If you want your living room to feel instantly warmer and more “designed,” a fireplace with color-changing flames is a fun upgrade. The Sideline Elite has that modern built-in look, plus a ton of color options that make it feel like entertainment—not just a heater.
How to Use Multi-Color Flames (Without Overthinking It)
The Sideline Elite is popular for one main reason: you can make the flame and ember bed look totally different depending on your mood. With all the flame color combinations, it’s easy to go from “warm and classic” to “modern and colorful” in seconds.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
- Pick the flame hue (you get multiple flame colors).
- Pick the media/ember shade (you get lots of ember bed looks).
- Adjust brightness so it’s subtle at night and bolder during the day.
- Use color-cycle mode when you want a “wow” effect or you can’t decide.
That “cycle” setting is also a sneaky trick for parties—people notice it immediately, and it becomes an easy conversation starter.
And yes—you can dial the intensity up or down. So if you’re worried the colors will feel “too much,” you can keep everything on a softer setting and it looks surprisingly upscale.
Touchstone also gave the Sideline Elite a slimmer frame so the flame area feels bigger (and more “built-in”), without a bulky border pulling your attention away from the fire.
The end result is a clean, modern firebox that looks closer to a true recessed fireplace—just with better “special effects.”
Note: You can run your electric fireplace with or without heat. Honestly, flame-only mode is my favorite for everyday use—cozy vibes, almost no operating cost, and zero “too hot” moments.
Specs for the Sideline Elite Electric Fireplace
- 3 Size Options: 42″, 50″ or 72″
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Fireplace Style: Recessed
- Firebox Material: Alloy Steel
- Frame Color: Black
- 60 Flame Color Combinations
- Wattage: 1500 Watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Heat Settings: High and Low (750 Watts)
- Heating Area: 400 Square Feet
- Can Operate with or without Heat
- Thermostat Range: 68-88°F
- Unit Comes with Remote Control
- Package Includes Logs, Driftwood and Crystals
- Model #: 80036
- Manufacturer: Touchstone Home Products, Inc.
- Phone: 800-215-1990
- For Sale: Where to Buy the Sideline Elite
How to Install the Sideline Elite
This is one of those fireplaces that feels “high-end” once it’s in, but the install is pretty approachable. Touchstone designed it to be straightforward to install, which is why a lot of homeowners tackle it themselves (or do a DIY + electrician combo).
1) Choose your install style.
You can recess it into the wall for that clean, built-in look, or mount it on the wall using the included bracket. So if you don’t want to open drywall right now, you still have an option.
2) Decide plug-in vs hardwire.
This model can plug in, and it can also be hardwired for a more permanent finish. If you’re going for a fully custom wall surround, hardwiring often looks the cleanest.
3) Remember: no venting required.
No chimney, no flue, no special venting parts. That’s a big reason electric fireplaces are easier (and usually cheaper) to install in modern homes and remodels.
If you want to see the process in action, the video below walks through a recessed installation and shows how the controls work.
Note: The heat vents are at the top, so don’t mount it directly under a TV. Give it at least 8 inches of clearance. Same idea near the ceiling—leave about 8 inches up top so airflow stays unrestricted.
Fireplace Dimensions (and Why They Matter)
The diagram below shows the dimensions for the 50-inch model (49 3/4″ Wide x 19 1/4″ Tall x 5 1/2″ Deep). That slimmer depth is what makes recessed installs feel more doable—especially compared to bulkier wall units.
Also, for a bigger fireplace, it’s relatively manageable to lift and position (only 55 lbs). That matters more than people think once you’re actually lining it up in a wall opening.
And if you mount it on the wall instead of recessing it, that 5 1/2″ profile still looks clean and modern instead of clunky.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many flame color combinations does the Sideline Elite have?
It offers lots of mix-and-match options—multiple flame hues and media bed shades—so you can create dozens of looks (including a color-cycle mode).
Can I use this fireplace without heat?
Yes. Flame-only mode is a big reason people love LED fireplaces. You get the ambiance without warming up the room.
Does it heat a whole house?
Not typically. It’s designed to heat a room or zone (often up to about 400 sq ft), not replace central heating for an entire home.
Can it be mounted under a TV?
It’s possible if you follow clearance guidelines. Because this unit vents from the top, leave at least 8 inches between the fireplace and the TV (and don’t block airflow).
Is recessed installation hard?
It’s very doable for someone with solid DIY skills. Many people do the framing/drywall work and then hire an electrician for the final wiring if they choose to hardwire.
Reputable Resources for More Information
- Touchstone Home Products: Electric Fireplaces
- ElectriFlames: Top Electric Fireplaces to Compare
- Electric Wall Fireplace Styles and Options
Conclusion
If you want a sleek, modern fireplace that doubles as a statement piece, the Sideline Elite is a really fun pick—especially if you love the idea of multi-color flames and a customizable ember bed. Use it in flame-only mode for everyday ambiance, turn the heat on when you actually need it, and you’ll get a fireplace that feels equal parts cozy and show-stopping.