Virtual Fireplaces: The Ultimate Guide to The Most Realistic Electric Fireplaces

If you're looking for the most realistic electric fireplace, you need to learn about virtual fireplaces. 

What is a Virtual Fireplace?

A virtual fireplace is an electric fireplace that uses an LCD screen to display a video recording of flames. This is a new approach to electric fireplaces, and when done right, virtual fireplaces look incredibly realistic. 

Why do Virtual Fireplaces Look so Realistic?

Virtual fireplaces look realistic thanks to the combination of the following components:

1. Super high-definition LCD screen with reflective background to provide realism and depth;
2. High-quality video filmed and produced in a professional studio;
3. Crackling sound of a wood fire;
4. Realistic decorative media like wood logs and glass crystals or rocks;
5. Additional lighting strategically placed above the flames or in the ember bed to add to the realism.

Note: Not all virtual electric fireplaces will have all these components or have them done right, so make sure to look out for these when shopping.

Virtual Fireplaces vs LED Electric Fireplaces

Virtual and LED electric fireplaces are similar in many other aspects like heat output, energy consumption, installation, and safety. However, they are entirely different in the way they produce flames.

In photo, LED Fireplace: Touchstone Sideline Electric Fireplace

Similarities Between Virtual And LED Electric Fireplaces

1. Flames are not real, it is imitation.
2. Multiple flame color options.
3. Heater works independently from the flames - can be used year-round without heat. 
4. Great for zone heating. Can heat up to 400 sq.ft. in most cases and up to 1,000 sq.ft. in some cases.
5. Easy installation
• Only need electrical hookup. Dedicated circuit required. Plug in or hardwire.
• No venting, gas, or water lines required.
• Can be installed in combustible materials like drywall and cabinetry. 
6. No maintenance.
7. Cool to the touch.
8. No emissions. No effect on your air quality.
9. Convenient control options: touch screen, remote, Wi-Fi, mobile app, voice assistant, thermostat, sleep timer (may vary from model to model).
10. High efficiency. Low operation cost: 15-18 cents/hour if running a heater.

Differences Between Virtual and LED Electric Fireplaces

1. Flame Display. Flame display is the main difference between Virtual and LED fireplaces. Virtual fireplaces display a video of flames on a high-def LCD screen while LED fireplaces mimic the look of flames using LED lights.
2. Technical Issues. LCD fireplaces have fewer mechanical components reducing the possibility of technical issues. While LED fireplaces have more mechanical parts, a spindle motor being the one that is highly likely to fail at some point.
3. Wireless updates. With LCD fireplaces, many manufacturers are able to release updates when they add new flame patterns to their library. No updates are possible after purchase and installation of LED fireplaces.

Here's a handy guide on the differences and similarities between virtual and LED fireplaces:

Installation Options of Virtual Fireplaces

As mentioned, installing virtual fireplaces is much easier and budget-friendly compared to most other types of fireplaces. There's no need for venting or special insulation. You can install these fireplaces directly into drywall or cabinetry with minimal clearances.

To install a virtual fireplace, all you need is an electrical connection on a dedicated circuit. It can either be an outlet or a hardwired connection. Most models operate on a standard 120V current, while some have an option to connect to 240V and produce double the heat.

There are multiple installation options for different applications. Let's review them all. 

1. Built-in Installation

Like LED Electric fireplaces, built-in installation is the most popular type of installation of virtual fireplaces as well.

With this type of installation, you either create an opening in the drywall and frame it to support the fireplace or build out a bump-out to accommodate the fireplace. Some virtual fireplaces can fit into 2x6 walls while others require a bump-out. Make sure to check the depth of the fireplace and framing dimensions when you're shopping.

Please note that there are 3 types of built-in installation:

1. Fully recessed "clean face". With this installation, the fireplace doesn't need a trim, and the drywall or other finishing materials can be brought all the way to the glass face of the fireplace. This is a popular look for modern interiors. Although, not all virtual fireplaces can be installed this way. If this is the installation you are looking for, pay attention to the frame when you look at the photos of different fireplaces. The fireplaces that don't show a frame in the photo or have a 3-sided installation option are the ones that can usually be fully recessed with "clean face" look.
2. Fully recessed with trim. This installation will have you slide the fireplace in after the wall is ready and add a trim to finish it off. Many virtual and LED electric fireplaces are installed this way. 
3. Partially recessed into a 2"x4" wall. This allows you to install a 10" deep fireplace into a 2"x4" wall for example. However, you need to be mindful of the way it will look. You will need to make other design adjustments to make sure the fireplace looks good installed this way. Not all models can be installed this way, so pay attention to installation options listed on the product page.

2. Wall Mounted Installation

Wall mounted installation is when you hang your fireplace on a wall without creating any openings, just like how you would mount a flat screen TV.  There is one virtual fireplace that is best for this type of installation: Modern Flames Orion Multi.

If you want to wall mount this fireplace, you need to buy the Floating Mantel Set for it that's designed to hide all the internal parts and cord of the fireplace. While it does cost extra, it can save you a lot of time and money on building out the bump-out. Plus, it looks unique and stylish. 

3. Fireplace Insert

Virtual Fireplaces inserts are designed to be installed in retrofit wood or gas fireplaces to convert them to electric. They usually have the same proportions and sizes as traditional fireplaces to make it easier for them to fit into existing openings. However, this is not the only way virtual fireplace inserts can be installed.

In photo: Litedeer Homes LiteStar Smart Built-In Electric Fireplace Insert

They can be built into drywall or cabinetry just like other linear virtual fireplaces. The only difference is that virtual fireplace inserts are usually deeper so you will definitely need to create more depth in the wall to fit them in and they look more traditional. 

How Much do Virtual Fireplaces Cost?

Virtual fireplaces can range from $1,500 for a basic insert to $13,000 for a large 120" top-of-the-line unit. Overall, expect to pay about 10%-20% more for virtual fireplace compared to LED electric fireplaces. Prices are higher mostly due to the new technology that hikes up manufacturing costs.

However, virtual fireplaces are still more affordable than most quality gas fireplaces. They're also more cost effective to install because you don't need to run any lines aside from electrical or do any ductwork.

Best Brands of Virtual Fireplaces

Virtual fireplaces are gaining popularity. The very first brand that introduced them was Modern Flames. They still hold the golden standard of quality when it comes to virtual fireplaces and continue to innovate in this category with all the other brands following suit.

However, it's worth mentioning that Modern Flames' virtual fireplace was more of a re-introduction. Years before that, Dimplex had a slightly different version of a virtual fireplace called Opti-V. This model is still around.

The way it works is slightly different and involves mirror reflection, however, the video of flames playing on a screen is still the core feature so it's fair to call it a virtual fireplace as well. However, as of this writing, Dimplex Opt-V is outdated. We are hoping Dimplex will come out with the new version of it soon.

Dimplex and Modern Flames have always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to electric fireplaces. They are the best brands to consider for a high quality virtual fireplace. 

Other brands to consider are Napoleon, Dynasty, and Litedeer. They are more affordable, might not have all the bells and whistles but have a reliable track record so we feel confident recommending them. 

Deeper Dive Into Virtual Fireplaces

If you want to learn more about virtual fireplaces, I invite you to check out my conversation with Kris Richardson, the founder of Modern Flames.

In this video we cover all the main questions about virtual fireplaces and dive deep into Modern Flames' line of virtual fireplaces called Orion, including some amazing DIY installation options they have available for Orion Multi and Orion Slim. Kris announces an exciting upgrade that is being rolled out to all Modern Flames electric fireplaces and shares their plans for the future. 

In Conclusion

Virtual fireplaces represent an exciting breakthrough in technology. They completely change expectations of what an electric fireplace can look like. Thanks to virtual fireplaces, electric fireplaces are now more realistic than ever and this is only the beginning.

Best part, virtual fireplaces have all the benefits of electric fireplaces like the ease of installation, maintenance, and controls, better safety, energy efficiency and cost effectiveness. At the same time, they also eliminate some of the downsides to traditional LED electric fireplaces, like fake-looking flames and potential technical issues with the motor. 

Are you excited about virtual fireplaces yet? Check out our collection of virtual fireplaces to start shopping now.

If you have any questions that we haven't covered, please drop a comment below or ask as directly via phone at 866-713-2399 or email at support@modernblaze.com. We'll be happy to hear from you!

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