ConsFirst / Electric fireplaces / Compare
Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace vs PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace ranks higher (#2 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on heat output, quietness. PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert wins on flame realism, easy install.
The biggest complaint about the Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace is confusing remote; for the PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert it's limited heating range. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace | PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in electric fireplaces | #2 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Wall-mount / recessed | Insert |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 4% |
| Overall score | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Flame realism | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Heat output | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Quietness | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Easy install | 2.5 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | — |
Price tiers: $ under $200 · $$ $200–600 · $$$ over $600. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace
- Confusing remote
Both Spruce guides say the remote isn't intuitive: its buttons only have icons, so it's hard to tell which setting each controls. The tester prefers the app. The remote gets 4 negative and 2 positive mentions on Amazon.
- Challenging, two-hour setup
The Spruce lists a challenging initial setup: about 2 hours, longer when hard-wired and recessed, and arranging the embers and logs was the trickiest part.
- Expensive; single-user app; a reliability report
The Spruce notes it costs about $1,000 more than its best wall-mount pick, and the app can't be connected to several users at once. Reliability is mixed in a small Amazon sample, with one owner saying it turned off completely after 30 seconds.
PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert
- Limited heating range
Good Housekeeping's con is a limited heating range compared with larger models (rated to about 400 sq ft), and Bob Vila says it is not a primary heat source. On Amazon, heat output is 394 positive to 110 negative.
- Installation difficulties for some
Bob Vila's con is that some users report installation difficulties. Good Housekeeping, by contrast, says you just slide it into the opening and plug it in.
Source: Bob Vila, Good Housekeeping - Noise, remote and flame settings draw some complaints
These are minority complaints on Amazon: noise (67 negative of 278), remote (38 of 128) and flame settings (19 of 75), though most owners praise the quiet blower.
Who should pick which
Pick the Modern Ember Highmark 60" Smart Linear Electric Fireplace if
A large statement fireplace on a wall or recessed
App and voice control
Lots of flame and ember color options
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You want a simple, labeled remote; You want a quick DIY install
Pick the PuraFlame Western 33" Electric Fireplace Insert if
Reviving an unused wood-burning fireplace
The most traditional, realistic fire look
Crackling sound effects
Skip it if: You need it as a main heat source; You have no existing fireplace opening; You dislike fan noise
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