What Makes a Fireplace 'Built-In'?
A built-in electric fireplace is permanently installed into a framed wall opening or existing masonry or factory-built firebox — not surface-mounted, not freestanding. The result is a flush or recessed finish with no visible gap between the fireplace and the surrounding wall. Unlike recessed linear models that slide into a shallow 2×4 wall cavity at 3½ to 4 inches deep, true built-in fireplaces require a deeper framing cavity or a pre-existing firebox opening, typically 8 to 16 inches deep. They operate on a standard 120V circuit, with 240V available on select models for up to 10,000 BTU. No gas line, no exhaust venting, and no combustion air supply is required — just a dedicated electrical circuit and the correct opening dimensions. All models in this collection are rated zero-clearance to combustible materials.
Converting an Existing Gas or Wood Fireplace
Replacing a gas or wood fireplace with a built-in electric insert is the most common use case for this collection. The Dimplex Revillusion, Dimplex BF Series, Modern Flames Redstone Traditional, SimpliFire Built-In, and SimpliFire Inception are all designed to drop into existing firebox openings without modification to the surrounding structure. Opening dimensions determine which model fits: the BF Series covers 33 to 45 inches; the Revillusion spans 24 to 42 inches; the Redstone and Orion Traditional cover 26 to 54 inches; the Inception is a single 36-inch model. A licensed electrician is typically needed to run a dedicated circuit to the firebox location if one is not already present. Once the circuit is in place and the gas line is capped by a plumber, the insert drops in — no additional framing, no new venting required.
New Construction and Custom Openings
For new builds and renovation projects where a firebox is being framed from scratch, any model in this collection works — the opening simply needs to be framed to the unit's minimum cavity dimensions before drywall. The Dimplex IgniteXL Bold is the outlier: a 50 to 100-inch built-in linear that supports four installation configurations — front-facing, left corner, right corner, and bay — from a single unit, requiring an 11-5/8-inch cavity depth. Traditional-format models require 8 to 16 inches depending on model. For installations above a television, the IgniteXL Bold and SimpliFire Inception both support flame-only mode, allowing the visual effect without directing warm air toward a screen above. The zero-clearance rating on all models means combustible framing can be placed directly against the unit without standoff requirements.
Choosing by Flame Technology and Format
The models here split across four flame technologies. The Dimplex Revillusion® uses a partially frosted reflective panel with physical Realogs® to produce a 3D flame with visible depth at close range — the purpose-built choice for a traditional firebox aesthetic. The SimpliFire Inception uses DigitalSpark™ technology: digital footage of real flames across seven selectable backgrounds with integrated crackling sound and up to 10,000 BTU at 240V — the highest-specification traditional built-in in this collection. The Modern Flames Orion Traditional uses HelioVision™ for 18 configurable flame presets and app control in a traditional firebox format from 26 to 54 inches. The Redstone Traditional uses Hybrid-FX™ RGB flame technology across the same size range. The Dimplex BF Series is the practical entry point — up to 9,200 BTU at 240V and a traditional LED flame in 33 to 45-inch widths. The IgniteXL Bold is the linear option for buyers who want a built-in with multi-sided and corner configuration capability. Browse the full electric fireplace collection to compare across all formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electric fireplace be built in?
Electric fireplaces are specifically designed for built-in installation — permanently recessed into a framed wall cavity or dropped into an existing firebox opening. Unlike wall-mount or freestanding models, built-in electric fireplaces finish flush with or inside the surrounding wall, producing the appearance of a traditional fireplace. No gas line, no venting, and no combustion is required. A dedicated electrical circuit is the main installation requirement.
How much does it cost to put in a built-in electric fireplace?
The fireplace unit starts around $1,200 for entry-level traditional formats in this collection. Installation costs depend on whether a dedicated circuit already exists at the firebox location — adding one typically requires an electrician at $300–$600. For gas-to-electric conversions, a plumber is also needed to cap the gas line, usually $100–$300. Total project cost for a conversion with a mid-range unit is generally $2,500–$4,500 including professional electrical work. DIY installation is possible for homeowners with electrical experience, but a dedicated circuit is still required.
Do they make electric fireplaces with no heat?
Every model in this collection includes a flame-only operating mode — heat can be switched off while the flame effect continues. This is particularly useful for built-in fireplaces installed below a television, where continuous heat output could affect a screen or electronics above. The SimpliFire Inception and Dimplex IgniteXL Bold both specifically support independent control of heat and flame. Running in flame-only mode draws very little electricity — typically 40 to 80 watts compared to 1,500 watts with heat on full.
Will a built-in electric fireplace work with a TV above it?
Built-in electric fireplaces are routinely installed below televisions. All models in this collection support flame-only mode to eliminate heat when the TV is in use, and the zero-clearance rating means combustible framing can sit directly against the edge of the unit. For media wall applications, the Dimplex Revillusion and IgniteXL Bold are frequently specified for this configuration. Keeping heat off when the TV is running avoids directing warm air toward electronics and prevents screen distortion from heat buildup.
What is the difference between a built-in and a recessed electric fireplace?
The terms are often used interchangeably but describe different depths of integration. A recessed electric fireplace slides into a shallow 2×4 wall cavity at 3½ to 6 inches deep, sitting flush with the wall surface. A built-in electric fireplace requires a deeper framing cavity or an existing firebox opening — typically 8 to 16 inches — and is permanently integrated into the wall structure. Most traditional-format models in this collection are purpose-built for that deeper opening; the Dimplex IgniteXL Bold is a deeper built-in linear that also supports corner and bay configurations.
Browse related collections: Linear Electric Fireplaces · Recessed Electric Fireplaces · Convert Fireplace to Electric · Revillusion Fireplaces · Traditional Electric Fireplaces · All Electric Fireplaces
