5 Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces: New Water Vapor Technology

If you are searching for the most realistic looking electric fireplace, you've come to the right place. Even though electric fireplaces are fake fireplaces in a sense that they only replicate traditional wood or gas fireplaces, they still can look incredibly realistic! 

Electric fireplaces are basically electric heaters that mimic the appearance of traditional fireplaces. When electric fireplaces first came out they didn't look very real. Honestly, they looked pretty cheesy and fake. However, technology has come a long way and today, some of these fake fireplaces look incredibly realistic!

In this article we will talk about the newest, most innovative, and realistic category of electric fireplaces - water vapor fireplaces.

As of today, water vapor fireplaces are the most realistic electric fireplaces on the market. They produce 3-Dimensional flame effect and look like real fire, but without any of the mess or danger.

Water vapor fireplaces create their realistic fake flames by using water mist and LED lights. You wouldn't believe how real it looks! In this article, we've brought you the 4 best electric fireplace models that use water vapor technology.

Top 5 Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces:

1. Faber E-Matrix Vapor Fireplace

In photo: Faber E-Matrix 35" Built-in Vapor Fireplace

Cost: $8000

The Faber E-Matrix is our newest addition to our line of water vapor fireplaces. Like all our other water vapor fireplaces, Faber E-Matrix models run on electricity and water and don't need any venting. These fireplaces come with a charred log set that when combined with loose embers creates an illusion of a real wood-burning fireplace.

For a more realistic fire experience, e-Matrix comes with light and sound modules that provide a pulsating burn of the logs as well as soothing crackling sounds.

Faber E-Matrix water vapor fireplace comes in two variations: 39" Built-in 3-Sided and the 35" Built-in fireplace. 

2. Dimplex Opti-myst 500 - 20" Long Water Vapor Cassette

Cost: under $1500

This is the original water vapor fireplace created by Dimplex. The Opti-Myst Pro 500 Cassette is only 20" long. It is the smallest and the most affordable one you can buy today.

Watch this video and see how real the flames look: 

You can use this cassette to build your DIY water vapor fireplace. There are countless ways you can design your fireplace because the flames can be completely open.

This cassette can also be used to make a longer fireplace. It is popular to combine this model with it's bigger brother, Opti-myst Pro 1000 Cassette, to build a 60" long water vapor fireplace.

The cassettes seamlessly connect and can be synced together to work with one remote.

The Dimplex Opti-myst 500 can also be inserted into an existing fireplace. If you have a traditional wood or gas fireplace that you haven't been using, it can help you breathe life back into that old fireplace.

Let's summarize Dimplex Opti-myst 500's best features:

• Combine several units to build a fireplace of any length
• Install it anywhere where you have access to electricity
• Build a 2-sided, 3-sided fireplace or a fireplace with a 360-degree view! 

3. Dimplex Opti-myst Pro 1000 Cassette - 40" Long Water Vapor Cassette

In photo: Dimplex Opti-myst® Pro 1000 - 40" Water Vapor Fireplace Cassette

Cost: around $2600

Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000 Cassette has the same amazing features as Opti-Myst Pro 500 and is twice as long. 

Opti-Myst Pro 1000 is the longest Opti-Myst cassette that spans 3 feet (1 m) and can be connected to each other for dramatic linear installations impossible to achieve with gas fireplaces!

4. Dimplex Opti-Myst PRO 1000 - 46” One or Two-Sided Vapor Fireplace with Heater  

In photo: Dimplex Opti-myst® Pro 1000 - 40" All-in-One Water Vapor Fireplace with Heat

Cost: around $4300

Dimplex Opti-Myst Pro 1000 Fireplace is a complete all-in-one water vapor fireplace that comes with everything you need including heater and crackling sound. Perfect choice if you are looking for a water fireplace with heat.

The all-in-one package includes:

• 60” Opti-myst® Pro 1000 Built-in Electric Firebox with Media Plate
• 2x water vapor cassettes that we mentioned in section 1 and 2
• front glass pane and an optional back glass pane for 2-sided installations
• a discrete heater (1,460 W/120 V); and,
• multi-function remote control. 

5. Dimplex Opti-Myst PRO 1500 - 65" Water Vapor Firebox with Heater

In photo: Dimplex Opti-myst® Pro 1500 - 65” One or Two Sided Vapor Fireplace with Heater

Cost: $5600 - $6000

Like the previous Opti-Myst Pro 1000 model we discussed, this 65" water vapor electric firebox can be installed as a single-sided fireplace or converted to a see-through design by removing the included backer panel.

This firebox is a great choice if you value the ease of installation over the variety of installation options you could have when you buy just a cassette.

Having this whole kit put together is really convenient. You don't have to worry about things like figuring out a proper airflow - it is all implemented in the firebox.

It's heater function is convenient too. It is nice to have for those chilly nights and you can turn it off if you want to enjoy your fireplace in the summer.

The all-in-one package includes:

• 60” Opti-myst® Pro 1500 Built-in Electric Firebox with Media Plate
• 2x water vapor cassettes that we mentioned in section 1 and 2
• front glass pane and an optional back glass pane for 2-sided installations
• a discrete heater (1,460 W/120 V); and,
• multi-function remote control. 

Bottom Line

Though, water vapor fireplaces are not technically real, they are the are the most realistic electric fireplaces currently available on the market. Dimplex Opti-myst is the most established brand of water vapor fireplaces. It was even featured on Bar Rescue TV Show.

To see more Dimplex Opti-myst electric fireplaces and other available models of water vapor electric fireplaces, you can browse our collection of Water Vapor Electric Fireplaces. 

Need help finding your perfect fireplace? We can help you with that. Just give us a call or shoot us an email support@modernblaze.com.

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Continue Reading:

• Electric Fireplace Buying Guide
• Best Ventless Fireplaces
• How to Choose the Best Electric Fireplace
• Are Electric Fireplaces Worth the Money
• 5 Types of Fireplaces For Apartments and Homes Without Chimneys
• 3 Types of Electric Fireplaces to Install in a 2 x 4 Wall
• 4 Best Electric Fireplace Heaters to Warm Your Home
• 10 Amazing Electric Fireplaces With Changing Flame Color

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