There is nothing quite like the natural pull of a flickering fire, but traditional wood and gas setups come with serious trade-offs: expensive venting, complex framing, gas lines, and constant upkeep.
Today’s electric fireplaces change the game entirely by giving you the elevated design, hyper-realistic flames, and cozy heat of a luxury hearth, without the mess, architectural headaches, or costly installation.
Imagine yourself sinking into a genuinely comfortable room at the end of the day. Whether that means unwinding with a glass of wine or finally digging into a book you’ve been meaning to read, the right atmosphere makes all the difference.
In this guide, we walk you through four of the best electric fireplaces in the market today: the Modern Flames Orion Multi V2, Dimplex Ignite Evolve, Modern Flames Orion Traditional, and Napoleon CLEARion Elite.
Read on to discover which one is the perfect model for your project.
In the photo: Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 3-Sided Electric Fireplace
Best Electric Fireplaces Compared
| Model | Type | Ideal For | Key Specs & Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 | Multi-Sided Built-In / Wall-Mount | Architectural 3-sided media walls & open layouts | HELIOVISION™ virtual flames, TruWood™ logs, Bluetooth sound, 120V/240V dual wiring |
| Dimplex Ignite Evolve | Shallow Linear Built-In | Sleek TV feature walls & shallow framing builds | Slim 5.8" depth, edge-to-edge glass, automatic light sensing, 120V/240V heating |
| Modern Flames Orion Traditional | Classic Built-In / Fireplace Insert | Mantels, stone facings & masonry upgrades | Tall firebox opening, TruWood™ illuminated log set, sound effects, Wi-Fi smart app |
| Napoleon CLEARion Elite | 2-Sided See-Through Built-In | Interior partition walls & primary suite connections | Dual-sided viewing, independent room heat controls, switchable privacy glass, 120V/240V |
1. Modern Flames Orion Multi V2
In the photo: Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 3-Sided Electric Fireplace
The Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 is a standout choice for high-end design projects. Thanks to removable side panels, this versatile unit can be configured in four distinct ways during installation: front-facing single-sided, left-corner, right-corner, or full 3-sided panoramic bay.
HELIOVISION™ Virtual Flame Optics
Utilizing high-definition digital projection technology, the Orion V2 creates deep, multi-dimensional flames that look remarkably realistic. The upgraded V2 model includes hand-crafted TruWood™ illuminated logs, an active ember bed, built-in Bluetooth audio for crackling fire sounds, and smart app controls via the Modern Flames+ platform.
- Heat Output: 5,000 BTUs (120V) up to 10,000 BTUs (240V hardwired).
- Available Widths: 52", 60", 76", 100", and 120".
- Best For: Statement media walls, 3-sided architectural feature walls, and covered outdoor spaces.
2. Dimplex Ignite Evolve
In the photo: Dimplex Ignite Evolve Linear Electric Fireplace
If you love clean lines and minimalist design, the Dimplex Ignite Evolve delivers an impressive edge-to-edge glass viewing area. Measuring just 5.8 inches deep, it lets you construct a flush feature wall without losing valuable floor space.
Shallow Wall Framing & Smart Brightness
Engineered to fit standard 2x6 wall framing (or 2x4 framing using an optional trim kit), the Ignite Evolve features acrylic glass media combined with natural driftwood logs. An integrated light sensor continuously measures room illumination, automatically adjusting flame brightness to suit day or night lighting.
- Heat Output: Up to 8,530 BTUs on 240V connections.
- Available Widths: Linear sizes from 50" up to 100".
- Best For: Modern TV feature walls, master bedrooms, and shallow wall enclosures.
3. Modern Flames Orion Traditional
In the photo: Modern Flames Orion Traditional Electric Fireplace
For spaces where classic architecture calls for standard firebox proportions rather than a wide linear glass, the Modern Flames Orion Traditional seamlessly blends timeless hearth aesthetics with cut-edge technology.
Virtual Flame Depth in a Classic Profile
Powered by the same HELIOVISION™ digital screen technology as its linear counterpart, the Orion Traditional renders deep, realistic log-fire visuals inside a classic square firebox. Add an optional trim kit, and it doubles as a premium insert for updating old masonry fireplaces.
- Key Highlights: Glowing TruWood™ logs, illuminated ember bed, realistic audio, Wi-Fi control.
- Available Sizes: 26", 30", 36", 40", and 54" models.
- Best For: Custom mantel builds, stone surrounds, and retrofitting traditional hearth openings.
4. Napoleon CLEARion Elite See-Through Fireplace
In the photo: Napoleon CLEARion Elite See-Through Electric Fireplace
The Napoleon CLEARion Elite is a unique two-sided electric fireplace designed for interior wall dividers. It visually links two rooms while acting as a striking design anchor for your floor plan.
Dual-Zone Heating & Instant Privacy
Unlike standard units, the CLEARion Elite comes with separate heater controls on both sides, letting you heat one room while keeping the adjacent space unheated. It also features a built-in electrochromic privacy screen that changes the glass from completely clear to semi-transparent or fully opaque with a click of a button.
- Heat Output: Up to 9,000 BTUs on a hardwired 240V line.
- Available Sizes: 50" and 60" wide models.
- Best For: Wall dividers between living rooms and dining areas, or primary suites and spa bathrooms.
How to Choose the Right Electric Fireplace
1. Measure Framing Opening & Wall Depth
Always verify your rough opening dimensions and depth constraints before building out your wall. Standard 2x4 framing lumber offers roughly 3.5 inches of internal clearance; deeper units will require 2x6 construction or a custom bump-out design.
2. Decide on Your Electrical Setup
If simple installation is top priority, a standard 120V plug-in model gets the job done with minimal effort. For larger living spaces requiring maximum heat output (up to 10,000 BTUs), opt for a dual-voltage unit hardwired to a dedicated 240V circuit.
3. Plan Your Media Wall & TV Placement
Mounting a flat-screen TV directly over an electric fireplace is a sleek way to consolidate your entertainment area. Just make sure to select a model with front-discharging heat blowers so warm air blows out into the room rather than up toward your electronics.
Final Recommendations
- Best for 3-Sided Feature Walls: Go with the Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 for unrivaled installation flexibility, digital flame visuals, and smart features.
- Best for Modern Media Walls: Pick the Dimplex Ignite Evolve for its slim framing depth and edge-to-edge linear glass.
- Best for Mantels & Retrofits: Choose the Modern Flames Orion Traditional for classic square proportions and glowing log details.
- Best for Room Dividers: Select the Napoleon CLEARion Elite for dual-sided flame views, independent zone heating, and switchable privacy glass.
Need Help Planning Your Project?
Not sure which model is right for your wall framing or electrical plan? Contact the hearth specialists at Modern Blaze. We're here to answer technical installation questions and help bring your fireplace vision to life.
- Call / Text Us: (866) 713-2399
- Email: support@modernblaze.com
- Explore More: Check out our Modern Fireplace Ideas for Stylish Interiors or browse our full Electric Fireplace Collection.
Join the Modern Fireplace Design Community
