A fireplace is one of the quickest ways to make a room feel cozier. But a color-changing electric fireplace adds a little surprise factor too. You can match the glow to your mood, your decor, or your season—and yes, you can set it to cycle through the colors if you want the “party trick” effect.
Why Choose a Recessed Model That Changes Colors?
For starters, multi-color flames and ember beds add movement and “life” to a room. It’s not just about heat—it’s about atmosphere. When you can switch colors, you can make the room feel calmer, brighter, or more dramatic in a few clicks.
Another big perk: electric flames can run for a long time without the mess and hassle of gas or wood. In flame-only mode, you’re basically paying to run LED lighting—so it’s one of the cheapest ways to keep a cozy vibe going.
And then there’s the recessed part. The PuraFlame “Alice” style is designed to sit flush in the wall, which keeps walkways clear and makes the room feel more open.
Bottom line: you get the fireplace look without losing floor space.
That’s why recessed electric fireplaces show up in tighter spots like entryways, bedrooms, bathrooms, and even kitchens—places where you’d never want something sticking out that you could bump into.
If you’re shopping by size, the Alice line comes in multiple lengths, so you can go with a more traditional look or lean into a long, modern “linear” style.
Note: The 4 size options are shown below—from a classic 40″ up to a more modern 68″ length.
Also notice the vents at the top of each unit—that’s where warm air blows out when the heater is on.
Do Electric Fireplaces Actually Save Money?
They can—mostly because electric fireplaces don’t need venting. No chimney. No flue. No gas line. That alone keeps the install simpler and usually far less expensive than wood or gas.
They’re also flexible. You can use the flames without heat (great in warmer months) and save the heater for when you truly want to warm the room. That’s what makes them so budget-friendly in real life—especially if you’re intentional about how you use them. For a deeper breakdown, check this: making them much more cost-effective.
And the maintenance savings add up too. No soot, no ash cleanup, no annual chimney sweep appointment. If you want to check pricing and the available lengths in one place, here’s the product page: Get the PuraFlame Alice Fireplace in 4 Lengths: 40″, 50″, 60″ or 68″
Do the Flames Look “Real”?
Here’s the honest truth: LED flames look cool and relaxing, but they won’t fool you into thinking you’re staring into a real wood fire. If you’re buying electric, it helps to buy it for what it does best—clean ambiance, easy heat, and awesome lighting effects.
That’s where color-changing models shine (literally). A real fire can’t switch from orange to blue to purple on command.
Note: You can still get warmth, ambiance, and that “fireplace feeling.” Just don’t expect it to perfectly replicate a real flame.
It’s kind of like decaf coffee. You still enjoy it… it’s just different.
What Comes in the PuraFlame Package?
One thing I really like about this PuraFlame recessed model is that you don’t have to commit to one look. It includes both a classic log set and clear crystals.
So you can go traditional one month, modern the next, and the same fireplace feels brand new.
You also get a remote, which makes it easy to change flame colors, ember bed colors, heat settings, and the timer without getting up.
That remote controls the thermostat setting too, and you can toggle heat output from high to low (or off). The timer is one of those “you’ll use it constantly” features—set it for bedtime or while you’re relaxing and let it shut itself off.
Timer settings range from 30 minutes up to 9 hours, which covers pretty much every scenario.
- Firebox
- Glass Panel
- Remote Control
- Crystal Stone Set
- Log Set
- User Manual
How to Install the PuraFlame Recessed Fireplace
This unit is designed to sit flush in the wall. You can either hardwire it for a clean, permanent finish or plug it into a standard outlet (depending on how you’re setting up the space).
Note: If you’d rather skip cutting drywall, take a look at the Moda Flame Houston 50″. It’s a wall-mounted model you can hang up like a big piece of art.
Specs for the PuraFlame Alice Color-Changing Fireplace
- Dimensions: 72.5″ Wide X 23.4″ Tall x 10.8″ Deep
- Weight: 125 lbs
- Material: Metal, Tempered Glass
- Input Voltage and Frequency: 110V, 60Hz
- 2 Heater Settings: 1500 Watts (High) and 750 Watts (Low)
- Heat Output: to 400 Square Feet
- 13 Ember Bed Color Options
- 3 Flame Color Options
- Model #” EF175B
- Manufacturer: PuraFlame
- Get the PuraFlame Alice Fireplace Here
Multi-Color Electric Fireplace in White
If your space is bright and modern, you may want the fireplace surround to blend into a white wall instead of standing out in black. PuraFlame offers that option too—here’s the white-frame version: this unit gives you a nice option.
Northwest also makes a color-changing electric fireplace with a white frame.
Like the PuraFlame setup, it includes multiple ember bed options (logs, crystals, and pebbles), along with heat settings, a timer, and a remote. The main difference is installation style.
This Northwest model is wall-mounted only. You can’t recess it, because the heat exhaust is designed for a wall-hung configuration. The warm air comes out near the top behind the frame, so it needs that open airflow space to operate properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a color-changing electric fireplace without heat?
Yes—and that’s one of the best parts. Flame-only mode is great year-round and costs very little since you’re mainly powering LED lights.
Is recessed better than wall-mounted?
Recessed models look more “built-in” and don’t stick out into the room. Wall-mounted units are usually easier to install because you don’t have to open the wall.
Do I need special venting?
No. Electric fireplaces are vent-free. Just follow clearance guidelines so the heater vent has room to breathe.
Which ember bed looks more realistic—logs or crystals?
Logs feel more classic and “traditional.” Crystals look more modern and show off color effects better. Having both is ideal because you can swap depending on your decor.
Can I install it in a bedroom or bathroom?
Many people do, especially with recessed units. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s placement rules and local electrical code (bathrooms can have extra requirements).
Reputable Resources for More Information
- PuraFlame (Manufacturer)
- Electric Wall Fireplace Styles & Comparisons
- What It Costs to Run an Electric Fireplace
Conclusion
If you love the idea of a fireplace but want something cleaner, more flexible, and honestly more fun, a recessed color-changing electric fireplace is hard to beat. The PuraFlame “Alice” gives you multiple sizes, multiple ember bed looks, and an easy way to change the vibe of a room whenever you feel like it—without giving up floor space or dealing with venting.