Electric Fireplaces · Head-to-head
Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert vs PuraFlame Klaus 33"
Best Insert for an Existing Fireplace
PuraFlame Klaus 33"
6.8/10
$429.99 at Amazon
Check price at Amazon
The short answer
PuraFlame Klaus 33" comes out ahead overall with 6.8/10 against 6.5/10 for the Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert. Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert is stronger on safety & indoor air and value. PuraFlame Klaus 33" is stronger on flame realism & ambiance and reliability & build quality. At current verified prices, the Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert costs about $294.00 less.
- Choose the Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert if: Budget DIYers building a simple surround or media-wall niche who want a thermostat-controlled heater for under $150.
- Choose the PuraFlame Klaus 33" if: Homeowners converting an unused masonry fireplace who want the most traditional log-and-brick look.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert | PuraFlame Klaus 33" |
|---|---|---|
| Flame realism & ambiance | 6.0Basic LED flame on a 28.5-inch screen. | 7.8Rated most realistic by one hands-on tester; capped because there is no second tester, and CR found all tested inserts' flames fake-looking. |
| Heating performance | 6.51,500 W / 5,118 BTU with a real thermostat; owners say it heats a family room. | 6.5750/1,500 W with thermostat; owners report the thermostat is inconsistent. |
| Installation & fit | 6.5Light and shallow; Bob Vila says recessed only, despite Amazon's 'freestanding' title. | 6.5Existing firebox only; no hardwire option; check the height variant. |
| Controls & features | 7.0Thermostat, timer, brightness and remote. | 7.0Remote, thermostat, flame-only mode and crackle sound. |
| Reliability & build quality | 5.5Budget build with unpublished warranty; limited owner data, but no failure pattern found. | 6.0Owners report some heater failures; warranty is unpublished. |
| Safety & indoor air | 6.5ETL and overheat protection are claimed but not verified in the directory. | 6.0Cool-running glass door; no UL/ETL mark found. |
| Value | 8.5Lowest price in the pool with a thermostat heater. | 6.5$430 live is fair for the look, but well above its roughly $330 low. |
Specifications
| Spec | Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert | PuraFlame Klaus 33" |
|---|---|---|
| Install type | Recessed insert | Fireplace insert (existing firebox) |
| Width | 28.5 in | 33.06 in |
| Depth | 5.7 in | 7.8 in |
| Max heater power | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Heat output (rated) | 5,118 BTU/h | — |
| Manufacturer-claimed heating area | — | 400 sq ft |
| Heater type | Fan-forced | Fan-forced |
| Adjustable thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-only mode | — | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app / voice control | No | No |
| Safety listing | ETL claimed (Bob Vila, retailer listings); not found in Intertek directory search | — |
Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert
Pros
- Budget price
- True 62–82°F thermostat
- 8-hour timer and remote
- Honest BTU figures
- Light at 27.5 lb
Cons
- Basic flame
- Limited independent and owner evidence
- Some owners say listed dimensions are overstated
- Safety certification claims are from the seller side
- Recessed installation only
A sensible low-cost way to add a heated fire feature to a built-in space, with modest expectations on looks.
Full Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert review →PuraFlame Klaus 33"
Pros
- Most realistic look according to Bob Vila's tester
- Resin logs, brick interior and glass door
- 750/1,500 W heater with thermostat
- Flame runs without heat
- Recommended by four outlets
Cons
- Owner reports of heater and thermostat failures
- Cannot be hardwired
- Crackle sound isn't very realistic
- No published safety mark
- Listed height varies with trim
The best-looking way to convert a real fireplace, as long as you accept some reliability uncertainty.
Full PuraFlame Klaus 33" review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Electric Fireplaces of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.