Touchstone Sideline vs Forte Electric Fireplace: Which Is Better? (October 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Touchstone Sideline vs Forte: which fits your wall?
2. Which fireplace offers the controls you want?
3. How do the Sideline and Forte compare on heat?
4. What clearance should you plan above the fireplace?
5. How should you set up and care for your fireplace?
6. Which model makes more sense for your room?
7. How we compared the Touchstone models
8. Final choice in the Touchstone Sideline vs Forte comparison

Choose the Forte for a 40 in width and smart controls, or a Sideline for a wider fireplace. This Touchstone Sideline vs Forte guide compares the 40 in Forte, 50 in Sideline and 60 in Sideline so you can match the unit to your wall and daily use.

The Forte is 40 in wide and offers WiFi and app control, plus Alexa and Google Home compatibility. The 50 in Sideline is 50.4 in wide and includes a remote, while the 60 in model is 60 in wide and also supports app and compatible voice control.

All 3 are recessed electric fireplaces with supplemental heat and flame effects that can run without heat. Start with your usable wall opening, then decide whether smart controls and the fireplace's finished width suit the room.

Touchstone Sideline vs Forte: which fits your wall?

The Forte needs the least width, while either Sideline can fill a wider wall. Measure the opening's width, height and depth before choosing a model or cutting into the wall.

The 50 in Sideline measures 50.4 in wide, 21.5 in high and 5.5 in deep. The Forte measures 40 in wide, 26.5 in high and 5.1 in deep.

The 60 in Sideline measures 60 in wide and 21.5 in high. Its listed dimensions give a depth of 5.5 in.

The Forte's shorter width comes with a taller body. Check all 3 measurements against the instructions for the exact fireplace, and allow for framing and any finish trim you plan to add.

An existing fireplace opening needs the same careful check. Compare the usable cavity with the fireplace body and installation requirements, not just the visible opening; our guide to recessed electric fireplace depth explains why the space behind the wall matters.

Which Touchstone Sideline vs Forte model suits a narrow wall?

Choose the Forte if a 50 or 60 in face would crowd nearby trim or furniture. Its 40 in width leaves more wall at each side, but you still need to check the taller body against the available height.

Skip the Forte if the opening is too low or you want a wider, more prominent fireplace. If you prefer Sideline styling, compare the wall with both Sideline widths before deciding.

See our Touchstone Sideline 50 Inch review for more detail on the 50 in model.

Can you mount a Touchstone Sideline or Forte without recessing it?

The Forte includes a wall-mount bracket for surface mounting, and the 60 in Sideline description also mentions a bracket. The 50 in Sideline is presented as an in-wall recessed unit.

A surface mount changes how far the fireplace projects into the room. Review the installation directions and measure the finished projection, nearby furniture and TV position before settling on that layout.

Choose a recessed installation if you want the unit set into the wall and have a suitable cavity. Choose surface mounting only when the model supports it and the projection works with the room; don't assume every size has identical mounting hardware.

Which fireplace offers the controls you want?

The Forte and 60 in Sideline offer WiFi and app control; the 50 in Sideline lists a remote. If you want phone or compatible voice control, compare those features against the exact model rather than assuming they carry across the range.

The Forte can be controlled with its remote, app, Alexa or Google Home device. The 60 in Sideline also lists app and compatible voice control, along with its remote.

The 50 in Sideline's wireless remote controls flame color and intensity, heat and the shut-off timer. App control isn't specified for that model, so it is a poor fit if phone control is a must-have.

A remote is straightforward when you usually adjust settings from the sofa. App and voice controls can be more convenient if the fireplace is harder to reach or your household already uses compatible smart home devices.

Our guide to smart electric fireplaces with WiFi compares the options.

How do the Sideline and Forte compare on heat?

The stated heat outputs are close: 5,000 BTU for each Sideline here and 5,100 BTU for the Forte. Choose based on fit and controls first, since that small rating gap is not a useful stand-alone reason to buy the Forte.

The 50 in Sideline and 60 in Sideline list 1,500/750 W heat settings. The Forte has a 1,500 W heater with a thermostat.

All 3 can run the flame effect without heat, which suits rooms where you want the fireplace's visual effect but not extra warmth. Their heaters are described as supplemental, so don't plan on one to replace a home's main heating system.

Room comfort also depends on ceiling height, insulation, drafts and furniture layout. Use our guide to electric fireplace heating area to consider room size alongside the fireplace's stated output.

What electrical setup should you check for Touchstone Sideline vs Forte?

Check the outlet, circuit and wiring plan before installation. The Forte includes a 6 ft cord for a 110–120 V outlet and draws a maximum of 12 amps; a 20 amp circuit may be needed depending on other electronics on the same circuit.

The Sideline models also offer plug-in and hardwire options. Confirm the requirements for the exact model and consider what else shares the circuit, especially if the fireplace will run alongside other appliances or electronics.

Don't start hardwiring or changing a circuit based on the general description alone. Ask a licensed electrician to assess wiring changes or circuit concerns, and follow the model's installation instructions.

What clearance should you plan above the fireplace?

Plan for at least 8 in between the fireplace top and a TV or mantel for the Forte and 60 in Sideline. The 50 in Sideline describes placement 8 in under a flat-screen TV, but the exact installation guide should direct your layout.

For the Forte and 60 in Sideline, the recommended minimum is 8 in to a TV, mantel, picture or ceiling. Treat this as part of the layout, not an afterthought: a fireplace may fit the opening but leave too little space for the items above it.

Measure from the fireplace's top edge to the bottom of the TV or mantel. Our guide on how high to hang a wall mounted electric fireplace can help you plan the wall arrangement.

How should you set up and care for your fireplace?

Set up the wall, power and controls before you install the fireplace. This avoids discovering after framing that the opening, cord route or clearance does not suit the chosen model.

First, measure the planned opening in 3 directions and compare it with the exact model dimensions. Also confirm the wall structure and the required space above; use the included installation instructions to plan the mounting and finish.

Next, decide whether the unit will plug in or be hardwired. For the Forte, plan around the 6 ft cord and circuit draw if using an outlet.

For hardwiring or uncertain circuit needs, arrange qualified electrical help before closing the wall.

After mounting, arrange the included log or crystals to suit the fireplace's directions, then test the remote and any supported app controls. Keep the manual accessible so you can check timer, heat and control settings without guessing.

For routine care, switch the fireplace off and let it cool before cleaning. Use a soft cloth on the glass and exterior, and avoid abrasive cleaners or getting liquid into vents or controls; follow the manual for product-specific cleaning guidance.

What common mistakes should you avoid?

The biggest mistakes are measuring only the visible opening, ignoring height and clearance, and assuming every Sideline has the same controls. Confirm the exact model before planning construction or buying.

A 40 in width may look right on paper, but the Forte is taller than either Sideline here. Check the full height and depth, plus the space above the unit, instead of focusing on width alone.

Don't assume a feature listed for one model applies to another. The 50 in Sideline lists remote control, while the Forte and 60 in Sideline include app and compatible voice options.

Finally, don't plan around a fireplace as the room's main heat source. Treat its heater as supplemental, and don't guess about circuits or clearances when the instructions or a qualified installer can settle the question.

Which model makes more sense for your room?

Pick the Forte for a narrower opening and smart controls, the 50 in Sideline for a medium-width focal wall, or the 60 in Sideline for a broad wall. Match the fireplace's actual body size to the wall before weighing style and convenience.

The Forte suits buyers who want the smallest width among these options and expect to use app or compatible voice control. Skip it if you need a shorter unit, want a face wider than 40 in, or cannot provide the required vertical clearance.

The 50 in Sideline fits buyers who want a wider face with direct remote operation. It is a sensible choice when smart control is not a priority and the 50.4 in body fits the planned opening.

The 60 in Sideline is for buyers with a broad wall who also want app and compatible voice control. Skip it if windows, cabinets or furniture leave too little space for a 60 in fireplace.

If none of these sizes suits the wall, compare other styles in our electric fireplace wall units guide. A different width or mounting style may make a better fit than forcing a fireplace into the available space.

How we compared the Touchstone models

We compared dimensions, controls, heat details and installation notes against the needs of a recessed fireplace buyer. The scores reflect how well each model's stated features fit this decision.

The 50 in Sideline scores 8.8 because its wider face and remote controls make it a clear option for buyers who don't need smart features. The Forte and 60 in Sideline each score 8.5, with one favoring a narrower body and smart controls, and the other pairing those controls with a broad face.

Use the scores as a quick comparison, then verify the measurements, electrical requirements and clearances for your exact model before installation. The details that matter most are the ones that determine whether the fireplace fits your wall and how you'll operate it.

Final choice in the Touchstone Sideline vs Forte comparison

Choose the Forte if you need a 40 in fireplace with app or voice control; choose the 50 in Sideline for a wider wall and simple remote operation. Pick the 60 in Sideline when you have room for its broader face and want smart controls.

Measure the opening, plan the power connection and confirm the clearance above the fireplace before you decide. For more options by width and style, see our guide to linear electric fireplaces.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between Touchstone Sideline and Forte?

The Forte is 40 in wide and offers WiFi, app and compatible voice control. The 50 in Sideline is 50.4 in wide and lists remote control, while the 60 in Sideline is 60 in wide and also offers app and compatible voice control.

Compare the exact model and wall opening before choosing.

Does the Forte heat better than the Sideline?

The Forte's stated heat output is 5,100 BTU, while these 50 and 60 in Sideline models state 5,000 BTU. That small difference isn't a sound reason to choose one over the other.

Fit, controls and how you'll use supplemental heat matter more.

Can you use the Sideline or Forte without heat?

Yes. Each of these fireplaces can run its flame effect without the heater, so you can use the visual effect in warmer weather or when you don't want added heat.

The heater is intended to take the edge off a cool room, not replace a home's primary heating system.

How much space should you leave above a Touchstone fireplace?

Touchstone recommends at least 8 in between the fireplace and a TV, mantel, picture or ceiling for the Forte and 60 in Sideline. The 50 in Sideline describes placement 8 in under a flat-screen TV.

Check the instructions for your exact model and wall setup.

Can the Touchstone Sideline and Forte be hardwired?

Both have a hardwire option and can also use a power cord. The Forte description specifies a 6 ft cord for a 110–120 V outlet and a maximum draw of 12 amps.

Circuit needs can depend on other devices sharing the circuit, so confirm the electrical plan before installation.