Touchstone Forte® 40-Inch Recessed Smart Series

Classic look. Smart control. Timeless comfort.

The Touchstone Forte® 40-Inch Series brings together traditional fireplace aesthetics with modern convenience in a space-conscious design. Whether you're upgrading an unused wood-burning fireplace or building a new accent wall, Forte fireplaces give you a realistic flame experience, supplemental warmth, and sleek smart-home compatibility — all in a single size that fits almost anywhere.

With four distinct models — including smart, steel mesh, and surround mantel options — the Touchstone Forte® Series is designed to match a variety of tastes and installation needs. From minimalist modern to rustic traditional, this collection has you covered.

Key Features

📱 Smart Control Options - Select models include WiFi connectivity and compatibility with Amazon Alexa® and Google Home®.

🔥 Realistic Flame Display - All models feature Touchstone’s signature LED flame technology with multiple color, speed, and intensity settings.

🌈 Multiple Front Styles - Choose from a clean glass front, a matte mesh screen for a wood-burning look, or a fully framed mantel surround.

🛠️ Flexible Installation - All Forte models can be recessed into a wall or surface-mounted, depending on your room layout and preference.

Sizes Available

40 Inches Wide – A Timeless Fit

The Touchstone Forte® Series is intentionally designed in a traditional 40-inch width, making it an ideal replacement for outdated wood-burning or gas fireplaces. Its more square-shaped display area offers a classic firebox proportion that mimics real fireplaces, which is especially appealing to those creating a timeless or transitional look.

Unlike wider models that are meant to span large entertainment walls, the 40-inch Forte strikes a perfect balance — big enough to make an impact, small enough to fit comfortably in cozier rooms.

This size works beautifully for:

• Retrofits in existing fireplace openings

• Smaller living rooms or apartments

• Bedrooms, dens, and home offices

• Focal-point accent walls that don’t overpower the space

Whether you're upgrading an old hearth or building something new, the 40-inch Forte® offers the scale and shape of a classic fireplace — with all the benefits of electric.

Design Flexibility

Whether you're after smart functionality, a rustic appearance, or a ready-to-install surround, the Forte® lineup offers something for everyone. Here's a breakdown of each model to help you choose:

🔥 Forte® 40 Inch-Recessed Smart Electric Fireplace

Best for: Those who want a smart fireplace with a traditional look and customizable flame settings.

• WiFi-enabled for voice or app control (Alexa and Google compatible)

• 3 flame color options (orange, blue, orange-blue blend)

• 5 flame brightness levels + 10 ember bed color options

• Includes faux log and crystal sets

• Supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.

• Recessed installation with front-facing vents

• Slim, modern design perfect for retrofitting into existing fireplaces

• Featured on 100 Day Dream Home
  

• Owner's Manual
• Fireplace App Guide
• Specifications Sheet
  

🔥 Forte® Steel Mesh 40-Inch Recessed Electric Fireplace

Best for: Those who want a more traditional wood-burning look with a non-reflective screen front.

• Matte black steel mesh screen for an authentic fireplace appearance

• 3 flame colors, includes logs + crystals

• Large 31" x 17" viewing area

• Supplemental heat for up to 400 sq. ft.

• Operates with or without heat

• Can be recessed or wall-mounted

• Plug-in or hardwired 120V

• Featured on 100 Day Dream Home, Season 3 Episode 2

• Owner's Manual
• Fireplace App Guide
• Specifications Sheet

🔥 Sideline Elite® Forte 40-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace

Best for: Smart home users who want top-tier flame customization and modern aesthetics.

• WiFi app, Alexa, and Google Home compatible

• 6 flame colors + 10 ember bed colors

• 5 brightness levels, 3 flame speeds, timer up to 8 hours

• Includes log set, crystals, and driftwood

• Thermostat with 68–88°F range

• Recessed or wall-mounted (5.5" depth)

• Plug-in or hardwired

• Cool-to-touch front glass

• Owner's Manual
• Fireplace App Guide
• Specifications Sheet

🔥 Sideline Elite® Forte 40-Inch Smart Electric Fireplace with Encase Surround Mantel

Best for: Those who want a fully finished, freestanding fireplace with zero construction.

• Includes the Sideline Elite® Forte fireplace + Encase® Surround Mantel

• Classic freestanding look with slim-profile mantel

• Same advanced features as Sideline Elite® (WiFi, 6 flame colors, 10 ember bed options, voice control)

• Easy setup: Assemble, insert fireplace, plug in

• Designed to be the focal point of any room — no wall cutouts needed

• Includes log set, crystals, driftwood

• Ideal for renters, offices, or anyone avoiding wall recessing

• Tip-over restraints included for safety

• Owner's Manual
• Fireplace App Guide
• Specifications Sheet
• Mantel Assembly Instructions

Why Choose the Forte® 40-Inch Series?

📏 One Size, Many Styles - No guesswork — all models are 40", just with different features and finishes.

📱 Smart-Ready Options - Control your fire from your phone or with your voice (select models).

🪵 Traditional or Contemporary Looks - Glass-front modern or steel-mesh classic — plus a full mantel version.

🧹 No Mess, No Odor - All Forte models are clean-burning and environmentally friendly.

✅ Trusted Quality - Backed by Touchstone’s reputation and featured on popular HGTV shows.

Related Products

Touchstone Sideline® Elite 42 Smart Recessed Fireplace - A close alternative with nearly identical width, the Sideline Elite 42 offers advanced flame customization, Wi-Fi compatibility, and a more expansive ember bed. Great for users wanting a wider display with more color and control features.

Touchstone Sideline® 40 Recessed Electric Fireplace - The Forte’s sibling in the standard Sideline lineup, this model offers a clean, minimalist frame and similar recessed install but without the smart home features. Ideal for customers who love the size and look but prefer a simpler setup.

Dimplex IgniteXL® 50-Inch Linear Electric Fireplace - A premium upgrade for customers comparing linear recessed models. The IgniteXL® offers edge-to-edge glass, ultra-realistic flames, and slightly larger dimensions, making it perfect for those considering a splurge-worthy focal point.