Touchstone Sideline Recessed Electric Fireplace Review

Touchstone Sideline Recessed Electric Fireplace Review Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

4 and a half stars


The Touchstone Sideline electric fireplace is a great choice for houses that have no existing fireplace. It’s designed to be recessed into the wall rather than inserted into a fireplace.

It has a beautiful contemporary look, and the black finish blends in well with almost any décor.

Size options range from 36-inches that is perfect for small rooms to a 100-inches fireplace that dominates a large living room.

The fireplace is not just good for its looks, it is also a space heater that can warm a room of up to 400 square feet.

Read on for our full review.

If you would like to look around at more options before you buy, see my reviews of the best recessed electric fireplaces for other top-rated models.


Features

Touchstone features

Logs and Crystals for Ember Bed

The fireplace will arrive with faux fire logs as well as glass crystals. Use the logs if you want a traditional fireplace effect. They look warm and rustic.

The glass crystals are great if you want a more modern aesthetic.

For a look that is a bit of both, use both. Lay the logs at the bottom and sprinkle the crystals on top.

Color and Brightness Settings

You can adjust the flames to three colors; orange for a traditional feel, blue for a contemporary look, and orange-blue for a more balanced effect.

You can also adjust the brightness and intensity of the flame from a soft, gentle glow to a brighter and more intense blaze.

At night, you can reduce the brightness and turn down the lights to create a cozy feel. When it is brighter during the day, increase flame brightness to make sure they are still visible.

Heater with Dual Mode

Touchstone Sideline

The Touchstone Sideline fireplace gives off supplemental heat that warms a room of up to 400 square feet.

The fan heater has two settings – 1500W and 750W – that vary how much heat it gives off.

Using the fireplace’s dual mode, you can leave both the heater and fireplace on or turn off the heat and just enjoy the ambiance. This makes the fireplace ideal for use all year round.

Our only gripe when it comes to the heater is that it lacks a thermostat. You can not set a specific room temperature.

Timer

You can set the fireplace to shut off automatically after 30 minutes to 7.5 hours. The timer is especially useful when you have the heater on.

It saves energy and ensures you do not accidentally leave the heater on all night or when you go to work.

Remote Control

All the heater, brightness, color, and timer settings can be accessed from the included remote control. You can control the fireplace from the comfort of your couch.


Recessed Installation

Touchstone installation

Technically, you can mount the Touchstone Sideline on the wall. But it looks best when recessed into the wall.

If you are handy with tools, you can do a DIY installation.

The fireplace requires an opening measuring 20.5″ high and 5.75″ deep. As for width, it depends on the size of the fireplace you pick.

Available sizes include 36″, 40″, 45″, 50″, 60″, 72″ and 100″.

As for power, the fireplace comes with a plug. If you do not have an outlet near the installation point or want a clean wire-free look, ask an electrician to hardwire it.


Concerns

Electric fireplace

  • No thermostat, meaning you can not pick a precise temperature. The Touchstone Sideline only offers to heat settings.
  • Heat output is not enough for extra-large and high ceilinged rooms.
  • May require professional installation. It requires a pro if you plan on hardwiring.
  • No sound effects, though you can add some with an aftermarket sound system.

Specifications

Touchstone Sideline Fireplace specifications

Type of electric fireplace: Wall-recessed electric fireplace

Flame effect settings: yes

Brightness settings: yes

Sound effects: no

Remote control: yes

Timer: yes

Supplement heat: yes (Max 5120 BTUs for a 400 sq. ft. room)

Installation: plug-in or hardwired

Current draw: 12.5 A

Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 5.5″ D x 36″/40″/45″/50″/60″/72″/100″ W


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