Dimplex Electric Fireplace Buyer's Guide
Dimplex: Every Series Compared
Dimplex makes more types of electric fireplaces than any other brand. This guide covers every current series and walks you through the same decision process we use when customers call us for advice.
Linear, Traditional, or Water Vapor?
This single question determines which products to consider.
Linear
Contemporary horizontal flame. New construction, media walls, and statement pieces.
Traditional / Insert
Classic hearth look. Converting an existing fireplace, gas-to-electric, or building a firebox.
Water Vapor
Unique 3D flame effect. Uses ultrasonic mist to create flames and smoke you can touch.
Four Ignite Series, Ranked by Feature Level
All four share the same Dimplex DNA, but the technology, depth, and features are meaningfully different.
Dimplex Ignite XL
The Ignite XL is Dimplex's original linear fireplace and the one we recommend as a starting point for most customers. Patented Multi-Fire XD technology with edge-to-edge glass and ComfortSaver ceramic heating that uses 11% less energy than competing quartz heaters. Five flame speed settings, color themes, and prism mode that cycles through colors.
At just under 6 inches deep, it fits a standard 2x6 wall. Optional trim kit lets you recess it in a 2x4 wall. Comes with acrylic ice media. Driftwood log and river rock media kit available as an add-on.
Trade-off: No WiFi or app control. Remote only. No logs included (they're an add-on). No ember bed color options. If you want those features, the Evolve is the direct upgrade.
Our take: If you want a proven Dimplex linear fireplace without paying for features you may not use, this is it. The 74" is our best-selling Dimplex fireplace overall. It's been on the market for years, has thousands of installations, and the flame effect still holds up.
Dimplex Ignite Evolve
The Evolve is what the Ignite XL becomes when you add everything customers asked for. Same Multi-Fire XD flame technology, same shallow depth, same sizes. But now you get adjustable flame and ember bed colors, tumbled glass media in three translucent tones (amber, charcoal, white), driftwood logs included in the box, and WiFi with the Dimplex Flame Connect app.
The edgeless design installs without trim right up to stone, brick, or other solid finishes. Trim included for drywall and tile. Five flame speed settings with prism, kaleidoscope, and midnight display modes.
Trade-off: Single-sided only. Same depth and viewing area as the XL, so if you want a taller flame or multi-sided viewing, you'll need to step up to the Bold or Ultra.
Our take: Our most recommended Dimplex linear for customers who want the full feature set without the price jump to the Bold or Ultra. The included logs and app control make this feel like a meaningful upgrade over the XL, and the price difference is worth it for most people.
Dimplex Ignite XL Bold
The Bold is where Dimplex gets serious about viewing area and installation flexibility. A 16-inch high viewing area with a 5.5-inch deep ember bed, a patented mirror effect that increases perceived depth, and the ability to install front-facing, left corner, right corner, or bay. That multi-sided capability is the primary reason customers choose the Bold over the Evolve.
Clean face design means no visible frame. Acrylic crystals and driftwood media included. WiFi with Flame Connect app, ambient light sensor that adjusts brightness day to night, eco mode, heat boost, and smart self-diagnostics. Available in an 88" size that the XL and Evolve don't offer.
Trade-off: Requires approximately 12 inches of wall depth. This is a serious step up from the 2x6 wall needed for the XL and Evolve. Plan your framing accordingly.
Our take: If you need a corner, peninsula, or 3-sided installation, this is the most affordable way to get there in the Dimplex lineup. The 74" is our top seller in the Bold series. The mirror effect genuinely adds depth that you can see from across the room.
Dimplex Ignite Ultra
The Ignite Ultra is Dimplex's newest flagship linear fireplace, packed with more features and technologies than anything else in the Ignite lineup. Dynamic-Fire is Dimplex's latest patented flame effect, and the Ultra pairs it with Rhythmic Logs that feature inner glow technology, pulsing in sync with the flames and ember bed.
The logs connect magnetically with Quick Connect, so you can reposition them for a customized look. The unit also includes two swappable flicker rods that change the flame pattern when replaced, giving you a different fire appearance without buying a new unit.
Three crackling fire sound options, 18-inch viewing height, front/corner/bay installation, Flame Connect app, wall-mountable remote, and touch display. Media options include logs, acrylic ice, crushed embers, and gravel. The warranty includes parts and service, not just parts.
Trade-off: Requires approximately 14.5 inches of wall depth, the deepest of any Dimplex linear. This is a premium product at a premium price. If you don't need multi-sided viewing or the Rhythmic Logs, the Bold or Evolve may be the smarter buy.
Our take: The Ultra is for customers who want everything Dimplex has to offer in one unit: latest flame tech, the best log set in the lineup, multi-sided capability, maximum viewing height, and the most complete feature package. The Rhythmic Logs and swappable flicker rods are the real differentiators here. If those features matter to you, the Ultra delivers. If you're primarily after a great-looking flame, the Multi-Fire XD in the Evolve or Bold is excellent and costs less.
Converting a Fireplace or Building a Firebox?
Dimplex has more traditional options than any other brand. Four series, from premium to budget.
Dimplex Ignite Aspire
The Ignite Aspire brings the same Dynamic-Fire flame technology and Rhythmic Logs from the Ignite Ultra into a traditional portrait firebox format. Designed specifically to replace gas fireplaces, it comes in four sizes that match standard gas fireplace openings: 30", 36", 42", and 48".
Magnetic Quick Connect logs you can reposition, three crackling sound options, Flame Connect app control, wall-mountable remote, and touch display. If you're switching from gas to electric and want Dimplex's latest technology in a traditional format, this is the top of the lineup.
Trade-off: Premium pricing. The 48" is nearly $8,000. These are purpose-built for new construction or full gas-to-electric conversions. Not a drop-in replacement for most existing openings without framing work.
Our take: If you're doing a gas-to-electric conversion and want Dimplex's newest technology with the best log set they make, the Aspire is the answer. The Rhythmic Logs in a portrait firebox create an impressive presentation. For customers on a tighter budget, the Revillusion below offers excellent traditional flame quality at a significantly lower price.
Dimplex Revillusion
The Revillusion is Dimplex's most traditional-looking electric fireplace. Patented flame technology makes flames appear from within the logs rather than being projected onto them. A partially frosted acrylic panel eliminates mirror reflections, so you see through the flames to a full masonry-style interior. The result looks more like a real fireplace than anything else in this price range.
Now available with four backer panel finishes: Herringbone, Weathered Concrete, Neutral Brick, and Black. Each panel transforms the look of the interior to match your decor. Handcrafted Realogs with internal LED lighting provide a pulsating glow. The 36" Portrait version is 5 inches taller than the standard 36", giving you a grander presentation in the same width.
Trade-off: 2-year warranty (shorter than the Ignite series). No WiFi or app. Remote and controls only.
Our take: Our go-to recommendation for customers who want their electric fireplace to look like a real masonry fireplace. The Revillusion flame effect, where flames appear from within the logs through a frosted panel, is genuinely one of the best-looking traditional flame presentations on the market. The backer panel options are a recent addition that make a big difference. The 36" Portrait is an underrated choice if your opening can accommodate the extra height.
Dimplex Vital Spark
The Vital Spark is Dimplex's value play in the traditional category. Molded logs that replicate real wood, five ember bed color options, 13 flame colors, three flame speeds, and three brightness levels. Flexible installation with the option to hardwire or convert to plug-in.
What sets the Vital Spark apart from the Nova below is smart control. It connects to the Glen Dimplex Connect app, giving you phone control at a price point where most competitors offer remote only. Fan-forced heater warms up to 1,000 square feet.
Our take: If you want a traditional Dimplex firebox without spending Revillusion or Aspire money, the Vital Spark is a strong choice. The app control at this price point is a real differentiator. A solid option for bedrooms, offices, and secondary living spaces where you want ambiance and heat without a big investment.
Dimplex Nova XHD
The Nova is Dimplex's most accessible firebox. Plug it into a standard outlet and you're done. Available with two media options: Acrylic Crystals (modern look with a spectrum of sparkle colors) or Realogs (hand-finished inner-glow logs for a traditional feel). Red or blue flame highlights depending on the media choice.
Thin black glass surround, high-contrast flames, hidden settings display, and a built-in timer up to 8 hours. Fan-forced heater warms up to 1,000 square feet.
Trade-off: No WiFi, no app. Remote and touch panel only. Smaller sizes (maxes out at 33"). This is a simple, reliable plug-in unit, not a premium feature showcase.
Our take: Our pick for "I want a Dimplex firebox in my mantel and I don't want to overthink it." Plug it in, use the remote, enjoy the flame. The Realogs version is the better buy for traditional looks. The Acrylic Crystals version works better in modern settings.
Opti-Myst: 3D Flame & Smoke From Water Vapor
Opti-Myst uses ultrasonic water vapor to create 3D flames and smoke you can actually touch. It's a completely different technology from LED-based fireplaces and produces a unique, eye-catching flame effect.
Dimplex Opti-Myst Linear
The Opti-Myst Linear is a complete, ready-to-install water vapor fireplace. Patented ultrasonic technology creates a fine mist, and advanced LED lighting turns that mist into what looks like 3D flames and smoke rising from a fire. The effect is unlike anything LED-based fireplaces produce, and it's a consistent conversation starter.
WiFi enabled with Dimplex Flame Connect app, ComfortSaver ceramic heating, smart self-diagnostics, and the option to connect directly to a water line for continuous operation (optional plumb kit) instead of refilling a tank. Sound of a natural wood fire included.
Trade-off: Premium pricing (the 66" is around $8,000). Requires water, either from a tank you refill or a plumbed connection. This is a fundamentally different product from LED-based fireplaces, both in cost and maintenance.
Our take: The Opti-Myst is for customers who want a truly unique flame presentation and are willing to invest in both cost and maintenance. The 3D vapor effect is something LED fireplaces simply can't replicate. The plumb kit for continuous water is worth the investment if you're building it into a wall. Not for everyone, but for the right project, nothing else delivers quite the same visual impact.
Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro Fireboxes & Cassettes
The Opti-Myst Pro series is the building-block approach to water vapor fireplaces. The GBF1000 and GBF1500 are standalone fireboxes that can be installed single-sided or converted to see-through by removing the included backer panel. The CDFI500 cassettes are 20-inch modular units that can be linked together to create virtually any length, and the RGB version adds customizable flame colors.
All units support optional plumb kits for continuous water supply, optional hand-painted log sets, optional direct wire heaters, and optional media trays. These are custom installation products designed for architects, designers, and homeowners building one-of-a-kind fireplace features.
Our take: These are specialty products for custom installations. If you're building a see-through fireplace dividing two rooms, a 10-foot-long flame feature in a restaurant, or a three-sided commercial installation, the Pro series gives you the flexibility to do it. Call us for project planning, as these require more design consideration than a standard install.
Every Series at a Glance
| Series | Type | Flame Tech | Sizes | Voltage | Max BTU | Multi-Side | Min Depth | WiFi | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ignite Ultra | Linear | Dynamic-Fire | 50–100" | 120/240V | 8,530 | ✓ | ~14.5" | ✓ | 5 yr* |
| Ignite Bold | Linear | Multi-Fire XD | 50–100" | 120/240V | 8,530 | ✓ | ~12" | ✓ | 5 yr |
| Ignite Evolve | Linear | Multi-Fire XD | 50–100" | 120/240V | 8,530 | ✕ | 2x6 | ✓ | 5 yr |
| Ignite XL | Linear | Multi-Fire XD | 50–100" | 120/240V | 8,530 | ✕ | 2x6 | ✕ | 5 yr |
| Ignite Aspire | Firebox | Dynamic-Fire | 30–48" | 120/240V | 8,530 | ✕ | ~14" | ✓ | 5 yr |
| Revillusion | Firebox | Revillusion | 24–42" | 120/240V | 8,786 | ✕ | ~12" | ✕ | 2 yr |
| Vital Spark | Firebox | LED | 26–42" | 120V | 5,118 | ✕ | Varies | ✓ | 2 yr |
| Nova XHD | Firebox | LED | 23–33" | 120V | 5,118 | ✕ | Varies | ✕ | 2 yr |
| Opti-Myst Linear | Linear | Water Vapor | 46–86" | 120V | ~5,000 | ✕ | Varies | ✓ | 2 yr |
| Opti-Myst Pro | Custom | Water Vapor | 20–60" | 120V | Add-on | ✓ | Varies | ✕ | 2 yr |
*Ignite Ultra warranty includes parts and service. All other 5-year warranties are parts only.
Quick Decision Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which model is right for your space?
Tell us about your project and we'll give you a straight answer. No pressure, no upsell.