A 3 sided electric fireplace has glass on the front and both short ends, so you see the flame from straight ahead and from either side. This guide uses Amantii’s own spec sheets and manuals for the TruView XL and TruView Slim, the 3-sided lines we list, plus the Signature TruView. For the wider Amantii lineup, see our Amantii electric fireplace review.
What a 3 sided electric fireplace is vs a see-through electric fireplace
- 3-sided: glass on the front and both ends, with a solid back that sits in a wall or frame. The Amantii TruView models are this type.
- Corner (2-sided): glass on the front and one end. A TruView can be set up this way by leaving one side panel in place.
- See-through electric fireplace: glass front and back, so the fire shows in two rooms. A TruView does not do this; its back is closed.
If you want one fire visible from the kitchen and the living room through a shared wall, a 3-sided unit is the wrong product. If you want a fire you can see from the sofa, the dining table and the hallway, it fits well.
Where a peninsula electric fireplace works
Peninsula walls and half walls
A peninsula electric fireplace sits at the open end of a wall that projects into a room. Built into the end of a short wall or bump-out, a TruView shows the flame in three directions.
Room dividers and islands
A built-out partition between living and dining areas works, but people behind the partition see wall, not fire. For an island-style build you frame a box around the unit and finish every face; the flame still shows on three.
Corners and covered outdoor spaces
Amantii describes both the Slim and XL as corner-capable with the left or right end open. Both manuals also allow outdoor areas protected from direct water, with a rain-protection overhang over the front and each side.
Framing and finishing vs a front-facing unit
A front-facing built-in needs finish around one rectangle of glass. A 3-sided unit needs finished surfaces that wrap the end glass too. Per Amantii’s manuals:
- Both lines are built-in appliances designed for drywall, stone or tile to run right to the glass edge. No trim or surround comes with the XL.
- Side panels and bars are fitted at the factory. You remove the panels on the sides you want open and refit the bars.
- Framing plates from the sides of the firebox fix the bottom of the unit to the studs.
- Test the fireplace before closing the wall, then cover the glass with plastic while you finish.
- With a mantel above the Slim, keep at least 6 in of clearance measured from the glass front.
Depth is where the lines split. The Slim manual lists 10 5/8 in overall depth and an 11 1/8 in rough opening depth. Amantii’s copy (and ours) calls the Slim about 4 in deep for a 2 x 4 wall, which appears to describe the slim rear section on the drawing (3 7/8 in), not the whole unit, so frame from the manual numbers. The XL is 14 1/4 in deep with a 14 3/4 in rough opening, so it needs a deeper chase. Our recessed electric fireplace installation guide covers framing a chase.
Amantii TruView XL vs TruView Slim vs Signature TruView
| Model | Unit (W x H x D) | Glass viewing area | Rough opening (W x D) | Our price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TruView XL 40 | 43 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 14 1/4 in | 39 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 43 3/4 x 14 3/4 in | $2,699 |
| TruView XL 50 | 53 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 14 1/4 in | 49 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 53 3/4 x 14 3/4 in | $2,999 |
| TruView Slim 30 | 33 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 10 5/8 in | 29 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 33 3/4 x 11 1/8 in | $2,099 |
| TruView Slim 40 | 43 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 10 5/8 in | 39 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 43 3/4 x 11 1/8 in | $2,399 |
| TruView Slim 60 | 63 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 10 5/8 in | 59 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 63 3/4 x 11 1/8 in | $2,799 |
| TruView Slim 72 | 75 1/4 x 26 5/8 x 10 5/8 in | 71 5/8 x 15 5/8 in | 75 3/4 x 11 1/8 in | $3,899 |
| Signature TruView | TRV-55-SIG 56 1/4 in or TRV-75-SIG 75 in wide, 37 3/4 in tall | See Amantii sell sheet | See Amantii manual | $3,599 |
Dimensions are from Amantii’s spec sheets and manuals; prices are from our product pages at the time of writing. The manuals list a 27 1/8 in rough opening height, but the XL model spec page shows 27 5/8 in, so confirm with the manual that ships with your unit before you cut.
How the Amantii TruView XL compares
At 40 in, the XL and Slim share the same glass size and heater. The XL adds about 3 5/8 in of depth, which Amantii uses for an extra-deep look when installed front only, and its manual adds a 240V hardwire option on the 50, 60 and 72 in sizes. The trade-offs: a deeper wall, and media. The XL manual says it ships with no media, while the Slim includes a log set and fire glass. At our prices the 40 in XL is $300 more than the 40 in Slim before media.
The Signature TruView uses Dimplex’s Optimyst water-vapour flame and smoke effect and adds Bluetooth speakers. Amantii lists 12.5 A for the heater plus 3.83 A for the vapour cassette, about 17 A on high, so plan the circuit with an electrician. It needs tank refills unless you add the optional plumbed water kit.
Heat output and where the heater vents
Every XL and Slim size lists a 1,465 W high and 750 W low heater on 120V, 12.5 A, and an approximate heating area of 400 sq ft. The manuals list 4,800 BTU for the XL and 5,118 BTU for the Slim.
Amantii’s pages describe the current XL and Slim as having no visible venting or grilles, and the manuals do not state a heat outlet position in text. Two manual rules apply: never block any ventilation opening, and keep furniture, curtains and other combustibles at least 3 feet from the front. On a 3-sided install, give the open ends the same respect, since people sit there too. A dedicated 15 A, 120V circuit is preferred.
Glass and child safety
Three sides of glass means three warm surfaces. The manuals say the fireplace is hot in use, bare skin should not touch hot surfaces, and extreme caution is needed when any heater is used near children or left unattended. Consider a raised installation if small children are in the home, run the flame without heat when kids play nearby, and keep decor off the end glass.
Choosing a size
Size to the wall, not just the room: in a peninsula, the unit plus framing has to fit the wall end with finished surface on each side. Our linear electric fireplace sizes guide and electric fireplace buying guide help, or browse every Amantii fireplace we carry. Amantii’s Slim manual gives a two year warranty from first purchase. Orders of $999 or more ship free by freight; returns follow our return and refund policy. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3-sided electric fireplace the same as a see-through electric fireplace?
No. A 3-sided unit shows the flame on the front and both ends with a closed back. A see-through unit shows it front and back.
Can I use a 3 sided electric fireplace insert in my existing fireplace?
The TruView XL and Slim are built-in appliances framed into a wall with finish run to the glass, not inserts for a masonry firebox, and the side glass would be hidden inside an existing opening.
How deep is the Amantii TruView XL?
14 1/4 in per Amantii’s spec sheets, with a 14 3/4 in rough opening depth. The TruView Slim is 10 5/8 in deep.
Can I close one or two sides?
Yes. The included side panels allow all three sides open, left or right end open, or front only. Decide before you finish the wall.
