Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50” vs Waleaf 28" Electric Fireplace with Mantel

Buy the Touchstone if you want a large, built-in-looking feature wall fireplace with smart controls and a realistic flame. Buy the Waleaf if you want a small freestanding unit with a mantel shelf that needs no wall work. The Touchstone is the more capable heater and the more convincing display, with 5,000 BTU and 400 sq ft of coverage against a compact 28-inch cabinet. Owners of the Touchstone praise the flame realism and easy setup; the Waleaf's ratings are good but thinner, and its listing gives no heat output figures.

• Choose the Touchstone Sideline Elite Pro 50” White if you are finishing a media wall and want a wide recessed or wall-mounted fireplace with app, voice and remote control.
• Choose the Waleaf 28" Electric Fireplace if you want a freestanding, furniture-style piece with a mantel top and no wall cutting.