(checked 2026-10-10)3,721 ratings for the 80004. The Spruce's pick, the Sideline Deluxe 86273 (B094145NLN), shows 8% (2-star 2% + 1-star 6%) of only 136 ratings.
A long-running favorite: Good Housekeeping's best overall insert, with 3,721 Amazon ratings and few low ones. Owners say it installs in under 30 minutes. But noise is its weak spot (more negative than positive Amazon mentions), heat is supplemental, and swapping between logs and crystals means removing the glass, which is tricky.
Top complaints
- Hum and fan noise
Noise is the most negative aspect on Amazon (102 positive, 112 negative). Some say it is super quiet, but others report a slight hum with the flames, and one reports a grinding noise after a couple of weeks.
- Swapping logs and crystals is a chore
Good Housekeeping says removing the glass pane to change the media is a little tricky. The Spruce says you need two people to take the glass off, so choose logs or crystals carefully at install.
- Heat is modest for some
Heat output is mostly positive on Amazon (295 positive, 103 negative), but one reviewer calls it 'low heat, not designed for regular use'. Popular Mechanics says the pricier Sideline Elite doesn't offer much warmth for the price.
What owners love
- Quick install
Installation is 368 positive to 21 negative on Amazon; owners say it takes under 30 minutes and can be removed with two screws.
- Realistic flames with color choices
Good Housekeeping found the fire realistic, with three flame colors and five intensities. The Spruce calls the brand reliable and its flames realistic-looking. Amazon owners praise the realistic flame display and its color options.
- Works reliably, with overheat cutoff
Functionality is 221 positive to 36 negative on Amazon. Good Housekeeping says the heat runs 68-88°F and the unit shuts off automatically if it ever heats past 88°F.
- You're sensitive to fan hum
- You need serious heat
- You want to change the logs or crystals often
- Recessing a sleek fireplace into a wall
- A quick install
- Flame-only ambiance year-round
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Good Housekeeping (inserts): Best overall insert (updated 2026-02-10): easy to use, comes with logs and crystals, and has many color and intensity settings. The con is that the glass is tricky to remove when swapping media. Its text describes Alexa and Google support (smart versions), but the Amazon link goes to the 80004.
- The Spruce: Best wall mount: recommends the newer Sideline Deluxe smart version (86273) based on testing a now-discontinued Touchstone (80026). Realistic and quiet; the con is a remote that isn't intuitive.
- Popular Mechanics: Best smart (Sideline Elite, Dec 2024, not tested): hardwire option and 60 color combos, but not much warmth for the price.