Electric Fireplaces

PuraFlame Klaus 33"

#5 · Best Insert for an Existing Fireplace
6.8 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $429.99 Amazon
Our verdict
The best-looking way to convert a real fireplace, as long as you accept some reliability uncertainty.

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

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Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Review

What to know about PuraFlame Klaus 33"

A traditional log-set insert for converting an existing masonry fireplace. It has resin logs, a brick-pattern interior, a glass door with mesh screen, crackling sound and a 750/1,500 W heater with thermostat.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Bob Vila, This Old House, Popular Science and Popular Mechanics all pick it, and Bob Vila's staff tester called it the most realistic-looking electric heater he tested. The metal body, glass door and cool-running glass give a classic hearth appearance.

It costs more than basic inserts but less than premium wall units.

What to know

Skip it if you want hardwiring, since it cannot be hardwired, or if you are sensitive to reliability risk: some owners report heater and thermostat failures. No published safety mark was found.
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.

7.8
Rated 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

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

6.5
750/1,500 W with thermostat; owners report the thermostat is inconsistent.
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
Existing firebox only; no hardwire option; check the height variant.
Controls & features

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

7.0
Remote, thermostat, flame-only mode and crackle sound.
Reliability & build quality

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

6.0
Owners report some heater failures; warranty is unpublished.
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.

6.0
Cool-running glass door; no UL/ETL mark found.
Value

Performance and features relative to the typical street price.

6.5
$430 live is fair for the look, but well above its roughly $330 low.
Specifications

PuraFlame Klaus 33" specs

Design

Install type
Fireplace insert (existing firebox)
Width
33.06 in
Depth
7.8 in

Heating

Max heater power
1500 W
Manufacturer-claimed heating area
400 sq ft
Heater type
Fan-forced

Controls

Adjustable thermostat
Yes
Flame-only mode
Yes
Wi-Fi / app / voice control
No
Shopping

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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 $429.99 $469.99 In Stock View deal
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Lowest verified price $429.99
30-day low $429.99
90-day average $429.99
90-day low $429.99

Based on 2 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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