The Orion Slim uses Heliovision technology instead of LEDs. It projects virtual flames onto an internal screen, which produces a fire effect that looks closer to a real wood-burning fireplace than anything else on the market. Once you've seen it in person, the difference between this and a standard LED fireplace is immediately obvious.

Why We Recommend It

• Heliovision virtual flame is in a different category than LED-based fireplaces. The flame depth, movement, and color are significantly more realistic.
• At 5-5/8" deep, it fits in a standard 2x6 wall for a clean recessed installation. Surface mount bracket is also included if you prefer to mount it directly on the wall without framing a recess.
• Includes both crystal and log media options. The log set combined with the virtual flame produces the most convincing wood-burning look available in an electric fireplace.
• Multi-function remote plus app control through the Modern Flames app.

Worth Knowing

• 120V only, no 240V option. If you need higher heat output for a larger room, the Evolve or Astound offer 240V configurations with significantly more BTUs.
• Hardwire or plug-in, both options are available.
• At $4,799, this is the most expensive fireplace on this list. The Heliovision technology is the reason for the price jump, and for most customers who see it in person, the realism justifies it.

Key Specs

The Evolve is the newest addition to Dimplex's Ignite lineup and represents a meaningful step forward in their LED flame technology. Compared to the Ignite XL, the Evolve produces a deeper, more layered flame with better color transitions and more realistic movement. It also adds flame color options that the standard Ignite XL doesn't offer. If you want Dimplex's best LED flame with the most features, this is it.

Why We Recommend It

• The flame technology is a genuine improvement over the Ignite XL. It's not a subtle difference. The Evolve's flame has noticeably more depth and dimension.
• At 5-7/8" deep, it fits in a standard 2x6 wall. Optional trim kit available for walls shallower than 6".
• 120V or 240V configurations. At 240V, it puts out 8,530 BTU and heats up to 1,000 sq ft. That's real heat for a large open room.
• Media includes acrylic crystal, glass, and log options.
• Compatible with the Dimplex Flame Connect app for phone control.

Worth Knowing

• Recessed installation only. You'll need to frame a recess or use an existing opening. No surface mount option.
• At $4,029, it's priced close to the Orion Slim. These are different technologies serving different preferences. The Orion wins on pure realism; the Evolve wins on LED brightness, color options, and heat output at 240V.
• Plug kit available separately if you don't want to hardwire.

Key Specs

A note on sizing: the Astound FlexMount doesn't come in an exact 60" width. The closest options are 50" and 62". We're including the 62" here because most customers shopping in this size range have the wall space for it, and the FlexMount's installation flexibility makes it one of the strongest recommendations in this category.

The "FlexMount" name says it all. This fireplace supports fully recessed, partially recessed, and surface mount installations. It also supports 1-sided, 2-sided, or 3-sided configurations with included finishing edge panels and trim. If your installation situation is anything other than a straightforward recessed build, this is the fireplace that's most likely to work.

Why We Recommend It

• Three mounting options in one unit. Fully recessed for a flush look, partially recessed if your wall depth is limited, or surface mount if you don't want to open up the wall at all. No other fireplace on this list offers that range.
• Includes four media sets: glass, logs, rocks, and charcoal. The Beach Fire and Woodland media kits give you very different looks from a single fireplace.
• 120V or 240V. At 240V, it produces 10,000 BTU and heats 400-800 sq ft. That's the highest heat output on this list.
• Smart home compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and the Napoleon Home app. You can also set scheduled heating and lighting for each day of the week.
• 13 ember bed and top light color options with customizable flame effects.

Worth Knowing

• At 7-1/8" deep, this is significantly deeper than the other fireplaces on this list (which run 5-5/8" to 5-7/8"). It won't fit in a standard 2x4 wall and requires a deeper recess if going fully built-in. The partially recessed and surface mount options work around this.
• Direct wire only. No plug-in option.
• 2-year warranty vs. 5 years on the Orion and Evolve.
• At 137.8 lbs, it's the heaviest fireplace on this list. Plan for two people on the install.

Key Specs

The Allusion Platinum is SimpliFire's flagship linear electric fireplace, and at $1,879 it comes in at less than half the price of the Orion and Evolve. That doesn't mean it cuts corners. The Platinum has a large viewing area in a minimal frame, solid LED flame effects, and enough color options to customize the look for your space. For customers who want a clean 60" linear fireplace without a $3,000+ investment, this is where we point them.

Why We Recommend It

• At $1,879, it's $400 to $2,920 less than everything else on this list. That's a significant savings, especially on larger projects where the budget needs to stretch across the entire build.
• 4 flame colors and 13 ember bed color choices, plus the option to continuously rotate through all colors. Plenty of customization for the price.
• Recessed or surface mount installation. The unit is removable from its frame for easy repositioning.
• 5-5/8" deep. Fits a standard 2x6 wall for recessed installations.
• Direct wire or plug-in. Both options available.

Worth Knowing

• 120V only. No 240V option, so heat output tops out at 5,000 BTU for rooms up to 400 sq ft. If heating a larger space is important, the Evolve or Astound are better options.
• LED flame quality is good for the price, but side-by-side with the Orion or Evolve, you'll see the difference. At $1,900+ less, most customers find the trade-off reasonable.
• 2-year warranty vs. 5 years on the Orion and Evolve.
• Media includes clear crystals and ceramic white stones. No log option included.

Key Specs