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Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Recessed Insert 750W/1500W
Electric Fireplaces

Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert

#6 · Best Value
6.5 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $135.99 Amazon
Our verdict
A sensible low-cost way to add a heated fire feature to a built-in space, with modest expectations on looks.

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

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View best price at Amazon
Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Review

What to know about Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert

A low-cost 28.5-inch recessed insert with three flame colors, five brightness levels, a 62–82°F thermostat, an 8-hour timer and remote. It weighs 27.5 lb. Bob Vila's best-value insert.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Bob Vila calls it the best-value insert. It is the rare very cheap unit that lists honest heat output (2,559 and 5,118 BTU) rather than inflated area claims, and it has a true thermostat.

Owner feedback is limited but positive on heat, which suits a DIYer building a simple surround or media-wall niche.

What to know

Skip it if you want a realistic flame or well-documented long-term reliability. Evidence on this model is more limited than for the other picks, and the flame is basic. Treat it as recessed-only.
Performance

Score breakdown

Flame realism & ambiance

How convincing the flame, ember bed and logs look (color warmth, depth, adjustability), the main thing testers and owners judge.

6.0
Basic LED flame on a 28.5-inch screen.
Heating performance

Real room and spot heating, thermostat accuracy, heat settings and fan noise. Rated wattage/BTU only, not marketing 'sq ft' claims.

6.5
1,500 W / 5,118 BTU with a real thermostat; owners say it heats a family room.
Installation & fit

Ease of setup and the range of installs supported (recessed, wall-mount, freestanding, existing firebox, hardwire option), plus weight and depth requirements.

6.5
Light and shallow; Bob Vila says recessed only, despite Amazon's 'freestanding' title.
Controls & features

Remote and panel usability, true thermostat vs high/low, timer, flame-only mode, smart/app/voice control.

7.0
Thermostat, timer, brightness and remote.
Reliability & build quality

Owner-reported failures (heater, remote, thermostat), materials and construction, warranty length.

5.5
Budget build with unpublished warranty; limited owner data, but no failure pattern found.
Safety & indoor air

Safety listing (UL/ETL/CSA), overheat/tip-over protection, cool-touch glass, first-use odors, recall history of the maker. Combustion-free operation is shared by all.

6.5
ETL and overheat protection are claimed but not verified in the directory.
Value

Performance and features relative to the typical street price.

8.5
Lowest price in the pool with a thermostat heater.
Specifications

Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert specs

Design

Install type
Recessed insert
Width
28.5 in
Depth
5.7 in

Heating

Max heater power
1500 W
Heat output (rated)
5118 BTU/h
Heater type
Fan-forced

Controls

Adjustable thermostat
Yes
Wi-Fi / app / voice control
No

Safety

Safety listing
ETL claimed (Bob Vila, retailer listings); not found in Intertek directory search
Shopping

Compare prices

Prices are checked periodically. Older amounts are labeled with their last verification date.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
AmazonLowest $135.99 $159.99 In Stock View deal
Target Check price at retailer Check at retailer Check at retailer
Lowest verified price $135.99
30-day low $135.99
90-day average $141.99
90-day low $135.99

Based on 4 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

More coverage

Guides featuring Costway 28.5" Electric Fireplace Insert

The Best Electric Fireplaces of 2026 Best Value · #6
Head-to-head

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