PuraFlame Klaus 33" vs R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
PuraFlame Klaus 33"
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
The short answer
R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) comes out ahead overall with 7.0/10 against 6.8/10 for the PuraFlame Klaus 33". PuraFlame Klaus 33" is stronger on flame realism & ambiance. R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) is stronger on installation & fit, controls & features, safety & indoor air and value. At current verified prices, the R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) costs about $70.00 less.
- Choose the PuraFlame Klaus 33" if: Homeowners converting an unused masonry fireplace who want the most traditional log-and-brick look.
- Choose the R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) if: Buyers who want a big 68-inch flame in a 2x6 stud wall or on the wall surface, on a mid-range budget.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | PuraFlame Klaus 33" | R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) |
|---|---|---|
| Flame realism & ambiance | 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. | 6.5Big multicolor linear display; modern rather than lifelike. |
| Heating performance | 6.5750/1,500 W with thermostat; owners report the thermostat is inconsistent. | 6.51,500 W with thermostat; heat doesn't scale with the 68-inch width. |
| Installation & fit | 6.5Existing firebox only; no hardwire option; check the height variant. | 8.5Fits 2x6 studs or mounts on the surface; the 67 lb weight needs a solid wall. |
| Controls & features | 7.0Remote, thermostat, flame-only mode and crackle sound. | 7.5Thermostat, timer, sleep mode and touch panel; no smart control. |
| Reliability & build quality | 6.0Owners report some heater failures; warranty is unpublished. | 6.0Series reports of a finicky remote, grinding noise and units damaged on arrival. |
| Safety & indoor air | 6.0Cool-running glass door; no UL/ETL mark found. | 7.5ETL with heat kill switch (Bob Vila, PopSci). |
| Value | 6.5$430 live is fair for the look, but well above its roughly $330 low. | 8.0$360 for a 68-inch ETL unit. |
Specifications
| Spec | PuraFlame Klaus 33" | R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) |
|---|---|---|
| Install type | Fireplace insert (existing firebox) | Recessed or wall-mount linear |
| Width | 33.06 in | 68 in |
| Depth | 7.8 in | 3.9 in |
| Max heater power | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Manufacturer-claimed heating area | 400 sq ft | 400 sq ft |
| Heater type | Fan-forced | Fan-forced |
| Adjustable thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Flame-only mode | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi / app / voice control | No | No |
| Safety listing | — | ETL |
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 →R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U)
Pros
- ETL certified with overheat shut-off
- 3.9 in deep; fits 2x6 studs
- 12 flame and 12 bed colors
- 68–88°F thermostat and 8-hour timer
- Mid-range price for its size
Cons
- 67 lb, so the wall must be solid
- Series owners report remote and noise issues
- No smart control
- Heat is the same 1,500 W class as smaller units
The best way to get a large, slim, certified linear fireplace without paying smart-home money.
Full R.W.FLAME 68" Recessed & Wall Mounted (ZYHD-868C3U) 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.