Picking between a Touchstone vs Napoleon fireplace is one of those things where you really can’t go wrong either way - it just comes down to which brand (and specific model) better aligns with your priorities.
Personally, we prefer the Napoleon fireplace range. For a few reasons. First and foremost, they go higher on the BTU range for more warmth. But they also have more realistic-looking flame effects, in our opinion. We think these electric fireplaces are worth every penny.
But we’re not here to sell you one way or the other. We’ve put together this in-depth comparison, laying out all the facts so YOU can choose the electric fireplace that makes sense for YOUR preferences. Learn more below, or connect with our experts today at The Great Fire Company for one-on-one guidance and a personalized recommendation.
Key Takeaways
- Napoleon’s electric fireplaces start at $799, quite a bit higher than Touchstone at $399.
- Touchstone’s most powerful unit is only 5,000 BTU, half of Napoleon’s 10,000 BTU limit.
- Flame realism is the biggest difference. Napoleon’s Elevation and Astound lines are among the most realistic you’ll find.
- Both Napoleon and Touchstone equip their fireplaces with intuitive control features.
- The Great Fire Company carries all the top electric fireplace brands the industry has to offer.
Why We Are Proud to Carry the Full Napoleon Fireplace Range
Napoleon has more than 45 years of experience in manufacturing fireplaces. But the company’s journey actually began in gas and wood-burning fireplaces before eventually expanding into electric.
That heritage shines through in flame technology. Napoleon knows what flames are supposed to look like, and they’ve made it a point to create the most realistic flame effects possible.
The Elevation line uses triple-layer technology - which, as the name suggests, features three separate overlapping flame elements for a depth flat LED effects could never match. The Elevation X goes even further with virtual HD flame projection AND built-in speakers to put out a crackling sound that makes you feel as if you’re sitting around a real wood-burning fire.
The other really popular Napoleon electric fireplace line we carry is the CLEARion Elite. It’s the only legit see-through electric fireplace on the market, allowing you to divide two rooms with an adjustable transparency fireplace that doubles as a privacy screen.
As far as heating goes, most Napoleon fireplaces can put out 10,000 BTU, which is enough to warm an 800 square foot space. The exception is the Entice wall-mount line, which only puts out 5,000 BTU.
We encourage you to take a closer look at the full catalog, including our full Napoleon outdoor fireplace line, at The Great Fire Company. In the meantime, we want to introduce the other half of our Touchstone vs Napoleon fireplace conversation.
What Makes Touchstone Fireplaces Special?
This family-run brand was born in Pennsylvania back in 2005, and more than two decades later, still makes some of the best electric fireplaces for budget-buyers. But don’t let the lower price tag fool you - these units are packed with smart home features to elevate your living areas.
The recessed Sideline series starts at only $449 for a 36-inch model and tops out at $999 for a massive 72-inch electric fireplace. These fireplaces are also available in an “Elite” tier that features WiFi app control and additional flame colors to choose from. Then there’s the “Elite Pro” line that unlocks 13-color downlighting with a built-in speaker for crackle effects. All three Sideline series are compatible with Google Home and Alexa.
Touchstone’s Infinity Pro is a three-sided fireplace if you want to divide up a space and make a statement. It’s the more premium option in the Touchstone lineup at $2,279 for a 72-inch unit.
We actually don’t carry Touchstone fireplaces here at The Great Fire Company, and there are two main reasons why. We think the flame effects fall a little short of expectations, which obviously is a non-negotiable factor in choosing an electric fireplace. But they also don’t put out enough heat to be practical, as you won’t get more than 5,000 BTU of output across the lineup.
These fireplaces from Touchstone still have their place - primarily, in homes where budget is the primary consideration. But there’s a bit more nuance involved in the Touchstone vs Napoleon fireplace comparison. Let’s take a closer look below.
Should You Buy a Napoleon or Touchstone Fireplace?
These electric fireplaces are ultimately geared towards very different buyers, which makes choosing between them pretty easy. Go with Touchstone if you’re trying to make the most of a limited budget and are fine sacrificing flame realism and heating. Elevate your home with Napoleon if you want the best of the best. Simple as that.
Flame Effects Compared
This is where you can see the difference between a Touchstone vs Napoleon fireplace. And honestly, it’s where we think things matter most.
Napoleon’s flame technology is just a different level. The Elevation series stacks three independent flame layers on top of each other for unparalleled depth and movement. It’s captivating.
But that’s not even the most sophisticated technology in the Napoleon family. The Elevation X puts virtual HD flames onto individually rendered logs and ember beds with a built-in speaker that completes the experience. The Astound line has a spark effect that looks just like embers rising from a real wood-burning fire.
Meanwhile, Touchstone just uses LED flame technology across the board. You get three colors to choose from on the Sideline series, six on the Elite tier, and a cool down-lighting feature on the Elite Pro. But it feels like settling once you’ve seen what Napoleon looks like.
Narrowing Down a Size and Format
You’ll gain access to plenty of options at different price points with Touchstone, which is definitely a plus. Units range from 36 inches to 100 inches. There are three-sided and slim-depth lines. You can easily convert an existing hearth to electric with the Fireplug Pro.
On the other hand, Napoleon fireplaces don’t come in as many sizes - but you do gain access to more diverse installation options. For example, the CLEARion Elite is the only true electric see-through fireplace the industry has to offer. There are also three-sided models (Trivista Primis).
You won’t have any trouble finding the right model from Napoleon. And we can help you choose it if you aren’t sure where to start and would rather skip all the hassle of figuring it out yourself - just connect with our customer support team!
Smart Home and Tech Features
Credit where it’s due - we’re impressed with the level of smart home technology Touchstone offers at such a low price. Most of the lineup features WiFi with Alexa and Google Home compatibility. This lets you control flame color, heat, and timers from your phone or through voice commands. The app is pretty intuitive.
Napoleon is still catching up, and honestly, they’re really not that far behind when it comes to actual day-to-day usability. You get voice control and app connectivity on the Elevation and Astound lines. However, you’ll have to use remote controls for the Entice and Element lines.
This is to say, the specific model you choose from Napoleon matters when comparing a Touchstone vs Napoleon Fireplace as far as smart home integration and usability goes.
What’s Your Budget?
The easiest way to narrow it down between Napoleon vs Touchstone is by getting more specific about what you’re looking to pay. Touchstone is the budget brand in this comparison; Napoleon is the brand you go with when you are willing to invest in better flame realism and heat output.
For what it’s worth, The Great Fire Company offers free shipping, a low-price guarantee, and hassle-free financing. So investing in a more premium fireplace doesn’t have to feel as out of reach. And at the end of the day, you do get what you pay for!
Bottom Line on Touchstone vs Napoleon Fireplaces
We hope our Touchstone vs Napoleon fireplace comparison has left you feeling clear and confident in which brand better aligns with your priorities. These are two excellent manufacturers, but they’re more different than they are alike.
Buy the Napoleon if flame realism and heat output matter to you, and you’re willing to pay a bit more. Otherwise, settling for Touchstone gets you most of the ambiance at a lower price. Just don’t expect the flame effects to look as legit.
Our blog has more resources like Napoleon vs Heat-n-Glo, Dimplex vs Touchstone, and Montigo vs Napoleon if you want to keep weighing your options. Otherwise, it’s time to explore our catalog at The Great Fire Company - OR, connect with our experts for one-on-one support!
Frequently asked questions
Are Napoleon fireplaces good quality?
Yes. They’re among the best the industry has to offer, in fact. With nearly half a century of manufacturing experience and the most realistic flame effects in the electric fireplace space, these fireplaces are some of our best-sellers at The Great Fire Company.
Are Touchstone electric fireplaces good quality?
They’re decent for the price - but it’s not fair to say they’re on par with some of the more premium brands we carry, such as Napoleon, Dimplex, etc. But they’re a solid pick for lower budgets.
Why buy an electric fireplace at Great Fire Company?
We are an authorized Napoleon dealer with the lowest prices online, guaranteed. Every order ships free, and our team is available seven days a week to help you choose the right unit for your space. Whether you’re buying a Dimplex vs Napoleon electric fireplace or anything in between, this is where you want to shop for a world-class experience.