By Modern Ember Highmark Traditional 38-Inch Built-In Smart Fireplace: The Ultimate In-Depth Review
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There’s something about the glow of a fireplace that instantly makes a space feel warm, inviting, and a little magical. But what if you could get all that cozy ambience—without the hassle of logs, ashes, or smoke? That’s where the Modern Ember Highmark Traditional 38-Inch Built-In Smart Electric Fireplace comes in.
I recently spent time exploring everything this model offers—from its sleek design and smart features to its heating performance—and let me tell you, it’s more than just a pretty flame. Let’s dive into what makes this electric fireplace stand out (and where it might fall a little short).
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Design & Aesthetic Appeal
The first thing I noticed about the Modern Ember Highmark is how effortlessly it blends modern tech with a timeless fireplace look. Its classic black frame fits seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary home designs, giving your space that cozy, lived-in charm.
The resin logs and crystal ember bed look stunning in person. Unlike many electric fireplaces that appear artificial, this one strikes a lovely balance between realistic and stylish. And if you love playing with ambiance, you’ll have a field day—there are 10 flame colors, 10 ember bed shades, 4 flame speeds, and 5 brightness levels.
In short, you can create a mood for every occasion—whether it’s a quiet reading night or a romantic dinner at home.
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Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Heat Coverage | Up to 400 sq. ft. |
| Temperature Range | 64°F – 82°F |
| Flame Options | 10 flame colors, 4 speeds, 5 brightness levels |
| Ember Bed Options | 10 color settings |
| Smart Integration | Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, Tuya app |
| Installation | Plug-in or hardwire |
| Use Without Heat | Yes |
| Sound Effect | Realistic crackle sound |
Modern Ember Highmark Traditional Built-in Smart Electric Fireplace Insert
Credit: Modern Ember
Features That Make It Stand Out
Here’s where the Modern Ember Highmark really shines—it’s packed with thoughtful features that go beyond just looks.
Smart Features & Controls (Yes, It Works with Alexa!)
One of the biggest selling points for me was how smart this fireplace actually is. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, which means you can control it hands-free.
“Alexa, turn on the fireplace.”
That’s all it takes to light up your space!
You can also connect it to Wi-Fi and use the Tuya Smart app to adjust flame colors, brightness, or temperature directly from your phone. If you prefer the classic route, it comes with a handy remote control that lets you tweak everything from the couch—flame speed, color, brightness, and heat level.
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Heating Power & Performance
Let’s be real—an electric fireplace needs to feel as good as it looks. The Modern Ember Highmark heats up to 400 sq. ft., which makes it ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, or even home offices.
It’s a supplemental heater, meaning it’s perfect for adding extra warmth to your existing heating system, but not intended to replace a full home heating source.
The temperature settings range from 64°F to 82°F, so you can easily set it to your comfort level. During warmer months, you can completely turn off the heat and still enjoy the flames—talk about versatility!
Easy Installation (DIY or Hardwired)
If you’re like me, the idea of a complicated setup can be intimidating—but thankfully, this unit is DIY-friendly. You have two wiring options:
- Simply plug it into a standard 120V outlet with the included kit, or
- Hardwire it for a more permanent, built-in look.
Just remember: if you choose the hardwire option, it’s best to get a qualified electrician involved for safety reasons.
The insert fits nicely into existing fireplaces or wall cutouts, and its sleek black frame gives it a timeless touch.
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Realistic Fire Experience
I was pleasantly surprised by how lifelike the flames appear. Between the adjustable ember bed, customizable colors, and realistic driftwood-style logs, it really does create the illusion of a genuine fire.
Even better, it includes a crackling sound effect—a small but cozy detail that adds to the experience. Dim the lights, turn on the sound, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re beside a real hearth.
Pros: What You’ll Love
- Gorgeous Visuals: Flames and ember bed look surprisingly real, with tons of color and brightness settings.
- Smart Home Integration: Voice control and app-based operation make it feel luxurious and effortless.
- All-Season Ambiance: Enjoy the flames with or without heat—ideal for every season.
- Quiet Operation: The fan runs softly, and the crackling sound is gentle, not overpowering.
- Simple Setup: Whether you plug it in or hardwire, installation is beginner-friendly.
- Efficient Heating: Perfect for warming rooms up to 400 sq. ft. without overconsumption.
Cons: Where It Could Be Better
- Not for Large Areas: It’s best for smaller living spaces—don’t expect it to heat a whole floor.
- No “Real” Fire Feel: Traditionalists may miss the scent and unpredictability of real flames.
- Slight Contrast Limitation: In bright rooms, the flame colors can appear a bit muted or less vibrant.
Who Should Buy the Modern Ember Highmark Fireplace
If you’re wondering whether this is the right pick for you, here’s my honest take:
This fireplace is perfect for homeowners who crave style and convenience in one package. It’s also ideal for:
- Smart home lovers who already use Alexa or Google Assistant and want to integrate their fireplace.
- Decor enthusiasts who love to switch up their home’s mood or color scheme.
- Busy families who want the comfort of a fire without dealing with logs, cleaning, or smoke.
- Apartment dwellers or renters—since the plug-in setup means no permanent changes are needed.
If your goal is to bring warmth, personality, and easy control into your home without the chaos of a traditional fireplace—this one ticks all the boxes.
Final Verdict
You know, the more I explored the Modern Ember Highmark Traditional 38-Inch Built-In Smart Fireplace, the more I realized how much thought has gone into its design. It’s not just about warmth—it’s about the feeling it creates. The kind of quiet comfort you get when you dim the lights, curl up under a blanket, and watch the flicker of flames dance gently across the room.
I love how it takes something as timeless as a fireplace and reimagines it for the modern home. No wood, no ash, no smoke—just effortless coziness that fits beautifully into our busy lives. And the fact that you can change flame colors, adjust the brightness, or even tell Alexa to “turn on the fireplace” makes it all the more special. It’s those small details that make your home feel alive.
What’s even better is that it’s not limited to one season. I can picture it glowing quietly in the summer evenings, adding a romantic charm without heat, and then becoming your best friend again in winter when the chill sets in. It’s a fireplace that adapts to your mood and your moment, not the other way around.
Of course, it’s not for everyone—if you’re someone who loves the crackle, scent, and unpredictability of real wood fires, nothing can quite replace that. But if you’re after something smart, stylish, and low-maintenance, the Modern Ember Highmark is honestly a wonderful choice. It doesn’t just warm the room; it warms the atmosphere.
In a world that moves fast, having something that instantly makes your space feel grounded, peaceful, and welcoming is priceless. For me, this fireplace isn’t just an appliance—it’s a piece of comfort, a visual escape, and a daily reminder that home is meant to feel good, not just look good.
So yes, if you’ve ever dreamt of adding a little magic and modern coziness to your space, this might just be that one thing that ties everything together—quietly, beautifully, and effortlessly.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use the fireplace all year round?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this fireplace is that the flame feature works independently from the heater. That means you can still enjoy the beautiful, cozy glow of the flames even when it’s warm outside. Whether it’s a summer night and you just want to create a relaxing vibe, or a chilly winter evening where you need both warmth and ambiance, it’s perfect for every season.
Q2. Is it compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant?
Yes, it totally is! The fireplace easily connects with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it hands-free. You can adjust the flame settings, turn the heat on or off, or even set timers just by using your voice. Plus, it also syncs with the Tuya Smart app, giving you the convenience to operate it directly from your smartphone, no matter where you are in the house.
Q3. How noisy is it?
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how quiet it is. The heater fan produces only a soft hum, barely noticeable even in a silent room. If you turn on the optional crackling fire sound, it’s a gentle, soothing background noise — more like a calming campfire effect than anything disruptive. So, whether you’re reading, watching TV, or drifting off to sleep, the sound won’t get in your way.
Q4. How easy is the installation?
It’s incredibly easy to set up, even if you’re not handy with tools. You can simply plug it into a standard wall outlet and start using it right away — perfect for renters or those who don’t want to drill into walls. For a more seamless, built-in look, there’s also the option to hardwire it into your wall. The instructions are simple and clear, so you’ll have it up and running in no time.
Q5. What size room does it heat best?
This fireplace performs best in rooms up to 400 square feet, making it ideal for smaller areas like bedrooms, offices, or cozy living rooms. It’s powerful enough to warm the space evenly without overheating it. If you have an open-concept living area, it’ll still add that warm glow and take the edge off chilly days, though for larger rooms, you might use it more for ambiance than full heating.
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