass
  • 120V outlet
  • 2 Mode 750W/1500W heater
  • One year warranty
Cons:
  • It can't be wall mounted
  • It lacks a wide flame color selection
  • No thermostat
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09/19/2023 10:39 pm GMT

Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace

The Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace is a 50-inch ventless wall mount electric fireplace whose heating feature produces 5,000 BTUs that can heat up to 400 square feet of space. It also has a recessed in-wall design that lets you take advantage of smaller walls and the vertical space they offer while keeping it out of the way. But its wall-mount bracket also allows you to mount it on the wall.

And its sideline installs enable you to attach the linear fireplace safely to framing studs. And you can find its heating vent on the front face of the fireplace to allow you to install the unit just eight inches under the flat-screen TV. Also, it comes hardwiring ready but also allows you to plug it in, enabling you to install it within the wall easily.

Despite being an electronic fireplace, the Touchstone Sideline ® Series fireplace offers a realistic fire courtesy of its faux fire logs, glass crystals, and five flame settings which range from a soft ember glow to intense. But the authentic-looking flames and fireplace heater operate independently. And you can use the fireplace remote control to adjust your settings comfortably. Also, the side and glass front will stay cool to touch, enhancing your safety.

Top Pick
Touchstone AudioFlare 50-Inch Electric Fireplace with Bluetooth Audio Speakers
4.9
$399.00
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09/19/2023 10:14 pm GMT

Touchstone Stainless Steel Electric Fireplace with Bluetooth Speaker

The Touchstone Stainless Steel Electric Fireplace is a 50-inch fireplace that may not provide a primary heat source but can supplement what you have for 400 square feet of space, thanks to the 5,100 BTUs of heat it produces. The heat will come in handy on frosty winter nights. It also consists of an alloy steel body and stainless-steel finish for enhanced durability and stylishness, making it suitable for any home with a contemporary feel.

The Touchstone electric fireplace incorporates AudioFlare technology to provide a three-flame color setting, ranging from blue to orange, and high-quality Bluetooth audio sounds that complement your electric fire experiences. And to top it off, you can synchronize your Bluetooth speaker to your phone audio player so you can stream audio and enjoy your favorite songs.

In addition, the AudioFlare technology offers five flame settings ranging from a full flame display to a quiet ember to suit different moods.

Thanks to the two heating options of this fireplace, you can use the 750-Watt setting when you need less heat or the 1500-Watt setting when you want to turn the heat up a notch. And you can also take advantage of the heat timer to shut off the heat when you no longer need it. It has a time frame spanning from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.

It is also worth noting that the Bluetooth-enabled fireplace can be mounted on or within the wall, allowing you to make it a focal point or keep it out of the way. And its easy-to-level mounting bar, mounting brackets, and other hardware ensure a quick setup.

Best Budget Option
Touchstone Onyx 50-Inch Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace (#80001)
4.9
$279.00
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09/19/2023 10:08 pm GMT

Touchstone Onyx Electric Fireplace

The 50-inch Touchstone Onyx Electric Fireplace has been designed to provide heating for up to 400 square feet of space. It has a black finish and tempered glass front, enhancing its elegant look, and making it an excellent choice for temporary homes and offices.

You have the choice of faux logs or crystals. It’s up to you to decide what you prefer. However, the fireplace will still offer realistic flames regardless of your choice. And you can take advantage of the five-flame setting that ranges from blazing lights to dull ember glow, depending on your desired luminosity.

Also, you can set the heat low or high, depending on the temperature or energy savings you desire. And since the heat operates independently of the flames, you can use the fireplace throughout the year to enjoy the warmth or ambiance. Its built-in timer will also ensure you can automatically shut it off after the period, ranging from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours, is complete.

Because the Touchstone Onyx only weighs 46 pounds, you can carry it around and easily install it by following the step-by-step instructions. Once you mount it on the wall, you need drywall screws to secure it so you can have a focal point for your space.

It is also worth noting that the fireplace utilizes LED technology which is safe for children and pets since it is mercury free.

Top Pick With Mantel
Touchstone Chesmont 50-Inch Wall Mounted 3-Sided Smart Electric Fireplace
4.9
$999.00
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09/19/2023 09:59 pm GMT

Touchstone Chesmont Smart WiFi-Enabled White Mantle, Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace

The Touchstone Chesmont Electric Fireplace is a 50-inch fireplace that can heat up to 400 square feet of space. It consists of tempered glass, wood, and alloy steel, as well as a driftwood and crystal hearth set, making it stylish and an excellent option for anyone who wants a more traditional look.

The wall-mounted fireplace enables you to raise it and keep it out of the way while providing the space it is in with a focal point. Installing it is a matter of reading and following the instructions, using the included mounting hardware, and securing the fireplace with screws. Furthermore, it incorporates front-facing vents, enabling you to install the fireplace at the bottom of the TV.

In addition, Touchstone Chesmont’s three-sided mantel houses LED flame technology that offers five settings ranging from an intense blaze to a soft ember glow. It also has three color settings that may change from orange to blue to orange/blue. And the flames are so realistic that guests may think you have an actual gas fireplace.

There’s also a low and high heat setting. These will allow you to adjust the temperature based on your needs. And there is a timer that will enable you to set the shut-off period anywhere from 30 minutes to 7.5 hours.

touchstone realistic flame fireplace

What to Consider When Buying a Touchstone Electric Fireplace

Below are the factors to consider when buying a Touchstone electric fireplace.

Customer Reviews

One way to weed out fireplaces is by considering customer reviews and ratings. It is one thing for manufacturers to allege their products are excellent and quite another for customers to do so.

It will help if you read the reviews of those who spend their money to buy and use a product. These comments will give you a better idea about every aspect of the product, including how easy it is to install, use, and maintain. Then you can decide, based on their comments, whether the Touchstone electric fireplace you are buying is worth your money in the long run.

Purchasing and Operational Costs

Your budget significantly impacts the kind of Firestone fireplace you can buy. The brand offers various models to suit all manner of financial needs.

The average cost of buying a recessed electric fireplace is $700. However, you could end up paying as little as $200 or as much as $10,000. Of course, high-end and custom fireplaces will cost more. Also, the more attractive features your fireplace has and the bigger it is, the more money you should expect to pay.

Another cost aspect you should consider is the delivery and installation. Quick delivery will cost more. However, some companies offer free shipping, cutting down costs. But you may need to pay for a professional to help you install it. And that could add to your total setup costs.

Typically, labor costs range from $300 to $3,000, depending on the complexity of your fireplace and the finishing. Also, hardwired in-built fireplaces tend to cost more because they involve much more work. That said, you could opt for DIY-friendly Touchstone products, such as plug-in fireplaces that come with mounting hardware and are easy to set up as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

In addition, you need to consider the maintenance costs over the long term. The construction materials and their quality will often dictate how often you repair or replace components. So, opt for tougher materials, such as steel and tempered glass panels.

Also, it would be best to consider the operational costs based on the energy your fireplace consumes. You should estimate the average energy cost per month that you may need based on your usage and power rating of the fireplace. That will enable you to calculate and determine how much you will pay for electricity.

touchstone fireplace

Safety Features

Fireplaces are meant to provide some heat. So, that could be an issue depending on how long you leave your fireplace on and where you position it. And risks of burning are higher if you have children and pets. Also, the risk of tripping from electric cords should concern you.

Therefore, prioritize a recessed electric fireplace with a fireplace heating vent on the front if you intend to position it underneath a flat-screen TV. You should also consider a Touchstone product whose electric codes for a more pleasing aesthetic. In addition, electric fireplaces have glass that is cool to touch even when in use, so there is less risk of burning children or pets.

Also, consider a built-in timer. It enables you to predetermine how long your fireplace stays on. That way, it will still go off even when you are not within its vicinity.

Outdoor electric fireplaces offer weatherproof housing that protects the unit from moisture and is on a GFCI-protected circuit.

Aesthetic Appearance

The beauty of a fireplace will enhance your room’s overall look, so choose wisely. First, it helps to consider your space’s theme. Do you prefer a traditional look or a contemporary one? Your preference will then dictate the kind of Touchstone recessed electric fireplace you choose.

For example, if you prefer a more modern fireplace style, you can opt for a sleek stainless-steel fireplace with glass crystals. On the other hand, if you love traditional themes, a classic white fireplace with faux logs may be a better option.

In addition, you should think about the appearance of the flames within the fireplace. Does it have the look of a real fireplace? Realistic-looking flames require intelligent design. So, consider fireplaces with faux logs cast from the real thing and flames that come in various styles.

Flame and Color Settings

Fireplaces are defined by their flames and heat. So, it makes sense to prioritize the flame and flame colors when choosing Touchstone products. Also, watch out for the most realistic flame possible.

The more of a show you want, the more flame color settings you should look for since they can help you set the mood of your home. Colors range from orange to bright blue; you can usually set them with the fireplace remote control. Also, you can consider the brightness settings of the flames available. They could be as bright as a raging blaze to a mellow, soft ember.

Heat Settings

Electric fireplaces often serve as supplement heaters for any space they are in. But some may be the primary heat source. It all depends on your climate.

Choose a product with multiple heat settings if you intend to use your Touchstone fireplace throughout the year. That way, you can get a little more cozy warmth when it is slightly cooler and the extra heat you need on the coldest winter nights.

One of the benefits of recessed electric fireplaces is that they are pretty energy efficient, especially when you compare them to gas and wood versions. However, it would help if you chose a fireplace with both low and high wattage ratings. These will consume varying levels of heat, depending on your needs. That way, when you need less heat, you will save money.

You should also consider the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs)the heating element produces. The higher the number, the more heat your fireplace can make. But another way of considering heating capabilities is by investigating the area covered by a given fireplace, which is usually in the form of square feet.

In addition, think about fireplaces that have separate heating and flame functions. Of course, on hot summer nights, you don’t need heat. But you may prefer a particular ambiance in your bedroom or family room. So, the distinct flame feature may come in handy when setting your desired mood.

Room Size

Do think about how much area a fireplace can heat. It determines how cozy you will be when it’s cold.

Typically, a fireplace’s size and BTUs influence its ability to heat a space. Depending on the design, your fireplace can produce an average range of 4,600 to 9,000 BTUs. For example, if the fireplace is built-in and hardwired, it can produce 9,000 when connected to a 240V power source.

But the easiest way to determine how many BTUs of heat you need to warm your room is to calculate the volume of your space (length x height x width), then multiply the result by four. Of course, if you have another heating source, your fireplace doesn’t have to provide all the minimum BTUs required.

Also, your fireplace size should be compatible with the room size for aesthetic reasons. The bigger the room, the larger the fireplace should be, so it fits right in.

Warranty and Customer Service

Many fireplaces come in good condition and stay that way for a while. In addition, some brands may offer the standard 1-year warranty, enabling you to repair and replace components at no cost.

Generally, Touchstone has a 30-day return policy and a standard 1-year warranty. However, the brand also offers extended warranties that may last as long as three years.

Customer services are also vital. You may require them when your product delivery goes haywire, the fireplace has issues upon delivery, or when you start using it. So, depending on the most convenient communication method, you may want to consider whether you can inquire about a particular Touchstone fireplace via live chat, phone call, email, etc.

Extra Features

Having a remote control can significantly enhance your convenience when using a Touchstone electric fireplace because you can adjust things at the click of a button.

It would help if you considered Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled fireplaces compatible with your existing intelligent electronic devices. For example, if a fireplace can work with Alexa or is Google compatible, you can incorporate voice control to issue commands.

Ease of Installation

Fireplaces with simple wall installation procedures will often have the lowest setup prices. Typically, mount fireplaces tend to be easier to set up. You hang the electric fireplace, plug it into a standard wall outlet, and enjoy.

On the other hand, recessed electric fireplaces are often more complex, requiring you to cut into an existing wall or construct a faux wall. The complexity increases when installing a wall outlet or hardwiring to a dedicated circuit. You may need to hire a professional electrician to do some of the work, costing you more money.

touchstone fireplace

Are Touchstone Electric Fireplaces Worth It?

Touchstone electric fireplaces are worth it. They offer various installation and design styles, price ranges, attractive features, and sizes. And the brand also offers you good customer service and a decent warranty period to get all your issues fixed.

Touchstone fireplaces are comparable to Dimplex electric fireplaces in appearance and quality for a fraction of the price. Dimplex electric fireplaces offer more models like fireplace inserts and mantels.

Touchstone Electric Fireplace Pros and Cons

Below are the pros of Touchstone electric fireplaces.

  • They are attractive and can fit in well within many contemporary spaces.
  • They come in multiple price points to suit a wide range of budgets
  • Several models are Wi-Fi- or Bluetooth-enabled and compatible with smart devices, allowing you to control them via Alexa, Google Home, your smartphone, or tablet

Unfortunately, Touchstone fireplaces produce lower amounts of heat than many other available brands. So, that’s something to think about.

Touchstone Fireplace FAQs

Below are answers to some of your FAQs about the Touchstone recessed electric fireplace.

How Far Under TV to Mount a Touchstone Fireplace?

The mounting distance underneath items depends on the location of the fireplace heater output. The general rule is to mount a Touchstone fireplace at least 24 inches below any TV. However, some can be mounted just eight inches below your TV screen. Do read the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure.

Do Touchstone Fireplaces use a lot of Electricity?

A typical Touchstone fireplace costs 20 cents per hour at the highest heat and flame setting. That amounts to an average annual cost ranging from $50 to $80, much cheaper than wood or gas fireplaces.

How Long do Touchstone Electric Fireplaces Last?

Electric fireplaces, such as Touchstone products, can last as long as 20 years, depending on their durability and how well you maintain them.

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Hubert Miles

I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance.
DISCLAIMER: The content published on HomeInspectionInsider.com is not professional advice. You should consult with a licensed professional and check local permit requirements before starting any project.
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