Dimplex electric fireplaces have a reputation for realistic flames and long-lasting construction. Parent company Glen Dimplex is privately owned and located in Ireland. North American headquarters is located in London, Ontario, so they understand Canadian homeowners. They have a long history of building electric heating products, and have a head-start on their competitors when it comes to electric fireplace innovations, with over 50 years in business.
Dimplex has always focused on creating the most natural-looking flames, and they are responsible for many innovations that make their electric fireplaces stand out from their competitors. Ground-breaking Optimyst electric fireplaces turn tap water into mist that looks like live flames when illuminated with orange lights. Dimplex Revillusion traditional fireplace inserts use a view-through Mirage panel to make the flames appear to be in the center of the logs. Dimplex Ignite linear fireplaces use a reflective back panel to give the appearance of flames coming from a center burner. In addition to all of these innovations, Dimplex offers excellent warranty support, including industry-leading 5-year parts and on-site service coverage for all Ignite products.
Dimplex Optimyst Cassettes & Built-in fireplaces
Cassette Model: CDFI500-PRO-RGB, CDFI500-PRO
Built-in Models: GBF1000-PRO, GBF1500-PRO
Optimyst cassettes offer homeowners, builders and interior designers the opportunity to create a truly custom fireplace with the most realistic flame effects in the industry. They come in 20-inch (500 mm) increments, and are made to be used in multiples to create larger fires. Ideally, they are connected to a water line, to keep the reservoirs filled, but they may be refilled manually. The mist that’s produced is not steam, so it won’t burn stray hands. It’s actually designed to be open, with no glass. While many people prefer the most natural-looking flame colour, it is possible to cycle through a number of RGB colour options or to set your favourite to suit your personal preference. While it’s new to many people, this Dimplex electric fireplace technology has actually been around for a decade.
The built-in Optimyst GBF1000-Pro and GBF1500-Pro incorporate the CDFI500-Pro cassettes into a metal framework, with integrated heater and glass. This makes it simple to put the Optimyst technology into a wall or cabinet. The GBF units also have the option to replace the opaque back panel with glass, for a see-through Optimyst fireplace. In theory, the front glass may be removed and the water reservoirs refilled at the tap. However, in our experience, glass removal is touchy, and it’s best to connect these models to a plumbing line.
Dimplex Optimyst Linear Fireplaces
Models: OLF46-AM, OLF66-AM, OLF86-AM
Optimyst linear fireplaces incorporate the mist technology into a linear fireplace profile, without the cassettes. This makes them slimmer than the GBF series, with a framing depth of just 12 inches. They have all of the RGB colours as well as natural-looking flames, plus a built-in heater and a glass de-fogging feature. OLF models must be connected to a plumbing line.
Dimplex Optimyst Inserts
Models: ABN15-RGB-AM (Revive), 3STEP-RGB-AM (Aura)
The newest models in the Optimyst family are the Aura and Revive inserts. They are designed to be more flexible than other Dimplex Optimyst fireplaces, with water reservoirs that sit in a drawer, for easier refills and no plumbing lines. They have all the RGB coloured lights for the flames, as well as integrated heaters. The Aura may be installed as a single-sided, 2-sided L, or 3-sided bay. Revive is single-sided only.
Dimplex Ignite XLF and Evolve Linear Fireplaces
XLF Models: XLF50, XLF60, XLF74, XLF100
Evolve Models: EVO50, EVO60, EVO74, EVO100
The Ignite series of Dimplex electric fireplaces have been best-sellers since the original XLF models were introduced over a decade ago. With a natural-looking flame set against a reflective backdrop, Ignite XLF offered the most realistic-looking linear electric fireplace at the time it was released, in a slim profile that fits into 2×6 framing. It continues to be a top seller. Recently, Dimplex created the Ignite Evolve, building on the best features of the XLF. The Evolve has the exact dimensions of the XLF. Evolve models have a new flame, with subtle colour options and flame speed options. In addition to clear crystals, the Evolve also includes driftwood and tumbled glass media. Evolve has all the great heating functions of the original XLF, including Eco and Heat Boost, and is dual-voltage, like the XLF. Unlike XLF, Evolve models may be connected to the Dimplex app, if you prefer to have the controls on your mobile device.
Dimplex Ignite Bold and Ultra Multi-sided Fireplaces
Bold Models: XLF5017-XD, XLF6017-XD, XLF7417-XD, XLF8817-XD, XLF10017-XD
Ultra Models: ULT50, ULT60, ULT74, ULT88, ULT100
When linear electric fireplaces first became popular, it was considered an advantage to make them as slim as possible, so it became the norm to limit them to 6-inches of depth. More recently, as consumers have come to expect more realism from electric fires, Dimplex has introduced deeper models with flexible installation options. Dimplex Ignite Bold requires a framing depth under 12-inches; Ignite Ultra has a framing depth of 15-inches. Both may be installed as a 3-sided bay, 2-sided L, or single-sided. In return for the added depth, you get larger logs and the natural-looking flames are further back from the front glass, adding to the illusion of real fire. All Ignite models share the reflective back glass panel that make the flames appear to be coming from a burner. The extra depth of the Bold and Ultra models also allows for larger, more realistic logs. Ultra is the first Ignite model to offer logs that are glowing from within, for added realism. Ultra also has crackling sound effects. Both Ignite Bold and Ignite Ultra may be connected to the Dimplex app. Both are also dual-voltage, for potential heat output up to 10,000 BTUs (as with all Ignite models!)
Dimplex Revillusion Inserts & Logsets
Insert Models: RBF24DLX, RBF24DLXWC, RBF30-FG, RBF30WC-FG, RBF36-FG, RBF36WC-FG, RBF36P-FG, RBF36PWC-FG, RBF42-FG, RBF42WC-FG
Logset Models: RLG20, RLG25
Revillusion is a continuation of the long history of traditional Dimplex electric fireplaces. Rather than incorporating a reflective back panel, as in previous generations, Revillusion introduced a Mirage panel in the middle of the logs, to put the flames in the center without the reflections of a mirror. Revillusion inserts offer a choice of herringbone brick or weathered concrete interior panels. All but the RBF24 are dual-voltage, with maximum heat output of 10,000 BTUs. Revillusion logsets are made to slide into existing wood-burning fireplaces, so the Mirage panel floats in the middle of the logs. They look best behind a fireplace screen. Maximum Heat output on the Revillusion logsets is 5000 BTUs, enough to warm up 400 square feet.